December 16, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

“This has been a peculiarly interesting day to all of us, having spoke a vessel, bound from Calcutta to Boston, in which we have sent letters to America, but very much regretted not having more time, which was not more than 20 minutes. The boat, which took off our letters, returned and brought with it a Portuguese Man-of-war, as the sailors call it. An animal substance (if substance it may be said to possess, for it appears more like blubber than anything else) resembling a turn-over pie. with ten thousand fibrous legs and as many joints, each a foot long. The touch of this animal produces a sensation somewhat like an electric shock – the Dr. only, tried the experiment.
The colour is a changeable red and blue which gives a purple luster. We often see them floating upon the surface of the water, and they are objects of great curiosity to us who have never beheld many wonders of the sea. My jonny cake eats very well, which brother Sam’l told you about in his letter yesterday — altho at home you know I was never fond of Indian cakes – but anything that is fresh goes well at sea.
We have everything that is wholesome and good to eat and drink, that is, for hearty people, but I have not been long enough at sea yet to get an appetite for it. Monday we have pork and beef and puddings (rice and flour); Tuesday, pork and beans or peas; Wednesday, salt fish and potatoes &c. ; Thursday, fowls or a sea-pye; Friday, pork. baked; Saturday salt fish &c. Sabbath. fresh pork and pudding.
For breakfast we have coffee and hash; supper – tea, crackers and cheese; and now and then we are allowed the rich repast of water gruel. This is the greatest luxury I have enjoyed since I took up my residence upon the water.
I must drop my pen, it being past ten Oc. & all asleep but myself – a dread solemn seems to fill the whole ship – no sound or noise to be heard but the dashing of the waves against our vessel, which skims over the Maine at the rate of 8 miles an hour, and the gentle footsteps of the man at helm. and the watch, who walks with half his weight. for fear of waking his brother tars, who are asleep below.” (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

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December 17, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

17th. Think not my dear mother that my mind is wholly absorbed, with the trifling objects which occasionally come to my way, if I should a- gain resume my pen to inform you of a visitor this morning from South America. A very large land bird came around the Thaddeus as if she rejoiced in the discovery she had made, then caught up a flying fish and left us, Strange that an object so insignificant in itself should attract so much notice; but anything from land affords us joy. (Nancy Ruggles)

Dec. 17. We are near the coast of Brazil. A large bird has been flying around the vessel as though it fain would light upon it. Several times, we have seen birds flying at a great distance from land. We have likewise caught several flying fish. They resemble other fish except their wings. Those which we have caught, or about six or eight inches long. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

17. – The healthful & prosperous galeo of heaven are wafting us the rate of 200 miles a day towards the land which we trust the Lord our God has given us to inherit. We are now about one day’s sail from the coast of Brazil that land of superstition & blood. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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December 18, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

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December 19, 1819 – Enjoyed a precious season at our prayer-meeting at 10 this morning, and at 12 were favored with a preached gospel. Br. B. addred us on deck from Isa. 5.45.
Lat. 3. 11. 24. Lon. 33. 28. (Thaddeus Journal)

Sabbath – 19th. Brother B’s text Isa. 5th, 4th. 1st, the obligations which result from what God has done for us. 2nd, it becomes us to inquire why what God hath done for us, has produced so little effect. 1st, we have relied on our privileges, with feeling our obligations. 2nd, the effect of divine truth is prevented by the manner which we receive it. 3rd, It loses its effect by grieving the holy spirit. 4th, by a false hope. Yours N. R. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

19. – God has blessed us with another pleasant sabbath. Social meeting as usual in the morning, preaching at 12 from Isaiah v. 4. Since meeting I have been conversing with one of the officers and found some evidence to believe that he has experienced a change of heart. Alas how few of that class of people know anything of experimental religion! (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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December 20 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Brig Thaddeus, Dec. 20, 1819. Dear Father, Brothers and Sisters: Soon after we put forth to sea, ere we lost sight of the American shores, sickness obliged me to repair to my couch. To this I was confined two days and nights. The rest of the family were in similar circumstances.
Chests, trunks, bundles, bags, &c., were piled into our little room six feet square, until no place was left on the floor for the sale of one’s foot. Two-thirds of the way they were built up considerably higher than the berth, and for a space they extended to the height of the room. With such narrow limits, and such confined air, it might well be compared to a dungeon. This was with me a gloomy season, in which I felt myself a pilgrim and a stranger.
The third day the whole family met on deck. Could you have beheld the scene exhibited, while you pitied, you must have smiled. Beside a boat, hogsheads, barrels, tubs, cables, &c., with which the deck abounded, there were to be seen a dog, cats, hens, ducks, pigs, and men, women and children. Our whole family, with the exception of the natives, were all under the horrors of seasickness, some thrown on their mattresses, others seated in clusters, hanging one upon another, while here and there individuals leaned on the railing, or supported themselves by hanging upon a rope.
When the hour for refreshment arrived, a container of soup was brought, and placed on deck. A circle gathered around it, and seated themselves like a group of children. Those at a distance were not neglected.
Look which way you would, and all were sipping broth or picking bones. In this rude manner we were obliged to eat several days. We had entered a new school. It was among the very first lessons taught us, that all ablutions, of whatever kind, must invariably be performed with salt water. Most of our number soon recovered, when we were introduced to a well regulated table.
We have family devotions in the cabin morning and evening; Sabbath forenoon, a religious service in the cabin, and at noon, when the weather allows, public worship on deck. The monthly concert of prayer is observed. The interesting situation in which we are placed, separated from the Christian world, and engaged in such a work, renders this a season doubly precious and animating.
In concert with our American friends, too, we observed Dec. 2nd, as a day of thanksgiving to God. At no time have I thought so much and so tenderly of my dear relatives. The idea that I could no more make one in your associated circles, produced in my mind sensations inexpressible. But though my place evermore remain vacant, yet you will affectionately remember, you will daily pray for your absent Lucy.
If it will be any gratification to you, I will tell you upon what we dined. We had not that rich variety which crowds the boards of our American friends on such occasions, but we had enough of that which was good, viz: roast pork, meat pie, biscuit and cheese.
Our little room is vacated of everything not essential to every day comfort. I have often thought, would that I could tell my dear friends that Lucy is contented and happy. I can reflect with satisfaction on the rugged pathway I have entered, viewing it as selected by my Heavenly Father. No trial or privation which I have experienced, or now anticipate, has ever caused me to cast a lingering look back to my native shores.
If I may best contribute to the happiness and usefulness of one of Christ’s own ministers, of assisting in giving civilization, the Bible, and letters, to one of the tribes of men in utter darkness,-it is enough that I bid farewell to everything my heart so late held dear in life, and subject myself to all the trials, privations and hardships of a missionary life. It is to me a source of no small consolation, that my present undertaking met the approbation of my father and friends. (Lucy Goodale Thurston)

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