December 15, 1819 – As we have been approaching the Equator have been amused with luminous appearance of the sea.
Capt. B. spoke and boarded the ship “Mary”, Capt. Smith, Boston. We sent about 30 letters, one to Dr. W. (Thaddeus Journal)
Dec. 15th. We had much enjoyment this morning, in the providence which permitted us to make communications, for the first time since sailing, to our beloved friends. There was great joy on board—all hearts seemed animated, all hands busy. I sent seven letters—two to my sistero, one to Mrs. Johns, Mrs. Kibbe, M—Shepartf, Mrs. Collins and B. Morse. Mr. B— to his parents—to Dr. Worcester, and his early instructor, Mr. Gale. The vessel, hailed, was Ship Mary, Capt. Smith of Boston, bound home from Calcutta. 0, may many hearts be revived, ere long, by hearing that thus far we have been conducted in safety.
I was not aware how much my spirits would be raised by the event. When shall we receive communications? In GOD’s own time. We were two degrees South of the Line. (Sybil Bingham)
December 15. Sabbath between services: Since I wrote the above I have not been able to sit up half the time. High seas and a constant rocking of the vessel have kept me sick, that I have scarcely been able to crawl upon deck, while all of the rest, brother S. excepted, are able to attend to their respective business. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)
Dec. 15. This has been in an eventful day two us. We spoke with a vessel (ship Mary) bound from Calcutta to Boston, and sent intelligence to our dear friends. I had no letters prepared previous to the appearance of the vessel, but knowing from experience how gratifying it is to hear from friends whom we love, I could not lose the opportunity of sending you a line. While Capt B was gone to carry letters, we espied a shark, and threw out a hook to catch it, which he immediately ceased, and for a moment we thought him safe; but attempting to draw him out of the water, he let go the bait and swam off. When capped B and his men returned with the boat, they brought a sea animal (which sailors call a Portuguese man-of-war) which they had caught in a sail. It resembled a turnover in shape, with many long fibers growing from the body. As to substance, I hardly know what it resembles. It looked more like a blubber than anything else, to which I can compare it. I should scarcely have believed it an animate object had I not seen it move. Its colour was changeable tinctured with red and blue. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)
15. – Today we spoke the ship Mary (Capt Smith) of Boston. Sent 3 letters to America, & regret that I could not send more; but owing to an inflammation in my eyes which has prevented me from writing off a late I was unable – (Samuel Whitney Journal)
Dec. 15, 1819. Resolved That each member of the Mission be supplied with a dish and spoon which they are to keep in their possession. – Resolved, That such of the brethern and sisters as chose have tea in the morning, instead of coffee, if it shall meet the approbation of Capt. Blanchard and that water gruel be made for those who wish, for supper. (Minutes of the Prudential Meetings of the Mission Family)
Follow Peter T Young on Facebook
Follow Peter T Young on Google+
Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn
Follow Peter T Young on Blogger
Leave your comment here: