January 8, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)
Saturday eve, Jan. 8th.
“The storm is laid—the winds retire
Obedient to thy will.
The sea which roared at thy command,
At thy command, is still.”
To-day I have felt the force of these words. O, to hail this peaceful sabbath, as our gracious GOD invites! (Sybil Bingham)
January 8, 1820. Had a most tremendous gale which came on, on the evening of the 2d, and continued to blow until the 6th, without intermission. We had never before learned what poor sailors have to suffer. The sea at this time was in terrific uproar; one moment we seemed as it were on the pinnacle of a lofty mountain, the next, plunged into a deep valley. I need not tell you that during this sudden transition it was as much as we could do to take care of ourselves-not un frequently our persons, and furniture were tumbled together into one end of the cabin, and before we had time to recover, would be sent back again, sometimes with a bowl of broth or a dish of coffee in our hands. But this all helps to make up in variety, and is one of the comforts of a sea-voyage. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)
Sat. Jan. 8th, 1820. This week has been marked, with circumstances which, I trust will not soon be forgotten by any of us. It has indeed been a season of affliction and trial, such as we have never before seen. Mrs. R. has been considerably ill, and my health tho’ feeble ever since I left A. has been unusually so the week past. On tuesday morning last very early we were awaked from sleep by the cry “all hands on deck”. A heavy gale from the S. W. had come upon us unawares: our sails were all spread and we were going at the rate of % knots an hour, when the first gust of wind shattered one of the sheets, and split a number of others so as to considerably injure them. The winds continued to blow with much force all day and night; by this time the sea was all in commotion the gale still increasing, took down every sail and lay to with bare poles entirely at the mercy of the waves, or more properly at the mercy of him who holds them in his fists and is able to control them at his pleasure. The seas run in mountains one moment we were tossed as it were upon the top of a lofty mountain; the next, plunged into a deep vally with a mountain on each side of us. It seems indeed as if the old. Atlantic was torn up from its lowest bottom. We were obliged to keep close in our rooms, and most of us in our births for the deck was frequently several feet under water, and often a wave would force its way down the companion and hatchway and drench all before it. Not less than 8 or 10 plank were beat off the side of the brig by the dashing of the waves. At one time Capt. B. was knocked down by a heavy sea and thrown from one side of the Thaddeus to the other, severely bruised and narrowly escaped, being swept overboard. Thus it continued a dreadful time until thursday night when the wind changed and the storm abated. It was remarkable to see the composure of all the family: every countenance was cheerful; every mind appeared calm and tranquil. All seemed happy in casting themselves on the arm of the Lord and confiding in his mercy. We rejoiced that our dear mother and other friends could not then know our situation. They will bless the Lord for us, when they hear of his preserving mercy. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)
8. – Yesterday the storm began to abate and today we have a clone. With us all is joy and gratitude. If deliverance from the storms of God’s mercies demand our praise, what shall we render to him for deliverance from the storms of his wrath? Oh what emotions will fill the soul when the clouds which now darken our horizon shall have passed away & this frail bark shall have entered the port of heaven? (Samuel Whitney Journal)
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