January 12, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)
Jan. 12th. We were called on deck to look at something new to us among the numberless works of the great Creator. A whale had made its appearance, lying along side of the vessel. It sported about in the water, one side and the other, presenting, at short intervals, its huge back upon the surface, for a considerable time. We were as much amused as children, while it spoke that entreating hand, By whom supported still, we stand.” The commotion of the sea is a little subsided, tho’ yet very rough, and the wind piercing. (Sybil Bingham)
“Cold, stormy day, off the coast of Patagonia, opposite Cape St. Joseph’s Lat. 42°-40”. Begin to feel the effects of C. Horn.
Cold. blustering winds and high seas which seem as if they would throw poor Thaddeus on her “beam-ends” as the sailors say. Not unfrequently a sea takes her broadside, and breaking, overflows the whole deck, sweeping all before it – and one time came well-nigh taking our Captain overboard. It might be called a hairbreadth escape. The report is “like the thundering cannon of the day of judgment.”
I sometimes feel a little afraid because there is danger of our masts being taken away- but generally feel composed, and as safe as on Terra-Firma. He “who holds the seas in his fist and taketh up the Islands as a very small thing,” can, and will surely protect all such as put their trust in him.
My health is better to-day than it has been in a month past. I am consequently very happy – I have learned 6 sentences in Owhyhee, read 2 pages in the “Materia-Medica,” written 3 pages in my journal, drank a toast with Capt. Blanchard, besides spending a half hour in idle chit-chat with Mr. Loomis about our want of room and convenient accommodations, as our neighbors have, our station being in the cabin where all the commotion and news of the day is passing. I have accomplished all this since breakfast and is the greatest day’s work done since I came on board. Dined on baked pork and beans – nothing wanting but a good appetite and a thankful heart.” (Lucia Ruggles Holman)
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