January 28, 1820 – “The sea wrought and was tempestious” during the night, and the wind and current continued strong from the West during the day. Too, the last 24 hours we have made nearly 2 degrees Easting, and 40 or 50 miles Southing. The former is considered as a lose. Our hearts were somewhat tried to be driven away from our course, and as it were from our object. just at the moment when we seemed to be turning the goal to bend our way toward the Northwest. But though we had an almost sleepless night, and though the commotion of the elements continuous, we are not denied the comfort of a good degree of calm resignation, and unshaken confidence. (Thaddeus Journal)
Jan. 28th. 9 o’clock, A. M. The dark cloud, which the sailors termed a whirl-wind as they saw it approach, was not permitted to distress us. It passed over, leaving us a bright sun, but not till we were driven back near to those tumultuous waves. The wind changed so as to prevent our pursuing a direct course, and with the sails furled, we have, through the night, drifted side-wise towards the S. East over mountainous waves. The appearance is more flattering, this mornings the wind fast abating, while shifting a little in our favor.
But I think even now, if our friends on land could stand on deck a little while, they would wonder what must become of us. We wonder what would have become of us, if GOD had commissioned the winds a few hours sooner while wee were in Le Maire. How conspicuous, in all things, are his tender mercies towards us
4 o’clock. We are near the 57 deg. S. Lat.—have passed by the Cape, as you perceive—the wind not allowing us to turn west. The sea remains rough, tho so much d more calm that they have unfurled some of the sails. It is very cold. I sit clad in flannels, with my great red cloak on, quite chilled. From Cape Horn I had hoped to have written Uncle Kent a letter of thanks for this comfortable cloak, as well, as for a multitude of past kindnesses. Perhaps I shall, but my sisters will recollect to remember me affectionately to him, with all the dear, much-loved family. I have not seen a fire since the morning I left Boston. Cannot you conceive it would be pleasant for me to change my apparel and take a seat with you in your rocking-chair, upon your nice carpets, by a comfortable fire, your little table spread, inviting me to partake with you in your cheerful fare? Methinks, many a time, when surrounded with these things, you think, you speak of Sybil on the stormy deep. Now, dear sisters, if a tear drop at this, wipe it away, and rejoice that GOD comforts her with the blessed hope that the day shall come when she shall be arrayed in robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, seated with her beloved Christian sisters and all the redeemed of the Lord, in that glorious palace, where the blessed company “shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, where the sun need not light on them or any heat; for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water, and GOD shall wipe away all tears from the eyes.”O, may we be found faithful to sit down together there! (Sybil Bingham)
28th. Lain to all day by reason of head winds. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)
28. – That gale which commenced yesterday continued 24 hours. The wind has now fallen, & we hope for a favorable time. (Samuel Whitney Journal)
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: