January 31, 1820 – This day is also a season of rejoicing. The voice of health contentment and praise, gives the cheerful response to the breeze of prosperity. Peace without and peace within, while we are rapidly borne westward into the waters of the Pacific. Lat. S 58° Lon. W. 68°. The days are long, having about 17 hours sun, and the twilight continues through the short night, keeping along the Southern horizon. At sunsetting the mercury stands at 46 Fahrenheit. Though it is but little past midsummer here, it requires a winter dress to make us comfortably warm. (Thaddeus Journal)
Jan. 31st. This morning finds our family well— the winds taking us fast into the Pacific. Peace without—peace within. Evening. It is some minutes past nine o’clock, but day-light is not so far gone but I write this with so much of it as comes in at the little round glass at the top of the room. Sophia will remember that is all the window I have. It is very pleasant, now so far away, to recollect one dear sister has trod upon the floor which I tread from hour to hour. I love to look up at the names over the door— then think of the hymn to be sung when we came into mind, “Begone unbelief—” (Sybil Bingham)
Jan. 31. We are daily called upon by the providence of god law for the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Notwithstanding we are in this cold and dreary region and at this point which is thought to be the most dangerous sailing on the globe, we can sit down with cheerful hearts to our ordinary, though frugal meals; and arise with gratitude, to the Giver of our mercies. The weather continues cold and unpleasant. But though cold and comforts be the way in which a kind providence shall lead us, I hope we shall cheerfully acquiesce in all His dealings. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)
3[1]. – Owing to westerly winds we are driven farther south than our Capt. wished to go. The weather is so cold that I can hardly keep warm by walking fast with my cloak on. Thermometer stands at 46°. We are on the same meridian of longitude as our friends at home; but our situation is somewhat different. They are pinched with northern blasts we would southern. They are surrounded with comforts of home, we would mercies abroad. And though the waves of the Pacific rage about us we feel that the arm on which we lean is omnipotent. Few families in New England we believe have more real enjoyment than this little band of brethren. Blessed with health & far more of the comforts of life than we ever expected at sea; with high hopes of soon setting our feet on heathen shores & performing the work of our heavenly Father, we are happy. (Samuel Whitney Journal)
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