December 14, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

14th. This has been an eventful morning; had an opportunity to send directly to America by ship Mary from Calcutta to Boston. O how it will rejoice our dear mother, and other dear friends to hear from us. I know it will be like good news from a far country. I very much regret that we had not more letters prepared. We will endeavor to be ready for the next opportunity. While Capt. B. was gone to convey our letters to the Mary, and all of us on deck viewing the animating prospect, our attention was suddenly turned by the appearance of a large shark making his way towards our brig. The hook was immediately thrown out and almost as soon seized by the prodigious creature, it was drawn almost upon deck, when it extricated itself and again plunged into the deep. So our high expectations of having a nearer view of the animal were immediately cut off.— (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

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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)

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December 16, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

“This has been a peculiarly interesting day to all of us, having spoke a vessel, bound from Calcutta to Boston, in which we have sent letters to America, but very much regretted not having more time, which was not more than 20 minutes. The boat, which took off our letters, returned and brought with it a Portuguese Man-of-war, as the sailors call it. An animal substance (if substance it may be said to possess, for it appears more like blubber than anything else) resembling a turn-over pie. with ten thousand fibrous legs and as many joints, each a foot long. The touch of this animal produces a sensation somewhat like an electric shock – the Dr. only, tried the experiment.
The colour is a changeable red and blue which gives a purple luster. We often see them floating upon the surface of the water, and they are objects of great curiosity to us who have never beheld many wonders of the sea. My jonny cake eats very well, which brother Sam’l told you about in his letter yesterday — altho at home you know I was never fond of Indian cakes – but anything that is fresh goes well at sea.
We have everything that is wholesome and good to eat and drink, that is, for hearty people, but I have not been long enough at sea yet to get an appetite for it. Monday we have pork and beef and puddings (rice and flour); Tuesday, pork and beans or peas; Wednesday, salt fish and potatoes &c. ; Thursday, fowls or a sea-pye; Friday, pork. baked; Saturday salt fish &c. Sabbath. fresh pork and pudding.
For breakfast we have coffee and hash; supper – tea, crackers and cheese; and now and then we are allowed the rich repast of water gruel. This is the greatest luxury I have enjoyed since I took up my residence upon the water.
I must drop my pen, it being past ten Oc. & all asleep but myself – a dread solemn seems to fill the whole ship – no sound or noise to be heard but the dashing of the waves against our vessel, which skims over the Maine at the rate of 8 miles an hour, and the gentle footsteps of the man at helm. and the watch, who walks with half his weight. for fear of waking his brother tars, who are asleep below.” (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

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December 17, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

17th. Think not my dear mother that my mind is wholly absorbed, with the trifling objects which occasionally come to my way, if I should a- gain resume my pen to inform you of a visitor this morning from South America. A very large land bird came around the Thaddeus as if she rejoiced in the discovery she had made, then caught up a flying fish and left us, Strange that an object so insignificant in itself should attract so much notice; but anything from land affords us joy. (Nancy Ruggles)

Dec. 17. We are near the coast of Brazil. A large bird has been flying around the vessel as though it fain would light upon it. Several times, we have seen birds flying at a great distance from land. We have likewise caught several flying fish. They resemble other fish except their wings. Those which we have caught, or about six or eight inches long. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

17. – The healthful & prosperous galeo of heaven are wafting us the rate of 200 miles a day towards the land which we trust the Lord our God has given us to inherit. We are now about one day’s sail from the coast of Brazil that land of superstition & blood. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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December 18, 1819 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

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