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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January 13, 1820 – A school of whales appeared, extending along two miles, sporting and spouting and making the deep to boil like a pot. Heavy gales from the S.W. have given several of the family severe colds.
Lat. 42 (Thaddeus Journal)

13. – Yesterday the store moderated, but today we are threatened with another. This morning I was much amused by the sport of whales. After breakfast I went aloft & on looking to the windward, saw 50 or 60 of the huge creatures drawn up in a line so if for battle. They spout the water into the air several yards, which at a distance resembles smoke from a cannon. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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January 14, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 14th. Feeling this evening a little unpleasantness at stomach, and having at hand some sugar and peppermint, as I was taking it, I felt, with some force, what I feel more or less, every day, that it was unreasonable. ever to speak of the lack of one comfort, when we have so many. I was grieved at the thought of a remark in one of my letters, which would remind my sisters, when enjoying little comforts, that Sybil was destitute of many. I beg you would strive to forget every sentence which may have been bordering that way, as also, all others which may inadvertently slide in.
I am indeed dealt with kindly. If I could count over the outward comforts I have, you would join me in saying so. My health is excellent. Perhaps, never better. Yesterday, took up my pen, at ten in the morning, and did not lay it down till the dinner bell rang at one— then went to the table, enjoyed my meal,—immediately attended to the recitation of my class, then to my pen till six, when the bell rang for tea, after which, I washed up my two cups and spoons,–put on my great red cloak (you must know we have a Patagonian summer) went on deck, walked three quarters of an hour, holding on too by a rope. At the call of the bell, went down to the cabin to family prayers—then into our little room, where, after uniting in our social devotions, went quietly to rest. These things I mention to show you GOD gives me health. (Sybil Bingham)

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January 15, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 15th. How swiftly does time fly away. Twelve weeks have elapsed since I left beloved America. We are now 44 deg. S L if. Have made but little progress for near a fortnight, having had contrary winds and calms most of the time. Ere twelve weeks more have passed, we hope to land at our destined port, and enter the field of our labours. O that we could improve every moment as it flies, for when past, it is gone for ever. How striking is “the importance of time” as expressed by the pious Mr. Scott “O time, how few thy value weigh! How few will estimate a day! Days, months, and years are rolling on, The soul neglected – and undone.” We are born to exist forever, and soon we shall pass the narrow boundary of time, the only season allotted as to prepare for death. O my dear parents, I beseech you to remember that your days on earth will soon be numbered and finished; ere long you must stand at the bar of God and be judged according to the deeds done here in the body. Let me entreat you to humble yourselves before God, and make your peace with him before it is too late. “Behold, and now is the accepted time! Behold, now is the day of Salvation!” A few more days, and your state may be unalterably fixed. Seize then the present moment; delay not lest you be swallowed up in irretrievable ruin. Be not offended, my dear parents, if in my concern for your souls, I have cast off that deference which is your do. The thought of a final separation, is almost insupportable. How then can I forbear to warn you, when I see you standing on the brink of an awful precipice, upheld only by the brittle thread of life, which is liable every moment to be cut asunder. But I fain would hope you have been made sensible of your lost condition by nature, and are enquiring “what must I do to be saved.” Rest if not, until you find joy and peace in believing, and your souls reclining sweetly on the bosom of Emmanuel. To God I now commend you; praying that at last we may be so happy as to meet in His Kingdom to enjoy his presence forever. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

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January 16, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 16th. We should like to know if you find this an uncommonly severe winter. In approaching the equator, and passing under it, we did not, by any means, find the heat as we expected. When we met the Sun, and found ourselves under his perpendicular rays, we were but little incommoded, and now, in a region where it is summer,
S. Lat. 45, we find it actually cold. It is frequently said by the seamen they have never known it so cold here, before, at this season—the weather such as we might expect at the Cape. Our progress is very slow. (Sybil Bingham)

16. – No preaching today owing to high winds. O how pleasant it would be once more to go up to the sanctuary. But this cannot be. Till the heavens & the earth be no more, we shall not be indulged with an interview. Then, blessed be God, I hope to meet them in a sanctuary not made with hands eternal in the heavens. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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