January 22, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 22d. Distance 163 miles; lat. obsd. 49°20′ South, long. deduced, 61° 37′ West; clear and pleasant weather. “I find the sea remarkably smooth since we have got to the westward. All on board are well, and in good spirits. The thermometer stands at 60°, varying at times from 58° to 63°.” (James Hunnewell)

Jan. 22nd. Going on our way. *Tis half-past nine, sabbath evening, but so long are our days it is not yet dark. The weather so peaceful, to-day, that we could not have had a better opportunity to have heard the word preached, if in our American churches. Sweet has been the day of “sacred rest”. I cannot express my feelings to you, to-night, my sisters, better than to say, that if mercies on every side, with the hope that, through grace, there is in the heart some feeling sense that they come from a Covenant GOD and Father, through a divinely compassionate Mediator, can give “Peace” and comfort, I feel such in my breast. I love to feel that you, with many of GOD’s dear children, are praying for it, and that your prayers are answering, adding another to the already numberless proof that GOD is, indeed, a prayer-hearing GOD. (Sybil Bingham)

Jan. 22nd. We have sailed rapidly since yesterday morning now progressing 8 ½ knots an hour though I can scarcely perceive the motion of the vessel, while I am writing. Now in Lat. 46. Lon. 63. sounded again this morning and found bottom, but owing to the rapid moving of the brig were not able to ascertain how many fathoms of water. Sea weed frequently appears floating on the surface of the ocean which has been beat off the rocks by the waves; some of it is covered with small shrimps. – Expect to see the Falkland Isles this afternoon or to-morrow if the wind continues in our favor. All of us in good spirits. I have not before to-day been sensible how great a tendency favorable winds have in dispelling gloomy feelings, and making our hearts cheerful. The cause which we have espoused is no less dear to our hearts, than when we first embarked. Though our voyage thus far has been long and unpleasant, yet we experienced no trials too great to be endured, for the sake of Christ, and the salvation of the poor heathen. Ninety one days since I bid dear America farewell. (Nancy Ruggles)

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January 23, 1820 – Blessed with a peaceful and delightful day, with favorable seasons for worshiping God, and with the preaching of the everlasting gospel while coasting along the regions of Patagonia which are denied the blessings which we and our friends at home enjoy. In a discourse from Amos 4.12. “Prepare to meet thy God.” Bro. Thurston explained and enforced the duty of preparing to meet God in judgment. We believe it was a word in season to our souls. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 23. The same sun which is wont to rise on America and gladden the land with his cheering beams, rose on us this morning with more than usual brightness. It is the -morning of the Son of Man, and commemorates that illustrious morning when Jesus the Saviour of the world burst asunder the cords which held, him three days a prisoner in the grave, and arosd, leaving captivity captive. — 0 that the all- glorious Sun of righteousness may arise upon me as I open my eyes on this sacred day, and shine into my soul with his enlivening rays, that my lanquid affections may be lifted up to things heavenly and sublime. – A gale last night, which lasted but a short time. A calm succeeds. Though calms are unfavorable to our progress, they are very acceptable on the sabbath, as then we can enjoy a peaceful rest, and are afforded a better opportunity to attend on public worship of God and such other duties as belong to the holy sabbath. When looking back on the two preceding days, it seems as if we had hastened as it were to prepare for the day of rest. –
A day of all the week the best,
Emblem of eternal rest, –
Some part of the time we have sailed more than $ miles an hour. 0 may such displays of the kind care which our Heavenly Father exercises toward us, be regarded with gratitude, and improved by his glory. – Sabbath eve, Religious exercises in the cabin as usual; in the morning brother B. expounded the last part of the 11th of Mat. Christ’s yoke is easy &c. in the evening brother T. preached on deck; from Amos 4.12. We are now opposite the Falkland Islands, but we shall not see them.as we expected and fondly hoped, the wind carrying us too far westward. We feel somewhat disappointed but all is well. (Nancy Ruggles)

23. – A pleasant Sabbath is what we did not expect in this region but such we have had. Probably we have heard to day the first sermon that was ever preached within some thousand miles. ‘Prepare to meet thy god O Israel’ was the text. How vast a portion of this earth has never heard of Christ! Send forth thy light & thy truth O Lord & enlightened the nation’s sitting in darkness. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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January 24, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 24. Lat about 53 S. It is pleasant to take my paper and pen and from day to day converse with my dear parents, tell them where I am and what I am doing, although I know not that this will ever reach them. We are now near the Straits of Magellan, in good health and spirits, with a favorable gale of wind which is fast driving us to the cape. Yesterday was sabbath, a very pleasant day; what we little expected in this Lat. It was so warm as to be comfortable on deck. Brother T preached from Amos 4, 12. “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” His discourse was very searching, and well calculated to solemnize and impress our minds. As yet no visible effects are produced upon the sailors by the preached word, but we trust the good seed which is now sown will not be lost. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

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January 26, 1820 – Last night Capt. B. chose to lie by rather than proceed lest falling into the “straits” of Le Maire he should be becalmed in the night and drifted ashore. We are now in the “Straits” of L.M. – Del Fuigo on our right and Staten Land on the left, on both of which among their towering rocks, we can discover banks of snow now in the midsummer. We have a little hail today. The mercury in our thermometer stands at 58 f. We entered the strait early in the morning with a fair wind which, however, subsided at 10 A.M. before we had quite passed through and we were carried back by the current 19 or 20 miles. During this recess we were much interested by discovering two men kindling a fire on the beach. Our attention was first attracted by the rising smoke; then by the help of our glasses, the men could be very distinctly seen. But whether they were natives of the Island about their ordinary business, or endeavoring to attract our notice, or whether they were ship-wrecked mariners making the usual signal of distress, and imploring our aid, we could not tell. Of what name or nation soever they may be, they have awakened our compassion, and were it in our power we would gladly extend to them the hand of kindness and the voice of consolation, and affectionately tell them that a Savior lives in heaven all powerful and gracious, who died for them, and who is ready to afford his aid, and if they will obey him, to give them eternal life and receive them from these tempest beaten shores to the peaceful mansions of heavenly rest. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 26th, Wednesday. “Begins with pleasant, hazy weather, and a fresh breeze from the northward. Steering to the southeastward along the coast of Terra del Fuego. The land appears barren and mountainous. Running for the Straits of Le Maire, a little to the N. W., are two remarkable hills with flat tops. Between them is a small hill running up to a peak like a sugar-loaf. Cape St. Vincent, or N.E. point, runs off low and flat. Bearing E. S. E. we saw, over the low point, the high land of Staten Land. At 8 p.m., in close reef topsails, and hauled on a wind to the northward. Fresh gales from West. At 3 a.m. wore ship and stood for the Straits of Le Maire; at 9 a.m. entered the Straits. The land on both sides appears high, rough, and barren. Saw a small smoke on the west shore. Ends, light baffling winds and passing clouds. Thermometer 60°. Lat. obsd. 54° 40′ South.” (James Hunnewell)

Jan. 26th. We are now in the Straits of Le-Maire. Terra-del-Fuego on the right, and Staten-Land on the left. We had not entered them, yesterday, when I thought. You will see by the map that the former discovers a considerable point previous to entering the Straits. Fight coming on, Capt. B— thought it prudent to lie by for the night, and seek an entrance in the morning.
Many thoughts run in the mind as we gaze on these rude coasts; but not such conflicting ones, as when we shall gaze on those of Owyhee. Here, as there, “No gospel’s joyful sound” is heard. The poor souls, scattered about on its bleak mountains, yet own no other sceptre than that of the Prince of darkness. But the day is hastening when, they shall. As we pass by them, and deplore their wretched state, we would enquire in what way we may do them good. We may ask God to remember them—we may exhort our Christian friends to stop not in their exertions till every dark corner feels the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. 2 o’clock. At ten A. M. we had almost made the point through Le-Maire. A calm came on, and the current has forced us back about thirty miles. Behing us, at the entrance of the Strait, where we were this morning, there is a tremendous sea.
We hear the distant roar, and see the white caps of the waves, the waters as it were trembling under us; while two of the blackest clouds hang over each island, en- creasing fast. I narrowly observe the Capt.’s countenance. Marks of deep solicitude are plainly visible now. What the Captain of our salvation is about to cause us to pass through in this narrow sea, I know not, but this * do know, and it shall be my consolation, as these high mountains are round about us, and “as the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so is. the Lord round about his people. What time I am afraid, I will trust in Him.” (Sybil Bingham)

January 26. At 7 this morning we made the island of Staten land on our left-just entering the Straits of Le Maire. This we deemed the most critical period of our voyage. The wind having turned against us. we were driven off and on for 12 hours. in no small danger of being dashed against the rocks, which border the surrounding islands. But Providence. Interfering in our behalf as he is ever wont to do. we found ourselves on the morning of the 27th quite past the Straits of Le Maire, steering up towards the Cape as fast as the winds could take us. Thus. was the Lord better to us than our fears. The appearance of these islands. as we sailed between them. were as follows:
That of Tierra del Fuego, is one of the most abrupt and mountainous countries that I ever beheld. appearing at the distance of 8 miles. like a continued mass of rocks and hills peeping over hills. some rising in the form of a pyramid. others terminating in steep. craggy cliffs. many of which showed marks of a volcano.
Staten Land is not dissimilar to the former – only in size – being much smaller. The perpendicular height of some of its mountains appeared to reach above the clouds, and [to be] covered with perpetual snow, yet, history informs us, that here, in this cold, barren, and unfriendly soil, dwells a savage race of men, whose natures are no less rude than the rocks among which they dwell. subsisting chiefly on fish and clothing themselves with the skins of wild beasts.
Upon these poor souls the Son of Righteousness hath never shone, no sound of the Gospel ever saluted their ears – but they must spell out their existence. by the dim light of nature, until the Lord in his own time shall give them to his Son for an inheritance.
These Islands abound in almost an infinite variety of birds and wild-fowl: such as Geese of different species. and of ducks, Pigeons. Cormorants. Albatrosses. &c. The morning on which we passed the Straits was calm and pleasant and not unfavorable for taking observations. I took a rude draught of both these Islands. as we passed them. which. for the sake of variety some future day (if permitted) I will retrace and send you. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

Jan. 26th. 1 o’clock P. M. Hoisted sail early this morning and the wind still breezing in our favour, at 10 o’clock were half thro’ the straits of Le Maire, when a sudden and tremendous swell of the sea came in, and our wind died away leaving us tossing to and fro upon the waves which were comparatively as high as the mountains on each side, and in no small danger of being dashed against the rocks. Here for the first time I realized immediate danger; Capt. B. was much agitated; we could neither proceed nor go back. But He in whom we trust who has always been trying us with mercies as well as judgments soon appeared for us and now the water has become calm and the weather pleasant. We are so near the Terra del Fuego shore, as to discover that there are some trees upon the mountains but it is a black and barren place. It seems hardly possible for man to exist here, but there are few wretched inhabitants, whose condition is but little better than the wild beasts around them.
We discover a smoke on the beach, and. with the help of a spy, glass can distinctly see two men. Probably they see us and make the fire as a signal for us to go to them; but we think it not proper. The natives on this side of the Island are said to be friendly; those on the south side savage and barbarous. The thought is interesting that we are so near heathen grounds; we would remember affectionately these poor people, as we pass by their dreary land, and pray that Jesus may soon possess them for an inheritance. An immense number of birds are constantly flying about us. Four or five kinds of ducks, several of geese, Albatrosses, Penquins, Cormorants, Teal, and many other kinds of land birds, visit us as we lie becalmed. 7 o-clock in the eve. The wind again breezes in our favour and we begin to proceed through the strait. Surely the Lord Jehovah is on our right hand and on our left. (Samuel Ruggles)

Jan. 26. I have just been on deck to take a view of the scene around us. We are now in the Straits with a good breeze carrying us forward. The Straits are said to be about 15 miles long, and near as wide. We are walled in on either side by high mountains and craggy cliffs. Two or three ridges are seen one above the other. Most of them appear to be entirely barren. They resemble a huge pile of massy rocks. But this is not the most dreary part, upon which imagination seems to linger. What fills the mind with most painful sensations, is the thought that the inhabitants of these Isles, or in the state of moral degradation, without one ray of Gospel light to cheer their souls, or illumine their dreary path. We have been so near the shore of Terra Del Fuego as to see a smoke and with the aid of a glass discovered two human beings near it. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

26. – Captain B judging it not prudent to pass through the Straits of Le Marie last evening we lay too until this morning, when we entered them under a strong west wind which continued till we had passed halfway through. We have now been be calmed about 2 hours & a strong current from the Pacific is drifting us out again. We are about halfway between Staten Island & Terra Del Fuego. The straits are said to be about 15 miles in length and as many in breadth. Staten Island presents nothing but rocks. On the other side there are a few trees. Here is a safe retreat for birds. Albatrosses, ducks, penquins, teal &c abound here. Two men thought to be natives are seen standing on Terra Del Fuego by a fire. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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January 25, 1820 – About 11 A.M. , one of the mates aloft cheered us with the grateful note of “Land ho!” The smiles of joy and glow of animation appeared through our little circle, and at 1 P.M. our eyes were gratified with a full view of the North Eastern part of Terra Del Fuege, stretching along 6 miles or more on our right. This is the first we have seen during three months, since our dear native shores receded from our view. But alas, how unlike our beloved N. England. Here no temples of the living God left their lofty spires to heaven in honor to him who of old laid the foundations of these snow-capt mountains, and weighed their rugged hills in his balance. No joyful sound of the church-going bell invites the wretched inhabitants to the feast of the gospel. – No sun of righteousness softens their icy hearts, while they not only cover themselves with the skins but actually wear the nature of the wild beasts of the forests. When we think of our highly favored country we are ready to exclaim, “We shall never look upon its like again!” But while we have occasion to weep over the wickedness of men who dwell in these dark and dreary wilds and contrast their condition with our countrymen, we remember with grief that even there are many thousands who derive no saving benefits from the gospel, thousands who obey not nor even hear a preached gospel, thousands whose ears are saluted from Sabbath to Sabbath with the sound of the inviting church bell, whose feet never enter the sanctuary of God to worship in his presence, and thousands more who seem to breathe the atmosphere of Christianity, inhale the contagion of death, and labor to obscure the glory and prevent the efficiency of the life-giving doctrines of the cross. But we are comforted with assurance that many thousands there will not stumble nor rest until all our countrymen, and all the inhabitants of America from the northern to this southern extremity, and all the dwellers in the sea shall enjoy the best means of grace and salvation. Is it too much to hope that a stream from that benevolence now rising in the American church will soon roil through South America, carrying health and salvation even to the cold regions of Cape Horn. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan; 25th. Tuesday afternoon, 2 o’clock. I leave the busy, animated little multitude, to say to my dear sisters, that after no sight of land for thirteen weeks and two days, it now cheers our sight. The bold coast of Terra-de-Fuego presents itself to view; its snow- capt mountains becoming more grand, as we, with great rapidity, draw nearer to them. We have looked forward, with trembling, to these regions, yet when here find more rapid sailing and as apparent security, as in any part of our voyage. I desire that we may rightly notice it. We have still a dangerous coast to pass, before we can be in the smooth waters of the Pacific. And there, may we bear in mind, that we shall need a divine Pilot.
I should love to tell my scholars that they might look on their maps and imagine me entering the Straits of Le- Maire. Dear Girls! I shall want to live in their remembrance. 0, that I might be permitted to hear, from time to time, that one and another had set out for the kingdom of heaven I Might the day come when I should give some one the hand of greeting on heathen shores! ‘ The thought is not new. I have looked round upon them, with similar feelings, when they had been ignorant of what was passing in the mind. 4 o’clock. I have just laid aside my dissertation which I have been set about, this week, to run on deck and see how land looks now. The mountains appear nobly I Looking round for my best friend, and not seeing him at once, I sent my eyes up mast-head and spied him upon the main sail- yard. He has an advantage, in prospect. The day continues very fine. I must go to my work. A regular system has been strenuously recommended to all. It is variously regarded. I will give you some parts of mine. It commences with the hour 6 in the morning, closing with 10, evening. From 9 to 12 logic and theological reading—from 12 to 1 recitation of my class—1 to 2 dinner and exercise—2 to 6 miscellaneous reading, writing, and Owyhee language—from 6 to 8 tea, singing, social intercourse and exercise. I should love to gratify all my many dear friends, with a free perusal of every thing communicated, tho not directed to them individually, but you will find things, occasionally, which I would not have you read. Your own judgment will dictate without my specifying. Assure me you will regard this, and you will have things, Providence giving me the opportunity to write, both little and great, as they interest me. I do desire to improve my time, for soon, should life be spared and our wishes granted, we must make the best use of the little stock of talents which we have. (Sybil Bingham)

January 25. 1820. This morning. 10 Oc., after a voyage of 96 days. we made the island of Tierra-del-Fuego which to the naked eye, appeared like a distant cloud rising above the surface of the water.
It is not easy to describe our feelings at the sight of land once more. Joy hung upon every countenance, while each heart seemed to palpitate with peculiar emotions. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

Jan. 25th, 12 o’clock. After sailing 95 days without seeing land, we this morning at 10 o’clock with joyful eyes and hearts discovered the Island of Terra del Fuego, about ten leagues ahead. Though it had more the appearance of a cloud than land yet the bare thought that it was land gave us pleasing sensations. Joy ran through my bosom, and for a moment I almost forgot that I was seasick. I have not enjoyed health for a single moment since I came on board the Thaddeus, nor do I expect to until I reach Owhyhee (Hawaii), but I would be far from complaining.
The Lord lays his hand gently upon me and I will rejoice that I may suffer for his sake, I feel as I did before I left America, an increasing desire to spend my life in a remote corner of the globe, and wear out in the cause of my dear Redeemer. I am interrupted by the appearance of a large whale alongside. 2 o’clock M. The land appears in ful view before us not more than 6 or 8 imiles distant. We are sailing along its N. E. coast in pursuit of the straits Le Maire thro’ which we hope to pass if successful in finding them. Terra del Fuego is the most uneven country I ever saw. It appears to be little less than a continued, map of barren hills, and lofty ragged mountains, some of whose tops reach above the clouds, and are white with perpetual snows. It is indeed a dreary land. In this bleak region mariners always expect roughest weather but we are highly favored and have been for several days past. To-day it is uncommonly pleasant; not very cold and a fine breeze wafts us 7 knots or miles an hour.
Dear friends unite with us in blessing him whose power controls the raging wind, and says peace be still. -5 o’clock P. M. The strait begins to open before us, and we have a fair prospect of a pleasant passage through. Should the present wind continue we shall probably see O. H. to-morrow. – Who knows but we shall be wafted directly around the long dreaded cape without experiencing any storms; but perhaps such a passage was never known. We have a safe Pilot an Almighty guide who stands at our helm, he can do all things.
5 o’clock. Staten land to the E. of us, is if possible more uneven than Terra del Fuego. The mountains rise one above another in a great number of sharp and lofty peaks, some in the form of pyramids and some in the form of a sugar loaf. In the sides of some appear vast holes, which probably are the effect of volcanic eruptions.’
Now near cape St. Diego at the N. W. entrance of the strait. Few ships pass through here as it is considered dangerous; the passage narrow [15-miles in width] and both shores lined, with solid rock. But as we have a fair wind Capt. B. thinks it better to attempt a passage through, than sail around Staten land which would be 200 miles farther. – We have entered the mouth of the strait but as it is almost night and finding a very strong current sitting in against us, we shall lie to for the night. Farewell dear friends till morning. May the God of Isreal bless you and give you repose; May he be mindful of us also and be our refuge and sage defence. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

Jan. 25, 1820.-After having been out ninety-four days, and witnessing nothing but floating barques like our own, some monsters of the deep, the expansive ocean and the wide-spread heavens, I can not describe to you the joyful emotions which the sight of land has this day produced. We have a fair view of Terra del Fuego on the right, and Staten Land on the left. The Captain has this evening heaved to, viewing it as dangerous passing the straight in the night, from the liability of meeting ~ gale in this tempestuous region. (Lucy Goodale Thurston)

Jan. 25th. Ninety-four days from Boston. This morning our ears were saluted with the cry, “land ho.” It proved to be the Island of Terra del Fuego. This island has but little appearance of verdure. It seems to be mostly made up of sand-banks and rocky mountains, whose tops are covered with snow. One would hardly think it possible for human beings to dwell in so dreary and solitary a place. Could you but cast one look at this heathen land, where wretchedness takes up her abode, and them reflect upon the happiness of civilized society, methinks you would joyfully say, “Go my dear children, go, proclaim, Salvation through Emmanuel’s name: To distant Isles the tidings bear, And plant the Rose of Sharon there.” We are about to enter the straits of Le Maire which separates Staten Land from Terra del Fuego, and as Capt. B. has never yet been through it is thought advisable to lie too for the night. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

25. – This morning were saluted by the joyful sound of ‘land ho!’ It was that inhospitable island of Terra Del Fuego – Three months have now relapsed since we placed our feet on the solid earth. We had been tossed and rolled about till our limbs were weary with shaking, & our eyes satiated with beholding tempests. My pleasure would be much increased could I go on shore & refresh a little. As we draw near, there are some appearances of verdant spots, but we can see little except mountains covered with forests & huge masses of rocks whose hoaty tops are covered with snow although it is now midsummer. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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