Rested pretty well, but found we had made little way. A good deal of
conversation at breakfast respecting various kinds of fruit. America it
seems is well supplied with tropical fruit. Finished Lander's "Travels
in Africa"; also read before Fergusson's "Canadian Tour." The breeze
refreshing though not altogether favourable, much better than a calm.
Mr. Bassnett proposed as a wager, that he would throw doublets ones to
sixes in succession in ten minutes, which he accomplished in seven; he
also surprised us by taking up the dice by means only of the boxes. The
wind continued favourable all day. Played another game with Mr. B. and
lost it. Did not see a ship or fish throughout the day. Have great
difficulty in preventing myself from thinking of meeting my late dear
father on my return.
THURSDAY, MAY 22ND.
Did not sleep so well though tolerably comfortable. Found the wind
slight but for the first time quite fair in a due east, all the sails
squared and also the stunsail out. Saw a fish. The wind about one,
changed more south. A long sit and chat upon the helm house with Mr.
Grindrod. A very good breeze all day. Remarkable that we saw not a
vessel all day excepting before breakfast and at a great distance.
Frequently do I find some trouble in checking the expectation of meeting
again my dear father.
FRIDAY, MAY 23RD.
Got up before six having not been able to sleep since 2 o'clock, such
noises, pitching and rockings as surely never were heard before. Found
the sea greatly agitated and much foam. I asked one of the seamen if he
did not call this a stiff gale; he said it was a fresh breeze. The
Captain admitted that it blew hard; he was up all night. Cold all day
and the wind quite contrary. Six or seven stormy petrels seen at once,
and now and then a gull. Towards evening we discerned a brig which we
found was sailing before us; she had little sail, and appeared to wish
to speak to us, but did not come sufficiently near. It has been one of
the disagreeable days, very cold with adverse wind and all our spirits
depressed; several of our passengers are out of health. Mr. Webster
complained of a boil on his ear; also Mr. Jackson of earache; Captain
Kenney has a bad cold, and Mr. Bassnett a bad digestion. In the morning
the Captain persuaded me to go to rest again and I lay down after
dinner.
SATURDAY, MAY 24TH.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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