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Mrs. Richards Journal (cover title)
Monday Dec. 2, 1822
Ship Thames, Lat., 35° N
Long. 50° - 35* W
To my dear parents, brothers and sister.
More than three weeks have elapsed since I bade adieu to the happy home of
my childhood; —
pressed to my bosom a fond mother and received the last
embrace — the parting benediction; -- gave the parting hand to many pre
cious friends — the recollection of whose kind offices, whose sympathy and
love, the ruthless hand of time will not be able to obliterate.
Since t&e
last farewell died on my lips, oft have those affecting scenes been pre
sented to mind, and realized in all those tender and heart thrilling sen
sations, which are better felt than described.
I seen like one awaking
from a confused dream, and often exclaim involuntarily, Is it indeed true?
Shall these eyes never again behold the countenances of dear friend on
whom they were wont to rest with so much pleasure?
Never again listen to
those delightful accents which ever infused a sweet peace into my troubled
heart which assured me of the continuation of that tenderness, sympathy
and love that is so peculiarly grateful to a feeling and susceptible mind?
Yes it is indeed true.
The delightful visions of my early years have
vanished as a tale that is told.
Yet does not the recollection of what I
have enjoyed embitter my present comforts.
If when adverting to the past
a momentary sadness is produced, the delightful ddea that all I have and
am is consecrated to the blessed Jesus, and that it is for the good of
perishing millions for whom his blood was spilt, I then forego a little
present enjoyment, I feel the highest possible satisfaction; and then the
sweet hope that I shall live in the hearts of those I love at home, that
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they will often think of me, write to me, and pray for me is a source of
unfailing consolation.
But amidst the gloom of mental disquietness when
the heart sickens at the memory of "joys departed ne'er to be recalled"
no balm so sweet as what the gospel imparts - that invaluable treasure
abounds with the most precious and heartcheering promises.
It assure(s)
the weary Christian pilgrim of a speedy reunion with kindred spirits in
the kingdom of glory.
There where the weary are at rest, and where sigh
ing and sorrow, and separations are alike unknown, do I hope to mingle
hosannas with those kindred souls with whom it was my happy privilege
while on earth to hold sweet and intimate communion; and "speak" forever
of "the wonders of that love which Gabriel plays on every chord."
I have now so far recovered from seasickness (that most distressing disease),
as to be able to commence a diary.
The effusions of my inexperienced pen
I cheerfully dedicate to my dear parents, to whom I am so deeply indebted.
My brothers and sister too will come in for a share.
These few pages which
recount the joys and sorrows, the trials and sufferings of their far dis
tant Clarissa, if they are at any time (portion marked over) a source of
pleasure or profit to those dear friends, be assured she will receive an
ample compensation.
So much was said by (can't make out word here) friends
of the horrors of seasickness, and so deeply were the feelings of some
interested in the apprehension that I should suffer in a peculiar manner,
that I should deem myself inexcusable were I to pass over this interesting
part of the voyage in silence.
Tuesday, Nov. 19th A day long to be remembered -- took up my residence in
�this floating barque, and for the first time in my life, slept sweetly
a prisoner on the mighty deep
20th All the family cheerful and happy.
Necessary precautions were used against the rolling of the ship, as she
ventures out into the open sea, (by lashing trunks etc)
In the evening
engaged in writing letters to dear friends to send by the pilot who left
us at 3 o'clock the ensuing morning.
As I closed my hasty letter addressed
to you at that time I began to feel a vertigo and was obliged to retire at
an early hour.
In the morning as soon as I raised my head from the pillow,
I was seized with nausea, violent retching, extreme giddiness and headache
succeeded untill (!) I was quite debilitated.
You cannot imagine, nor can
I fully paint, the melancholy picture our little family presented at this
time.
A few hours before cheerfulness and hope beamed from every eye, now
languor and disease set on every countenance and "melancholy" seemed to
have "marked us all for her own."
The gentlemen were not any of them very
sick, Mr. Richards suffered the most.
fer much.
Sat. 23rd.
Mrs. S. (Stewart) continues to suf
Was to us all a gloomy day.
A heavy gale commenced
early in the morning blowing from the S - W - The sea run (!) high during
the day presenting a (p. 5)
scene awful, and grand beyond description.
I stood, sometimes holding on by the rigging at other times lashed to the
hencoop, in the middle of the quarterdeck awaiting the issue of this to me
most terrific scene.
I did not apprehend any immediate danger, untill
often eyeing the Capt. sometimes I thought I discovered in his countenance
visible indications of anxiety and alarm.
Judge of my feelings then when
he declared that he had been a number of voyages round the Cape, but had
never seen a "worse sea"
0 my friends, in the hour of danger, when the
elements conspire, and death seems approaching in its most terrific form,
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how sweet to repose on the arm of an Almighty Saviour — to feel that he
who holds the "winds in his fist, and the waters in the hollow of his hand,"
is our God, our Father, and friend!
Blessed be his ever glorious name I
did feel a serenity of soul, a calm assured hope which I would not have
exchanged for worlds.
I could not forbear repeating those beautiful lines
of Matts, Come we that love the Lord, etc.
Had all our family been well
at this time I should not have called it a gloomy scene; but you cannot
conceive how the incessant motion of the ship —
nausea depresses the the (!) spirits.
(p. 6) producing constant
Much more patience and Christian for
titude is requisite than I had imagined.
The sight to which we had been
looking forward with many fearful forebodings, at length approached.
The
winds were not hushed to rest; and the angry billow threatening destruc
tion broke with redoubled violence over decks.
at an early hour.
Me were forced to retire
The close and confined air was almost insupportable.
Sleep, "tired nature's sweet restorer," did not light upon our eyelids
till nearly dawn.
The violent rocking of the ship, which almost threw us
from our births (!), at every breaking wave; The clattering of the ropes;
the loud vociferations of the sailors, all conspired to banish agreeable
dreams and refreshing slumbers from our pillows.
The morning came; still
the elements raged and our situation was quite as uncomfortable as the
night previous — The water often rushing down the companion way with
irresistible violence.
By clinging to the sides of the room and grasping
things in our way, we made out to ascend the companion way.
awful did the first view (p. 7) appear!
But 0 how
The sea rose in mountains on
either side and foamed and raged with the same relentless fury.
Jehovah appear decked in such awful majesty, and power.
Never did
I saw his footsteps
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in the deep; I heard his voice in the tempest, and in the gale; and I
trembled and adored.
was omitted:
This was our first sabbath at sea.
Religious service
yet I trust the sabbath was sanctified in the hearts [of]
many on board.
It was pleasant to reflect that while we were tossing on
the boisterous deep, prayers were ascending for us in the temples of the
most High.
Before the sea had subsided into a calm, we experienced another
gale, but far less severe than the former.
make some little headway:
In the latter we were able to
in the former we were obliged to lie to, leaving
our clay wholly to the mercy of infuriated elements.
two of the sailors were very much exposed.
In one of the storms
They were out to take in the
flying gib boom when a sudden swell of the sea plunged them and the bow
sprit, on which they were at work a number of feet under water.
These
hardy sons of Neptune ascended from their watery grave with the most appar
ent composure.
They have become so inured to hardships of this and or
(p. 8) similar kind that they exhibit a firmness and intrepidity of char
acter seldom seen among any other class of people.
we have seen a number of sail.
Penn Philidelphia (!)
arrive in port.
Within a day or two
Among the number we spoke the William
The Capt. engaged to report us as soon as he should
To meet with a vessel bound for dear America, and to
anticipate the joy that would sparkle in the eyes of dear friends as they
should accidentally light on this report of us in some public print filled
us with the most heartfelt pleasure. —
As this is the evening for the
monthly concert, I shall write no more at this time.
0, how many fervent
prayers will this evening ascend for this little band separated from the
Christian world, and braving the dangers of the deep.
Methinks I see
assembled in the much loved sanctuary my revered pastor and many of his
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flock, with hearts glowing with Christian feeling pouring out the fervent
prayers that "Christ may have the heathen for his inheritance, and the
ends of the earth for his possessions" — And they do not forget her,
who, though she be "absent in the flesh, is with them in the spirit (p. 9)
joying and beholding their order, and the steadfastness of their faith
in Christ."
Dec. 5th Lat. 36° — 30'. Long. 42° - 9'.
Another vessel in sight —
steering towards us.
bound perhaps for my beloved country —
she is
The Capt. has his large speaking trumpet at hand,
and the American flag is ready to be unfurled.
The female members of the
family are engaged in preparing a Thanksgiving supper, I have just assisted
in making a chicken pie and an apple dumplin.
Capt. Clasby has just spoken (!) the ship.
Capt. Clark of Nantucket,
some American port.
She proves to be the Winslow
We had indulged the hope that she was bound to
We find, however, that she will touch at Cape Verd,
where we shall probably stop for a day or two, so that we shall probably
have their company for some time —
Our board at noon was graced with two
large puddings and a chicken pie which would nearly cover the bottom of
our large oven.
Dear American friends have not been forgotten in the
pleasures and duties of the day.
The Thanksgiving sermon of my favorite
preacher was read in the evening by Mr. Richards.
A tear rose and then
stole from the eye, as the long catalogue of (p. 10) our mercies was pre
sented to our view; and before the close of the service I trust we felt
a warmer glow of gratitude to the condescending Jesus and more firm deter-
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mination to live devoted to his service.
Dec. 7th.
Capt. Clark of the Winslow came on board and dined with us today.
You cannot conceive the pleasure this unexpected visit has occasioned our
little circle.
I was not able to dine with the family owing to a sick-
headache, occasioned by looking too long at the Winslow yesterday.
She
is a small whaleship of 230 ton; well manned and exhibiting a fine appear
ance.
Sometimes all her white sails are expanded in the breeze, and she
floats over the surface of the deep with indescribable majesty and beauty.
Now she is at our stern borne by a gentle breeze - now at the leeward she
displays her varied forms of beauty; attracting the gaze of our admiring
passengers by the transparency of her sails, and the buoyancy with which
she leaps over the mountain waves, and sinks again into the vallies (!)
below. — Dec. 8th.
The missionary brethren have received a polite invita
tion from Capt. Clark to go on board his ship and preach to the crew.
A
boat was sent (p. 11) out to convey them to the ship, which was lying at
a very little distance from us.
C(hamberlain) went on board.
Capt. Clasby, Mr. S(tewart) and Mr.
It was quite a novel and amusing scene - to
see this little boat glide swiftly and securely over the water which as we
Matched its rapid progress was often entirely hidden from our view by the
surrounding waves.
They returned about the middle of the afternoon, highly
delighted with their morning's excursion.
The crew were all present even
the man stationed on the maintop mast was called down to listen to the
words of eternal life.
The most profound attention was given and we have
reason to hope some favorable impressions were made on the minds of the
sailors.
A missionary excursion on the ocean is something new I imagine
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in the annals of missions. Mr. Ely preached on board the Thames today from
Romans 5th 4th.
Me have but one sermon on the sabbath and that not untill
4 o'clock in the afternoon.
morning also.
Me hope in a short time to have service in the
Me feel that we have abundant cause for gratitude.
That our
ships crew are so orderly and that the Capt. and mates are disposed to
favour all our plans for the religious improvement of (p. 12) the seamen.
Not a profane word has been heard since we came on board.
and devout attention is observed %
The most serious
in time of public worship.
Could my dear parents witness our little circle assembled, sometimes in the
cabin, and sometimes on the deck to implore the blessing of our heavenly
Father -- could they listen to our songs of praise —
see the solemn yet
animated countenances, — and behold that class of men who are generally
considered the offscouring of all things —
listening with profound rev
erence to the words of eternal truth, they would exclaim as I have often
done, How dreadful is this place!
Surely this is none other than the house
of God, and the gate of heaven!
Dec. 11th.
Dec. 13th.
The ship Winslow left us last night.
The very rainy day confines us once more to the cabin.
There
are thirteen persons, sometimes more huddled into a small room with our trunks
and boxes.
Most of the family are engaged in writing.
I am sitting close
to my birth (!) with my paper resting on my mattress.
Under such circum
stances you will not expect very elegant penmanship.
Yesterday the family
were all able to sit at the table and partake of our regular meals.
not suffer for any of the comforts of life.
Me do
Our table (p. 13) is spread
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with plain and wholesome food and what I should love were my appetite good.
Since my recovery from seasickness, (which lasted but a few days) I have
become quite fastidious with regard to food (a dispepsia (i), is not, I
imagine a very unusual complaint at sea)
caution in what I eat and drink.
I am obliged to use the utmost
When I first recovered from seasickness
I could drink our poor water and eat salt beef with some relish; but now the
water has become so unpleasant that I do not drink it even in tea and
coffee; and I have no appetite for any kind of meat.
With my food and at
other times I have a very agreeable beverage prepared by my own husband;
which consists of nothing but an infusion of the essence of wintergreen in
water with a little sugar.
The essence of cinnamon, and of penny royal,
prepared in the same way answers very well as a substitute for good water.
We have chocolate occasionally in the morning (word crossed out) which I
love much.
The disagreeable taste of the water is destroyed by the
chocolate.
All the water which we have had to drink since we came on board
is quite as bad as the water you catch from the roof of the house, after
having stood several days in the sun.
produces nausea.
The very sight of it often (p. 14)
Water and bread are the only things I have really needed;
and these I find I can do without.
I trust in time I shall become so
attached to this mode of life as that I shall forget the brown loaves and
the milk and honey of my native land.
Our accommodations are far superior
to what the other mission family enjoyed, and far better than our deserts (!).
The little dainties our kind friends put up for us were very grateful in
seasickness.
We use them sparingly as it is possible that we shall need them
more at the close of the voyage.
and cake.
Let me thank my dear mother for her pickles
Lest I should forget it at a future time I will say now, that all
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kinds of dried fruit are excellent on a voyage and they keep well put up
in tin canisters.
Hard gingerbread and cookies are quite a luxury.
Very
few of the ladies can eat the sea-bread; but they are usually provided with
gingerbread rusks and cookies which they endeavour to make a substitute.
Dec. 15th.
It being the sabbath public worship was ho!den(!) on deck at
four o'clock in the afternoon.
We determined that our friends in N.E. were
assembled at about the same time as there is now about two hours difference
in the time.
devotions,
Some new regulations have recently been adopted at our family
(p. 15) The brethren preside at these meetings each one week
in rotation.
The [one] whose turn it is to preside after having read a
psalm or hymn, in singing which nearly all our number are able to join,
reports a passage of scripture which is followed by all the members of the
family in due order.
This renders our exercise more interesting to the
sailor, whose spiritual benefit we would ever keep in view.
A plan has
this day been adopted for thedr further benefit, which I trust will be
productive of much good to their souls.
A bible class has been formed
among them, which embraces nearly all of their number.
This will give the
brethren an opportunity to converse with them individually which could not
otherwise be done without much difficulty. — Weekly conferences have been
established two evenings in the week; one more particularly for prayer and
free conversation relative to the great object to which we have devoted
our lives.
Dec. 17th
Today with the assistance of Cooperea (Kupelii) one of the native
youths, I accomplished four weeks washing.
The day has been remarkably fine.
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I have felt very comfortable washing in cold water, and in the open air.
Very little water has been caucht (!) during the voyage, (p. 16) The last
rain a number of barrels were saved.
Some of the water caught we have
found much better to drink than the water we have on board. -- Tried the
experiment of making milk from almonds. —
Did not succed (!) very well
for the want of a mortar.
Dec. 18th The weather is very delightful.
a most beautiful appearance.
The surface of the ocean exhibits
On its glassy bosom the sunbeams play, reflect
ing all the colours of the rainbow.
Our evenings are enchanting.
Indeed,
there are a thousand beauties to be seen upon the ocean, but they all mock
the power of description.
The rising and setting sun — The moon and stars --
The beautiful and variegated clouds — The ocean, in all its forms of gran
deur excite in my bosoms (!) sensations altogether indescribable.
I often
stand on deck with my dear husband, to watch the slowly retiring sun, as he
emits his last ray upon this water: then mark the progress of the Queen of
night as she rises in cioudless majesty above the horison (!) scattering
her silver light over the dark expanse beneath.
enchanting than you can imagine,
Such scenes are more
(p. 17) A holy awe seems to pervade every
feeling of my soul: and I forget for a moment that all these beauties shine
for rebel man, — that all this profusion of beneficence is lavished on the
evil and unthankful.
20th
Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him.
Today we crossed the tropic.
The weather grows so cool I should think
that we were verging toward the frigid instead the torrid zone.
are becoming quite systematic in the disposal of their time.
Our family
We rise at 6,
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engage immediately in the duties of the morning —
devotional books and excercise (t) till 9.
breakfast at 7 — read
The bell in the cabin is then
rung, to call the family together, and we are all busily engaged in read
ing, writing or sewing till 12.
the same manner.
view the ship.
The afternoon from 2 till 5 is spent in
This afternoon a few of us went out in a whale boat to
We took a circuit round of her of about two miles.
Hr. S
took a sketch of the ship which he intends to preserve & send to his friends.
While we were some distance from the ship, Cooperea (Kupelii) threw himself
into the water from the ship in order to show us his dexterity (p. 18) in
swimming.
A short time after he came on board a shark greedy of human
flesh was seen not far from the ship.
I hope this will deter the gentle
men from bathing in the water as they had intended.
Dec. 24th. Lat. 18.
21.
Lon. 22. 37.
We have anticipated much pleasure in touching at Cape Verd(e).
This morning
on account of unfavourable wind, the Cpt. thought expedient to change his
course.
The day has been squally, and we might have hazarded our lives if
we had attempted to make for the Islands.
We fear that our American friends
will be disappointed at not hearing from us at that place: but we hope to
be favoured with an opportunity to send letters before we reach the Islands
by some ship, bound for America.
Very early yesterday morning the man stationed on the foretop mast
announced the appearance of a whale by singing out "There she blows"
It
proved to be a shoal of blackfish, or species of whale, valuable chiefly
for their oil.
No hesitancy was discovered in taking them on account of
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its being the sabbath — nor did it at all disturb our religious service at
the usual hour.
Two boats were immediately sent out to take them (p. 19) and the glittering
harpoon and spear, and other implements of death, were ready for the attack.
The men were gone out for about two hours, all which time they were viewed
distinctly from the ship.
place where I stood.
One fish was taken but a few yards from the
Immediately after the harpoon entered the fish the
unhappy animal flounced about and run away with the boat.
The men gave up
the management of the boat entirely to the fish.
At last faint and exhausted
with the loss of blood he became an easy victim.
They pierced his body
several times with the spear -- fastened him to the boat -- and in their
turn ran away with the fish.
The two whales caucht (!) were each about
22 feet in length and 5 feet in diameter, and furnished nearly four barrels
of oil.
This supply came very opportunely as our lamp oil was nearly
exhausted.
Dec. 25th
dinner.
Today the last of our chickens were killed to furnish a Christmas
They looked so wretchedly meager I think they would soon have died
of hunger. — The hymns, passages of scripture and prayers this evening
were appropriate, and designed to bring to mind our obligations to God for
the unspeakable gift of his son to a ruined world.
(p. 20) Geometry —
Dec. 29th
Commenced the study of
health daily improving.
For the last few days we have been making rapid progress toward
the equator:
sailing sometimes at the rate of 8 & 9 knots an hour.
The
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thermometer stands at 80.
kind.
30th
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This morning two sharks were caught of a small
They have a most frightful appearance.
We are now becalmed in Lat. 4. 41. N.
this latitude.
Vessels often lie becalmed in
The weather is excessively hot -- cold baths are recommended.
I think I shall try them as soon as a convenient place is provided.
Many
of the gentlemen threw themselves into the water and sported sometime this
morning.
A sight of the sharks do not seem to frighten them.
Our evenings are still delightful.
I wish I could describe to you the
appearance of the phosphorescence of the ocean.
The water round the ship
as she passes swiftly through it, often appears like liquid fire.
whole ocean sometimes seems to be on fire.
The
The falling drops of rain in
the ocean when the evenings are dark is the most beautiful sight in the
world.
Every drop looks like a pearl.
Jany 1, 1823
Lat. 3° 24' N. Long. 21° 30' W.
Through the tender mercy of God I am permitted to enter upon another year.
(p. 21) Mhat strange and interesting scenes are to open upon me this year
who can tell?
Before the earth shall have again completed her circuit this
throbbing heart may cease to beat, and the hand which writes be nerveless
in the grave.
The ocean on whose tranquil bosom I am now borne silently
along may be commissioned to entomb me:
or if permitted to reach my des
tined port, and to commence a work to which I have looked forward for a
number of years with delight, the angel of death may be empowered to call
me hence to appear before the
"Judge of the quick and the dead."
When
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looking forward to the future and anticipating a life of toil, or an early
grave my soul flies to God, her only refuge.
The hope that he will accept
my imperfect services and receive me at last to his kingdom of glory, for
the sake of the dear Redeemer is a hope so precious, that compared with it
all the glittering trifles —
utter insignificance.
the pomp and glory of the earth fade into
This morning I was enabled to consecrate
myself
afresh with all I am and have to the service of God — To supplicate
peculiar mercies for the Capt, officers and crew.
0 that this year may
be the commencement of a new life begun in their souls! (p. 22)
Jany 2d. — Have seen today a large number of flying fish.
as large as trout, and are quite as good when cooked.
the ship which were soon devoured.
They are about
Two only have visited
A dolphin was caught last Monday.
is a very beautiful fish, and when cooked nearly as good as shad.
It
The meat
of the black fish is darker coloured than beef, and of a coarser grain.
The liver tastes like hogs liver.
it when cooked.
Jany 6th.
The sailors were fond of some part of
Very little of it was eaten in the cabin.
A porpoise was caught this morning the size of a hog.
quite diverting to witness a school of them together.
will be seen in one company.
Perhaps 30, or 40
They usually jump several feet out of water --
and resemble very much large black swine. —
and ironing today in the open air —
scalded my preserves.
It is
I have accomplished my washing
set my little room in order — and
I mention these things that you may know how healthy
and vigorous I am.
Jany 9th. — Spoke a Portuguese Brig bound to the west of Africa.
When we
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saw that she was desirous of speaking us, and perceived her colours to be
of a foreign nation, we were very apprehensive that she was a pirate,
Her appearance on the whole was gloomy and suspicious.
(p. 23)
As she glided by us,
all the compassionate feelings of our souls were awakened for the poor
injured (?) children of Africa, who we believed were soon to be torn from
country and friends and made slaves to merciless tyrants.
0, when will this
long neglected race, no longer groan under the galling yoke of slavery!
When will they be raised in the scale of being, and be permitted to assume
those rights which providence has not denied any of the children of Adam?
Jany 11th.
Lat. 12. 25' S. Lon
A most delightful day.
30. 14' W.
Although we are now in South Latitude, and approach
ing rapidly towards the sun, yet we are never uncomfortable on deck beneath
our awning.
This afternoon Mr. Richards, carried our mattress and spread
it on the space back of the stern.
Then with our faces turned towards the
land of the West, (and with feelings not altogether unlike what the children
of Abraham feel when looking towards their ancient city) we mingled our tears —
spoke of those we love; — and in our hearts commended them to the merciful
care and guidance of our common Lord. (p. 24)
Sabbath 12th.
Lat. 14. 24' S. Lon. 32. 5' W
Our sabbath has not been interrupted today by any incident.
We worshiped
God in the morning in the cabin, in the afternoon on deck without molesta
tion.
The means of grace are becoming daily more interesting; still no
fruits of the spirit appear in the lives of the sailors.
of the dear mission family be disappointed?
Shall the hopes
Will none of them be persuaded
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to "seek Him, that maketh the seven stars and Orion", "who rides upon the
stormy sky, and manages the seas"?
Jany 14th.
Saw a number of sails at a distance steering different courses.
The weather has been excessively hot and sultry, for a few days past, so
that with my ordinary lesson in Euclid and a little reading, I have done
little but lounge on my mattress.
I fear this listless and inactive life
will not only endanger my health, but unfit me for the laborious duties
which I may hereafter be called to perform.
Yet I do hope that the
refreshing breezes which are always experienced at the Sandwich isles;
and a walk of several miles on land, will once more invigorate
my (p. 25)
system, and give elasticity to my spirit.
Jany 17th.
Lat 23° 49'. Lon. 41°. 4'.
Two birds have lately paid us a visit from land.
Booby.
One named Juan the other
The Juan was a beautiful bird, with a long bill, & a glossy dove-
like plumage.
It was about the size of a pigeon.
The Captain caught it,
and held it some time for the gratification of the passengers.
now one hundred miles from land.
Opposite the Brazil coast.
Me are
Thousands of
miles divide me, from all that my heart has held dear on earth.
contented and happy.
Yet am I
I never had more real enjoyment in my life.
It is
true, however that the recollection of past scenes -- of the happiness I
once enjoyed in the society of dear friends in my beloved country, produces
a momentary feeling of sadness, and I am often compelled to retire into
some private corner and weep.
In such moments I am not alone.
Very few
of the family can yet speak of their parents, brothers & sisters, without
�-
being affected to tears.
18 -
Can those dear friends believe that we did not
love them, when we were willing to forego their 'loved society for that of
the heathen?
I do^ believe that those who are the most ready to make such
a sacrifice for the cause of Christ, have in reality the most ardent attach
ment, and the purest affection (p. 26) for their friends.
"For if they do
not love their brethren whom they have seen, how can they love those whom
they have not seen?"
"God is my witness, how I do long for them all in the
bowels of Jesus Christ."
May God reward them all for their kindnesses, and
for their prayers may he render tenfold blessings into their own bosoms.
The female members of the family have the cabin to themselves this afternoon
for a religious meeting.
Dear absent friends are remembered with affection
in our prayers.
Jany 20th.
Lat 28. 48'. S.
Lon. 47. 00.W.
A short time since it was thought expedient by Capt. C. and the members of
the mission family, that the ladies should superintend the cooking.
Accord
ingly they perform the duties of this department each one week in succession.
The steward and cook are both good natured and obliging, and we feel willing
to render them all the assistance in our power in their arduous work.
morning I commenced m^week of managing the concerns of the table.
This
Besides
doing a fortnights wash for myself and Mr. R., I have made two puddings for
dinner, biscuit for supper, (without milk or eggs), and withal got my usual
lessons.
The motion of the (p. 27) ship has been more violent today than
for a number of weeks.
the Cape.
Me expect very tempestuous weather until we pass
�-
22d.
Lat. 35. 7' S.
19 -
Long. 52. 7' H.
This has been a joyful day to the passengers of the Thames.
ship Hebe of Philadelphia was in sight a number of hours.
The American
To see a ship
with American colours was a more interesting sight to us than you can con
ceive.
She is from Buenos Ayres, & bound to Rio Janeiro and Lisbon.
She
is a ship of about 350. ton, and had it was thought 250 men on board.
Our
joy was not a little damped when we had spoken her anRfound that she was
not bound to America.
The sea has run so high today that it would have
been impossible to have sent letters on board if she had been bound to an
American port.
About 6 this eve experienced a violent squall.
All was confusion on deck for a few moments, and many things in the cabin
were thrown to the leeward.
Today for the first time, we saw the spouting
of the spermaceti whale, about a half mile at the windward of us.
is very strong, and we expect a rolling night,
25th.
The wind
(p. 28)
Yesterday we experienced a severe gale from the M attended with hard
squalls of rain.
stream.
The sea has not run so high since we left the Gulph (!)
Some of the family seasick —
others not a little alarmed.
Casks
on deck and everything not strongly lashed were thrown to the leeward.
The Cooper badly hurt.
In such storms I can realize the meaning of the
Psalmist; Psalm CVII. and with the same holy gratitude I would now exclaim,
"0 that man would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful
works to the children of men!"
26.
The ship has been rolling from side to side, and pitching violently
through the night, yet my sleep has not been broken nor have unpleasant
�-2 0 -
dreams disturbed my repose.
As soon as sleep has closed my eyelids my
thoughts revert to dear friends in A.
I believe I have not failed one
night since I came on board to dream of some North Hampton friend.
But
whenever I meet them in these visits of fancy, I find I am always in haste
to be gone -- the last look -- the tender adieu —
thousand times been repeated.
the parting kiss has a
Can I ever cease to love?
Ah, no, no, no!!!
I have spent a principal part of this evening on deck,I think I never
(p. 29) witnessed a more delightful scene.
The elements seem to repose in
silent tranquility while the bright moon shed her mild radiance over the
bosom of the deep, now scarcely broken by a single wave.
All was peace,
in heaven -- in the air -- on the sea; God, he who rules the raging of
the deep had spoken the word.
27th.
"And there was a great calm."
No preaching today on account of the incessant motion of the ship.
The noise of the wind whistling through the naked rigging gives a most
dismal sound — experienced -- light squalls of rain -- heard thunder at
a distance.
Mr. R was expected to preach today, but a slight rheumatic
complaint has confined him to the bed a principal part of the day.
His
health usually good.
One of the sailors appears to be seriously impressed.
He came to Mr. S
the other day with a serious countenance and with the utmost apparent
sincerity requesting to be instructed in the great things of religion.
This has quite encouraged the brethren to persevere in their benevolent
purpose of imparting to them religious instruction.
and has great influence among the crew.
He is the boatswain,
Should he become religious he
�-2 1 -
will be very useful as he is quite intelligent, and posseses great (p. 30)
openess (!) of character.
This evening prayers in in (!) the cabin.
Two
sailors only were present, but I never witnessed more solemn countenances.
Surely God is in the midst of us.
28th.
"Bless the Lord 0 my soul."
Awoke this morning and found that all of the sisters are indisposed,
and no one able to perform the duties of a superintendent.
I am remarkably
well and trust I shall have strength imparted to go through the usual
routine of duties another week.
At least, I hope to be able to do some
thing for the comfort of those who are sick.
Saturday Feby 1st. Lat. 43° 04' S.
Lon. 58. 60'
For a few days past I have been visited like the rest with a slight indis
position — consider myself now convalescent —
the sickness of most of us
was occasioned by the violent and almost incessant rocking of the ship and
the want of sleep and excercise (!).
The wind never sleeps of (!) the Rio
de la Plate -- but storms and tempests there seem to be permitted to expend
their fury.
We have now safely passed the dangers of de la Plate and
are fast pursuing our course to the Cape —
sailing at the rate of 8 knots.
We are now 50 fathoms water, about one hundred miles from land.
is of a (p. 31) muddy green.
atmosphere today.
The water
Not a cloud has been seen floating in the
It seems quite like an Indian summer.
A number of fin
back whales were seen playing about the ship on Wednesday last.
I gazed at
one which was but a few feet from me, that we thought to be 60 feet in
length.
The sailors throw their harpoons very frequently at the large
fishes, (not whales) as they sport about the ship.
To the harpoons are
�-2 2 -
attached long ropes.
Several men were employed in drawing up a shark
which weighed about one hundred pounds.
Sabbath, Feby 2. Lat. 45. 00.
Lon. 61.50.
Early this morning we were awakened by the loud cry of SailO! from on deck.
The passengers were up and at their writing desks before the sound of the
alarm had died away.
London.
Me found that she was the Brittania Capt. Luce from
The Capt. is an American and an acquaintance of Capt. Clasby's.
The crew are principally Englishmen.
They are on a cruising voyage and
will probably fall in with some American ship before quitting these seas.
As only a short time was allowed the passengers to prepare their letters,
and as my rest had been very much distrubed for a number of nights I did
not rise until it was considered too late to prepare (p. 32) letters to
send by her.
Mr. R. wrote a few lines in haste to his parents which will
of course be seen by you.
Capt. C, Mr. R, and several others accepted the
polite invitation of Capt. L to go on board.
I ascended the deck just as
the boat was letting down to convey them to the ship.
The swell of the
sea would sometimes hide them entirely from my view; and if I had not before
witnessed a similar scene, I should often have supposed they had sunk to
rise no more.
Although these whale boats are very light and fragile, yet
they weather the most tempestuous seas, and ride with perfect security over
waves of astonishing size.
They found the crew destitute of religious
books, and sunk in the lowest dephs (!) of degradation and vice.
They
accepted the books which were sent them, with expressions of thankfulness,
and with countenances which bespoke the sincerity of their hearts.
This is
the second mission which has been sent out by the Thames to fellow-voyagers
on the stormy main since she left the coast of America.
Such opportunities
�-
23 -
of usefulness we would consider as afforded us by that merciful providence
which has guided us hitherto; and demands from us unceasing gratitude and (p. 33)
praise.
About 4 o clock we assembled on deck for the purpose of holding
religious service.
Mr. Richards was again expected to preach.
We had
hardly taken our accustomed seats when a sudden squall of rain forced us to
retire to the cabin.
After the men were released from their employment on
deck, the bell rung for meeting in the cabin.
Some of the sailors were
present and listened with becoming seriousness while Mr. R. read the 2nd
Chapt. of Hebrew, and commented upon it.
and will not soon be forgotten.
The season was a precious one,
I think the members of the family are
"striving together in their prayers" for the conversion of the immortal
beings on board this ship.
A half hour after the family devotions of the
evening is observed as a season of prayer with particular reference to a
revival of religion among us.
We have abundant encouragement to believe
that the spirit of God is operating on the hearts of some of the sailors.
Mon. Feby 3rd
This day we remember that the Christian world are praying for us, and for
that cause which we profess to have near our hearts.
0, did they know how
much grace is needed to discharge with (p. 34) fidelity our important
trust —
Could they realize in some degree our situation —
separated from
the Christian world, without the opportunity of reading their interesting
publications which almost daily issue from the press, and with which the
Christian public are almost surfeited, —
Could they be made sensible how
liable we are to sink into a state of apathy without this intelligence to
invigorate our dying faith, to warm & animate our frozen hearts.
Surely,
they would not be cold and heartless in their petitions this evening.
But
�-
24 -
with a more lively faith in the Promise and a more ardent zeal for the
advancement of the Redeemers glory, they would use importunity in pleading
for blessings, not only on those who have devoted themselves to the work of
evangelizing the heathen, but, that the happy day may be hastened when the
kingdom of this world shall become the peaceable kingdom of our Lord and
of his Christ.
Feby 5 Lat. 49° 40' S Lon. 64 30'M
Some of my dear friends who are warm admirers of the beauties of nature —
who love a walk at sunset — and feel a kind of holy transport as their
thoughts are directed at that tranquil season to the Creator of all things
would have had (p. 35) their imaginations feasted (?) and every warm feeling
of their hearts gratified had they witnessed the scene which I have this
evening witnessed.
But I shall fail of giving any adequate description of
a scene so truly sublime.
The day had been cold and uncomfortable and the
family as usual at such seasons had kept close to the cabin.
About an hour
before sunset we were invited on deck with the assurance that we should be
highly gratified with the scene which was then exhibited.
The clouds
which had been floating in the atmosphere through the day had sunk towards
the horizon; and the sun sometimes partly obscured, then shining forth in
full orbed splendor, shed such glory over the whole heavens that we stood
several moments rapt in wonder and admiration.
The clouds were fringed with
the most beautiful colors which nature or imagination can paint; and so
varied were they in their forms and appearances,that some fancied they saw
near the setting sun a beautiful city set on a hill whose glittering spires
reached almost to heaven.
In some little opening between the clouds, which
�-
25 -
seemed to rest upon the waters were seen ships going into harbour or lying
at anchor stretched along some (p. 36) fairy coast.
As for myself, I could
think of nothing but St. John's description of the "New
Jerusalem."
We
gazed upon this enchanting scenery until our eyes were completely dazzled
by the powerful effulgence.
Just as the sun had sunk beneath the waters
the evening bell rang for prayers.
On deck and under the beautiful canopy
of the heavens we presented our evening sacrifice of prayer and thanks
giving.
An unusual appearance of devotion was apparent in the countenances
of many of our little group as they raised their cheerful notes of praise
to Him who sits enthroned above the clouds and whose glory fills the earth.
Sat. Feby 8th —
It would be difficult to describe to you the joy that sparkled in every eye
this morning as the pleasing intelligence was announced that Staten Island
was in sight.
After having been 79 days out of sight of land you may well
imagine that we did not hear the cry without emotion.
The first view of
the mountains did not differ much from clouds which we often see apparently
resting upon the waters.
They were at the distance of 52 miles.
We came
up with them about 2 in the afternoon at the distance of 8 miles.
With
the assistance of a spy glass we discovered a (p. 37) little shrubbery, and
a few scattered trees upon the island; but to the naked eye they had the
appearance of a mass of rude unshapely rocks piled one above another —
destitute of verdure or any thing to relieve the aching sight.
I felt an
indescribable pleasure in looking at them -- for I fancied they bore some
faint resemblance to Mt. Holyoke & Tom, in the vicinity of my dear native
town.
With this idea, I could not forbear associating in my mind the scenes
�-
26 -
of former days, when I sat under their shadow with delight surrounded by
those I loved, and in whose society the peaceful days of childhood and
youth had sped so imperceptibly away.
Feby 12th.
The weather is now extremely cold and uncomfortable.
I have put on my
flannel, and I never go on deck unless it be for a moment without my red
shawl, cloak, and hood.
My hood stuffed with cotton is a great comfort.
It was presented by a benevolent lady in N H.
I am able to keep very com
fortable in the cabin by wearing a great coat, or double gown over my
bombazit(?)Jhe nights are comfortable, and we sleep under very few clothes.
How long Providence may see fit to keep us in this cold and cheerless
region is uncertain.
Most of the ships which sail round here, are generally
detained many days by contrary (p. 38) winds.
has smiled upon our little band.
could have been expected.
Thus far a kind providence
Our passage has been as agreeable as
May we never forget the loving kindness of the
Lord, nor our obligation to live devoted to his service.
Feby 15th.
Lat. 56°. 02'. S.
Long. 70°. 33'. W.
The weather continues unpleasant — we have rain hail or snow every day,
and a high sea -- The rolling and pitching of the ship has been so violent
and incessant for two or three days that some of the family have not been
able to get any quiet rest.
Two or three of the ladies are seasick when
ever the ship pitches violently.
Mj^ sleep is seldom disturbed by the
motion of the ship, yet I have had a few wakeful nights of late from other
causes.
The noise on deck when any change in the wind takes place and the
�-
27 -
calling of the watch at the stated hours of 12, and 4, often awake me like
the cry of fire.
Many times have I found myself awaking from a pleasant
interview with some dear friend, and can hardly persuade myself that it is
an illusion.
A few nights since, after a very precious interview with some
dear friend, and can hardly persuade myself that it is an illusion.
A few
nights since, after a very precious interview with some friends at that
dear spot which I once could call my home, my thoughts were involuntary (!)
directed to that dear brother, who but a (p. 39) short time since was con
signed to an early grave, in a land of strangers.
My heart bled afresh;
and I seemed to feel for an hour all the anguish which the news of his sud
den death first occasioned.
I thought of the many pleasant things I might
write to him respecting my voyage, and settlement in a strange land, that
would deeply interest his feelings — but oh! the spirit that once animated
that lovely form is fled, and the mouldering tenement lies crumbling beneath
its parent earth.
No paternal feet will be permitted to press the cold turf
that covers his dear remains, or beloved sister shed over it the tears of
affectionate regard.
From these mournful reflections I reverted to the
situation of my dear parents with regard to their other children — and I
felt, that though a righteous God had afflicted them in the removal of some
of their number by death, and one to a distant land, yet he was kind, and
gracious still — manifesting the most tender regard to their dearest
interests.
With streaming eyes, and an overflowing heart, I spent the
lonely midnight hour, in supplicating mercies, rich, spiritual, and eternal
for their souls.
Feby 17th.
It would give me pleasure if I would give you all a correct,
�-
28 -
and definite account of the manner in which I spend my time.
Were I to
relate the truth, as it respects myself (p. 40) (unacquainted as you are
with the situation of ship passengers) I fear you would conclude that I
had lost all my energy and become extremely lazy in my habits.
But in
justification of myself, I would say, that it is utterly impractible (!)
to perform as much work of any kind on board ship, as on land — There
are a thousand interruptions in the course of the day which are entirely
fortuitous and which we cannot control.
Many of our number have not
enjoyed their usual health since they have been at sea.
Two of the ladies
who commenced the study of Euclid with me, have relinquished it on account
of ill health, and left me to pursue it alone.
I have almost completed
the second book, and have just made a Scotch plaid gown for my dear hus
band; but then I have accomplished so little to what I anticipated when
I embarked, that I make little account of it.
Mr. Richards had not suf
ficient time while in N. Haven to get all his clothes made up —
I then
thought that I should have sufficient time, on the passage, and did not
therefore regret it.
untouched.
I have yet made but one full suit —
four remain
In warm and pleasant weather Mr. R. and myself have been in
the habit of spending our evenings on deck.
Since the cold weather com
menced we are happy to retire behind (p. 41) the curtains that surround
our little room, and spend the peaceful hours, in reading or in talking
over past scenes, and repeating the never-to-be-forgotten names of dear
American friends.
Feby 22d. -- It is now just a fortnight since we left Staten Land, and
have not yet progressed but 180 miles.
we
The poor sailors have been drenched
�-
29 -
with rain a principal part of the time.
Me have had one constant gale of
wind from the West, varying a point or two M. & S.
It is little surprising
that we have made an^ progress, with constant headwinds.
Our detention here
has occasioned some profitable reflections on the providence of God.
What
a delightful doctrine, that this providence governs all events that not a
sparrow falls to the ground without his permission.
This has been the
solace of m^ heart in many a dark hour of affliction.
March 3d.
My dear parents would rejoice would they know that the most
dangerous part of our voyage is completed.
In just three weeks from the
time of our leaving Staten Land, we find ourselves on the other side of the
Cape opposite the straits of Magellan.
places on the map to my dear pupils.
How often have I pointed out these
Precious youth!
I often think of
them, and do sometimes indulge the hope that I shall (p. 42) be permitted
to welcome some of them to my humble cot in the land of Owhyee.
This is a cold and comfortless region.
It has rained, hailed or snowed
every day but one for the last three weeks.
There are however many agree
able things even in this place where storms and tempests are perpetual.
The great number, variety and beauty of the birds which inhabit these seas
is a matter of astonishment to us all.
been caught.
Two or three goonies have lately
One which was considered a small one for the kind measured
10 feet from the extremities of its wings.
The birds in the South Sea
are generally larger than the tropic birds.
Last Saturday night we had the wind directly in our favour.
In the course
of the night we progressed 100 miles — most of the time sailing at the
�-
30 -
rate of 12 knots, which is as fast as any ship ever sails.
The starboard
side of the ship, which is the side (upon which) I sleep, came down upon
her side so low, that the water was several feet deep on that side of the
deck.
The man at the helm was some times over his boots in water.
Not
withstanding all the noise and confusion which a night like this occasions
on deck, those who occupied the cabin, slept as sweetly and securely as
though the bosom of the deep had (p. 43) been unbroken by a single wave.
The thought that we are making some progress towards the place of our
destination, already exhilarates the spirits of the poor weatherbeaten
mariners.
Yesterday we enjoyed a day of sacred rest.
At four in the
afternoon Mr. R. preached in the cabin to a small attentive audience,
many of whom, I trust, could adopt the language of the Psalmist, "My soul
fainteth for the courts of the Lord; my heart, and flesh crieth out for the
living God."
For five sabbaths we had been debarred the privilege of our
stated worship.
During this interval, how often have my dear friends
trodden the threshold of the sanctuary, and listened to the words of eter
nal life!
I think my heart does sincerely say, "I have loved the habita
tion of thine house and this place where thine honour dwelleth."
How
cheering is the thought that the most High is not confined to temples made
with hands —
In every place where the servants of Christ are assembled,
though few in number and despised by the world there dwells the Blessed
Spirit, to impart grace and consolation to fainting souls.
March 6th.
It is quite reviving once more to appear on deck and inhale a pure atmos
phere.
Our cabin is so small, and closely stowed, that we have no room
�-
31 -
for excercise (i) (p. 44) there; and during the rainy weather we were
obliged to sit, or lounge on our mattress from morning till night.
weather at sea is far more unpleasant than on land.
take regular excercise (!).
Rainy
I have now begun to
Mr. R. has measured a distance on deck which
I walk 40 times after breakfast and as many times after tea which makes
a mile.
My dear, and best friend has a choice selection of books, which
are placed on shelves arranged in our little room.
Our bed fills up the
space that we occupy, so that we have no place when the bed is down, to
stand, or sit -- But then we seat ourselves generally in the Hindoo style;
and when we please we can turn up one half of the bed, and we have a con
venient sofa.
Indeed my dear friends, I am rich in all things; and enjoy
in a happy and contented mind a "continual feast."
Providence has blest
me with the kindest and tenderest of friends, whose society and converse
sweetens every care — and whose pious counsels and prayers lead my thoughts
to the blissful centre of all good.
The dear brethren and sisters, with
whom it is my happy privilege to be associated, I most ardently love —
The sisters are continually exhibiting traits of character, (p. 45) which
bring to remembrance the dear friends I have left behind.
In addition to
these comforts, how do my many religious privileges — the prospect of
future usefulness in a way my fond heart has long desired -- and the
blessed hope of a glorious immortality, swell the long catalogue of blessings
and cause "my cup to overflow".
My dear mother will say with a sigh, "poor
child: she knows not what heavy trials await her in a heathen land, should
she escape a watery grave".
No, dear mother; God has wisely concealed
from us the future; but he has promised to defend his children as the
"apple of his eye" — None who put their trust under the shadow of his wing
�-
shall be disappointed.
32 -
To Him I humbly hope I have fled for refuge.
Let
these considerations my dear mother calm your agitated bosom and lead you
to rejoice rather than weep when you think on far distant C -- I entreat you
dear relatives, dry those tears -- they were fast streaming — and I tried
to kiss them off — are they falling now?
Mill you not when the heart is
ready to sink -- and deep waters (p. 46) rise above your heads —
the blessed Jesus for consolation?
look to
Mill you not prepare to meet her whom
you ever loved on the other side of Jordan?
There on a green and flowery mount
Our weary souls shall sit —
And with transporting joys recount —
The labours of our feet.
And think you, dear mother, if we are thus unspeakably blest, that a review
of the past dealings of God, by which he has made us "meet to be partakers
of the inheritance of the saint in light", will not be exceedingly joyous?
Yes, we shall then if not before, bless the kind, tender, chastening hand
of our heavenly Father.
Me shall then
wonder that our strifes had been
so few, and bless him that not one had been omitted.
0 may we, who are
linked together by the ties of consanguinity and affection, not be sep
arated in eternity. 0, what joy will thrill this heart — when I shall
hear that you all are the followers of Jesus —
that you despise the shame
and are bearing the cross after the despised Nazarene.
answered, we shall meet at Gods right hand.
If my prayers are
To him (p. 47) I love ever to
commend you all.
March 8th.
0 that I could communicate to dearest friends the joyful intelligence that
�-
33 -
has animated every pious heart on board this ship, that another soul is
born into the kingdom of Christ.
The 3d mate, an interesting young man in
whom the Capt places unbounded confidence gives delightful evidence of having
past (!) from "death unto life."
He has the affection and confidence of the
whole crew, and the change in him seems deeply to affect some of their hearts.
Two of the most promising among the seamen appear deeply impressed —
"This
is the Lords doing, and marvellous (!) in our eyes".
March 10th.
This has been a precious sabbath to this little mission band.
As I ascended deck this morning I was forcibly struck with the surprising
changes which had taken place in the conduct of the crew.
The most perfect
order and stillness was observed -- and the serious countenances of many,
their decent deportment -- their attentive perusal of the scriptures and
other good books — evinced, that the spirit of God was operating on their
hearts constraining them to a life of holiness.
Mr. L, the 2d mate professes
a hope in Christ -- The 1st mate seems weighed down (p. 48) with a sense
of guilt.
May God direct these anxious souls to the bleeding sacrifice on
Calvary's mount, and preserve those who hope in his mercy from dishonouring
his blessed cause.
March 12th.
This morning spoke the Brig Tiber.
It just occurred to me
that E, and I, may wish to know the conversation which usually takes place
when two ships speak each other.
As soon as the Tiber had approached suf
ficiently near, Her Commander, who had the appearance of a perfect gentle
man, raised his speaking trumpet to his mouth and inquired, "what ships
that"?
Capt C "The Thames from N Haven".
Stranger, How many days out?
�-
Capt. C. 110.
34 -
Stranger, Are you bound to Valparaiso?
Sandwich Islands.
Capt. C. No, to the
The Captain of the Tiber then dropped his speaking trum
pet as a signal for Capt Clasby to ask any questions which he wished.
immediately inquired, "Where you from?
Valdivia.
Capt. C.
How many days out?
your longitude?
Stranger.
make us a visit?
Capt. C.
Stranger.
Capt. C.
Valparaiso, bound to
Stranger. 8.
Capt. C.
What's
81°. 15'. ------ Will you come on board and
No, I thank you sir, the wind is too good.
What success have you had.
Sorry for it.
Stranger.
He
Capt. C.
Have you any news?
None at all.
Stranger.
Stranger.
Valparaiso is
(p. 49) in a state of revolution, the Patriots have been defeated — The
Franklin 74.
Commander Stewart, is lying there— By this time they were too
far off to be distinctly heard by each other.
—
Capt. C. waved in farewell
and the Capt. of the Tiber bowed very low and replied, Success in your
voyage.
Some of the company regretted that they did not accept the invi
tation of the Capt. of the Tiber and learn more respecting the Franklin.
Commodore Stewart is a cousin of brother Stewart.
We expect to see the
Franklin at Woahoo soon after our arrival at that port.
April 20th.
Our course for the last few weeks has been fraught with few
incidents.
We have experienced no storms or calms; but a constant favour
able breeze has attended us since we passed the dangers of the Capt.
angel of the Everlasting Covenant has been our protector.
The
4
Nothing but
ill health would have prevented me from writing in my journal as usual.
I
have some of the time been so feeble as to need assistance in getting on
deck.
My strength an (!) appetite was nearly gone; but through the bless
ing of God I am now fast recovering, and hope in a little time to be as hardy
as ever.
Mr. R, has been my principal nurse, and I assure you every (p. 50)
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35 -
every (!) thing has been done for my comfort which could be done in exist
ing circumstances.
For one^ little comfort I hope I have been grateful.
mentioned the first of the voyage that the water was not palatable.
I
Since
the commencement of cold weather (just before we reached the Cape) the
water has been good.
I have often drank it clear, and in tea and coffee,
I have thought it quite as good as fresh water.
The seriousness on board ship continues.
There has been considerable
opposition among a few of the seamen to the good work, and they have
employed all the arts of which they were capable, to defeat the benevolent
designs of those who would save their souls.
The Boatswain, of whom I have
before spoken, appears to stand firm and immovable in the midst of the
scoffs and jeers of his associates.
Ramsdale, another interesting char
acter appears to be a sincere enquirer.
You may possibly have heard the
fate of the ship Essex, which was stove by a whale two or three years since.
He was one of the few that were almost miraculously preserved.
He said to
the boatswain the other day, I desire faith; but I don't know what it is,
nor how to get it.
The B. (p. 51) with his usual simplicity replied, B.,
I cannot tell you what faith in Christ i_s, but I can tell you what it is not.
It is not knocking off a few old habits, drinking, swearing &c.
It is not
praying to God and overhauling the Bible evetyday — you may do all these
things and be very sincere; but all this is not faith in Christ.
Thursday 24th.
Shall I tell my dear friends that the dangers of the stormy
ocean are nearly passed, and that already appear in view the cloudcapped
mountains of Owhyee.
I have been gazing at the spot where William Kamoolah
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36 -
(Kamooula) says Obookiah was born--and where he spent his untored (untutored)
years.
To describe to you the various emotions that swell my bosom at this
interesting moment, is a task which I am inadequate to perform.
During the
few weeks of my illness I have had sufficient time to examine my own heart,
and to reflect seriously on the importance and great responsibility of the
work in which I have engaged.
0, I do sincerely feel .the need of heavenly
wisdom and abundant grace to fortify my heart against the trials, tempta
tions, and discouragements, which are almost inseparable from a missionary
life.
Though many a sad and melancholy hour has been mine to share, and
many (p. 52) a tear has dimmed my eye since I parted from beloved friends;
yet not one feeling of regret, or one sigh for the comforts of a quiet home
has at any time mingled with those mournful emotions which the thought of
country and friends is sometimes calculated to produce.
In consecrating
myself to the work of enlightening the heathen, I not only obeyed the dic
tates of my own heart, but I am as well satisfied as formerly that I adopted
that course of life which my heavenly Father approves.
This evening the members of the mission family assembled in one of the boats
which is suspended on large hooks on the side of the ship, and with the
lands of heathenism in full view, joined in singing, "O'er the hills of
gloomy darkness."
As we closed the hymn a beautiful star was seen to glim
mer over the highest peak of the majestic Maunakeah.
I could not but feel
that it was the harbinger of a glorious day to the darkened inhabitants of
these isles; and if ever my heart rejoiced in the anticipation of the
universal reign of peace and love —
if ever it glowed with gratitude to
its divine Benefactor -- or was moved to deep commiseration for the sins
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37 -
and miseries (p. 53) of a fallen world, it was at this eventful period, and
while singing this favourite hymn.
I ever saw.
The mountains of Owhyee are the highest
For some distance on the shore there are no trees; but a few
scattered cocoa trees, and very little cultivation.
A few forest trees
appear back upon the mountains.
25th.
We find ourselves this morning in the straits between Owhyee and
Mowee, Owhyee about 10, Mowee about 20 miles distant.
Nothing surely could
exceed the beauty and sublimity of the scene today as the clouds were dis
persed which had partly obscured the lofty heights of Maunakeah, and we
saw distinctly its summit crowned with perpetual snow. —
Early this morn
ing a boat was sent ashore to learn if the king were at Owhyee.
In a few
moments several canoes with native men and women were seen approaching.
I
saw them at a distance; and so deeply did this first view affect my heart,
that I was compelled to retire to the cabin to weep.
After the first emo
tions had subsided, I endeavoured to meet them with a smiling countenance.
I had often heard of heathen, —
indifference) —
I had often spoken of them, (perhaps with
but now I saw them wretched, degraded, ignorant of that
"name by which alone they can be saved", and my heart bled for them.
(p. 54) They were destitute of clothing except a narrow strip of cloth
twisted about their loins.
When they heard we were missionaries that had
come from a distant country to do them good they manifested the liveliest
joy.
Many articles of clothing were given to them, in return for which
they gave us a number of fishes which they had just caught.
It was quite
diverting to to (!) see them put on their new clothes with which they
seemed greatly delighted.
After they were accoutred to their minds they all
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38 -
came on board, and gave us their hands, in a very affectionate manner;
saying, "aloha, miti rtiikonary."
(welcome good missionary)
They left us in
about an hour and made haste to shore to tell to listening multitudes the
news of our arrival.
Other boats have since visited us, but none of the
natives which we have seen have interested our feelings so much as the
first who visited the ship.
26th.
Arose this morning with the mountains of Owhyee, Mowee, Ranai,
Moratoi, Kahoorowa and Woahoo in full view.
A favourable breeze would
carry us into the harbour of Hanaroorah in a few hours; but the probability
I think is, that we shall remain on board another sabbath, (p. 55).
(p. 55)
27th Sabbath.
This morning anchored in the outer harbour of H________ h.
Many American ships are lying not far from us.
is more compact than I had imagined.
The village of H________ h
The mission house which stands like
a beacon about a half mile distant is distinctly in view.
I can not refrain
from expressing surprise & disappointment in regard to the face of the country.
The grass every where
seems withered by the scorching rays of the sun.
No
springs of water; or verdant lawns appear, to refresh the eye of the weary
traveller (!), and give interest and variety to the scene.
The houses at
this distance (with the exception of the Consul's house and the mission
house) may be compared to haystacks.
Mr. R, and others of the brethren
have gone ashore and are not expected to return till evening.
thronged with the wondering gaping natives.
Our ship is
William & Cooperee are telling
a listening group the story of Obookiah, at which they frequently exclaim
(nooi, nooi miti) (very good).
The reason they give for visiting the ships
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39 -
on the sabbath is that the Church is too small to hold one half who would
gladly attend.
The boat has returned confirming the intelli- (p. 56)
gence, which we had before heard from the natives, that Capt Chamberlain
has left the mission.
Those who remain are in good health, and are
wait
ing impatiently to welcome the whole of our number to the scene of their
labours, toils, and comforts.
They attended public worship in the new
chapel and heard a sermon in English by Mr. T.
miles to Mitete to preach.
Mr. 8, had gone three
A messenger was sent to inform him of the
arrival of the reinforcement.
In about 45 minutes Mr. B returned, accom
panied by one ofthe queens, and a messenger from King Tamoree and the
principal chiefs to bid the new teachers welcome, and request them to
attend worship in the evening.
They accepted the invitation.
a seat on a mat beside Tamoree and wife.
slate & requested him to do the same.
Mr. R took
They wrote their names on a
They wished him to be their instructor.
Applications of this kind were made by the chiefs to the rest of the breth
ren present.
Kaahmanoo, the wife of Tamoree (one of great authority in the
islands) said, "We bid you welcome to our islands.
Our hearts are glad
you come, very glad; and we glad you come on taboo day, and have (p. 57)
been with us in our worship.
their waihina."
(wives).
Give our aloha to all the new teachers and
She offered to send the waggon back with them;
but as they declined the favour she sent her attendants to carry them on
their backs over a little stream of water which intersected their path.
Monday Eve—
—
Some of the ladies have been ashore today.
They were
drawn up to the mission house in a little hand cart, surrounded by hundreds
of gaping natives.
Our ship is thronged with them from morning till night.
�-
J
40 -
The degradation of the females in this port, deeply affects my heart.
this subject I could write much —
but delicacy forbids.
On
Me have purchased
many things of the natives, such as cabbages, sweet potatoes, bananas, cucum
bers & melons.
They ask an extravagant price for everything; yet will often
accept a very trifling article of dress, for what they would ask in money
a most enormous price.
April 29th.
This morning notice was given by the fire of a gun for boats to come to our
assistance.
In a few moments twenty-two whale boats well manned were seen
approaching.
They arranged themselves in two rows; and fastening their
boats to the bow of the ship they towed her into the (p. 58) inner harbour
of Hanaroorah.
Hanaroorah, Woahoo
May 1st.
And now what shall I say to my dear parents, brothers, and sister?
While
in America my imagination had often portrayed scenes of the future —
The
humble cot on missionary ground, and all its appurtenances fancy had dressed
in fairy colours —
She had twined around her happy dwelling many romantic
sweets, and scattered with a lavish hand the beauties of natural scenery.
You will ask if the picture exists in real life.
I answer no.
I find
nothing of of (!) this kind; but I do find what is infinitely more valuable.
If our cottage has not all that elegant simplicity about it that I had
fancied, it is far more comfortable within. As I shall give you a picture
of it with my pencil on the opposite page you will not expect a very minute
verbal description.
It contains one room —
feet from the ground to the ridge pole.
22 feet long, 12 wide and 12
Poles from 2-1/2 to 5 inches in
�-
41 -
diameter are driven into the ground several feet apart — which are the
main prop.
Across these are poles or sticks running horizontally a few
inches apart, and tied together, and to the large poles, by bark strings.
Our floor is made of dry grass, over which is spread neat looking mats.
(p. 59)
Me have three windows, or rather holes cut through the thatching
with close wooden shutters.
There are many appertures in the walls suffi
cient for cats and mice to creep through, but as we are not troubled with
either, they have the advantage of making the room more airy.
Mats are
fastened over and at the sides of our bed, except the front which has a
tappa curtain.
Our furniture consists of a bed, two chairs, (one without
a back) a dozen trunks and boxes, and a couple of barrels.
tables made by four large square trunks.
Me have two
On one of them at the head of
my bed, stands Mr. R's writing desk and the beautiful workbox presented by
my beloved Cordelia.
Over this table hangs a small looking glass -- and
on the other table the other side of the window are arranged a few choice
books, most of them testimonials of affection from absent friends.
(The
mission house stands first in the missionary enclosure — a new cook
house joins it — Back of it are 6 thatched houses — two of them put up
for our accommodation before our arrival.
will inform you [who] he is) Mr
houses.
Mr
Ellis (the Missionary Herald
Stewart & Mr Richards have separate
Mr Bishop and Mr Ely occupy the house that afforded Mr Bingham
so pleasant an asylum — Dr
Blatchely and Mr.Goodrich occupy rooms in
the mission (p. 60) house — with Messrs Bingham, Thurston & Loomis.
missionary enclosure contains less than 2 acres of land.
ant habitations we are to remain but a short time.
The
In these pleas
I think not more than
two of the families of the reinforcement will remain here.
Me shall
�probably remain here three months, during which time our principal object
will be to acquire a knowledge of the language.
Two stations at Owhyee,
one at Lahina on Mowee will be occupied by the most of our number.
one of these stations Clarissa will find a home.
At
From that distant
sequestered spot she will think on beloved friends, and for them she will
often pour the fervent prayer.
I have not yet spoken of the manner in which I was conveyed from the shore
to the house, nor of my introduction to the King.
The royal family reside
in a thatched house of superior neatness on the shore.
reclining on a mat covered with velvet.
We found Rehoreho
lamoree and wife and a dozen more
of the heads of the nation were sitting or lying on their mats near the
King.
We were received with kindness and civility by the King and the
royal retinue.
Most of them were dressed in English style.
nothing but a little tappa thrown carelessly about him.
Rehoreho had
A large (p. 61)
elegant table was spread in the centre of the room, on which were placed
many elegant writing desks and small trunks —
scattered about the table like common dust.
did sofa sat the favorite queen of Rehoreho.
Spanish dollars were
Before the table on a splen
She was receiving a tax
which had just been levied in consequence of the new house which the King
had been building — They had never attended to business in this style
before, for the simple reason they had not missionaries to instruct them.
Hundreds of persons came to pay their taxes while we were present.
The
Queen received us with dignity, bade us an affectionate welcome and then
resumed her employment again.
I presented the young princess with my
portable inkstands, (given by cousin Ann Lyman — ) Kapiolani a chiefess
�1
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43 -
I presented with the little server (?) and cushion presented by my beloved
friend Mrs E - - I had nothing to bestow but gifts which I had received
and which I valued, but such I thought it my duty to surrender.
All
carried some trifling gift in their hands to present to some member of
the royal family.
The sides of the rooms were hung round with paintings.
On three sides were hung large and elegant mirrors -- on the ottier side
two portraits of the King.
The room was spacious and splendid — Three
large mahogany bedsteads, surrounded by very rich curtains were in one
corner -- several chandeliers were suspended from the roof similar to
one I saw in one of the churches in N Haven.
I took my seat in the hand
cart with Mrs B___y while Mr R walked at my side with his umbrella to
shield me from the sun.
Wednesday afternoon April 30th.
heathen ground.
Mr R and myself took up our residence on
Saturday afternoon the instructions of the Prudential
Committee were read after this our letters of recommendation.
On Sunday
we joined the church -- and united in celebrating the Lords supper —
Mr & Mrs Stewart gave up their little infant in baptism.
solemn and affecting.
I can write no more at present.
The scene was
Yours ever Clarissa
(The following is written on the back of the front endpaper.
Transcriber's
note.)
May 24th 1823
This paper I only designed for a cover, but as I have filled the other side,
I will add a few lines on this.
With my journal I intended to send many
letters to dear friends in various places, but the Arab Capt M___s goes in
�-44
the morning, and I regret to say I have not one letter written for N
friends, one for Mrs E of Npt.
I shall forward by this opportunity.
A
vessel will sail from this port in about 6 weeks — This opportunity I
shall endeavor to improve — My health is now perfectly restored, although
I have been ill several days since my last date.
Most of the family have been more or less affected by the sudden change
in our manner of living.
If my friends could see me they would not imagine
I had suffered from ill health.
flattering.
Our prospects of usefulness here are very
Give yourselves no uneasiness about me.
I am happy.
me in the most affectionate manner to all my beloved friends.
Remember
When you
have perused these few hasty pages send it to my dear parents in B (?)
I love you all my dear parents, brothers and sister (? page torn) and
commend you daily to heaven.
Write often Elizabeth, and tell of you.
May
God bless you all abundantly and prepare us for heaven prays your ever
affectionate Clarissa.
Mr
R joins with me in love to all our dear friends.
�
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Title
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Richards Family Journals
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Title
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Richards, Clarissa Lyman - Journal - 1822-1823
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Typescript
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Hawaiian Mission Children's Society Library at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives