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The Old Whaling Days

Appendix “E” — The Mary Mitchell Log, 1836. — Journal of the American Whaler “Mary Mitchell,” Captain Samuel Joy, While at Anchor in Cloudy Bay, During the Season of 1836

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Appendix “E”
The Mary Mitchell Log
, 1836.
Journal of the American Whaler “Mary Mitchell,” Captain Samuel Joy, While at Anchor in Cloudy Bay, During the Season of 1836.

Chapter XI. gives full information of all references to American whalers. Other references are given at end of day's entry.

Friday, 22nd April, 1836.

Heavy S.E. gale bad Sea steered down past Cape Campbell looking for the harbor.* At 5 saw it bearing N.W steered for it and at 6 happily came to an Anchor, thus after much toil fatigue and Labour we are happily Arrived at our port it now only remains for us to be thankful to God for his preservation and safe Guidance of us thro these dark times—I shall ever esteem it as a merciful interposition in my favor that thro divine Providence I have been enabled to conduct this ship thro this Passage on a Coast where I was an entire stranger in heavy weather without any person on board acquainted with it any more than myself and to the Lord be the Praise Amen Latter strong S.E. wind. Employed Clearing Ship Ther 58 Bar. 30.30.

* Port Underwood.

Saturday, 23rd April.

fore part strong wind at S.E. employed Mooring Ship. Latter Continues S.E. wind. Broke up the hold Ther 56. Bar 30.20.

page 434

Sunday, 24th April.

fore part fresh wind at S.E. Breaking up the hold for pipes Arrived Jasper and Erie Latter much rain till 7 then cloudy Employed usefully and Variously. Ther 56 Bar. 30.10.

Monday, 25th April.

Employed Setting up pipe shoaks moved the Cook house forward Latter fine Weather employed sending down yards and topmasts unbending Shoaks and other duty.

Tuesday, 26th April.

fine weather and pleasant one Whale seen to-day. Latter calm sent out 4 boats Whaling 6 hands on board Setting up pipes. Natives ashore building a house for us to Carpenter in caught a mess of fish. I this day witnessed the meeting of 2 Sisters Sometime separated their affection was evinced by the closeness of their embraces and Shedding tears abundantly on the whole the show a feeling for each other highly praiseworthy.

Wednesday, 27th April.

fore part calm at 4 boats returned not having seen any thing we employd the time till dark making lug sails for our boats which are needed here. started a cask of Bread in the Cabin Weighed out 12 Ounces to each man per day which is more than we have averaged since we left Home. I thought I would try them with less than a pound having as much meat as they could eat and Potatoes 3 times per Day and if they have more than they can eat they give it the Women.

Latter part cloudy overcast weather at 4 boats away after Whales employed as usual on board setting up shooks others employed occasionally assisting coopers faszening up running rigs and fitting tackles for a spare boat, the natives occasionally on board with fish Turnips and other sauce their grand trade is for tobacco a head page 435 of which with a pipe will buy fish enough to supply all hands at a meal—there appears to be 3 chiefs here and owing to the Conduct of others Preceding us I have made each of them a present—a bad rule but must be followed or their friendship lost—they are a set of great beggars and very importunate till they get what they want in fact there is no satisfying them without you comply, still they appear to be honest.

Thursday, 28th April.

Cloudy and overcast weather wind at South at 4 boats returned without Seeing anything except a Killer*—we are however daily expecting them—there are 6 ships the other side we are alone here as I do not like much Company and a gang of men ashore the other side to carry on Whaling have rum to Sell Which by keeping here we avoid having the trouble of. Latter thick weather much rain lay by nothing to do finding Some words about our house ashore I will detail it as it will give an idea of the dispositions of these natives—On our first arrival here I found it was the common practice for each Ship to have a house on shore to perform thier Coopering in as i preferred having that duty performed under my own inspection I did not care for having a house but on second thought when I reflected it was also needed for to mend boats under and the time taken for that was generally when.the weather was stormy I concluded to have one it was told me by our toungers that the cost was trifling and altogether at the option of a master What and how much be paid I therefore employd 2 chiefs living here to construct me one and they employed another who was father to one of them and thus I am in a fair way of having a house but to pay 3 people for it (the Principal Chief is absent on one of his marauding traverses like the Ancient band Pirates and his authority delegated to 3 chiefs 1 on the western Shore the other 2 here) this morning I went on shore to see as to the house the Old page 436 man began talking about his pay insisting (Indian like) on what he must have as I never employd him I was finally obliged to tell him he need not do anything more about it as i would not have it. this spread and I was immediately waited on by the 2 who begged me not to pay any regard to him this however did not satisfy me I told them as well as I could make myself understood that I would immediately take my ship to the other shore where I could be Supplied with What I wanted on more reasonable terms this seemed to excite their fears and they begged me not to and began to upbraid the old man calling him names even his own son reviling and in this temper I left them Came on board and despatched the boat the other side for a linguist our tounger (The Ships all employ Tonguers and it is a general custom I have acceded on the same terms as others) On his arrival we opened the Subject but they were ashamed and finally settled that they would build the house. I was to pay the 2 and on the same terms as the Agent of the shore party the other side and when I had done using the house the material I was to dispose of in any manner or way suited me but Indian Cunning was plainly to be seen and as far as regards White men I fear their honesty will prove Something Equivocal. I must not omit here Some mention of what are called tonguers. they are here 2 and 3 White people who have a boat and some natives on a Ship arriving they repair on board to solicit the Job for the ship The terms are that they occasionally furnish a crew to help tow whales they furnish a boats crew to help cut the whale in and do any talking for the captain whose ignorance of the language requires their aid in any matters with the natives. When the whale is cut in they are entitled to the carcass and the tongue which in plentiful Whaling is always left on the carcass and they contrive to get for 6 to 8 barrels of oil from each carcass but they are in general Blackguards and no dependence can be put in them—Runaways from Ships Mostly.

* A carnivorous whale which preys upon the right.

page 437

Friday, 29th April.

Commences with calm cloudy weather and much rain till 4 p.m. then cleared up partially with wind at N W We are out of the way and have no visiting from others and do not go ourselves but the otherside the river they are rather troubled with it latter part fresh N.W. Wind and clear dry weather all boats away and Coopers as usual setting up shooks myself and Steward rieving wind tackles and other Petty Jobs So Ends Brig sailed for Port Jackson.

Saturday, 30th April.

Fine weather at 4 boats returned saw nothing at 4 had a visit from Roabolla* the head chief of this bay (Just returned from a marauding expedition) accompanied with the Customary demand of lay of tobacco muskets and cask of Powder Which I peremptorily denied this they returned with a threat I should not whale here to which I replied I was perfectly willing to go to sea for I would not submit to any imposition altho I would present them with the same the English ships and Parties did but no more and if they would not take that they should have nothing they finally consented to receive a dozen pipes 10 Ibs tobacco and a piece of low priced calico of about 30 yards prised 17.4 and a tin Pot then dismissed them with a blessing he afterwards came and demanded supper which I of course declined furnishing him and bade him good bye there is no other way to deal with these people only to Be positive with them and let them know you do not fear them as if any timidity is shown they demand everything they See nor would the ship hold enough for them and the bad conduct of masters has encouraged them to be very importunate I am willing to allow a lone ship there not well armed might be obliged to comply with their requisitions but no excuse can be offered for any one to do so now as there are 7 Ships here all partially armed and shewed me 3 muskets given him page 438 by the Captains of Ships the other side to their shame be in spoken for if they only reflected they would know tis for the interest of these natives to keep on good terms with us as they know if Ships are hindered coming here adieu to their darling Tobacco Muskets and Pipes. I have adopted the line of conduct from my own convictions and the advice of the English Masters here who know them well Latter part strong N W wind Cloudy sent out 3 boats the other kept to do Some necessary duty on board I obtained altitudes by an artificial horizon determining the Latt. 41. 19.30.

Sunday, 1st May.

Commences strong winds Boats returned saw nothing. Cleared Hawse Pardoned Frederick Hesser for stealing old duck the first offence this voyage Latter calm arrived ship Navy—Neal of Newburyport sent out 3 boats went over to the other side to confer with the other captains Relative to giving the chiefs such extra Presents they seemed to view the thing as I did one of them said by way of extenuation he had no pipes no tobacco in fact nothing but muskets but if he had not he could have got them at a trifling expense of us.

Monday, 2nd May.

Commences weather fine at 3 boats returned saw nothing this afternoon I saw with disgust the manner these Natives live or rather exist—in an enclosure containing 9 huts each of which had but one side and the two ends thatched the other side entirely open some facing one way some another to screen them from the wind in whatever direction it might blow. in one I observed 4 sows 2 with litters of Pigs 2 boars 5 dogs a bitch with 5 large pups Sucking, a woman asleep on a mat another scraping raw potatoes to boil another suckling a young child 2 other women sitting on a mat deliberately picking the vermin from their shoulder mats and the men nearly all asleep on the damp ground with nothing under them page 439 but their mats. Accordingly as might be expected tho inured to it from their infancy they all have a bad cold and accompanied with a cough such a miserable set of Natives I never before witnessed and to these disgraces of humanity we must pay tribute in shape of presents! Shame! Latter calm 3 boats out Arrived and anchored below Barque Vermont Poughkeepsie 600 Coopers Employed as usual Went on Shore and got 7 Altitudes to ascertain the Rate of the Chronometer.

Tuesday, 3rd May.

Commences with fine weather took up small boyer and Shifted the chain over end Latter heavy wind from S E Shackled the Chains together hove up best bower and ran it off 50 fathoms more to the N W thus spreading our Anchors N W and S E 60 fathoms each.

Wednesday, 4th May.

heavy wind at S E and Whirlwinds Cleared decks Setting up shooks went on shore with a boats crew and cut a load of wood which is quite handy here and as we can do nothing whaling think it best to cut our wood so that it will be ready when we want it Later moderate S S E wind and pleasant 2 boats out went on shore with the remainder to cut wood ends fine weather.

Thursday, 5th May.

Moderate wind and fair Weather at 4 boats returned having chased 2 whales all over the Bay 28 boats. at 5 returned from the Shore having cut and piled 3 loads wood Latter strong S S E wind sent out 3 boats Arrived ship James Steward St. Johns N B Gardner master 1 boats crew on shore Cutting wood. Coopers employed

Friday, 6th May.

fore part calm boats returned seen nothing today the Second Mate had his boat robbed in his absence of a bottle of rum, it being customary to carry it here so that in case of a hard drag to give it to the boats crew but they page 440 will carry no more from this ship as I will turn it all into the sea first but the Second mate is no officer the fourth Mate is worse I can express my opinion of the others hereafter Latter calm I went out in the bay* myself to look for whales and at Noon landed on the point with the intention of killing or maiming the first Blackguard who should dare to set his foot in my boat without my permission but altho I earnestly wished for an opportunity to have murdered one rascal no one was hardy enough to venture to do it perhaps they thought not but at least I did so

* Cloudy Bay.

Saturday, 7th May.

Commences with fine weather at 4 boats returned at 6 heavy S. E. gale sent on shore 22 cedar boards Latter went out myself with 4 boats saw nothing wind blew up from S E heavy came into the Neck landed about 20 boats there and the most Blackguard language used from 5 english boats there Sparing no person at all in Short I hope I shall ever keep clear of English Ships again as they have no Authority.

Sunday, 8th May.

fore part heavy wind from S E and extreme heavy gusts took Spare boat on shore to mend and paint agreed between Captn Gardner and myself and the two Chiefs Charlie and White that for two Muskets we should have the use of the whole bay for wood Water and landing casks or other things and to keep all out of the bay we choose middle part heavy gale from S E dragd our Small bower home Latter heavy wind and Gusts real Whirlwinds taking the water up in eddies we kept draging our small bower until we brought up to the best bower with 60 fathoms of each chain ahead the James Steward also fortunately for us drifted at the same time and brought up only clear of the rocks astern. Our small anchor although a fine looking one is not heavy enough to ride the Ship page 441 by and as soon as circumstances will allow I mean to get up the spare anchor which is very large and put it down in lieu of the One now down.

Monday, 9th May.

Commences with heavy gales squalls and much rain till 4 then rather more moderate run the kedge off 70 fathoms off the larboard bow the night set in with increasing wind again and heavy squalls with rain we are however in a safe port so far as regards life Latter squally rainy wind at S E cleared hawse and took up larboard anchor Streamed in the hawser and warped the ship in and let go the anchor again after getting up the large spare Anchor from below and bending the larboard chain to it, took the small anchor on the bow, this removing is a tedious job, an all days Job.

Tuesday, 10th May.

squally S S E wind finished removing Latter fine weather Sent out 3 boats Coopers employed finished 40 pipe Shooks

Wednesday, 11th May.

fine weather at 5 boats returned saw no whales at 6 arrived Ship John Adams Luce 100 bbls Latter fresh S W wind boats out Paid Old Blucher the Chief 100 heads tobacco for the house

Thursday, 12th May.

fresh S E wind at 4 boats returned The first Whale goot this Season today by Capt Sinclair Barque Maria Ann of Hobart town one other seen far off Latter part fine weather 3 boats out Went to the Navy with a sick man to the doctor Blacked the bends

Friday, 13th May.

fore part fresh winds at 4 boats returned another whale killed today by the shore party Latter fine weather 4 boats out

page 442

Saturday, 14th May.

fine weather at 4 boats returned 3 whales seen today One killed and sunk by Sinclair Latter fine weather went out myself with 4 boats in hopes to get some whale but see none

Sunday, 15th May.

fine weather at 5 boats returned Nothing seen Latter fine weather Went out with 5 boats the 2 first whales towed in this day

Monday, 16th May.

fore part strong N W wind at 5 boats returned, nothing seen Latter strong N W gale sent the boats out one soon returned stove having ran on a Rock took her in and commenced repairing her

Tuesday, 17th May.

Commences strong N W gale at 4 boats returned nothing seen Latter squally from N W sent 3 boats to the neck to look out but proving very squally at 11 they returned to Ship

Wednesday, 18th May.

heavy N W gales with extreme severe squally wind and rain with heavy gusts our anchor however held on at 6 less wind more rain Latter more moderate sent out 3 boats after whale and one on short to cut wood So ends

Thursday, 19th May.

fine weather at 4 boats returned nothing seen Latter calm boats out employd spare hand in repairing boat

Friday, 20th May.

fore part calm boats returned nothing seen Latter part fresh N W wind sent 2 boats for whales 1 to the Sound* for 2 more men and kept one to mend boat

* Te Awaiti.

page 443

Saturday, 21st May.

fore part fresh N W wind boats returned, 2 whales seen and chased Latter fine weather 3 boats out one returned from the Sound* with 2 men and 5 squaws a necessary evil

* Te Awaiti.

Maori women.

Sunday, 22nd May.

fore part fine weather at 4 the boats returned having seen and chased one whale at 6 arrived the Tuscaloosa Hussey of N Bedford 80 bbls 10 mo Latter part fine weather 5 boats out by means of 3 Mowrees

Monday, 23rd May.

fore part fine weather at 4 boats returned 5 whales 1 killed to the Navy hope we shall get one soon Latter fresh S SE wind out with 5 boats at 11 a raging S Easter glad to get home safe Arrived a Ship and Barque from Sidney the former bound for Banks Isld

Banks Peninsula.

Tuesday, 24th May.

heavy S E gale with severe gusts 40 different ways sent 2 boats crews to cut wood latter continues heavy S E gale sent 2 boats to lookout and 2 boats on shore to cut wood

Wednesday, 25th May.

fore part more moderate at 6 calm Latter part fine weather went out with 5 boats

Thursday, 26th May.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats returned 2 whales killed none for us Latter fine weather 5 boats out

Friday, 27th May.

fore part fresh S E wind at 4 boats returned 1 calf got today Latter part much fine rain went out with 4 boats the 4 mate a lame hand one of our steersman stopped to Save his oar and did not strike the whale O dear

page 444

Saturday, 28th May.

fore part calm at 5 boats returned 1 calf and one whale got today We now have hope hope I live in hope Latter part fine weather went out with 4 boats—Sick

Sunday, 29th May.

fore part fine weather Many whales seen today several struck 3 killed We killed one towed him within 6 miles and anchored him for the night Latter fine weather sent out 4 boats and went on to the hill saw the dead whale pointed the boats by smoke

Monday, 30th May.

Commences with fine weather at 6 boats got in with a dead whale picked up and supposed our whale was Sunk and not Risen Latter part fine weather sent out 3 boats after our whale cut in the other and went out found our whale 7 miles off but none the other boats in sight

Tuesday, 31st May.

fore part strong N W wind, could not tow our whale in began to boil at 7 our boats returned Latter part fresh N W gale went down to look at our whale saw him far off

Wednesday, 1st June.

fresh gales at N W too rough to go out Latter part moderate went out with 4 boats could not find our whale and thus we have lost all our anchors 2 lines and 6 irons

Thursday, 2nd June.

fine weather at 5 boats returned 1 got an anchor from an English ship for 40 lbs tobacco and a steering oar Latter fine weather went out with 4 boats and the Captain Got a large whale wafted and anchored him

Friday, 3rd June.

fine weather at 6 returned to the ship Latter strong S E gale went out to the Whale could do nothing returned Back

page 445

Saturday, 4th June.

fore part strong S E gale with much rain Arrived Ship Franklin of Nantucket Morton Master 22mo 200 bbls Latter thick rainy Weather light N W wind Went out with 5 boats Took our whale in at 12

Sunday, 5th June.

fore part much rain cut on our whale till 6 then Stopped Latter part cloudy cut in our whale and began to boil this is a Monstrous Whale 10 feet bone went out with 3 boats

Monday, 6th June.

fore part thick weather some fine rain employed boiling at 5 boats returned No whales seen today Latter fine weather Some fine rain sent out 3 boats the others boiling

Tuesday, 7th June.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats returned saw 2 wild Whales Arrived Ship Mississippi * American Ship Benjamin Rush and 2 Hobart town Barks Latter strong W N W wind sent out 3 boats finished boiling

* French whaler, Rossiter, Captain.

Wednesday, 8th June.

fore part heavy N W Gale employed coopering at 6 boats returned saw one whale middle part heavy wind rain with thunder and lightning Latter rather more moderate sent out 3 boats at 12 hard rain

Thursday, 9th June.

fore part heavy N W rain at 3 boats returned nothing seen Latter part N W wind and rain 3 boats out

Friday, 10th June.

fore part hard rain wind at N W at 4 boats returned Latter bad rainy weather cleaned our bone sent out 3 boats

page 446

Saturday, 11th June.

fresh N W wind squally at 5 boats returned no whales Latter much rain went out with 4 boats

Sunday, 12th June.

fore part rainy in squalls at 5 returned nothing seen Latter much rain went out 4 boats at 12 came back

Monday, 13th June.

fore part wind S E much rain Latter very rainy Went out with 4 boats nothing seen

Tuesday, 14th June.

fore part hard rain at 4 boats returned nothing seen Latter part more moderate went out with 4 boats

Wednesday, 15th June.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats returned no whales at 6 Arrived ship Elizabeth of London 40 mo no oil gave certain News War with France and New York's being partly Burnt down Latter fine weather went out with 4 boats

Thursday, 16th June.

fore part strong gale from N W at 5 boats returned except 2 Stopped on the bluff all night Latter strong N W gale employed Stowing the Main hold

Friday, 17th June.

fore part wind shifted suddenly to the S E boats come in Latter fine weather Went out with 4 boats

Saturday, 18th June.

fore part fine at 6 returned saw 3 Whales and 2 calves Latter fine Weather consorted with the Vermont went with 8 boats Killed a whale and began to tow him in

Sunday, 19th June.

fine weather at 5 got the whale to the ship Latter part sent out 3 boats and cut Our Whale

page 447

Monday, 20th June.

fore part cloudy began to boil at 5 boats returned got a Whale anchored him outside at 7 broke the cook's head for getting rum from the Shore contrary to law Latter part strong N W wind went out with 4 boats the others boiling

Tuesday, 21st June.

Strong N W wind at 4 got a whale into the Vermont Latter fresh S S W wind and rugd went out with 4 boats

Wednesday, 22nd June.

fore part strong S E wind at 6 boats returned Saw 2 whales Latter heavy S E gale stowed down in the main hold 2 boats to point

Thursday, 23rd June.

Strong gales till 6 then more moderate Latter strong Southerly gales and Rugd went out with 4 boats

Friday, 24th June.

Fore part continues strong gales struck a large Whale got 2 boats stove lost her at 5 got the boats in Latter a severe gale from S E with heavy gusts of wind and rain

Saturday, 25th June.

fore part heavy S E gale with extreme heavy gusts all round Latter part more moderate but rain

Sunday, 26th June.

Fore part strong winds from S E thick rainy weather this day I formally noted the different masters that I would not agree in case my boats were stove that I would give up my claim to any Whale obliged to cut from in consequence of being stove Latter more moderate Sent out 4 boats employd mending stoven boat

Monday, 27th June.

fore part moderate S E wind at 5 boats returned Latter fine weather Sent out 4 boats—Well since Sick

page 448

Tuesday, 28th June.

Fore part fine weather got a small whale took to the Vermont Latter part fine weather got another and did the same

Wednesday, 29th June.

fore part cloudy at 6 boats returned Latter moderate with rain Sent out 4 boats finished Mending Boats

Thursday, 30th June.

fore part a raging S Easter at 3 boats returned Latter Strong gales boats went to the neck and returned

Friday, 1st July.

fore part fresh wind from S E Latter more moderate Sent out 4 boats 4th mate sick

Saturday, 2nd July.

Fore part more moderate got a large Whale took to the Vermont Latter fresh westerly wind went out 4 boats.

Sunday, 3rd July.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats returned no whale Latter clear and cold Send out 4 boats Well

Monday, 4th July.

Commences with fine weather at 4 boats brought a Small Whale cut her in Latter strong rugd wind sent out 4 boats Some ships firing guns keeping the day.*

* American Independence Day.

Tuesday, 5th July.

fore part strong winds at 4 three boats returned the 4th Mr Shaw not returned and no account of her since 12 this day—Latter moderate with heavy sea sent out 3 boats could not find any thing or learn any thing of the boat or crew am under much apprehension about them

Wednesday, 6th July.

fore part strong S E gale and very rugd boats returned no news of our boat sent a boat up the bay with 2 natives page 449 across land to see if they could discover any thing returned at night with no intelligence the latest account we can get is derived from the second mate of the Vermont who saw him about 12 yesterday off fighting Bay the second mate of the ship Saml Robinson also saw him down near this place can only hope that he is landed somewhere and detained by the Bad Weather Latter part heavy sea sent out 3 boats took a resident here and went up the head of the bay* to cross to the Sound† to inquire for our absent boat's crew

* Port Underwood.

Thursday, 7th July.

fore part S E wind boats returned we can as yet gather no news of our missing boat I returned from up bay at 4 having been over to the sound but no conveyance being had to cross it I sent the man accompanied by Capt Topham of the Vermont to travel over the ridge down to the settlement Latter part more moderate went up bay sent out 3 boats

Friday, 8th July.

Commences with strong winds from S E at 4 returned from the bay with the agreeable intelligence that our missing boat being safe at the Sound after much difficulty in Getting there Latter part more moderate sent out 3 boats

Tory Channel.

Saturday, 9th July.

Commences with calm and fine weather at 4 boats returned 1 whale seen to day Our boat not returned from the sound yet Latter fine Weather sent out 3 boats

Sunday, 10th July.

fore part moderate N W wind at 4 boats returned and our boat also from the Sound Latter fine weather sent out 3 boats employed boiling struck a Whale drew the iron

page 450

Monday, 11th July.

fore part commenced S E gale finished boiling at 3 boats returned Latter fresh gales from S E 3 boats at the neck Some fine rain No whales as yet

Tuesday, 12th July.

Commences with strong S E gale at 1 boats returned John Wood left ship without leave got drunk I floged him and put him in irons Latter raining let the prisoner out of irons on promise of amendment

Wednesday, 13th July.

Rain with S E wind Arrived Roslin Castle Sidney the man who steals men out of boats and ships and whose name is Richards Latter part fine weather went out with 4 boats got a whale and a boat stove of the Vermont

Thursday, 14th July.

Took a small whale alongside at 6 fine rain and a Kanaka drunk flog him—Latter sent out 4 boats and cut in our whale 4th mate sick

Friday, 15th July.

fore part fine Weather at 5 boats returned with a large Whale latter fine weather cut in our whale sent out 3 boats 3 men sick

Saturday, 16th July.

fore part fine Weather at 5 boats returned no Whales commenced boiling Latter sent out 3 boats

Sunday, 17th July.

Commences with fine weather still boiling at 5 boats returned Latter fine weather sent out 3 boats still boiling

Monday, 18th July.

fore part fine Weather at 5 boats returned finished boiling sent out the latter part 3 boats had to stop one to copper oil and We have 4 sick mostly (indistinct)

page 451

Tuesday, 19th July.

fore part fine Weather at 5 boats returned no whales Latter fine weather sent out 4 boats 4th mate Sick

Wednesday, 20th July.

fore part cloudy got one Whale and took to the Vermont Latter calm with much rain no boats out

Thursday, 21st July.

fore continual rain light S E wind Latter heavy S E gales Employd stowing down Main hold still sick

Friday, 22nd July.

heavy Gales from S E with severe squalls at 4 finished Stowing down We want 25 blls more in Main hold Latter part fine weather sent out 4 boats

Saturday, 23rd July.

fore part S E wind at 4 boats returned saw no whales Latter fresh S W wind struck and got a whale took to the Vermont

Sunday, 24th July.

fore part fine Weather at 6 boats returning latter clear calm and cold Sent out 4 boats filled 150 blls water Lawson sick

Monday, 25th July.

fore part heavy S E gale boats in I cannot well leave the Ship in charge of the 4th mate he can do nothing in the boat and has been Sick and dozey ½ the time we have been here this last 7 days I sent out 2 boatsteerers in the Starbd boat Latter part fresh S E wind 4 boats out

Tuesday, 26th July.

fore part fresh S E gale at 4 boats Returned Latter fresh S E Wind 4 boats out employd for ship Cutting wood

Wednesday, 27th July.

fore part S E wind at 4 boats in Latter sent out 4 boats

page 452

Thursday, 28th July.

fore part S E wind at 4 boats in no Whales I am sick of this Latter fine weather 4 boats out sent out Jib Boam

Friday, 29th July.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats in no whales other ships got 4 to day We none Latter fine Weather 4 boats out

Saturday, 30th July.

fore part fine Weather at 6 boats returned 1 boat stopd all night on the Bluff a small whale came in the harbor I went off and help Get her Latter fine weather 4 boats out a whale close in to the ship before day down Spare boat could not catch him

Sunday, 31st July.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats in got a small Whale our boat at the bluff came back lost a native of Tahiti Who absconded latter fine weather 4 boats out

Monday, 1st August.

fore part got another whale Took them both in and cut in one Latter fine weather sent out 4 boats

Tuesday 2nd August.

Commences fine weather at 4 boats returned got a small whale to the Vermont one boat on the bluff all night Arrived the ship Warren, Mayhew all full from Banks Island* Latter fine weather empld boiling 3 boats out.

* Banks Peninsula.

Wednesday, 3rd August.

fine weather at 4 returned no Whales got 2 tons potatoes Latter fine weather 3 boats out still boiling

Thursday, 4th August.

fine weather at 4 boats returned finished boiling Latter 4 boats out employed coopering with sick hands

page 453

Friday, 5th August.

fore part thick cloudy weather at 5 boats returned no whales Latter fine weather sent out 4 boats stowed off main hold

Saturday, 6th August.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats in no whales Latter fine weather 4 boats out no whales

Sunday, 7th August.

fore part fine weather wind N W at 5 boats in chased a humpback Latter raining sent out 4 boats

Monday, 8th August.

fore part thick cloudy weather at 5 boats in at 6 hard rain Latter part heavy S E gale sent 3 boats to the neck and went over to the Bay myself on Business

Tuesday, 9th August.

fore part fresh S E gale heavy squalls boats returned I also and found 4th mate had written a letter dated 31st July to John Guard* requesting the employ in his service as a boat headsman the said 4th mate having a difference with some of the crew requested his discharge yesterday thus shipping in one employ while belonging to another the poor miserable creature has been nearly useless all this voyage and I should be glad to get clear of him and mean to Latter more moderate sent out 3 boats 3 men sick somehow or other

* Of Kekapo.

Wednesday, 10th August.

fore part fine weather very rugd at 4 S E gale boats in no whales Latter part more moderate sent out 4 boats 4th mate Went off himself to Cockapoo a good riddance

John Guard's station.

Thursday, 11th August.

fore part commenced S E gale at 4 boats in Latter fresh N W wind 4 boats out Mr Lawson not shown himself yet

page 454

Friday, 12th August.

fore part fresh wind from N W at 5 boats returned Latter more moderate 4 boats out Mr Lawson returned at 12 S E gale

Saturday, 13th August.

fore part strong S E gale at 2 boats in Latter fine weather 4 boats out at 11 one boat returned stove furnished another and sent him out discharged Mr Lawson So ends

Sunday, 14th August.

fore part fine weather at 4 boats returned having Anchored 2 Whales one of which the John Adams pretend a claim agreed to refer it to three men Latter fine weather Sent out 4 boats Employd on board mending a boat Referees also met to decide to whom the Whale belonged

Monday, 15th August.

fore part fine weather finished mending the boat the referees decided the whale belongs to us at 4 boats returned one Whale towed within 3 miles the other sunk and not seen today Latter fine weather Sent out 4 boats employd mending the stove boat a bad boil on my right hand

Tuesday, 16th August.

fore part fine weather at 4 got our whale in began to cut at 7 finished Latter fine weather sent out 3 boats boiling

Wednesday, 17th August.

fore part fine Weather at 5 boats in still boiling arrived a Brig from Sidney Latter fine weather 3 boats out one boiling

Thursday, 18th August.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats in at 7 finished boiling Latter fine weather Sent out 4 boats finished mending boat

page 455

Friday, 19th August.

Commences good weather at 5 boats in with S E wind Latter sent out 3 boats kept one to stow down in after hold

Saturday, 20th August.

fore part S E wind boats returned finished stowing down Recd of Wm Mayhew power to demand Friendship boat of Johnny Bolts* at the Sound Latter some rain sent out 3 boats kept one boat to clean bone. At 12 boats returned

* George Thoms, Te Awaiti.

Sunday, 21st August.

fore part fresh S E gale employd stowing off after hold Latter part more moderate Sent out 4 boats

Monday, 22nd August.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats returned with a scragg and of course a stove boat Latter fresh N W wind sent out 4 boats Employed mending the stove boat Sailed Vermont and Warren

Tuesday, 23rd August.

Commences fresh N W Wind at 4 boats in cut in our scragg finished mending boat Latter strong N W wind did not send out boats took a raft of water and two loads wood

Wednesday, 24th August.

fore part strong N W wind employed stowing the hold with water Shipped Alexander McNeil Latter fine weather 3 boats out

Thursday, 25th August.

fore part S E wind (indistinct) away fore hold Latter fine weather Sent out 3 boats

Friday, 26th August.

fore part S E wind took raft to the other side for water Latter strong N W wind sent out 3 boats & filling water

page 456

Saturday, 27th August.

fore part fresh N W wind got off all our water at 5 boats returned Latter strong N W wind 2 boats sent out the others sent up mizzen topmasts mated with South Boston Butler

Sunday, 28th August.

fore part strong N W gale sent up fore and main topmasts Latter strong N W Gale sent out 4 boats got of 3 loads wood

Monday, 29th August.

fore part thick N W wind took a small whale another to South Boston Anchored another Outside Latter calm much rain sent out 4 boats

Tuesday, 30th August.

fore part much rain got another Small whale took him to the Ship and cut in the first one Latter fresh N W wind Sent out 3 boats cut in the other whale and began to boil. Shiped J. Gardner.

Wednesday, 31st August.

fore part moderate N W wind employd boiling at 5 boats in Latter strong N W gale and squally still boiling 3 boats out

Thursday, 1st September.

fore part more moderate still boiling at 5 boats in I have been sick with dysentry 5 days Latter calm with much rain finished boiling Sent out 4 boats I feel better today

Friday, 2nd September.

fore part much rain at 4 boats in Latter thick and raining Sent out 4 boats

Saturday, 3rd September.

thick cloudy weather at 5 boats in Whales got every day We get none Latter 4 boats out to get nothing

page 457

Sunday, 4th September.

fore part foggy boats in No whales latter foggy 4 boats out I am quite sick again

Monday, 5th September.

fore part calm at 4 a stoven boat in and Badly stove and half a whale only to pay for it between two of us Latter fresh N W wind sent out 4 boats employd Mending Boat Our whale sunk the Benjamin Rush sailed

Tuesday, 6th September.

fore part fresh N W wind at 6 Boats returned Latter heavy N W wind 4 boats out

Wednesday, 7th September.

fore part thick weather and heavy N W wind at 5 boats in Could not tow in the whale Latter more moderate Sent out 4 boats finished mending the Boat

Thursday, 8th September.

fore part moderate towed our whale in to the S Boston Later fine weather killed 1 whale she sunk towed in a calf

Friday, 9th September.

fore part moderate S E wind sent up fore & main top sail yards Latter S E wind towed in our whale began to cut Shipped Old Harris

Saturday, 10th September.

Commences fresh S E wind at 6 finished Cutting Latter fresh S E wind 3 boats out employd Boiling

Sunday, 11th September.

fore part strong S E wind at 4 boats in Latter part fine weather 3 boats out employd Boiling Tom Otaheite put away

Monday, 12th September.

fore part fine weather at 5 boats in finished boiling Latter part fine weather 3 boats out killed 2 whales anchored one sunk—the other sunk no line to her also got a Boat stove

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Tuesday, 13th September.

fore part fresh N W wind Broke out starbd fore hold Latter a raging S E gale employed stowing down oil

Wednesday, 14th September.

fore part heavy S E gale finished stowing down Latter more moderate sent out 3 boats employd mending stoven boat

Thursday, 15th September.

fore part fine weather towed in one whale anchored the other Latter fine weather 3 boats out Employed Blacking bends

Friday, 16th September.

fore part fresh N W wind towed in our other whale took to the South Boston the Tuscaloosa sailed Latter cloudy Sent out 2 boats

Saturday, 17th September.

fore part calm with much fine rain Latter part the same kind of weather and nothing to be done

Sunday, 18th September.

Commences fresh S E wind and much rain arrived Barque Australia from Coopers Harbor* 400 bbls in want of men Latter fine weather Sent out 2 boats and one to River

* Port Cooper.

Monday, 19th September.

fore part fine weather at 4 boats in no whales bent main and mizzen topsails Latter fine weather taking off wood and water and getting ready for Sea got a small Raft Water

Tuesday, 20th September.

fore part fine weather finished bending sails Latter part N W wind Cleard Hawse and took up Larboard Anchor

page 459

Wednesday, 21st September.

fore part fresh wind got ready for the stream our boat returned from the river lost their raft of Spars Middle part wind struck heavy from the S E called all hands Streamed kdge warped ship to S E let go best bower Sailed ship John Adams Latter heavy gale from S E warped still further to S E

Thursday, 22nd September.

fore part S E gale and heavy gusts dragged big anchor like to get foul of James Steward streamed kedge and hawser to S W blew extreme heavy in gusts every way a ship and brig came in at 7 wind rather moderated Latter calm employed getting unmoored discharged Old Harris

Thursday, 23rd September.

fore part fine weather at 3 got under weigh and ran off in the stream came too in 8 fathoms Calm getting fitted for sea, getting of Potatoes and other jobs

Friday, 24th September.

Commences N W wind employd painting boats and coiling lines Latter fine weather fitting ship and painting boats

Sunday, 25th September.

fore part fresh N W gale still employed usefully Latter strong N W gale employed variously sent up top gt yard

Monday, 26th September.

fore part strong N W wind lying at anchor Latter strong N W gale employd fitting our boats.

Tuesday, 27th September.

fore part heavy gale from N N W at 6 veered to W N W Latter fresh N N W wind at 6 up anchor and steered out at 12 Cape Campbell bore S dist 10 miles our Latt 41° 46′ Stowed anchors and cables the Erie and South Boston in company

page 460

[Logs of other American vessels, while bay whaling in Cloudy Bay, are to be found in New Bedford, Mass., U.S.A., as follows:—

1. Of the Tuscaloosa, during the seasons of 1836 and 1837, in the Public Library.

2. Of the Jasper, during the season of 1836, in the Dartmouth Historical Society's Rooms. The Author.]