OYSTER ISLAND - OFF TO SEA
1850
APRIL 29TH
Engaged a passage for my 2 sisters and myself at 3 pounds, 15 shillings, each on board the Royalist, (a sailing vessel). Captain Campbell Commander, to sail from Sligo for Quebec on the 10th of May.
MAY 4TH
Went to Sligo and marked our berths in the stern on the leer-board side. Had a conversation with the Captain, who seems to be a most human man.
MAY 8TH
FRIDAY. Went on board at 1 o'clock-- the day a little cold
FRIDAY MAY 11TH
Left the Quay at 5 o'clock p.m.-- Wind right ahead--Was towed down to Oyster Island by steamer. Anchored there til the 19th.
SUNDAY MAY 12TH
This is the first Sabbath ever I spent on board, and O, God grant that I may never spend another as I have spent this. The most of the day was spent in securing the vessel. The wind very strong ahead. The Captain and all the crew Protestants.
MONDAY MAY 13TH
Continued anchored in the same place. William came aboard. Underwent a Government Examination. Received many passengers -- the number complete. In the steerage 99 1/2. In cabins 4 1/2.
TUESDAY MAY 14TH
The wind still ahead. Drew out a list at the Captain's request for issuing provisions. Assisted the Mate in supplying the passengers with provisions. Took dinner and tea with the Mates and Captain, all who seem to be very nice men, in fact the whole crew vie with each other in their kindness to us. Slept very comfortable since I came on board, also my sisters.
WEDNESDAY MAY 15TH
Anchored still in the same place. Received a letter from home bringing tidings of my mother's good health. Not the least appearance of a change of weather. Stowed between decks.
THURSDAY MAY 16TH
No change yet. Slept very comfortably last night. Great bustle in the vessel. One cannot keep their thoughts collected a moment. All levity. no seasickness on board yet. Washed between decks this morning. Called out of bed at 6.
FRIDAY MAY 17TH
FRIDAY. Still waiting the Lord to bid us go. Took a walk on Oyster Island, saw the lighthouse. The keeper is very obliging man. About 6 o'clock p.m. the wind shifted a little to West. Expect a fair gale in the morning. Still all in good spirits. Distributed flour, biscuit and molasses, all of a very good quality.
SATURDAY MAY 18TH
The wind again North. all our expectations of sailing this morn are disappointed. Decks washed every morn. Between decks washed this morn. All things very regular.
SUNDAY MAY 19TH
Rose this morn cheerful after a good night's repose. Wind East this morn. The morn spent in unmooring and preparing for our departure. All bustle for a removal. The wind calm until about 6 .m. when we unmoored and started on our long voyage. Wind East; a fine breeze. we were not an hour to sea when all the passengers were sea-sick except a few. It was truly surprising how very quick we were all laid low. I remained on deck as long as ever I could., then , after I took sick. Maria and Sarah were taken off immediately, all vomiting. Wrote home a letter immediately before starting.
MONDAY MAY 20TH
All very sick except a few. Jasper Brett and his sister Catherine not sick - were most attentive to their friends. Blessed to God sparing even 2 of us, to attend the others. Captain and Crew indefatigable in their attendance on us. Thank God for so kind hearted a Crew.
TUESDAY MAY 21ST
Most of the passengers recovering from their sickness. A fair gale ever since we left the pool. Was out of sight of land since Sunday eve. Nothing now, but sky and water.
WEDNESDAY MAY 22ND
Eased of vomiting but left very weak and light in the head, occasioned by motion of the vessel. Wind still Eastward. Our average rate of sailing from 6 to 8 miles an hour.
THURSDAY MAY 23RD
Still improving in health and strength. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. Maria very weak.
FRIDAY MAY 24TH
Still making good sailing. All the passengers getting better.
SATURDAY MAY 25TH
Air very cold, occasioned by keeping in a high Northern latitude to prevent any sickness which heat might bring on. Lost sight of all land birds but sea fowl still hover around us.
SUNDAY MAY 26TH
"The Sabbath Lord I love" But Oh: my soul how unprofitable a manner thou has spent God's Sabbath. Yet very much refreshed from God's Word and prayer.
MONDAY MAY 27TH
The wind North and blowing a hard gale. Still can keep 3 sails up. Rate of sailing 6 miles. Pleaded God's promise in prayer and committed myself into the hands of that God who rulest the Tempest and slept very comfortably.
TUESDAY MAY 28TH
The gale somewhat lessened, the sailors called it only a "nice breeze" though the sea used it to wash the decks. Maria still unwell.
WEDNESDAY MAY 29TH
This moon was ushered in with a calm. Not as much wind as would fill the sails. The day uncommonly fine. Beds all on decks to be aired. Maria much improved. Part of this day going only 1 mile an hour. About 6 p.m. a breeze sprung up from the East which turned to a heavy gale at 8.
THURSDAY MAY 30TH
This morn the gale still continues with incessant rain all night. The vessel running before the gale between 9 and 10 miles an hour the whole day and night before. At 12. a.m. the vessel rocked greatly tumbling the boxes and passengers from side to side. Breaking everything brittle and bruising people.
FRIDAY MAY 31ST
Was roused from my slumber at 12by the cry of "Ship on fire". opened my eyes and saw the Steerage filled with smoke, which proceeded from the forecastle. It was truly fearful to hear the moans and shrieks of the people on the alarm being given, but praised the Lord there was no cause for fears, which were soon quieted y the Second Mate assuring the passengers it proceeded only from the fire the sailors had kindled and the funnel not drawing, it proceeded through the Steerage. The fire was soon extinguished and all went quietly to sleep again. The wind North-east sailing at 8 miles per hour. The sea still continues somewhat rough.
SATURDAY JUNE 1ST
This morn the air as piercing as a November morn at home. Passed by an Iceberg. Arrived on the banks of Newfoundland. Saw several ships anchored -- fishing. The day through became mild. Sailing at 3 and 4 miles an hour. A very quick passage. The Captain said "Never before did he make so quick a passage to the Banks" 40 fathom water. Washed and cleaned the decks for Sunday.
SUNDAY JUNE 2ND
This morn set in with the wind South and a thick fog accompanied with very heavy rains which continued this whole day and night. The rain so heavy that hardly could the passengers cook their meals. A lonely Sabbath this, The Lord hasten our passage that we may not be confined many more Sabbaths in this manner. The cold still intense.
MONDAY JUNE 3RD
The fog still very thick which cleared up at noon, but the wind veered to West which caused them to tack to south. The cold not so sharp. Saw several ships fishing but did not come near any of them. Sailing at 4 miles per hour. Did not regret coming to sea as yet, hope the Lord will bring us all safe to land. At 8 tacked North.
TUESDAY JUNE 4
Nothing worth noticing occurred this day, still the wind ahead which caused till to be tacking. This day somewhat milder than proceeding. All in good spirits
WEDNESDAY JUNE 5
The wind still from the West. A most delightful day. Sailing at 1 1/4 miles per hour. All the passengers in good health.
THURSDAY JUNE 6
Still the wind ahead, this is really summer's day. Tho's not too hot. Part of this day hardly moved at all, seeing we were becalmed. The Mate threw out a line and hook and killed on cod. About 6 pm sprung up a nice breeze, but from the West which caused to tack to South. Blessed be God for the fine days, but we are likely to be longer on the passage then we expected. At 8 there came on a thick fog with slight marling of rain.
FRIDAY JUNE 7
The fog continued all night and till 9 this morning when the day cleared up and turned out a lovely summer's day. Still the wind from the West. We have not advanced more than 20 miles on our course since Sunday. Our eyes are almost strained looking for land, but cannot see it yet.
SATURDAY JUNE 8
Had a good breeze night and this morn but still tacking about. This morn came in sight of Peter's Island, left t to the North and steered to Southward. The fog still continues off and on the day through. Made some little progress this day.
SUNDAY JUNE 9
Another Sabbath has dawned on us and finds us in good health, but alas ungrateful for the many blessings we have received. Still the fog continues with heavy rain the day through. Sounded twice and four it 35 fathoms each time. Still no progress on our way. Passed 2 vessels. No land yet in view. Felt very unwell with a headache.
MONDAY JUNE 10
The fog still on and off the whole day. Sailors dread fog more than wind. Cannot see what dangers lie before them that they may avoid them. Sounded and found no bottom tho' let out 117 fathoms of line. The day calm, from 2 to 3 miles per hour. Still tacking about. Wind ahead. No rain today. New moon this morn. Hopes for a change of wind. Slung both anchors so as to be ready in any emergency. Weather still a little cold, but getting somewhat milder than last week.
TUESDAY JUNE 11
The rain fell in torrents since 12 last night, when the wind shifted to South and blew a strong breeze with thick fog til 12 noon. Sailing from 9 to 7 miles per hour. The stormiest morn we experienced since we launched on the Mighty Waters. Praised to the Lord for all His Mercies. Expect to reach the entrance of the Gulf this night.
