Friday May 4th at sea.
In Lat. 31º Long. 73º Commenced with a very light wind all drawing sails set. Going about one knot and a half. At sunrise the bark was a mile astern. Set larboard studding sails. All hands were in high glee that we were once more steering to the land of gold, having got good news from home and the golden news of California. News that met the most sanguine expectations. Sailed all day at the rate of two knots. The bark gaining a little on us, but we could see plainly that we could out sail her in most any wind.
Saturday May 5th
In Lat. 31º 50' Long. 73º 09' Commenced with very fine weather with light winds. The sea perfectly smooth. The bark kept in sight all day. All hands tired and sleepy. Very dull day. Conversation on the gold, newspapers, and over and over.
Sunday May 6th
In Lat. 31º 29' Long. 73º 41' Commenced with a smooth sea and very fine weather. Going only one knot and a half all day. Rather discouraging.
Had religious services as usual. Today thought of home and all its pleasures. What will be the news when we arrive at San Francisco? I am in hopes it will be good, but I feel it will be bad. Some must have bad news. It will be a long time before I see those friends I left behind. Everything will change. Some will have gone to that long, long home where all must go sooner or later.
Monday May 7th
In Lat. 31º 09' Long. 74º 18’. Commenced with a very light wind SW. A beautiful day and eve. The sea very pacific.
Today made preparations to commence operating in the boats etc. for our engine and small boats etc. The bark still in sight, but astern. Saw no more of the albatross or the cape pigeons. Glad they were out of sight.
Tuesday May 8th
In Lat. 30º 00' Long. 74º 02' Commenced with a seven knot breeze from the SW. All hands brightened up. Head W. Good breeze most all day. A beautiful day and we commenced operations on the boats the, carpenters The rest were occupied in picking oakum. Began to look like business. Work was the order of the day.
Wednesday May 9th
In Lat. 29º 20' Long. 75º 09'. Commenced with a light breeze from the SW. Very fine morning. The barque still in sight. A great many of the men had a bad cold caught in Valparaizo. Towards night wind hauled to NW. Headwind all night. Ran SW all night. Lost sight of the barque.
Thursday May 10th
In Lat. 29º 47' Long. 75º 15'. Commenced with a strong wind from NW. Handed all light sails. At six hauled W. At night calm.
All day all hands were busily engaged in picking oakum and mechanical operations. Everyone took hold in good earnest. If our friends could look onboard and see what harmony and with what willingness every one combines his skill and energy towards the interest of the Company, he would say we were bound to prosper. Yes, every day as we near our port of destination, the bounds of interest are made stronger. Before arriving at Valparaiso they were tired and peevish. The story of the gold was old and they began think or doubt that the stories were true relative to the gold, but the stories are all confirmed and their prospects are brighter than ever.