James White was a 21 year old farmer from Quincy, MA. In 1849 he sailed from Boston around Cape Horn to San Francisco and the gold diggings of California. In all he spent 6 months at sea and a year in California. I've transcribed his journal and am publishing it here as well as on Amazon/Kindle and Apple/iBooks.
Go to first week of this series
Lots of work this week and a vote on Whipple's guilt. Not much else.
Friday May 18th
In Lat. 23º 29' Long. 78º 49'. Commenced fair. Light winds from the N. Another vessel hove in sight, gained on us very fast. The Architect kept in sight all day. Had a good wind, almost ahead all day.
Business was resumed and all hand were at work doing this thing and that thing. All hands were busily engaged. Some were on the machinery. Some on repairing guns, black and white smithing, one engraving, some mending boots & shoes, and in fact every man was at work either at his trade or picking oakum. Such a scene as this our ship has been for the last week.
A meeting was at five P.M. held to act upon the report of the committee on Whipple's case. Thirty six members were examined. Nothing could be brought against him. The witnesses were all examined and testified pretty much all alike, but nothing of importance could be brought against him, and a vote was taken on exoneration which resulted in exoneration by a vote of sixty-five to forty-five. The result of the voting was satisfactory to me that the he would have been turned out of his office if the votes had been taken by secret ballot. It was taken by Aye and No. I did not vote in the case nor take any part, but thought him guilty.
Saturday May 19th
In Lat. 22º 35' Long. 79º 32'. Commenced with fair weather Wind S.W. Set larboard studding sails. The ships Architect and Orpheus were out of sight. Beat us handsomely. Commenced bathing. The 17th took the Trade Winds making our course NWW.
Sunday, May 20th
In Lat. 20º 55' Long. 82º 19'. Commenced with fair weather with strong Trade Winds and religious services as usual. Nothing reminds one of home more than religious services. It breaks the monotony of a long voyage and sends a thrill of happiness which can not be banished from ones mind.
Monday, May 21st
In Lat. 19º 18' Long. 85º 10'. Delightful weather Moderate trade winds making a course to cross the line at 115º Long. N.W. by W. All hands were engaged in picking Oakum and mechanical.
Tuesday May 22nd
In Lat. 17º 29' Long. 89º 41'. Commenced with fair weather and moderate trade winds. Commenced on another boat built after the fashion of Cherismach River flat boats. Finished getting out the knees for the steam boat. Got small engine on deck to clean it up and see if it would work.
Wednesday May 23rd
In Lat. 16º 41' Long. 89º 59'. Commenced with a clouded sky and light passing showers & moderate Trade Winds.
Never was a ship floated that had so much business done onboard in a fortnight's time. As this ingenuity & skill is displayed every day, that gives great credit to the performer and to the Company. It is in fact a floating work shop. Every one feels bound to do something. When not to work for the Company, his wits are put in motion to make his life easier in the gold region. Either for the preservation of his life or raiment.
Thursday 24th
In Lat. 15º 23' Long. 92º 10'. Commenced with a beautiful sunrise. Most delightful weather. Nothing can exceed the magnificence of a sunrise or the last rays of night in this latitude. Had strong Trade Winds today. Set the small engine and apparatus in motion. Worked beautifully. Finished the flat boat capable of carrying fifteen men and provisions up the river. Today had a slight headache from the effects of staying up late in writing letter home, it being almost impossible to collect ones thoughts in the daytime there being so much confusion. This week we have been accompanied by birds called the booby & martin shrike.
Two months till San Francisco and trouble.
More next Sunday.