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.
Some prescient thoughts on the future this week.
Friday, June 22nd
In Lat. 28º 39' Long. 138º 15'. Light variable winds from NW to E. Lost the help of the Trades. What we have had has not been very favorable. Making too much west.
All hands are getting puckish ?goby. Every day I learn more and more human nature, & I am fairly disgusted with it. I shall rejoice when I am released from this prison and my mind be free once more.
Saturday, June 23h
In Lat. 29º 37' Long. 139º 23'. Variable winds from NW to the ENE. Cloudy and not quite so cold. Our course for four or five days has been North.
Sunday, June 24th
In Lat. 30º 11' Long. 140º 12'. Fresh breezes from the NE and NNE.
Religious services in the morning by Mr. Benton. Comparison between Tarshish [a Biblical reference] and California, text 2d Chron 9th chapter 21st verse.
["For the king had ships which went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years. The ships of Tarshish came bringing gold and silver, ivory and apes and peacocks.", New American Standard Bible]
I think it was the best sermon I have heard. He said we were going there for wealth to return to New England and there build & adorn useful institutions. He exhorted all to be wise and useful in all the walks of life. New England would receive the mineral wealth of California and in return would send her commerce, talent & inventions that would establish institutions of knowledge, build up cities & towns, and soon California would vie with any state on the Atlantic.
Mr. Bradbury by the request of several read Mr Firk's sermon to in the afternoon, delivered to the Company a few evenings previous to their departure. In it he prophesied troubles that we have already met with on our long voyage and to avoid them we must abide by the laws, if they was ever so stringent. That we ought to occupy our time in gaining useful knowledge and setting good examples and let the Bible be our constant standard.
Monday 25th
In Lat. 30º 52' Long. 141º 09'. Light variable winds from NE to the NW. Fag ends of the Trades. Thought we should not have the pleasure of celebrating the 4th of July in California. Today had a few unpleasant words with Goodrich about work in which I was mistaken in telling him that he did work because I did not see him. At which he said was a lie. I told him he was a gentleman. Found I was mistaken. Admitted it. Told him it was not gentlemanly in telling a man he lied, for all were liable to mistakes. Felt angry. Shall excuse him on score of ignorance and think no more of it.
Tuesday the 26th
In Lat. 31º 28' Long. 140º 16'. Commenced calm. Heavy dark clouds lay all round the horizon. Looked like rain.
Saw a sail SE of us apparently about six miles off. Could hardly discern her. Learnt to play backgammon the last fortnight. Very interesting play. Sets ones thinking faculties in motion.
Our ship continues to be the scene of study and mechanism. After tea all are busily engaged in conversation. Some philosophizing. Some growling (of course), but soon the happy feelings are stowed by the harmonious sounds of instrumental music. A band of half a dozen with violins, flutes & guitar drive away dull cares from the eve till ten when most all have retired to rest.
Wednesday, June 27th
In Lat 31º 51' Long. 138º 40'. Passing clouds. Pleasant and warm. Light wind from the S to SW till dark. Barometer indicates a change. Fresh breeze all night.
Yesterday had a bath in the ocean, the waters being perfectly pacific. About thirty went in. Quite a nudity. Some have been in once or twice before. I dove off of the bow. Thought of sharks & sword fish. Thought it very strange we saw no more fish. Now and then porpoises and a few dolphins are seen.
Thursday the 28th
In Lat. 32º 10' Long. 137º 42'. Commenced with strong breezes and light rain from the NNW. The sky wore a very threatening aspect. At noon sun came out. Pleasant. The rest of day with fresh breezes from the N.
Very dissatisfying. Wish in all conscience we might get into port by the 4th. No idea that we shall. Yesterday read out loud in the foretop in Company with Bates and Mears Richard III, a contest between the houses of Lancaster & York. Very interesting. Gives the reader a knowledge of the kings & history of England.
Today washed some cotton garments. Hereafter, I shall know how to appreciate the labors of a wash woman.
Today thought of the preparations making to celebrate the 4th in Boston and vicinity. At home the days or only(?) youth or school boy days brought to memory old friends now almost forgotten.