October 15 - 20 1862

Wednesday October 15th

Had light winds and squalls from SSE steering SW. Lowered for Blackfish came aboard as usual without one.

Lat 6 12 N Long 20 18 W

Thursday Oct 16th

Commences with fine weather and light winds and variable - had occasional rain squall - from 4 to 7 had a steady rain caught 3 or 4 casks of water1.

Lat 5 43 N Long 20 3 W

Friday Oct 17th2

Commences with light wind and rain squalls and not only squalls but a steady rain. During the latter part had a moderate wind from S heading WSW & ESE.

No Obs

Saturday Oct 18th

Had light winds and variable. And calms and rain.

Lat 5 35 N Long 19 54 W

Sunday Oct 19th

Had pleasant weather and light airs.

Lat 5 22 N Long 19 38 W

Monday Oct 20th

During the first part had rain during the latter part. Had fine weather.

Lat 4 56 Long 19 40

1 Fresh water was among the most critical consumables on long whaling voyages, which often lasted two to four years. While ships departed port with water in wooden casks, rainwater capture was essential to extend supplies, improve water quality, and reduce dependence on uncertain landfalls.

2 Elsewhere: The Virginia was captured by the Rebel Cruiser Alabama on the 17th of September, in latitude 39, longitude 34, and stripped of all valuables and burned. The next day the Elisha Dunbar was taken and burned. The crews of both vessels were put in irons on deck aboard the Alabama, and kept there night and day, and finally transferred to the Emily Farnham ship. From The Missouri Democrat, Friday, October 17, 1862. See also ebook “Cruise and Captures of the Alabama" by Albert M Goodrich [https://www.gutenberg.org/files/35107/35107-h/35107-h.htm]