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Journal of a Whaling Voyage

Wednesday July 17th 1844 Commences with fresh gales from the Ewrd [EASTWARD] attended with rain. Middle part moderating. At 6 AM all hands and the pilot on board we weighed anchor and stood out of the river with a verry [VERY] light breeze from the Westward. Passed through the race tide near Meridian. So ends.

Thursday July 18 Comes in with light breezes from the S & W. At 3 PM the pilot left us and at 3 1/2 PM passed Montauge [MONTAUK] Point. Its bearings WSW dist. [DISTANCE] 12 miles. Saw the barque Washington of Green Port [GREENPORT] standing in by the point. Middle part the same. Steer SE by S with all sail. Latter hours light airs. All hands employed at breaking out and stowing between decks. So ends. Latt [LATITUDE] Obs. [OBSERVATION] 40°=15" N Long [LONGITUDE] by D.R. [DEAD RECKONING] 70°=40" W do [DITTO = LONGITUDE] by Chro [CHRONOMETER] 70 35 W

Friday July 19th This 24 hours we have light airs and calms. Heading the most of the time to the S & E. Saw several whales of various species. Employed at fitting the boats for whaling. Saw several sail[S] of ships & brigs standing W. Latt [LATITUDE] Obs. [OBSERVATION] 39°=55" N Long [LONGITUDE] 70°=00" W

Saturday July 20th Fore part of these 24 hours light airs from the S & W. Steer SE by E. Middle and latter parts freshening. Steer ESE. Hands employed at fitting the boats for whaling. Latt [LATITUDE] Obs. [OBSERVATION] 39°=40" Doubtful Long [LONGITUDE] by Chro [CHRONOMETER] 66°=53 W West Doubtful