Log Entries:  Aug 22 - Aug 28, 1844

[NOTE: Apologies to the fans of the Thames log; we’ve been running a bit behind in the updating. But we’re now back and ready to resume our voyage…]

Thu, Aug 22, 1844 (No Reading)

First part of this day had light airs… Last part [of day] saw three right whales; lowered and fastened to ne but the iron soon drawed and he got away from us…

Fri, Aug 23, 1844 (Lat 62.35 Lon 160.20 E)

… Saw from 12 to 15 right whales; lowered and chased three times.  Fastened to one [but he] run to windward so far we was obliged to cut and let him go.  Saw six ships today…

Sat, Aug 24, 1844 (Lat 59.37 Lon 159.45 E)

… [First part] Weather clear.  Saw 6 right whales; lowered and chased without success.  Latter part somewhat thick with strong winds from ESE and increasing.  Saw land to leeward 20 miles distant… Blowing very heavy all night.

Sun, Aug 25, 1844 (Sun Obscure)

First part of this day had heavy gales from ESE… Split the jib to atoms.  Bent a new one.  Latter part moderating some.  Thick and rainy all day.

An ancient atomic theory was proposed by the Greek philosophers Leucippus and Democritus in the 5th century BCE.  It was revived in the 1st century BCE by the Roman philosopher/poet Lucretius.  Our more modern atomic theory was developed in 1803 by English chemist John Dalton - creating the definition needed to allow a whaleman to describe the complete and utter shredding of a sail 41 years later.

Mon, Aug 26, 1844 (Lat 52.35 Lon 161.42 E)

…First part brisk gales… had light gales the rest of the day… Saw a dead whale… So ends this day.

Tue, Aug 27,1844 (Lat 52.33 Lon 162.29 E)

This day clear… saw nothing… mending old sails today.

Wed, Aug 28, 1844 (Sun Obscure)

All this day thick fog.. .. Saw two finbacks…