Log Entries:  May 23 - May 29, 1844

Thu, May 23, 1844 (Sun Obscure)

This day thick and foggy.  Had brisk breezes from S; steering N under very easy sail.  Boiling out.

Fri, May 24, 1844 (Sun Obscure)

This day thick foggy weather… Boiling out.  Latter part clearer. Saw nothing.

Sat, May 25, 1844 (Lat 46.46  Lon 164.56 E)

At 3 a.m. finished boiling, engaged in stowing down 100 bbls of oil.  Saw two finbacks.  At night shortened sail.

As one can see, the process of “boiling“ could take some time, even several days.  It would depend on the amount of blubber to be rendered, of course, but also on the weather – if it was rough and stormy, less blubber would be put in the trypots, so the oil wouldn’t slosh out over the sides of the pots as the ship rolled this way and that.  Surprisingly, despite the hazardous combination of flames, oil, and ships made of wood, only a handful of whalers ever caught fire during the boiling out process.



Sun, May 26, 1844 (Sun Obscure)

This day thick foggy weather… Brisk breezes at night… very cold weather.  Ice on the rigging. Saw nothing.

Mon, May 27,1844 (Latitude not taken)

… At daylight began to breakout our meat; overhauled and coopered it.  At 11 a.m. cleared away.  Saw right whales… lowered and chased… Missed him, but got the boat stove.  Chased a long time without success… Saw 8 right whales this day, and one sail at night.

A “stove” boat (meaning one damaged by a whale during the hunt) meant more than just broken equipment – in these cold northern waters it could mean death by hypothermia unless the men in the water were quickly rescued.



Tue, May 28, 1844 (Sun Obscure)

At 8 a.m. spoke ship Martha of Fair Haven – 32 months out, 650 bbls sperm oil, and one right whale.  Saw 5 right whales – lowered twice and chased without success.  Myself repairing rotten casks.  At night took in sail.

When whalers met, they usually exchanged specifics on their voyage; the news would be passed from ship to ship and eventually find its way home, keeping both ship owners and families apprised of events – though of course the news would be months old when they heard it.

Wed, May 29, 1844 (Sun Obscure)

Made sail at daylight, cruising for whales.  Saw 10 or 12 right whales; lowered and chased 3 times before dinner, but could not fasten… So ends this day.



More hard times for the Thames.  Plenty of whales, but no luck.  Will things turn around next week?