found was sailing before us; she had little sail, and appeared to wish
to speak to us, but did not come sufficiently near. It has been one of
the disagreeable days, very cold with adverse wind and all our spirits
depressed; several of our passengers are out of health. Mr. Webster
complained of a boil on his ear; also Mr. Jackson of earache; Captain
Kenney has a bad cold, and Mr. Bassnett a bad digestion. In the morning
the Captain persuaded me to go to rest again and I lay down after
dinner.

SATURDAY, MAY 24TH.

I passed a much better night and got up at half past six; was gratified
to learn from the Mate who is not usually encouraging, that we had been
making way in the night; pointed out a vessel passing us on the east.
The Captain is making his 132nd passage across the Atlantic, say 62
voyages; been at sea 45 years, 35 in the American trade. A very, very
cold, though sunny day. A score of petrels flying about. A day of
business amongst the steerage passengers exchanging provisions. Much
warmer on deck after dinner. Had some conversation in French with one of
the sailors who is a Frenchman from Bordeaux. Been upon deck and greatly
pleased with the numerous petrels chirping on all sides of the ship.
Find the seamen are only engaged at New York to Liverpool and back,
their wages paid during that time; this is the same even with the cook.
The Captain every Saturday night sends a glass of whiskey to all the
cabin passengers.

SUNDAY, MAY 25TH.

Passed the night very comfortably till six, when a sudden squall arose
that tossed and rolled us about exceedingly. On going upon deck the sea
was much agitated, it rained so heavily that I was obliged to descend.
These sudden changes are not unusual in what is called the Gulf Stream;
but I feel truly thankful that the storm did not come on earlier; it
continued to blow hard all day. Seated at the stern watching the petrels
and feeding them with bits of fat mutton. A ship seen this morning and
another in the evening. A fine rolling sea and warm enough to sit out
and enjoy it. The Church of England Service read in the cabin and a
prayer made by Mr. Grindrod.

MONDAY, MAY 26TH.

Passed a comfortable night till five, when the vessel began to roll
about. Got up before seven, found a dead calm which was the cause of the
motion, which continued all forenoon.

Amused myself with reading Mr. Bassnett's voyage to Syria; and also at
looking at some amusing caricatures of Cr