THE AMERICAN WHALEMAN. 29S 



gale of wind as seen from the swinging yard of a tossed 

 ship at sea. 



The lights are revelations of the teeming life which crowds 

 every foot of this vast ocean surface ; but that is all I know. 

 In the absence of knowledge, I am content and happy to look 

 on and admire, while something whispers in my ear, " Such 

 are God's ways on deep water." 



March 16. Since my last writing we have had the trade- 

 winds, strong and steady, and we have had to keep close-haul- 

 ed all the time. The steady pitch of the ship becomes tire- 

 some ; and one begins to mistrust, lest fastenings yield, and 

 starting planks let in the hungry sea. Our true oak and iron 

 hold yet, however, and the faithful fibre of the hemp tugs 

 and strains. The leagues and degrees are left behind, and 

 the curious atoms in command eat and drink, work and sleep, 

 and in patience take the buffets of outrageous fortune, with- 

 out varying from the aim which launched them in their un- 

 dertaking. 



The continued illness of Mr. S may still farther add 



to our misfortune, and the fear is growing that he may be 



unable to accompany us on the Japan cruise. Mr. S is 



an excellent boat-header, and since the unfortunate mutiny 

 he has been all that could be desired, treating the miserable 

 remnants of a splendid crew with every kindness and con- 

 sideration. Had he left America in the same temper that he 

 bears to-day, we might have continued our offshore cruise, and 

 carried to Japan twelve hundred barrels of oil. This would 

 have brought us home within the three years for which we 

 shipped ; but now a fear prevails that a year may be added 

 to the contract time. But I apprehend that good to some 



future crew will come of it; for when Mr. S sails as 



master, he will not lightly incur the pains and penalties of 

 mutiny on whaling ground. 



Nine shivering grunters have been added to our. swinish 



