December 29, 1819

December 29, 1819 - no entry.

December 28, 1819

December 28, 1819 - no entry.

December 27, 1819

December 27, 1819 - Have entered upon the last week of the current year, and feel the need of divine aid in examining our hearts and reviewing the history of the year to see what needs to be deplored and corrected, and what should be sought and cherished.

December 26, 1819

December 26, 1819 - Sabbath. - We have entered the Southern Temperate zone, in which Christianity prevails to a very limited extent.  As appropriate to the Sabbath succeeding Christmas and suited to follow the discourse on our Saviours birth, a sermon was preached by B. Bingham from I Tim. 1.14. "this is a faithful saying & c", showing, 1st that we are great sinners,- 2nd, That Christ Jesus came to save great sinners, 3rd, That this doctrine is worthy of all acceptation."  We find by happy experience that the Sabbath of our Lord can be pleasant and interesting and we believe profitable at sea as well as in the dear Christian land of our fathers.  The smiles of Providence as to the skies above, the waves beneath, the winds around, and health and peace and means of grace within our floating sanctuary, call forth our gratitude, cheer our prospects of usefulness, and cherish our hopes of glory.

December 25, 1819

December 25, 1819 - Christmas. - This day we pass under the vertical rays of the sun in the Tropic of Capricorn.  This day we joyfully commemorate the rising of that SUN which is the Light of the world, far more glorious that the orb of day.  We thought it desirable to devote the day to meditation upon that interesting event which was hailed with rapture by the hosts of heaven, and to the recollection and acknowledgement of our obligations to our condescending Savier.  In the evening Bro. Bingham preached a sermon on the occasion from Luke 2. 14, in which the birth of the Saviour was considered, 1st, as a manifestation of the "good will toward men," 2nd, as a means of promoting, "Peace on earth", and 3rd, as an illustration of the glory of God.  Concluding with four reflections, 1st, This event is worthy of the most grateful and joyful commemoration, 2nd, How widely different are the feelings and conduct of infidels and scoffers from those of angels, respecting this birth of a Savior, 3rd. The propagation of the gospel is the most desirable employment this side of heaven; 4th, This event will be an occasion of joy to the thousands of the Sandwich Isles, to the millions of the earth universally, and to the holy kingdom of Jehovah to all eternity."  The hymns sung were, "Angels song", by Watts (10 of W's select.", "Epiphany" and an original humn from Matt. 2.2., composed for the occasion by W.G. Conant, a serious youth of liberal education, mate of the Brig Thaddeus and considerabley interested in the object of our mission.
     This day is to us truly a joyful day and we cherish the hope that before another Christmas we shall be enabled to proclaim to the deluded worshipers of Akoah, "Behold we bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day a Saviour which is C. the Lord," and that on each succeeding anniversary of this event many tongues which have long been employed in chanting vain orisons to dumb Idols, tuned by Divine grace to the song of angels, will with adoring gratitude respond, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men."

December 24, 1819

December 24, 1819 - no entry.

Check out the updated entry for December 16th to read about the food the missionaries ate on board ship!

December 23, 1819

December 23, 1819 - no entry.

December 22, 1819

December 22, 1819 - At a meeting of the brethren resolved unanimously that they deem it expedient to observe the anniversary of the Savior's birth in a religious manner.

December 21, 1819

December 21, 1819 - Weather extremely warm, Thermometer 81.  A sail.

Lat. 15. 35.

December 20, 1819

December 20 - no entry.

December 19, 1819

December 19, 1819 - Enjoyed a precious season at our prayer-meeting at 10 this morning, and at 12 were favored with a preached gospel.  Br. B. addred us on deck from Isa. 5.45.

Lat. 3. 11. 24.  Lon. 33. 28.

December 18, 1819

December 18, 1819 - no entry.

December 17, 1819

December 17, 1819 - no entry.

December 16, 1819

December 16, 1819 - no entry.

From the Journal of Lucia Ruggles Holman - "This has been a peculiarly interesting day to all of us, having spoke a vessel, bound from Calcutta to Boston, in which we have sent letters to America, but very much regretted not having more time, which was not more than 20 minutes.  The boat, which took off our letters, returned and brought with it a Portuguese Man-of-war, as the sailors call it.  An animal substance (if substance it may be said to posess, for it appears more like blubber than anything else) resembling a turn-over pie. with ten thousand fibrous legs and as many joints, each a foot long.  The touch of this animal produces a sensation somewhat like an electric shock - the Dr. only, tried the experiment.
     The colour is a changeable red and blue which gives a purple luster.  We often see them floating upon the surface of the water, and they are objects of great curiosity to us who have never beheld many wonders of the sea.  My jonny cake eats very well, which brother Sam'l told you about in his letter yesterday -- altho at home you know I was never fond of Indian cakes-- but anything that is fresh goes well at sea.
     We have everything that is wholesome and good to eat and drink, that is, for hearty people, but I have not been long enough at sea yet to get an appetite for it.  Monday we have pork and beef and puddings (rice and flour); Tuesday, pork and beans or peas; Wednesday, salt fish and potatoes &c. ; Thursday, fowls or a sea-pye; Friday, pork. baked; Saturday salt fish &c. Sabbath. fresh pork and pudding.
     For breakfast we have coffee and hash; supper-- tea, crackers and cheese; and now and then we are allowed the rich repast of water gruel.  This is the greates luxury I have enjoyed since I took up my residence upon the water.
     I must drop my pen, it being past ten 0c. & all asleep but myself-- a dread solemn seems to fill the whole ship-- no sound or noise to be heard but the dashing of the waves against our vessel, which skims over the Maine at the rate of 8 miles an hour, and the gentle footsteps of the man at helm.  and the watch, who walks with half his weight. for fear of waking his brother tars. who are asleep below."
reprinted by the Congregational Church of Brookfield Center, Connecticut in 1993.

December 15, 1819

December 15, 1819 - As we have been approaching the Equator have been amused with luminous appearance of the sea.

Capt. B. spoke and boarded the ship "Mary", Capt. Smith, Boston.  We sent about 30 letters, one to Dr. W.

December 14, 1819

December 14, 1819 - no entry.

December 13, 1819

December 13, 1819 - Pass the equator, the weather being comfortable.

Lon. 27. 45.

December 12, 1819

December 12, 1819 - Enjoyed public worship.  Br. T. preached.  Rom. 12:2. "Be not conformed to this world."

Lat. 2. 25. Lon.

December 11, 1819

December 11, 1819 - no entry.

December 10, 1819

December 10, 1819 - Heavy showers of rain have filled our empty water casks.  Much thunder and lightening.  It is thought by the officers that the lightning has once passed down the conductor.  Happy for us the Brig is furnished with a lightning rod, tho' too small, and too short to reach from top gallant mast to a sufficient depth in the water.

December 9, 1819

December 9, 1819 - no entry

December 8, 1819

December 8, 1819 - no entry

December 7, 1819

December 7, 1819 - no entry

December 6, 1819

December 6, 1819 - no entry

December 5, 1819

December 5, 1819 - Social worship only in the cabin.

December 4, 1819

December 5, 1819 - no entry.

December 3, 1819

December 3, 1819 - no entry.

December 2, 1819

December 2, 1819 -Today we have endeavored to observe with our friends in N.E, a Public Thanksgiving for divine mercies.  Tho' our friends who doubtless remember us today, may have a greater exuberance and variety to crown their board, yet they can not have more multiplied and undeserved mercies to expand their hearts.

Tropic of Cancer

December 1, 1819

December 1, 1819 - no entry - but Mrs. Holman does.

While the Thaddeus Journal had no entry - Mrs. Holman did make the following entry in her journal - "This day saw a shark and a dolphin.  Porpoises are frequently seen playing about our vessel.  These sights are all novel to us, and afford no small degree of amuseument here in this barren clime. where fish and birds are the principal production."  The Journal of Lucia Ruggles Holman, reprinted by the Congregational Church of Brookfield Center, Connecticut in 1992.

November 30, 1819

November 30, 1819 - This evening opened a singing school for the improvement of ourselves and the officers in sacred music, and concluded to sing together one hour in a week besides at our ordinary seasons of social worship.

Lat. 28.13.

November 29, 1819

November 29, 1819 - no entry

November 28, 1819

November 28, 1819 - Today we have been favored not only with the privilege of a prayer-meeting in the cabin, but with public worship on deck.  Sermon on Repentance from Acts 17:30. by Br. B.  The audience attentive and so hope benefitted.  The Lord follow with his blessing the exhibition of his truth.

November 27, 1819

November 27, 1819 - no entry.

November 26, 1819

November 26, 1819 - Appointed Br. W. as a committee to take charge of the clothing cabin stores, and of our Native youths.  They have been a great comfort and inspiration to the rest of the family, particularly Hopee and Honoree during seasickness and rough weather.

November 25, 1819

November 25, 1819 - no entry.

November 24, 1819

November 24, 1819 - The subject of studies for the voyage was discussed this evening.  We feel the importance of attending not only to the studies of our different professions, but of making the suhy-hean Language a prima object the' our means of acuiring it is limited.

Lat. 33. 1.  Lon. 30. 52.

November 23, 1819

November 23, 1819 - no entry.

November 22. 1819

November 22, 1819 - no entry.

November 21, 1819

November 21, 1819 - Not allowed to attend public service in consequence of the roughness of the weather. 

Lat. 33. 49.  Lon. 34. 21.

November 20, 1819

November 20, 1819 - All the family except Br. Ruggles so far recovered from seasickness and so much accustomed to our new situation as to be able to make a regular division of time and to engage in systematic efforts for the improvement of our minds and 6 hours of the day in ordinary cases are to be considered as study hours.  A scooner.

Lat. 33.11.  Lon. 35. 52.

November 19, 1819

November 19, 1819 - Blest with precious seasons of soul devotion.  The divine spirit seems in some measure to dwell with me.  Able to attend morning prayers.

November 18, 1819

November 18, 1819 - We have new occasion to sing of mercies, favorable winds, safe progress, returning health to the body and thought and life to the soul demand our elevated praise.

November 17, 1819

November 18, 1819 - Still watching for favorable winds, yet without prepining.  Capt. B. tells us that in his last voyage he crossed the line in less time from Boston than we have now been out:  But it is now the fourteenth night that we have been driven up and down like Paul in Adria, between the parallels of Lat. 38. 35 and 37. - We have been tossing rolling on an uncommonly rough sea, according to the account of the best seamen on board, 24 days,  and yet have proceeded but 5 and a half degrees toward the equator.  We cannot but conclude that He who controls the winds and the waves, and conducts all the affairs of nations is either kindly withholding us from dangers and disasters at Cape Horn or operating changes in the Sandwich Isles favorable to the introduction and success of our enterprse.  He is kindly inuring us to a life of toil and hardship.  He spreads our table on the face of the boisterous deep, gives us now the comfort of returning health, teaches us to sit with meekness at his feet and to trust in his all sufficient grace.

November 16, 1819

November 16, 1819 - Contrary winds still impede our programs.

This evening in a prudential meeting of the brethren adopted several important regulations, with respect to our immediate concerns. Committed to Capt. C. the care of our provisions and property in common stock, and to Dr. Holman the superintendance of the medical stores. Requested Capt. B. to order our Table and provide at our meals. and in order to maintain suitable regularity and at the same time make ourselves as comfortable as our situation would admit, agreed unanimously that if any member of the family should need any thing from our common stores different from what was prepared for the family, at any time, such person should speak to Capt. B. for his permission.

November 15, 1819

November 15, 1819 - no entry

While the authors keeping the Thaddeus Journal did not make an entry on November 15th, others onboard were also keeping journals and Lucia Ruggles Holman, the wife of physican, Dr. Holman had made the following entry in her diary (there is some confusion as to the date this journal entry was made based on Holman's comment of 15 days after sailing,  4 weeks since we embarked and stating the Latitude as 33. 20).   The Latitude she sites puts them further along their way than the offical ship's log which we are following.  I offer an the entry on this date as a way to provide another perspective of those onboard the Thaddeus:

"Saturday Morning, 15th day after sailing: My Dear Brothers: We weighed anchor soon after you left us.  A gentle gale wafted us about 10 miles that day, when we had a calm which detained us till the next morning.  A kind providence seemed to order it for the best however, for, in the course of the evening, it was ascertained that our soft bread and crackers and all the ardent spirits were left behind.  Consequently, a boat was sent off for Boston that night, which did not return until the next day towards night.  A fine breeze blew up which took us off at the rate of 8 miles an hour.  Our seasickness came on, and before morning every passenger, except the 4 native youths were broadside.  I need not attempt to describe the horrors of seasickness, for I believe it is well understood by most of you.  However, to make the best of us, we were a pitiable company.  I think here was an exception to the saying that misery loves company, for I believe the miseries of one was no consolation to those of another.

Could the transactions of the first week have been penned, I am sure, while they would have called forth sensations of pity from your heart, would at the same time afford merriment.  Sorrow and despondency were depicted on every countenance,  while scarcely a look of love or complacency was discernable one towards the other. 

To multiply our sorrows we were visited with unfavorable winds. high seas, and heavy gales, the three first weeks of our voyage.  It will be 4 weeks tomorrow since we embarked, and we are now in Lat. 33, 20.  Eleven days calm."

This excerpt was taken from the published copy of the Journal of Lucia Ruggles Holman.  Which was reprinted in 1992 with the permission of Mrs. Lucille (Ruggles) Campbell and the Bishop Museum by the Congregational Church of Brookfield, Connecticut in 1992.  

November 14. 1819

November 14, 1819 - Sabbath. - Bro. R. continues sick.  Weather too rough to assemble for public worship.

November 13, 1819

November 13, 1819 - Strong gales and slow progress, but returning health demands our gratitude.

Lat. 37. 19.

November 12, 1819

November 12, 1819 - Hitherto our passage has been rough while transversing half the width of the boistrous Atlantic. (In consequesnce of high winds and tumultuous waves, we have not been allowed to assemble for public worship today.)

Lat. 37. 12.  Lon. 36.

November 11, 1819

November 11, 1819 - no entry.

As there was no entry for a second day in a row.  I thought it might be interesting to introduce you to those credited with authoring this journal.  Hiram Bingham, Asa Thurston, and Elisha Loomis.

• Hiram Bingham (b. Oct. 30, 1789 in Bennington, Vermont - d. Nov. 11, 1869).  The leader of the Mission, Mr. Bingham was pastor of the first church (Kwaaiahao), was prominent in the creation of the written Hawaiian language, the translation of the bible into Hawaiian and a trusted advisor of King, Queens and chiefs.  He was 30 years old when he made this trip on board the Thaddeus.
  
• Asa Thurston (b. October 12, 1787 in Fitchberg, Massachusetts - d. March 11, 1868 in Honolulu, HI) Ordained at Goshen, Connecticut, Mr. Thurston was also a graduate of Yale University.  He was a beloved preacher among the Hawaiian people and was known for his ability to speak Hawaiian with great puritity and idiomatic accuracy.   He assisted with translation of the Bible into the Hawaiian language.  He served as missionary at Kailua, Hawaii, the three years in Honolulu before returning to Kailua.  He was 32 years old when he traveled to the Sandwich Islands on board the Thaddeus.
  
• Elisha Loomis (b. Dec. 11, 1799 in Rushville, New York - d. Aug. 27, 1836 in Rushville, New York) Mr. Loomis offered to go to Hawai`i as the mission's printer in 1820.  He was bound out as an apprentice printer and so needed to be released from his contract.  He briefly taught school before focusing on setting up a printing press for the mission.  On January 7, 1822, he oversaw Keeaumoku strike off the first printing - a page of the primer.  Poor health and the need to print books in Hawaiian fro the Mission forced him to return to the United States in 1827.  He was 20 years old when he made the trip to the Sandwich Islands on board the Thaddeus.
  

Info on the three men was taken from

the Mission Album: Sesquicentennial Edition,

1820-1970.

November 10, 1819

November 10, 1819 - No entry.

November 9, 1819

November 9, 1819 - A vessel hove in sight and much joy was felt in hope of being able to send a line to our friends, but were not favored with the privilege.  Still progressing outward and North for several days.

Lat. 38. 27. Lon.

November 8, 1819

November 8, 1819 - no entry

So I thought it might be a good opportunity to answer some questions that came from either earlier comments or direct emails to me.

What is a caboose?
Using the American Heritage Dictionary and Wikipedia, I found that the word first appears in 1769.  Its first definition is "a ship's galley." The second definition is a freight-train car attached usually to the rear mainly for the use of the train crew.  The third definition is one that follows or brings up the rear and the final definition given was "buttocks."  I think we would agree that our author is using the first definition.

What is a brig?
A brig is a two-masted vessel using square sails.  The term is dated to 1712.  It was very popular during the 18th and 19th centuries and is eventually replaced by steam ships.  The second definition refers to a brig as a place of confinement, prison on board a ship.  This term appears around 1832.  These definitions are from Webster's online dictionary.

Who wrote the journal we are following?
According to  a note on the front page of the journal transcript, "This journal, original in the HMCS vault, was probably written by Hiram Bingham, Asa Thurston and Eliisha Loomis in turn." Each of the men were members of the pioneer group of missionaries to come to the Sandwich Islands.  Unfortunately, entries are not signed by their author.

My question for you is - who traditionally kept ship logs or journals and is what we are seeing in the Thaddeus Journal typical?  I look forward to your comments.

November 7, 1819

November 7, 1819 - Favored again today with divine services on the quarter deck, which was conducted by Brother T. (singing and prayer, sermon, prayer, singing, blessing)

Lat. 38. 23.  Lon. 42. 54.

November 6, 1819

November 6, 1819 - We acknowledge a continuance of divine mercies tho' we make no progress on our way.

Lat. 38. 3.   Lon. 43. 32.

November 5, 1819

November 5, 1819 - Today, most of our company feel considerably recovered from seasickness, and have spent the day principally on deck, and desire to be grateful for undeserved mercies.
Lat. 37. 36. Lon. 43. 32.

November 4, 1819

November 4, 1819 - Pleasant weather which all very sensibly feel.

Lat. 37. 47.  Lon. 46. 30.

November 3, 1819

November 3, 1819 - Gales continue from the S. West.

Lat. 38. 55.  Lon. 50. 7.

November 2, 1819

November 2, 1819 - Yesterday and today we have experienced many gales. We roll upon tremendous waves, and suffer much with the sinking motion. Early this morning shipped a sea, which stove in the starboard waistboards and overturned the caboose. No very material damage or danger.  Heavy rains and squalls make dreary hours.

Lat. 38. 55. Lon. 50. 7.

November 1, 1819

November 1, 1819 - no entry.

October 31, 1819

October 31, 1819 - Sabbath - Today we were permitted to enjoy the privilege of the public worhip of God.  At 12 o'clock the misssion family and the ship's company assembled on the quarter and attended divine service conducted by B. Thurston.  Singing, prayer, sermon, prayer, benediction.  The discourse on the nature of prayer and the motives to its performance from James 4.3. was seasonable and refreshing.

Lat. 40.18.  Lon. 57. 20.

October 30, 1819

October 30, 1819 - Head winds from S.E. Heavy sea and cloudy weather.

Lat. 57. 40.

October 29, 1819

October 29, 1819 - Favored with pleasant weather, and some of our number with comfortable health.  Our divine conductor is good even to the unthankful and evil.  (Lat 40.25.  Lon. 57, 34)  Last evening was so much relieved from seasickness as to enjoy the pleasure of lifting up our voices together in one of the songs of Zion.

October 28, 1819

October 28. 1819 - Another Brig appeared today, not able to speak to her.

October 27, 1819

October 27, 1819 - Today we had the pleasure of seeing a Brig. - Seasickness continues.  Capt. B. is attentive to our situation.  Serves oat chicken broth, and water gruel to numerous patients spread about on deck or lying in their berths.

October 26, 1819

October 26, 1819 - Last night we had considerable Thunder and lightening with violent wind - we enjoyed but little sleep.

Lat. 42.6. Lon. 52.49.

October 25, 1819

We have today fresh gales, a heavy swell of the sea, the Brig rolling very deep and leaking; most of the family very seasick, but generally patient under this trial which we confidently expected.  These are but the beginnings of our hardships and we hope not to be wearied by running with footmen, but to acquire strength to contend with horses. 

Lat. 42, 22.  Lon. 62, 24.

Lords Day, October 24, 1819

Lords Day, Oct. 24 - This morning in a comfortable health offered the morning sacrifice, and lifted up a song of praise.  "Welcome sweet day of rest."

While lying at ancher 10 miles from Boston, the Treas. of the A.B.C.F.M. came on board with an additional supply of provisions and stores for our voyage, for which we had found occasion to send back.  The promtitude with which our wants are supplied, calls forth our gratitude and encourages us to go forward to our work with more cordial reliance on the providence of God, and on the affectionate, seasonable and efficient aid of our patrons.

Having again taken an affectionate leave of the treasurer and some other friends, weighed anchor at one o'clock P.M. and at 2 sent letters ashore by the pilot - before evening most of the mission family began to be seriously seasick.

October 23, 1819

JOURNAL OF THE SANDWICH ISLAND MISSION
No. 1
____________________

On board brig Thaddeus, Capt. Blanchard bound to the Sandwich Islands.

Oct. 23, 1819 - This day in the good providence of God, we have been allowed to leave our dear native shores on an embassy of mercy, having been set apart to the work of propagating the gospel in the Sandwich Isles.  Having been commended to God and to the word of his grace by the Rev. Dr. Worcester, and attended on board by many dear friends to whom with tears we gave the parting hand, we left Boston harbor with a prosperous gale, and with peculiar smiles of heaven.  The little mission family containing 22 souls attended by G.P. Tamoree is this evening blessed with universal health.

He who has called us is faithful, and though we go out to a foreign land not knowing the things that shall befal us there, we cheerfully commit ourselves to his guidance and protection and endeavor to give up ourselves and all we have, to be forever employed in his service.

"Journal of the Sandwich Island Mission"

BEGUN ON BRIG THADDEUS, CAPT. BLANCHARD

OCTOBER 23, 1819.

164 DAYS FROM BOSTON TO KAILUA, HAWAII

Members of the Pioneer Company were

Rev. and Mrs. Hiram Bingham,

Mr. and Mrs. Danl. Chamberlain and 5 children,

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Holman,
Mr. and Mrs. Loomis,

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ruggles,

Rev. and Mrs. Asa Thurston,

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Whitney,

Also four Hawaiian youths, Thomas Hopu, Wm. Kanui, John Honolii, Geo. Tamoril.

This Journal was probably written by Hiram Bingham, Asa Thurston and Elisha Loomis in turn.

Note: In this journal, Daniel Chamberlain is referred to as "Capt. C." This was his military title from service in teh War of 1812.

Coming to Hawai`i: The Thaddeus Journal

Mission Houses Museum welcomes you to the first program of its upcoming exhibition: Coming to Hawai`i: A Trunk Show (January - July, 2010).  This program is a blog taking visitors day by day on the journey to the Sandwich Islands with the first group of protestant missionaries to Hawai`i. 

Today we know that the trip on board of the brig, the Thaddeus took around 6 months to bring its passengers to Hawai`i.  That journey began on October 23, 1819. 

Please join us on Friday, October 23, 2009 -  a hundred and ninety years later as we take you day by day on that first journey.  We will share each day's log entry as it was entered.  Hopefully, we will then enjoy some interesting and thought-provoking discussions - from how a word's meaning has changed between the 19th and 21st centuries to how people passed the time on board ship to discussions of who does what on the ship.  At journey's end, we hope everyone who participates will come away with a better understanding of these people who hoped to make a difference in their world.