Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 24.djvu/458

 426 Charles Henry Carey sight from mast and head. At about eight a. m., our captain goes to visit one of these vessels; the only one that comes near us. He gets but little news from her. She said four months ago the Mexican war was still going on. No news of privateers in our route. He brought back a few newspapers, mostly of June, 1847. Monday, 8. Last night a strong gale from the north met us ; it is still blowing upon us with considerable fury ; it gives us a rough sea, and considerable of a shaking, nothing, however, very alarming, but it keeps us back from our course. Tuesday, 9. Our gale has abated ; the wind has come round to the west so we are able to make some progress homeward. Lat. 55.32. Long. 60.11. As we have fairly passed round the Cape, our course now seems more di- rectly towards home ; and we have solicitude to have the winds drive us towards the United States with rapidity. It is ten weeks today since we left Honolulu, and we hope, Providence favoring us, to set foot on land in our native country within ten weeks more. It is a very cheering thought that we are on the second half of our voyage. Friday, 12. For a few days, our winds have been very light ; almost a calm ; our progress consequently, has been slow ; but now we are moving homeward most finely, and would like a brisk breeze to drive us rapidly homeward. My health today and yesterday is better than it has been for some time. Saturday, 13. We are favored with strong wind, driving us homeward. Every favorable day gives us delight. Today, Lat. 49.04. Lon. 50.51. Friday, 26. Since the last date, I have been sick, suffered much pain in the bowels; from the best views we can obtain (which is by the book accompanying the ship's medicine chest) the inflamation of the intestines is the source of this pain ; it is no pleasant situation to be sick in, far from medical aid, and rocked with the con- stant and often uneasy motion of the ship, whether you