Voyage from Europe to Boston
Maximilian’s expedition began with a 48-day voyage from Europe to America. Maximilian, Bodmer, and Driedoppel departed from the Dutch port of Helvoet on the brig Janus. Always at the mercy of the weather, the sail-powered ship was frequently subjected to violent storms, then becalmed by windless days.
June 11, 1832
In the morning, beautiful, bright weather, wind more northerly. Our course is northwest. Jellyfish and Portuguese men-of-war have probably gone down to the depths. Sea constantly very rough. Several storm petrels of two varieties, including a P. pelagica, which comes very close. After breakfast, very little wind; all the studding sails are set. At noon, little wind. Latitude 41°55′ north, longitude 39°21′ west. Temperature of the air 13 1/3°R [62°F, 16.7°C], of the surface of the water 12 1/2°R [60.1°F, 15.6°C]. In the afternoon the wind disappears almost completely. Procellaria hover about us. Work is done on the sails and rigging. Evening pleasant; magnificent light of the full moon, which is off in the southeast and makes a splendid strip of golden sparkles in the sea. During the night, very little wind.