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.
May 21, 1832
Good weather but contrary wind; latitude 50°8′, longitude 2°45′. We tack. This morning the foredeck is being swabbed. A Dutch ship sails past. The Janus is a brig of 170 tons, built in Plymouth near Boston, very durable and sound. Cabin small, no windows aft, six bunks. Capt. Robbins is a native of Plymouth; the second is Master Gooden; the steward and cook, a mulatto; five sailors in addition. In the evening, strong wind; we do not see land.