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 27, 1832
In the morning, beautiful weather, somewhat damp from last night. At nine o’clock a large Dutch brig. The skipper comes on board. He comes from Batavia and requests news from Europe. Takes a letter along for me. Porpoises play around the ship and quickly move away. At noon, latitude 49°28′, longitude 12°22′ west. In the afternoon, very high sea. A three-master lowers its flag to us three times; we salute in the same manner. An American brig from Charlestown bound for Amsterdam. During the night, torrential rain and storm.