Chapter Summary

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 31, 1832

Fierce gale from the northwest; dark squalls toward sundown; very high, obliquely rolling sea against the bow of the ship. A squall nearly imperiled us. All sails were struck, the wind howled terribly, and the raging sea threatened to break on our deck. The ship listed enormously but luckily recovered. During the night, frightful rain and storm. The sea frequently beats against the ship and even into our cabin. At noon, latitude 48°40’north, longitude 19°4′ west.

Current Location

Journal Location: Atlantic Ocean

XML Encoder: Roz Parr