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 1, 1832
Weather a little better. We hail an American three-master. Nice view of the rocking ship. Toward evening, torrential rain and storm again. With the sea rolling toward us like high mountains, we plunge from crest to trough. With only two small storm sails, the ship groans and labors vigorously. We seem to be sailing in a deep valley and cannot see even 80 paces. The waves break violently against the ship, and whoever ventures on deck is thoroughly drenched. The sailors are continually drenched. No observation possible. We lie in bed mostly; for several nights have not slept; cannot stand on our feet in the foul-smelling, crowded cabin. Five persons are housed here. We feel very miserable and sick in this dismal captivity. During the night many ropes break. The sailors work terribly hard. Every evening I gave them some Genever (gin), of which they are very fond. Two sailors are sick from the wetness. At noon, latitude 47°24′, longitude 20°56′ west.