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 20, 1832
Beautiful weather; brisk, favorable wind. When I came on deck at eight o’clock, I saw Cape Beachy Headin England, to my right, which we had already passed to some degree. We see the English coast all day long. At noon, northern latitude 50°30′, eastern longitude [-2°] 30 miles. In the afternoon, overcast sky; to the north, the coast of the Isle of Wight. At four o’clock we are opposite the high section of the northern part of this island, on which two lighthouses stand. Mr. Bodmer sketches it. His condition was tolerable today. Several ships sail past in all directions. In the evening a very brisk wind, which subsides during the night.