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 26, 1832

During the night the wind shifted to an easterly, hence very favorable, direction; brisker in the morning. Porpoises. A rather large cetacean. A brig hoists its flag; we respond. Noon observation: latitude of 49°17′, longitude: 9°24′. At noon we drink to the health of my eldest brother, whose birthday is today. We see several ships. Brisk wind during the afternoon; during the evening it becomes stronger. During the night the sea rages fiercely, and the ship is tossed.

Current Location

Journal Location: Atlantic Ocean

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