Beschreibung:

40 pages containing handwritten text. 15.5x10 cm. ¼ leather over marbled boards. Diarist Thomas P. Nisbett's description of being aboard the sailing schooner Plymouth Rock, along with his wife and children, bound from London to New York in June 1861. Handwritten entries depict a voyage laden with peril on a nearly daily basis, including squalls, storms, sickness, and the ever-looming threat of pirates and privateers. Some events mentioned in the diary: A huge American packet ship harassing them by crossing their bow several times; Captain E. Hammond trying to steer away from them; Captain having to whip one of his sailors due to thievery from a passenger; Fear of mutiny by sailors, and the captain's mates have to draw their pistols; No medical man aboard; No medicine of any kind; Rations running low; Sailsblown to bits from winds; Encounter with another ship at sea where they bought fish & tobacco and were told News of War in U.S.; etc. Front cover is signed by the author Thomas P. Nisbett. It appears he is a minister ashe gives sermons aboard ship when requested to do so. The voyage starts off fairly well and then escalates into tremendous danger, peril and intensity. "Thomas P. Nisbett, June 21, 1861, 12 o'clock Friday were on board The Plymouth Rock - London - Dock A - Captain Hammond. [Captain E. Hammond.] Same day hauled out at 4 o'clock P.M. Same evening fire in next cabin. Accidentally caused by Mrs. Powell (French woman) Extinguished by the captain. Sat. June 22, Steam tug 11 o'clock precisely. Pilot. Pilot on boat a very agreeable person. Nice weather. Tug left in the afternoon. Sails set ahead. Pass well known spots." "Sunday, June 23, Pleasant day. Sang some pieces. Wind changed against. Tacking all day. Monday 24, Rough. Tacking. Much sickness. 11 at night passed Beachy Head. Provisions served out. Fog. Bell & horn. Tues. 25, Rain & wind. Wind favorable. Change tacking. 6 o'clock. Isle of Wight. Squalls. Rain. 3 o'clock. Wind, fair sailing due West. Wed. 26, Fine morning, course fair. Occasional tacking. 10 o'clock, lights lands end. 2 o'clock Weather fine. Headwind. Wake. Many sick on deck in the sun. A bright day. I keep girls free from sickness. Thursday 27, Beautiful morning. Full seas, fair wind. 10 knots. Mary, Hannah & Charles still sick. Youth discovered last night stowed away in the hold. He was set to work. Several persons (women) laying about on deck sick. Saw French Man of War. Wife better this morning. Fine, and fair wind all day. Night watch on forecastle going 10 knots, fell asleep well nigh & we almost run into a homeward bound vessel. Friday, 28, Calm. Beautiful morning. 10 o'clock shift in wind but unfair ship tacks. All are sick. Evening wind fine." "July 1, Monday. Calm morning good wind in afternoon. Rainbow. Boatswain impressed by my address/sermon on Sunday last, and one or two other comments. 11 o'clock comet. Rain & a good wind. All well. No sickness. Beautiful day with fair winds. July 2, Fine morning and a fair wind. All passengers in good health and spirits. We shifted our boxes for more room & comfort. We have many mercies and are thankful to God. May he continue to share good health and give us a prosperous voyage. Bring us safely to land and grant us the desires of our hearts as far as those desires are in accord with his righteous will. Lord enable us to live very close to thee. July 3, Fine morning & fair wind. 10 o'clock strong wind is increasing. Lashed all things fast. 12 to 2 o'clock blowing great guns. By 4 P.M. we are in a gale. A sail taken down; 1 every half hour. One sail (for Royal). Split main sail. Plunging along at 10 knots. Several persons sick. I pray for God's blessing upon us all. In the evening comet seen again. Wind increases. Thursday, July 4, Anniversary American Independence. Heavy winds all through the previous night. Squalls and danger of capsizing the ship. Squalls all day long. 4 vessels in sight in morning. All passengers sing the Dedication of Indepe