Diary of Rev. George Gary — IV 431 for a few days past. We hope Divine Mercy will forgive the follies and faults of the year now closing; and help in redeeming time to the best advantage in future. 1848. Saturday, January 1. The new year has opened upon us. Surely it begins pleasant with us. The day is clear, the weather mild, the wind favorable, dif- ferent from one year ago. Then we were shut up at Williamette Falls, with the gloom, rain and darkness of an Oregon winter upon us and about us; now we are here, approaching our own coast; it may, to be sure, be boistrous and stormy, yet we have hopes of setting foot again on our native land. We have just spoken a small schooner eight days from Boston; got some papers, the latest date December 22, 1847. This is almost enchanting to us. We hope a few days will put us on land in New Bedford. Time, Time ! How it flies ! How important its improvement ! Sunday, 2. This morning before sunrise, I went on the deck. In a little while, a sailor by the name of Joseph came to the water butt to get water for his morning wash; the captain asked him, who told him to get water there to wash with ; after some words he poured back the water, and started forwards; the captain kicked him twice or thrice; he, Joe, turned round, took hold of the captain; the captain seized him (no blows were struck) ; in a very short time, the second mate took Joe aft. I went below, but as I learned Joe was tied up and whipped, say from ten to fifteen lashes. This event scared me dreadfully. It is so windy and rough we have no meeting today. At about eight p. m., all hands were called to reef sails ; we had wind and a rough sea through the night. Monday, 3. Strong head wind, very rough sea. Lat. 32.16. Lon. 70.30. Tuesday, 4. Wind not quite so strong ; sea not quite so rough ; but little progress, however, on our route. Lat. 31.41. Long. 71.32.
