November 4, 1840
Dearest Mother,
It is terrible out on the whaling ship. The waves are tremendous and I am putting the sails down and holding on for dear life. It is pouring rain and I don't want to fall off.
When my captain says, “There she blows” we get into our smaller boats and row to the whale. After I harpoon the whale, he takes us for a Nantucket sleigh-ride by quickly yanking us around. When we pull the whale back in we sing sea shanties.
I get nothing good to eat. I get hardtack crackers with dead bugs in them. Our sleeping times are always different so I am exhausted. I'll be home in three and a half years. Hope to see you then.
Our next stop will be Alaska. In Alaska they're supposed to have more whales. Also, the Lagoda is not doing well. It is moldy and in need of repair. I know I'll make it back safe...if I don’t go overboard.
How is the new born baby doing? Is she walking yet? I can’t believe I have a sister I haven’t met. I have to go because my captain said, “There She Blows!” I love you. Love, Alfred
Dearest Mother,
It is terrible out on the whaling ship. The waves are tremendous and I am putting the sails down and holding on for dear life. It is pouring rain and I don't want to fall off.
When my captain says, “There she blows” we get into our smaller boats and row to the whale. After I harpoon the whale, he takes us for a Nantucket sleigh-ride by quickly yanking us around. When we pull the whale back in we sing sea shanties.
I get nothing good to eat. I get hardtack crackers with dead bugs in them. Our sleeping times are always different so I am exhausted. I'll be home in three and a half years. Hope to see you then.
Our next stop will be Alaska. In Alaska they're supposed to have more whales. Also, the Lagoda is not doing well. It is moldy and in need of repair. I know I'll make it back safe...if I don’t go overboard.
How is the new born baby doing? Is she walking yet? I can’t believe I have a sister I haven’t met. I have to go because my captain said, “There She Blows!” I love you. Love, Alfred