cams_fhrussel_b012_f004_002_02

It being very stormy last night and continued so untill [until]
this morning a perfect gale tremendous waves dashing
over the vessel every few minutes threatening the distruction [destruction]
of vessel & crew. At 9 O'c [O'clock] all hands ordered on deck to save
the vessel from wreck by casting overboard the deck load with
which the vessel was encumbered since we left port.

All hands fell to work and in less than half an hour
One hundred & fifty barrels box[es] casks &etc. were stowed
and thrown over board [overboard]. Containing bread meat rice
brandy molasses etc. belonging to Ship and passengers
besides the frame work of two houses thus lightning the
vessel and enabling it to ride out of the Storm in Safety.

Our bread 7 barrels was all on deck and of course went overboard
It was very interesting to observe the indiferance [indifference] or
insensibility to danger of the greate [great] majority on board.
Whilst but few appeared to tremble at the danger which
surrounded them. Feb 14th We have had fine sailing
weather for the last fifteen days making from three to
three & a half degrees per day. We have seen fifteen
or more vessels but none near enough to speak. 18th We crossed
the equator this morning 9 Oc [O'clock] in Longitude 24 36° min
It is not unusual for vessels to be detained at this point
for weeks in consequence of the calms that prevail
but we being a fortunate sett [set] of fellows were not
detained more than four days. We have had very
warm weather since we left home the thermometer rainging [ranging]
from eighty to ninety five degrees. I have not had on
my coat stocking or hankerchef [handkerchief ] for last forty days and
part of the time no shoes

[in a different ink and handwriting:]
(You will pleas [please] deliver the within)

[in top margin, in the second ink and handwriting:]

Tell mother to make her self easy about me as I am as happy as the
day long and am living in hope. Remember me to all my friends I have
to mention who they all are. There are a great many little thing that shoul [should] of had but this no one to

Your Brother F. H. R. Francis Hanford Russel