Gold Rush Era Letters

a Man Jumped over board [overboard] and was Seen no more, he was a native of Germany and belonged to a Company from N. york [York]. The cause of his death is Said to be in consequence of a Love affair. We were Sailing at the rate of Seven nots [knots] per hour as Soon as the Alarm Was given the Ship hove too. Backed her Sails and Sent a boat in Search but it was no use, as they could not find Any thing [anything] But a plank that Some of the passengers put out thinking he might lay holt [hold] of it, and help to Save himself there is nothing we Seen as yet to attrack [attract] attention. So far on the Pacific

Flag of Germany and the Capt. gave a holyday [holiday] to the Sailors to honour [honor] the day. We had a very fine discourse to Suit the ocasion [occasion] with a number of very fine toasts and Sentiments. This day every Man thought of home.

Our Water getting Scarce the Capt. thought it prudent to reduce our allowance of Coffee and tea and all Seemed Satisfied, however the Weather Still Bad the Winds Blowing a head Continually he thought he Must reduce. it Still less So now we reciec [recieve] a tea cup full of Coffee in the Mornng [morning] and the Same of tea in the evning [evening]