19th Century Steinbeck Family Papers

men by the golden rule and have his ship a Christian ship and has never had any trouble with his crew. He has all our sympathy for obedience is a important thing on a vessel. The coast of Algiers is still in sight.

Nov 11. Cold east wind is blowing today and our progress is slow. Have a fine view Cape Tealader, and Spartinanto on the island of Sardinia which is a large rocky irregular island. On the top of a high elevation stood a tall tower and on one point which extended out towards sea was a level of some miles were a few houses, but its apperance was barren and rocky. We passed the rock of Todo, it looked like a small mountain rising above the blue waters. There are many vessels around us, and like ourselves are beating against a strong head wind, by frequent “tacking ship” we gain a little headway. One vessel seemed to have encountered a gale. She had lost her top gallent mast.

A little craft with only one sail appearaed. It seemed a mere speck on the water. Captain said it was called a “Flaerce”, and ran for trade as Tunis is near.

Nov 12 Saturday. Henry is quite sick today. This afternoon in “tacking ship” we came near Sardinia again and in view of a different part of the island more pleasing here we could see hills covered with trees, and a number of towers were to be seen. “The island is 144 miles long and 68 miles wide, has 3500 inhabitants. The palm pomegranate orange and lemon also the chesnut and cork tree grow here. Cagliase the capital has a large propotion of inhabitants has fine buildings and churches. The Viceroy resides here”

Nov 12 Saturday. Today is cold and raw a strong east wind which causes the ship to pitch and rock with a most uncomfortable motion. You would smile perhaps if you could look at the long faces on board. Mother, Mrs Blanchard, Mary and Henry are sick in their berths. Captain is sick Caroline is not well, has a cough, and little appetite. The steward keeps his berth so the cook has double duty to perform. Mrs Blanchard and Mary have been making up the berths this morning they being sick I sweep our state room

and made the berth. Afternoon went on deck and had another view of Sardinia. On this side were rocks looking like tall towers being so perfectly formed. Spoke a vessel and came near having a collision with her. She came so near her “jib boom almost struck our “spanker boom.” To inquires as to her name and destination She was the Brig Concord from Atwerp bound for Constantinople having been thirty days out. We have been out thirty two days. It was the first time we had spoken a vessel, and it seemed pleasant. Our ensign has been run up a number of times, and when those vessel who exchange signs reach port, report each other as signalized.

November 13 Sabbath another day of rest, has dawned and as we gain strength physically may we also renew our courage to work for the benefit of those among whom we are to dwell. Excepting father who still keeps his berth, the sick are better. The ship lies almost motionless on the glassy waters. The blue outlines of the island of Galita are visible it is near the coast of Africa. Caroline says “I am tired of seeing land I want to walk on it.” She is good