John Quincy Adams Digital Diary

2. IV:45. At two O’clock this morning the Captain sounded and found bottom at 50. fathoms; he supposes on St. George’s Bank. The air was at 62. Water 60. Weather all day fine with an easterly breeze so light that it was little better than calm; yet carrying the ship from two to three knots an hour. We saw at a distance, two fore-top-sail Schooners; probably coasting vessels— I read De Augmentis Scientiarum, and wrote very little. Afternoon at Chess with Mr Otis: Evening upon deck Star-gazing; until the Moon rose, about half past ten, under the square of Pegasus, and directly astern of the ship Latitude 41:17. Longitude, estimated at 69:30. The Cabin Card Table has no other intervals from breakfast to Midnight, than for dinner and supper— Several Sculls of Porpoises were seen, and perhaps a turtle and a sword fish.— There was a premature cry of Land, by one of the Sailor’s this Morning.