Dreamed a good deal and particularly about my late dear father, who is
now still more in my remembrance, and I have frequently to check the
expectation of seeing him on my return. A truly delightful morning with
an improved breeze. Passed what is called a black fish[6]. Played a game
with Mr. Bassnett and beat him. A most delightful and favourable breeze
continued. Immediately after dinner I observed a current of yellow water
about the breadth of the ship's length, and about 1/2 or 3/4 mile on
each side, and after passing over it I went to tell the Captain who was
just then looking over the side; he made haste to the stern along with
others and he expressed very great surprise, almost seemed desirous to
turn the vessel about to look more closely. He had never seen the like
before, and should have been alarmed had he seen it at the head; could
only explain it by supposing that an iceberg with a quantity of mud had
melted in that neighbourhood[7]. Had fiddle and dancing particularly
well done by the steward, cook, and some of the sailors. Played another
game at chess with Mr. B. and beat him. Although we have had a good fair
breeze all day we have not seen a single ship.