Had a good wind all night which continued till near ten, when a heavy
shower of rain came on and the wind became unfavourable. A ship seen at
a distance; passed two others early this morning. The wind continued
unfavourable all day, also colder so that we all appeared depressed.
Played two games with Mr. Bassnett and lost, then went on deck about ten
and found the wind abated, but quite ahead. The Captain said he was
quite sick of it. The curious phenomenon yesterday of the coloured
water, is explained by some of the seamen supposing it to be the spawn
of a whale.
Much breakage of glasses at dinner; my decanter tossed off the table and
broken; also a tumbler and champagne glass. One gull seen yesterday and
two stormy petrels follow us a long way. A very dull day with all of us,
partly occasioned by the unfavourable wind and coldness. Had some
affecting conversation with Mr. G. respecting my late dear father. A
fine evening, the wind changed and almost became a calm. The ship
gradually turned round to get on another tack.