1862-06-27-Antarctic
Ajax, William. Diary, pp. 86-117, 176-77. (Typescript) (CHL)
Diary of William Ajax
... Wednesday, 25th. The "J.A. Stamler" [POSSIBLY: Jacob A. Atamler] not far off us today again; she continued nearly all yesterday afternoon along side of us. New York No. 14 pilot boat met us today, being about 1 p.m., when we saw quite a number of porpoises within a few yards of the vessel, tumbling right over, and following us for a little distance. In the evening, the captain requested us to sing some tunes for him on deck, and he was much pleased at our performance. Rather rainy [-] in the morning, but dry afterwards. Prayers: Brother Moody in the morning, and I in the evening.
Thursday, 26th. A fine day. Considerable number of vessels in sight. At about quarter past 2 p.m., we caught the first glimpse of the land of America, being [-]. By about five we could plainly see some buildings onshore, at which time a pilot boat brought us a copy of today's "New York Tribune", from which we learned that the "William Tapscott" which left Liverpool May [-], arrived yesterday. By dusk, we were in sight of 4 or 5 lighthouses.
Friday, 27th. The tugboat, "Henry Bardon" came along-side of us about 3 a.m., and all ran out to have a glance at an "American steamer." We then commenced packing as fast as we could, to be ready to view the sceneries along the Hudson when we would reach that stream. We were high enough in the river about a.m. to have a fine view of the land and houses [p. 104] that were each side of it; and the river was indeed exceedingly delightful. I believe that the sceneries along that river up to New York were the finest I ever saw: we were all charmed with them. The doctor passed us unhesitatingly, and we were about almost opposite "Castle Garden" casting anchor. After we remained here about [-] the government officers came on board and the tugboat came alongside of us. The government officer opened and searched every thing we had, and even found some few articles with us on which duty could be imposed; but after threatening a little, he let us go free. This operation took us considerable time, so, that when we reached Castle Garden, it was about [-] p.m. This was a very large round building, built in about the same form as a theater, similarly painted inside, and about sufficiently spacious to hold from 7,000 to 8,000, or, perhaps more. We here met with the majority of the brethren and sisters who came on board the "Tapscott", from which we learned that they had 3 deaths on board. We had only about [-] here to bring our luggage from the boat, sell what provisions, such as rice, peas, and oatmeal, we had stored on the voyage, and collected the railway fare from each of our company from New York to Florence; for we had to leave the "Garden" about [-] to proceed towards Hudson River Depot, Chamber Street, where cars were in readiness for us. The weather was extremely hot, contrasted with what heat we had experienced in Britain, and we were considerably puzzled with the currency of this country, in consequence of our being totally unacquainted with the same. We left our first depot about [-] and the other, in about the other end of the city, about [-]. Our number amounted somewhere to 900-799 [UNCLEAR, POSSBILY 700] of the "Tapscott" company, 36 of our company, and several from New York, Brother Dewi Elfred Jones and wife being among them. Two of the Antarctic company, Sisters Elizabeth Edwards and Marth E. Cooper, from Liverpool, left us at Castle Garden, with the intention of making wives for the 2nd mate and boatswain of the Antarctic. . . . .
Saturday, 28th. We traveled all night, but very slowly, as there was but one engine attached to our train. We were at Albany about 9 a.m. ...
