A lovely day for the washing, getting along slowly made 120 miles. Therm this morn. 64. The weather is now eighteen degrees colder than it was ten days ago, the days increasing all the time. We are now about two thousand and sixty miles from Cape Horn, which is considered about half way. Been making preparations for the weather getting into the stormy regions. Been a busy day on deck, all hands employed fixing the head of the foremast or lashing it I believe is the mariner’s frazology for it. I presume the mischief was done in the Equinoctial gale we encountered on the 29th. And 30th. Sept. and pitching into the head seas as we have done ever since. Our reckoning today amounts to 109 miles. Eight weeks tomorrow since we left N. York.
There is something in this air that plays the mischief with the clothing. I have to keep turning them over and wiping, brushing and sponging, otherwise they would not be fit to wear. Our gloves are all spotted, neither husband or I have a pair but what is all over red spots. Indeed I have had quite a busy day myself. My boots that were at the bottom of a trunk were all mouldy when I took them out. It is now 9.30 p.m. we are going 8 knots, the sea is so smooth I can scarce feel her move. I am very tired so good-night.