Eighth Voyage in Brig Emily, Henry J. Cooper, Master. From Halifax to Sierra Leone. Returned on Brigantine Margaret, R. Jones, Master, November 20, 1839-May 24, 1840.

Took in cargo joint account with W.J.S. for Sierra Leone. Sailed on 20th. November and had continual gales of wind for 20 or 25 days during one of which we shipped a sea (or rather it pooped her, not having sufficient sail set) that did some damage — breaking up the roundhouse quarterboards, some bulwark, a water cask, tool chest, etc. The tool chest was a great loss to me, as I was just commenced wiling away the tedious hours, carpentering. As “necessity is the mother of invention” so here the adage is verified. I made a jack plane and a leading plane, with which I repaired the roundhouse into a more substantial and sightly structure(!) than it was before with several other jobs too tedious to mention. And now “tho’ I say it that shouldn't say it” — I take considerable credit to myself for the invention of tools and the work done with them. Carpenter and fiddler! Strange if I cannot make a living.

Last Thursday being Christmas, we had the usual quantity of plum duff, salt junk, and a bottle of wine. So here I am again quill driving and in the old Emily — farther east than she ever was before and consequently she has not behaved very well, being out of her usual latitude. She has kept us at sea now 38 days and will probably a week longer — on allowance of water and as a matter of course too late for the Christmas market of Sierra Leone.

1840

It is stark calm now and the 4th day of the New Year, 1840. 44 days out - but I may as well, and will “take it cooly” as well as the weather will permit.

Since writing the above and on the same day, we were brought to by a gun from H.M. Brig Saracen, and after remaining two or three hours for her to come up, were boarded by the Commander — who, after the usual compliments, news etc. supplied us with 35 gallons water and was inclin'd to purchase several of our little notions - but dwindled down at length to a barrel potatoes.