Cruising on the Grounds
31
In January 1851, they were recruiting at Port Anna Maria at Nukuhiva Island, and on the 21st bid adieu to Nukuhiva and headed for Pitcairn. In the meantime, Captain Palmer had gone to the Island, having arrived there October 2nd and heard the sad departed news of the death of Mrs. Palmer. He stayed for a week or so, then departed on October 10th. The PERUVIAN writes in its log for Januaray 20,1851: onboard, one of the POTOMAC'S crew, having been secreted forward since leaving Nukuhiva." In February 1851, the log of the POTOMAC reads: Saw land off the lee beam supposed to be Hood Island (this island is not laid down on the chart). Lat. by observation - 22:50 no. Long, by Chronometer - 136:30." On the 13th of February, they are outside Pitcairn and the log states: Latter part Captain Grant went ashore and found a young heir." There was much rejoicing for the next few days. Then it was time for Nancy and the baby to go aboard with Charles for the re mainder of the voyage. They left Pitcairn the 19th of February, 1851. The natives were lined up at the shore en masse to see the depar ture and to bid farewell to Nancy. She left many friends back on the island and it was to her pleasure to see more of some of them in the future. Now Nancy was to have a problem: caring for the baby. No baby milk was aboard so he throve on cocoanut, grated and boiling water poured over it and strained, also goat's milk. There were no services on the ship to help care for the baby; the laundry alone must have been a perplexing problem. However, with the help of Charles and the officers, she made things very comfortable. Through the remainder of the year, the ship was cruising and catching whales. In May, they were near Christmas Island and stood in for it. They saw a whale boat on shore, sent a boat ashore to see what it was, but it proved to be branded. BAYLEY - N.B. Through the remainder of the month of June they are catching whales. They spoke to JASPER several times. In July, they were stowing down 100 bbls of oil. They passed Jarvis Island, bound for the Navigators. On the 13th a partial eclipse of the moon was visible. July 17th the Tutuilla was raised, and anchor set in Pago Pago Harbor. A raft went ashore for water and washed the ship outside. A larboard watch was kept on liberty ashore. On the 19th, Deputy Consul Gibson came aboard. This day was kept as Sunday so all went to church, as well as the following Saturday.
