Chapter 4

Summary

Fifth Voyage — In the Brigantine Coquette — Joseph Wilkie, Master, from Halifax to Sierra Leone, across to Demerary [now Georgetown] on to Grenada, return to Halifax, November 15, 1838-April 24, 1839.

Sailed on 15th. November, 1838 and after a quick passage (she being, thank fortune, a fast sailor) we are now off our port in thirty days out. My brother George married on 17th October to Miss Jessie Amelia Hennigar.

16th December

Lat. 8.17 N, Long. 13.43 W. Stark calm — whales at a distance - dolphins jumping an immense height — old logs and pounce [fine powdery debris] drifting about. This passage has nearly come to a close imperceptibly, so quietly, regularly and pleasantly has every duty of master and mariners been performed, which forms a great contrast with some voyages I have made. I am (partly) in consequence thereof as happy as my forlorn circumstances will admit.

Winds and currents — between Cape Verdes and the coast we found the winds during the nights more from the North than during the day. Did not get the NE trades till within or SE of the Verds. Currents running different courses, seldom exceeding 1 mile per hour. Chronometer out 90 miles.

Arrived at Sierra Leone on 17th December. Went on shore — entered — hired a shop from Jacob Thomas Esq. (alias “by Jing” or “Slakemdishe“) and commenced selling our cargo. Had a great run for a few days before Christmas, not having leisure to eat. But the stir is now over and I have time to think a little.

This place has rather a picturesque appearance on approaching from sea. The Barracks are situated on an eminence in the rear of the town, and the roads of red sand or clay leading up the hill contrast strongly with the green fields and bushes. There are some pretty houses, neatly furnished outside and painted, and on the whole it forms a lively scene.

There are a number of vessels, say 20, and out of those, 13 are captured slavers, some sold, some are to be cut in four pieces and some are not yet tried. 1 Brig, 3 Brigantines, and 1 Schooner have been taken since we arrived, about 7 days since.