24 July. There seems some doom over this ship. Already a hand short, and entering the Bay of Biscay with wild weather ahead, and yet last night another man lost, disappeared. Like the first, he came off his watch and was not seen again. Men all in a panic of fear, sent a message, asking to have double watch, as they fear to be alone. Mate angry. I fear there will be some trouble, as either he or the men will do some violence.

28 July. Four days in hell, knocking about in a violent storm, and the wind a tempest. No sleep for any one. Men all worn out. Hardly know how to set a watch, since no one fit to go on. Second mate volunteered to steer and watch, and let men snatch a few hours sleep. Wind abating, seas still terrifying, but feel them less, as the ship is steadier.

29 July. Another tragedy. Had single watch tonight, as crew too tired to double. When morning watch came on deck they could find no one except the steersman. Raised outcry, and all came on deck. Thorough search, but no one found. Am now without a second mate, and crew in a panic. Mate and I agreed to go armed henceforth and wait for any sign of what is causing this.

Vocabulary:

Doom: When something terrible will happen
Hand: Here it means a member of the crew
Knocking about: Moving without much direction
Tempest: Very strong winds and rain
Snatch: Take quickly
Abate: Get less
Tragedy: A sad and terrible event
Outcry: When everyone is angry and upset
Henceforth: From now on