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Things get worse

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.