M., with a fine breeze from
the east-southeast, we crossed the equator. In twenty-four hours,
after crossing the line, which was very unusual, we took the regular
south-east trades. These winds come a little from the eastward of
south-east, and, with us, they blew directly from the
east-southeast, which was fortunate for us, for our course was
south-by-west, and we could thus go one point free. The yards were
braced so that every sail drew, from the spanker to the flying-jib;
and the upper yards being squared in a little, the fore and main
top-gallant studding-sails were set, and just drew handsomely. For
twelve days this breeze blew steadily, not varying a point, and just
so fresh that we could carry our royals; and, during the whole time,
we hardly started a brace. Such progress did we make, that at the
end of seven days from the time we took the breeze, on--
Sunday, June 5th, we were in lat. 19 deg. 29' S., and long. 118
deg. 01' W., having made twelve hundred miles in seven days, very
nearly upon a taught bowline. Our good ship was getting to be herself
again, had increased her rate of sailing more than one-third since
leaving San Diego.
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