Saturday, August 10.—Clear, with a deep blue sea and a fresh S. E. trade wind in latitude 5° N., and what makes our position worse with reference to making our run, we have had the extraordinary current of 50 miles in twenty-four hours (!) setting nearly due north, a speed equal to that of the Gulf Stream in its narrowest part. But patience and resignation. These are two qualities which every seaman should cultivate, as he has so frequent opportunities for their exercise. We have now just three days of fuel onboard, and we require to make 550 miles, current included, to reach Maranham. Can not do it. Latitude, 4° 29′; longitude, 48° 25′.
Extracts from the journal of Commander Semmes, C.S. Navy, commanding C.S.S. Sumter
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