From the Travel Log of Mr. Bangs, First Mate of the Elizabeth

July 19th, 1850, approx. 2:15 A.M.

Strong wind – Brutal waves – Unrelenting rain. Elizabeth rather unsteady as we gain New York. The men having difficulties seeing in the dark. I fear for sandbars ahead as we near shore.

I am needed on deck, but first I must add – here below, among other passengers, there is a lady – middle-aged, rather plain, with mass of white-blond hair & rather affected demeanor – along with husband - Italian - and little boy about two years. He contracted smallpox during voyage – since recovered, but is now terrified of storm & crying. His mother holds him & sings to him – not a pretty voice, but it’s strong, & has its effect on child. Just now, I heard her say something rather odd to husband – in earnest, very firm tone - that ‘no, he would not convince her to swim to shore and leave the two of them behind’.