The voyage of Thekla Nübling, part 3
For members of the Mitchell family
Thekla’s descendants are extremely lucky; a whole set of letters that she wrote to her family in Germany survive to tell her story of coming to America. I have done my best to translate these letters, so here they are (slightly abridged and edited for clarity).
This third set of letters describes the final part of her voyage across the Atlantic.
June 3, 1828
Aboard the Constitution
Yesterday and today the ship cut through the waves very well, but we also had several seasick patients. I alone am a good sailor, as the captain himself likes to say.
Yesterday the sea had a gentle joke with me. Ottilie was seasick in the cabin, so I eagerly went up to the deck to knit some fine stockings; then a wave hit me and soaked me from top to bottom! So, that’s how I applied myself to knitting. I laughed at this profusely, but didn’t worry about it, because even though this is the first time it has happened to me, this has happened more often to others.
After an hour my waterproof jacket, which I kept on, was completely dry. I went back to my usual place and got another good dinner in the evening. I went to bed and was fortunate to sleep without noticing the violent thunderstorm that had broken out during the night. The others envy me for this delicious sleep.
In general, life at sea is disorderly (being only quiet at night), but lazy; you can eat at any time, you can sit here or there, but mainly you just want to sleep a lot. I’m actually getting fatter. It strikes me that I have become remarkably stout.
June 6, 1828
Aboard the Constitution
Unfortunately, we have just had two days of calm, and it is so boring I could die. We now have several ships around us. On the evening of the 4th at 9 o’clock came one with whom the captain spoke, which came from Jamaica and is going to Liverpool. One which is very near us is from Antwerp and will also go to New York. I wish them and us wind — a good one!
Last night we got a good sunset, such that the greater part of the horizon stood in a red glow. This seldom happens on the sea. I have already observed that all that appears in the sky here is not as vivid as it is in our country; e.g. today the sky in this most beautiful weather is a pastel blue, the stars flicker faintly, and even the moon looks pale.
Yesterday we had good fun with the Jew. He predicted a good wind, so I promised him that if it arrived he would be decorated with a crown and then be received on deck with music. The wind did not come and he was teased profusely at the table for this, and after dinner he was decorated with a broom instead of the crown. He conducted himself with good humor, anyway.
June 11, 1828
Aboard the Constitution
Today, after four days of calm, we finally have a good wind. Everyone is happy about it. In this cheerful mood, we asked our Lord Levi if we could give him a black mustache, in order to make him look more handsome and manly. With great patience he allowed us to use some of the black oil paint that the young woman from Hannover brought to make two strikes under his nose. We all had a good laugh about it.
Today we also saw a big shark.
We are now close to our goal. I can’t thank God enough for my good health.
June 17, 1828
Aboard the Constitution
Last Wednesday I had a toothache, which increased with a growing lump on my face. This lasted until Sunday, when the abscess emptied and I could feel comfortable again. At the same time, I enjoyed the quiet pleasure of watching everyone on this shared ship rejoice in my recovery. Ottilie was my tireless guardian and companion.
Joy over joy! Perhaps tomorrow I will embrace my brother Max. I can’t wait. If only we’d already arrived there!
June 22, 1828
New York City
I am finally on land. A peculiar feeling came over me when I saw land again. For five days we cruised around the harbor but could not get in. On the 19th, the captain went ashore, and he brought me news that although Max had not yet arrived, he was expected to arrive any day. By the way, every accommodation for my reception has been taken care of, thanks to the efforts of my brother’s associates Mr. Smith, Mr. Browster, and Mr. Mayer.
On the following day a favorable wind blew, and after a happy crossing we sailed triumphantly into the harbor. In my life I will never forget the wonderful sight of the entrance to the port. All along the shorelines were many country houses and gardens, with trees full of fruit and all kinds of other things, everything so inviting, so extraordinarily beautiful!
Our good captain led me to Mr. Browster, since Mr. Smith had gone out into the country because he had business, but as it happens, Mr. B. speaks neither German nor French; oh mon Dieu! How terrible that is! He offered me his arm and led me to a house. It was one of several establishments here called boarding-houses, mostly belonging to widows. Although lodging here cost more than it would at an inn, it is more respectable, especially for a single woman.
Lady Lemis, the mistress of the house, though she knows only English, took me by my hand and whisked me to my room — where I sit now. My luggage was still aboard the ship, so I patiently waited for it, as I wanted to have it with me. At last Lady Lemis reappeared to take me to tea, where there were three ladies and 10 gentlemen who all live here, though they all speak English.
After some time, Mr. Browster was able to go and fetch Mr. Smith, who speaks French; I complained to him of my situation, and he procured for me what I needed. Mr. Mayer came with my luggage the next day, and he told me about where I am, and that only persons of good repute may board here.
The maid really minds her own business, because I can’t ask for anything; only the Black servant will actually respond to requests that come from my lips. Despite these trifles things are getting better, because the Lady is teaching me to speak English and I take great pleasure in pronouncing things correctly.
Stay tuned for the next set of letters, wherein Thekla explores New York City.