9 Nov. — Gale WSW, force 8 at 0400, backing W by noon. Sea heavy. Ship labouring. Captain on the bridge since 0200; took the helm himself for a spell after McSorley complained of the screw. Could feel it in the deck plates — a thrum off the port shaft bearing. Logged it. Capt. said make a note but not a fuss. I made a note.
1400 — Weather thick. Radar would have been a comfort; we carry none. Capt. below for twenty minutes, came up smelling of the decanter again. Ordered a course two points south of the plan. I reminded him of the Varren Shoals bearing. He said he knew the Shoals better than I did. I did not press it. More is the pity.
1700 — Barometer falling. I went aft to check the cargo lashings. Found four of the twelve starboard chains loose — the ones over the Blackwell consignment. Dock men at Ironside had not set them proper. I set them. Wrote it in the days remarks.
2100 — We are making a southing of seven miles off the recommended track. I told the Captain the beacon at Iphigenia Point should be abeam by 2200 if we keep this heading. He told me to mind my own reckoning and let him mind the ship. I am minding my own reckoning. I do not like the sound of it.