March 9, 1500

My 13 ships have left, and its been 4 hours. There has been no sign of land. I wish for clear skies out here. but I don't think we will get it. Up above, the skies are turning grey, there is rumbling from far off, and some of my men have sworn to have seen flashes of light over the horizon. My men are already afraid. What babies! At least one of my loyal officers, Bartolemeu Dias, stands by me. He gives me reports on the weather, what the other ships are doing, and mans his boat. Our food supply is high, and we have enough water. I hope all goes well.

Pedro Alvares Cabral