An extract from Apslips's diary written the morning after the storm that his ship was caught in

Yesterday evening there was a huge storm that hit our ship the sailors were busy trying to keep the ship on course or bailing out water that had been thrown up onto the deck. The storm threw the ship around, a few men were lost overboard and my mandolin got smashed. Then one huge wave washed over the ship, snapping the masts and drenching everyone is cold, salty water. After that I don’t remember anything of that night. I woke up this morning with a headache and a bleeding leg the sailors had laid me in a bed and put a bandage round my leg. I am very lucky to be alive.

An extract from Apslips's diary written as he leaves Barcelona

I feel sad leaving Europe and all its music behind but I feel joyous about introducing my music to the Native Americans. I shall play all of my solo pieces to them and teach them how to play the musical instruments that I am bringing with me. I hope to learn their language and their culture. If I like it there then I shall live there for the remainder of my life.

An extract from Apslips's diary written when he finds out that he can go to America

I am so glad that the merchant has agreed to let me travel on his ship across the Atlantic to America. He has also agreed to keep my instruments in his cabin rather than the crew’s quarters or the hold where they would be likely to get broken. I am looking forward to introducing my music into America; I believe that everyone should have a chance to listen to great music at least once in his or her lifetime.