After dinner, I set to work and transcribed eight or nine of my Mongonui trip for the Sydney Herald. Went to Evening Service, Lloyd preaching. Smallfield and the Cowells called. Kitty and I turned in, very tired and sleepy, at ˝ past 9.

Monday: 3rd: A lovely morning. Turned out at 5.30 a.m. and went to work on my Sydney paper. Two schooners, coastwise, signalled. Scott still unable to work. Got Sydney Heralds to the 14th Ult., on which I set to work and made copious gleanings which I carried to the office. Went to Greenwoods; and thence with him to his store in Mechanics Bay where we rehearsed the Wife. Bart a capital actor, and Mrs. Foley up to her profession. Greenwood will make a mull of his part. Accomp. Greenwood home to tea. Capt. and Mrs. Chesney, Dr. Prendergast and the Misses Bartley were there. Prendergast exhibited a splendid microscope. Whilst doing so, the Denny’s whistle, and then her gun were heard, and I hurried on board, and learnt that [indecipherable] had been smashed and the Russians beaten on the [indecipherable]. Williamson and I read the news, and I afterwards called and left Greenwood the papers; to bed at 1.

Tuesday:4th: Turned out between 5 and 6 and gave Wilson the papers. Home and set to work on the remainder, and carried them over to the office. Down to the Post, and rec. a few papers. Home again, and had an overhaul; and thence to the Masonic, where I had a couple of games with Bacot giving him twenty. Went to the office, and remained there reading and revising until half past 11. The Wonga sailed for Kawan, Wangarei, and other ports at 9.30a.m.