Sunday:13th: A dull calm morning. Up at half past 6. Heavy both in spirits and in person. Remained at home all day. My dear Kitty went to morning service, at which a stranger preached and gave an excellent discourse. The Osprey came in from the Bay at 3 p.m., and at 5.30 another schooner, coastwise, was signalled within the reef. Did not leave the house all day. Went to bed early.

Monday: 14th: Blowing a hard gale from the N. and N.E., with heavy squalls of rain. Got the Sydney papers and made various comments and extracts. Down to the Post, but recd. no letters. Went to bed early, but had not long laid down, when the fire bugle rang out sharply. The fire, supposed to be an incendiary one, was in Fort Street, but, thanks to Military watch and ward, it was speedily extinguished.

Tuesday: 15th: Moderate morning, with occasional showers; turned out at 6 a.m. and discovered the Pioneer at anchor. Down to the pier; not a waterman to be found. Got off to her in the Wonga’s boat. [indecipherable] had a long passage. Picked up the American whaler’s boat off the Three Kings. Wrote shipping pars, and a stunning Northern Elector. Cooked up a letter of Williamson’s. Over to the office, and got through the work early. Down to the exchange. Had a long consultation about relieving American seamen.