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To My Dear Uncle
As a slight token of deep
And affectionate love
From his most grateful
and dutiful Nephew
Philip Herapath

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The
Journal of a Voyage
From London, to Auckland,
New Zealand
In the Ship, Hark-Away, Stephens Com
1857 Feby 14th [In margin]
We left London on Saturday morning Feby. 14th 1857 accompanied by my our dear Uncle, and Brother, and the Rev John Barfitt, took the Train to Gravesend, and after dining, and the purchasing of a few necessaries went on board where our dear friends, remained with us about an hour and then left us, bitter were the Tears we shed, as the Boat gradually receded, and finally became lost to view, the

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world with all its wealth and riches would have been given to return but No, the, Die was caste; after the pang incidents to parting had in some degree subsided we went below and made the necessary preparations for, (To use a Nautical Phrase) Turn In we closed the day with prayer and praise to Him who holds the winds in the hollow of His hand, My dear wife slept soundly, not so myself. I failed to woo the sleepy Gods

Feb 1st [In margin]
Sunday came, and with it all the confusion so inseperably connected with the Passengers joining the Ship and other Matters connected with the departure on so long a Voyage, Night arrived and with it the positive intimation that we should leave the following

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Morning at 4 oClock, closed the day and retired for the night-

16th [In margin]
Monday morning rose at 4 and went on Deck. The Steam Tug lay alongside with the steam well up and ready to start, after no little difficulty in weighing the Anchor, paying out the Hawser and making the Tug and our good Ship the Hark-Away one away we went for Auckland, but alas! for human calculations how vain and futile the jolly old Pilot who came with us from Gravesend now left us abreast of Deal, and another from that place came on board and will to take us on to Plymouth but here the wind failed us, and we were obliged to drop anchor for the Night. Dear Emma retired early to

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Bed, very queer, and I soon joined her, slept soundly until six in the morning-

Feby 17 [In margin]
Tuesday rose at six, and went on Deck, in the fond hope of seeing the other side of the, South Forelands before breakfast, but no, Boreas would not breathe until the Crew, had breakfasted, and then what a pulling and overhauling of Ropes, Sails, and Chains, now her snowy wings were being gradually spread to catch the freshening breeze the wind from the south west, which rendered it necessary to beat out to Sea, we had an excellent view of the South Foreland, with its two fixed Lights, with and the fine old Castle on Dover Heights . Now the wind begins to lull and at last leaves

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us entirely, at the mercy of the Ripples.The day one of the most beautiful it is possible to imagine, we are promenading the Poop and not a breath of wind blowing, we go down to dine, (but I had forgotten to say Emma was in Bed eating Biscuits and on the whole very ill) and suffering from depression of Spirits, during dinner we heard the unwelcome sound of the Anchor being let go in order to Keep the little advantage obtained and here we are abreast of Dover the lights of the Town terminated by those of the Foreland forming a very interesting sight when seen from the Sea - There has been a little grumbling today in consequence of the arrangements made for dining there is an aristocratic

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party on board, a Major and his Lady, and the person who asked the rude question, Viz , what capacity are you going out in being one of four, intimation has been given to the Captain that his arrangements have not given the Satisfaction so much to be desired under the circumstances, a remedy is promised in the course of a day or two, it is now 25 minutes to nine. The Cabin is occupied, with some writing Journals, others playing Cards, and some talking, the latter the Ladies, of course.

It has just been announced that we shall be off again tonight. Should it be so I shall commence my Journal To Morrow in regular form considering the preceeding only

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the introduction, I will not call it preface, as generally, they are never read –

Note From the monotonous character of our passage down Channel, alternate winds and Calms the former always foul there is nothing worthy of being written. We made the Start Lighthouse about 8 o Clock on Sunday morning Feby 22nd the day was most beautiful, but a tremenduous heavy swell on, which caused the Ship to pitch fearfully towards evening it abated a little at 10 o Clock sealed all the letters for home, in anticipation of the Pilot leaving us in the course of the night but to my great surprise on going on Deck found the Ship bearing up for Plymouth, the Eddystone on our port Bow the Breakwater Lights

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light ahead, on my asking the Pilot if we were going in, received in reply a Sea Grunt, thereupon I determined to remain on Deck the night, in company with the Captain I could See from the Ships course we were going in, and about a ¼ to three Monday morning the Anchor was let go in Plymouth Sound – with a great deal of pleasure I went below and informed Dear Emma I should be able to introduce her to my, our, I should have said, dear friends in Plymouth in the course of a few hours; we were ashr about 6 o Clk and after waiting some little time for the Captain to come on Deck to give us permission to leave the Ship, which he readily granted to all who choose to avail themselves

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of it, we got into Treville St about 9 o Clk, and had we risen from the dead, greater joy could not have been manifested, our dear Aunt Ferguson was not out of Bed, consequently we were introduced to her in her Bedroom, Singular to say, she had just finished her morning devotion, in which we had been earnestly and affectionately prayed for, beleiving we were then, far away on the Mighty ocean, how good is the great God of heaven and earth in giving us such Kind and dear friends, May He make us worthy of His paternal care and love, and give us hearts to be truly thankful for all the mercies, granted to us, up to this moment, we spent the few hours most pleasantly and I trust with profit to our Souls, our dear

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Aunt as we were about to leave fell on her Knees, and in the most earnest manner besought the Almighty to guard and protect us, and land us safely to in our desired haven we left at a quarter to 5 accompanied by Mr & Mrs Mill, and Mrs Beer, the evening breeze wafted to our ears, over the placid water of the Sound, the, Yo heave ho, and that peculiar, clink - clunk - clank - of the Windlass, weighing the Anchor how can I describe my feelings, language is totally inadequate, I now began to feel that I was about to leave old England, my heartstrings were stretched to the cracking point, but in order to avoid giving pain to others, was obliged to put on a cheerful Mien looking around, I recognised Many

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Spots very dear to me, alas! I thought Many years will elapse, ere I see the beautiful scenery of Plymouth Sound again, the beauties of which were greatly enhanced by the golden rays of the setting sun; gilding the hill tops, and covering the whole of earth and sea, with a radiance of heavenly glory, I am not very supers superstitious, but at the Same time, I could not but think that the whole of the circumstances attendant on our Voyage thus far; had been of a character to inspire the largest amount of confidence in the propriety of the Ship; and what is of greater importance that the great and good God of the Universe was guiding and directing us, and was ever near to us – in a few Moments

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More we were alongside, and walking up the accommodation ladder, under the impression that a long time would elapse ere we should set foot on “Terra Firma” again, our dear friends went below and took a hasty glance at our Cabin, which met their entire and cordial approbation, a few Moments More and they were in the Boats speeding away for home again Oh! What memories does that word recall, for the present we had none, save, the Noble Ship Hark-Away which by this time we had begun to consider it, and to love accordingly. Now the Anchor is up, the Sails are being loosened to the fair North East wind, and are passing the western end of the Breakwater

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right out to Sea, the Eddystone shedding its brilliant light over our pathway, the breeze freshens, and the Ship gathers way, but now the word is passed that a Passenger is left behind, how who is it is the cry? Why one of the gentlemen who went ashore in our Boat in the morning; a Mr Hancock, all are anxious – every eye is strained in the direction of the Shore, and a Boat is seen pulling away out under the Citadel she is gradually overhauling us, the Captain takes his Glass and discovers a Man in the Stern, the [indecipherable] nears us and in a few moments it is decided to be the Lost One I must not omit giving the details of this little incident, we made an agreement with the Boatman to

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take us ashore, and to reship us again in the evening for a shilling each, the money to be paid when such reshipment had taken place on separating in Treville St we arranged to meet again on the landing Pier at a quarter to 5 we were there punctually, and in addition waited some little time, but Mr Hancock came not, we were now informed by a Boat just come in from the Sound that the Hark-Away, was under way without loss of time we got into the Boat and away we sped as fast as two say and the Sail could take us, hoping that our friend had gone before us, but the sequel soon undeceived us, (as before intimated), the delay arose from the impression

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that time was made for slaves and not for men, he had been to have his Photograph taken, and a few other little odd jobs, and also lost his way, like people generally do in a hurry, we had departed and what was now to be done, to loose the Passage could not be thought of; well he hired a Boat in desperation and had made up his mind to pay liberally, say, five shillings, or so, all right off they are, but mark, he was now in the fangs of the Barbican Boatmen, perfectly helpless, the Ship by this time some distance outside the Breakwater, and he in the Middle of the Sound, pull away cries he, pay us now, cries the Boatmen; well how much, five shillings? No, our charge is one pound

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I wont’ pay it, well, we will take you back again, back water cries one of them, No, dont’ do that, go on, well then pay us, but I haven’t got so much, beside I am only a poor Man, Cant’ help that; you must pay us now one Sovereign or back you go to Plymouth again where you can hire a Steam Tug to follow your Ship, for about £20 poor Mr Hancock was obliged to down with his Dust, and one shilling in addition as a receiving fee now they pull away like a giant refreshed; (by the bye the refreshment was of a highly stimulating character) and in a short time was on the Poop Deck receiving the congratulations of his fellow passengers on his narrow escape from being left to vegetate

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in Plymouth for a month or two.

By this time, Penlee Point is rapidly passing astern, with the Plymo Pilot, who brought us out, the glorious orb of day is sinking away in the far west; the Crew is busy hoisting the Canvas; the dear, good Captain is pacing the Deck giving orders in a Manner which indicates authority, responsibility, and anxiety the passengers are grouped together in Knots chatting over the events of the day on shore, till at last the shades of evening draw rapidly on the call Bell for Tea tinkles, and all but myself and dear wife hasten below, to partake of the last meal in the sight of old England, we are now alone with the Captain, and

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the Helmsman; in a subdued tone the Skipper gives the order to steer West, South, West, the moments are flying with lightening speed and old England becomes “small by degrees and beautifully less” the night air becomes Keen and we go below, but not without bidding a fond adieu to the land of “the free” after Making our bed, which the hurry of the Morning would not permit us to do, we retired for the night with the conviction that on the Morrow the duties of Keeping this Journal, would have to commence in due and Seamanlike form -

Note Although we have been at Sea 8 days the Voyage is not supposed to have begun, until the communication with the Shore has ceased which took place

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when the Plymouth Pilot left us on Monday evening Feby 23rd 1857

First Day

Tuesday Feby 24th 1857

Weather Fine with a Heavy Swell Ther” 57°
Wind NE Lat Obs 49° 3 N Long Chn 6 ° 4 W Dist from Eddystone 97 miles Ship’s Course S.W.

Rose at 7 o Clk went on Deck the morning fine and beautiful a tremenduous heavy sea rolling in on our lee bow from the South West, which caused the Ship to perform a Motion half pitch, and half roll, or like a boy’s top when nearly done spinning, Dear Emma in Bed very ill, and at times quite delirious, and giving expression to her thoughts in something like the following Where’s Sam, tell I him I want

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Toward evening she, in a great measure recovered and the mind again resumed

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its wonted Serenity, all the Ladies on board very ill in bed, save one, closed the day and retired to Bed for the night

2nd Day

Wednesday Feby 25th

Weather- Fine open Sunny day with a strong breeze Ther” 57°
Wind NE Ships Course SW Lat Acct 47° 43 N Long Acct 7 ° 57 W Course S 43° W Dist 111 miles

After passing a fearful night from the violent rolling of the Ship, turned out at ½ past seven AM, went on Deck and burnt the Idol - breakfasted at 9 with the Fiddle on both Tables, the term Fiddle, is applied to a number of pieces of wood going across the Table at equal distances apart, with two

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rows of Lines passing down the whole length, the use of which is to Keep the Plates and Dishes from rolling off, with all those precautions, taken; did not prevent my cup of Tea from running into my Coat sleeve which was an event not very pleasing; endeavoured to coax Emma to take a small piece of Bacon and a little Tea and was partially successful. The Crew busily engaged in ripping, and setting the “Stun sails,” and Main Royal Do, Was particularly struck with the intense blue of the Water which as evening draws on assumes one of the most cold and cheerless aspects you can

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possibly think of, the Ships course this evening is on a parellel with a line drawn from Ushant on the coast of France to Cape Finistere to clear the latter seventy miles I have this evening made friends with the Chief Mate he has promised to lend me his pricking Chart to take a Tracing and then transfer it to another sheet of paper the object being to keep the Ships Course, Oh! My dear Uncle your ideas as to large Ships not being affected by the Sea is most erroneous we are now being tossed about like a Cockle Shell I am quite satisfied the great

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Brunel Ship will be affected in the same proportion You will excuse I Know the bad writing, and worse composition, when I tell you that the Ship is rolling very badly, the creaking of the Doors and Bulkheads deafening, and the noise of two Card Parties, are all going on Simultaneously – Felt very much tired as the Irishman did, “doing nothing”. Closed the day and turned in The Ship going about 6 Knots

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3rd Day

Thursday Feby 26th

Weather Most Glorious more like April than February Ther 57½ °
Wind NE Ships course SW Lat Obs 45° 53 N Long Chro 10 ° 9 W Course S 39 W Dist 142 miles

After breakfast got out my Tracing Paper, to trace off a Map of the World, which the Chief Officer Kindly lent me for the purpose, found great difficulty in finding a place suitable to do it, the Cabin Table not being wide enough, was obliged to go on Deck, and make a Table of the Skylight, were with the aid of Books and Tin Tacks partially Succeeded – Dear Emma still in Bed very ill, got her on Deck for a very short time in the evening, too ill to remain long. For myself, never was in better health or Spirits, begin to feel

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my waistcoats tight, a very good sign a sailors life agrees with me, Saw two Sails today one to the South, the other to the West, not near enough to speak them – The tinkling of the dinner bell cut short my tracing operations rolled up, to be finished on the Morrow, we are just Sailing along on the edge of the Bay of Biscay, steering for Cape Finistere, I sometimes look down the Hatchway, underneath which is a latent Volcano and endeavour to imagine what would be the result were anything like fire to reach there, I sincerely pray to God, he will avert such an awful calamity – From the little experience I have had

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of Sailors, I believe them to be a set of reckless, ignorant, and careless fellows, it was only this morning I was standing on the Forecastle, when one of them cried out “look here” and held up a piece of rope burnt through from being too near the Galley Flue, fortunately it was seen in time or there is no saying what might have been the result. I most completely fail in realising the fact, that old England has sunk in the Ocean far behind us, and that we are flying on the wings of the wind, to that remote and antipodal part New Zealand, Dear Emma in Bed all day today, but on the whole better, I think, sleep

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is the best antidote for Sea Sickness, we are all very happy and comfortable in the Cabin, and are regularly fused now, all the asperities are worn off – After Tea, went below and laid down on the Bed being very tired, and there slept, with my clothes on ‘till” 4 o Clk in the morning when I woke” up, and went decently to Bed -

4th Day –

Friday Feby 27th

Weather Very Fine and open Sunny Day the Sun most brilliant
Wind E Ships course SW by W Ther 57 1/2° Lat Obs 44° 37 N Long Chro 11° 24 W Course S 35 W Dist 93 miles

Rose at 7 and walked the Deck for some time, the Pipe this morning made me very ill, but not to prevent me from

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doing justice to a good breakfast after which, instead of finishing my Tracing, had to turn out the contents of our Cabin, the reason being that some one had opened the Scuttle of the W.C. and the water had in the most unceremonious manner, paid a most unwelcome morning visit. Dear Emma still in Bed, not well enough to get up, I hope she will be able to do so tomorrow. Nothing of importance has occured to day, Save, the Sailors have been very busy rigging, Royal and Shedding sails, and the Butcher has killed a Sheep Saw the log heaved this evening at 8 Bells, the rate being about 8¼ Knots, the rolling

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is now very fearful, for a landsman Before I go further it may be well to explain how time is Kept at Sea, in the morning the Captain takes an observation, and another at Noon, the day being from Noon to Noon, as soon as the last observation is taken, the Captain Says “Make it eight bells” or twelve o clk then the Watch is called, and they are on duty till” eight bells strikes again, or four o clk, then comes the two, Dog Watches, from 4 to 6 and from 6 to eight, which is the first Watch, that goes on till 8 Bells strikes again or 12 o Clk, then comes, the Middle Watch from 12 to 4 in the morning, then the morning

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Watch from 4 to 8 and so on Time is reckoned by ½ hours commencing with each Watch for instance, it is now 8 o Clk at night, at ½ past 8 the Bell is struck once, or 1 Bell, at 9, twice, or two Bells, ½ past 9, thrice or three Bells 10, 4 times, or 4 Bells, ½ past 10, 5 times, or 5 Bells, 11, 6 times, or 6 Bells, ½ past 11, 7 times or 7 Bells, 12, 8 times, or 8 Bells, then the Watch is called and in a half an hour it will be one Bell again –

Closed the day and turned in about 6 Bells 1st Watch Thermometer has stood about 54°, the Temperature of the North Atlantic Ocean on which we are Sailing, about the Same –

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5th Day

Saturday, Feby 28th

Weather Very fine Fair Wind with a very heavy Sea on the Sea at times washing the Quarter Deck Ther” 58°
Wind E Ship’s course SW by W 10 o Clk p.m. Wind NE Ship’s course SW by W Lat Obs 41° 26 N Long Chro 13° 27 W Course S 25 W Dist 211 miles

No Mistake this morning as to the Ship being on the Ocean, the fearful rolling and pitching of the good Ship Hack-Away, woke me at 4 o Clk, could not lay it out dressed, and went on Deck, the Rate of Sailing 10 Knots, while there, one of the, Port, “Stun sails” was partially carried away – remained a hour and saw the Day Break went below and turned in again Sighted two Schooners, supposed to be Fruit laden from Portugal Dear Emma still very ill, after two or three efforts got her dressed and up on the Poop Deck, where

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she remained about 1½ hours then went below, ill as ever

This afternoon, a report current of a Whale on the Weather Bow it might have been the, Great Sea Serpent, for we have some very curious Fish on board Shortened sail at 10 o Clk P.M., a little rain has fallen for the second time, Since leaving London About 8 o Clk this evening a horrible screaming from the Ladies in the Steerage, arising from the fact that the Sea was coming over the Side, and down the Hatchway on to their Tea Table, the result of which is that we are suffering in common with them, and shall have to turn out the contents of the Cabin

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again on Monday morning; we are very much annoyed with the water but where it comes from no one appears to know – I am sure we cannot be too thankful that we did not come out in the Second Cabin, it is a complete take in, I would advise by all means, anyone coming out to come, either, by the Chief Cabin, or the Steerage, the former if possible; I cannot speak too highly of the attention, dietary, and general good management of our Chief Cabin, there are one or two, disposed to find fault but that will be the case under the most favourable circumstances I feel that my Journal, thus far, is not what it should be, in

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consequence of the mind not being easy, my dear wife being so ill, that being the case, you will excuse its being only the bare details, of what comes under my own eye, as she improves, I trust this Diary will, not only in matter, but style. Closed the day by reading a Portion from “Hawker” a Book, my dear Aunt Ferguson gave us last Monday –

6th Day

Sunday, March 1st

Weather Beautiful morning Soft, balmy breeze and a little Rain
Wind SE Ship’s Course SW Thermometer 54° Lat Acct 39° 18 N Long Acct 15 ° 3 W Course S 30° W Dist 148 miles

Very little sleep last night. Dear Emma being so ill, called the Doctor about 4 o Clk this

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morning, gave me two Aperient Pills and an Injunction to, Keep Quiet what an old Coddle he is, well versed in all, the Knowing shakes of the Head, and the never failing, feeling the Pulse, which in my opinion, forms their stock in trade. At ½ past 10 this morning the Captain with nearly all the Cabin Passengers, assembled to Prayers, in the Cuddy, am sorry to say could not attend, Dear Emma being so ill and having to wait upon her – About 12 spoke. A large Ship on our weather Quarter, she proved to be the “Hougormont,” from London to Calcutta, speaking to a Ship is performed by means of Signal Flags hoisted at the “Gaff,”

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they consist of 15, various in color, size and shape, they are hoisted singly, or two, three, four, five or six together, one above the other, in whatever order, or number they may be hoisted, there is a book containing the answer to the question asked, and vice versa, it appears to require some little experience to perform the operation correctly. I should have said she was and is now about 4 miles distant, and that telescopes are used to read the signals.

Weather 2.40 P.M. The wind has very much abated, the sea gone down and the ship much easier.
While I am writing, 2.40 p.m., in our cabin, 2 ladies in the steerage are singing very nicely “I want home in Heaven”. God give us to feel earnestly that want, and that to feel, will lead

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us to him, who is able and willing to supply every want and necessity of our nature; both, Spiritual and Temporal.

We are now almost becalmed 10 p.m., still the ship rolls.

The dinner today was excellent and a capital dessert, I indulged in the treat of a Bottle of Sherry, but not to drink it all – By dint of persuasian got Emma up to Tea, and to sit (wrapped up warm) on the Deck for some time.

The steerage passengers have this evening been singing Seriatim, all the old Pilton Church Tunes, the musical instrument being an Accordeon, although not performed with

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that nicety we have been accustomed to in Fetter Lane, still the effect was very solemnising, and one could not but realise that the “Almighty” was to be worshipped on the “wide waste of waters” as well as on the dry land, for both are “His” and “He” made them. I should have written above, Fetter Lane, how have our thoughts been occupied this day about those who have fallen down and worshipped there, we have looked up many times to the Photographs, and wondered how you were, and what you were doing of, we have no doubt ourselves have come in for a share of your conversation, thought has been very active, with us, and at this moment can fancy ourselves at 71 Holborn Hill

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Dear Emma is in Bed, she says her feet are very cold, and that I must join her immediately, there is no alternative, but to do so; ere’ I do it must go on Deck to have a pipe in the beautiful Moonlight. So good night, my dearest friends –

7th Day

Monday March 2nd
Weather Very Fine with a strong and fair wind Thermometer 56°
Wind SE Ship’s Course SW Lat Obs 37° 12 N Long Chro 16° 21 W Course S 26° W Dist 141 miles

It has just come to my knowledge that the Steward was reduced to Second Rank last week, in consequence of “Splicing the Main brace” too often, which rendered it necessary for him to take a

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long “Siesta” every day after dinner, the Butcher is also in disgrace for killing a sheep yesterday morning, to save its life, as soon as the Captain saw it he ordered it to be committed to the deep immediately, and with him “No sooner said than done”, no doubt the porpoises in the vicinity had a head of fresh Mutton.

At Noon a large piece of wreck went by on our Port Side, which gave rise to thoughts and reflections, not of the most pleasing character. Gibraltar is now abreast of us, on our Port Quarter, and a rumour has gone the rounds of the Poop that we shall sight Madeira

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tomorrow evening, we begin to feel that we are going into a warm climate, at this hour / Bell/ Watch, the Thermometer in our Cabin stands at 61° The range of the Thermometer in the Margin is the one belonging to the Ship and fixed on Deck.

Dear Emma has been on Deck for some time today, but has come below worse than ever, so ill in fact that I could not get her down to her own Cabin; she is now, while I am writing, up stairs, on the Captain’s Couch, waited on by very kind people. Our fresh Beef every morning “becomes small by degrees and beautifully cut” – after that is all gone I suppose the Cabin

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Maws will be stuffed with Fresh Pork, there being a rather large number of the Porsine species on board, at present they are an abomination, stinking all day and grunting all night. Roast Goose for the first time today, was asked to carve it by the Chief Officer, am happy to say pleased myself with the performance.

After dinner, the Boatswain harpooned a Porpoise, but unfortunately the harpoon broke, and the gentleman made his escape, taking nearly the whole of the instrument with him. I must add our Band are on Deck playing the most favourite airs it is really a most glorious night

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The Log has just been thrown, time 4 Bells, 1st Watch or 10 o Clk P.M., and we are now going about 9 Knots.

Have got Dear Emma down stairs undressed her and just p ut her to bed, very ill indeed.

8th Day

Tuesday, March 3rd

Weather Clear, open, mild, sunny day, the sun most brilliant Thermom. 60 deg. Temp. ocean 60 deg. Wind S.E., smart breeze
Ship’s course S.W. Lat Obs 34° 24 N Long Chro 18 ° 10 W Course S.25 W Dist 190 miles

Nothing has occurred today worthy of being mentioned, excepting the cry of Porpoises, on the weather bow, about 11 o Clk, the Boatswain harpooned one, but in hoisting it on Deck the Harpoon let go its hold and the monster made off, only to be eaten by his companions

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It appears from a yarn I had with the Boatswain this morning that Porpoises in their habits very much resemble a herd of Deer; should one happen to be wounded the others hunt him to the death and finally make a meal of him.

Just before dinner the cry again rose as before, I hastened on to the Forecastle and looking over the Bows saw the Boatswain perched out on the Dolphin Striker harpoon in hand ready to make a throw, but they were not to be so easily struck, after making a few gambols they made off and was not seen again for the day.

Dear Emma is no better, got her up on Deck for a short time this evening but after a short stay, went below

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worse than when she came up. Vomiting very badly; time begins to hang heavily on the hands of some of the Passengers, new games are being invented every day, this afternoon, Quoits were being played on the Poop Deck, the Quoits are made of rope.

I cannot help mentioning here, again, the great kindness of the Captain. Anything in the ship is placed at our command, during the illness of Dear Emma – all the passengers are most anxious to contribute something towards her comfort, she has suffered more than any of them. I suppose it is a most horrible sensation, and very soon lays the strongest prostrate -

From a rough

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calculation I made this morning we are, or would be at Noon, about 1260 miles from Plymouth.

9th Day

Wednesday, March 4th

Weather One of the finest mornings and days I ever saw. The wind variable and light. Thermom. 62° Temp. Ocean 62°
Wind NW by W Lat 32° Long 19° Ship’s course SW within a point or so Lat Acct 32° 16 N Long Acct 19 28 W Course S.27 W Dist 145 miles

Much the same as yesterday, nothing much but the daily routine of eating, a good breakfast of beefsteak, fish, Hashed meal, hob, rolls and tea or coffee, then a saunter on deck till Luncheon, which consists of Biscuits and water, and then a first rate dinner, made up of Roast Beef and Boiled do. Roast and Boiled Mutton, Poultry, and Pastry, then for Tea, Bread

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Biscuits and Butter, then comes “Liberty Hall” do as you like – Card playing, Dominoes, Chips and Drafts, till bed time, which takes place at ½ past 10 and all lights must be put out at 11. ¼ to 10 P.M. we have just come up with a Schooner, about a mile to windward, Fruit laden, we can smell the Oranges strongly.

Dear Emma still very ill, not anything better, nothing will remain on the stomach, should my business prove a failure in Auckland there will be no difficulty in my turning “Housemaid” to a single lady. I am now become a most expert Bed Maker to say nothing of the other duties attached to that domestic calling. We have

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today renounced all sacks and carpets on our cabin floor, for we find they only harbour dirt, and retain the damp. To relieve the tedium of this dry detail of daily occurrence, I propose giving you the names and characteristics of my fellow Cabin Passengers, you must not expect to have them hit off in the masterly style of a Dickens or a Thackeray, but I will do my best and no man can do better than his best; without further preface I will begin with No. 1 Captain Stephens the commander of the Ship Hark-Away – to say he is a perfect gentleman would not be enough, in him are combined all the great moral, kind and fatherly feelings, one who makes it his constant case to make his Shipmates pro tem

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happy and comfortable, in short he is a Second “Man of Ross” and an excellent Carver of Poultry. No. 2 is Mr. Simpson the Chief Officer, a nice, good tempered, kind, gentlemanly little fellow, with one fault, viz. he is generally behind hand in his place at the head of our table, not much to say, for himself, and last though not least, a horrid bad carver, the business he has to do in the Poultry line I am obliged to do for him. No. 3 is our Medicus, name unknown. He is a man past middle life, with very large grey whiskers and a good, roomy Proboscis, in which he stows away large quantities of Snuff, looks very wise and knowing, and paces the Poop Deck in a large blue cloak or sits in the Cabin reading, on the

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whole is a very gentlemanly good man rumour says he is a Roman Catholic. I cannot describe his surgery, for that I have not seen, nor do I think he knows where to find it himself some times, if we may judge from the difficulty he has to find the boxes containing his Nostrums and Panaceas, his Consulting Room is on the Port side under the steps leading to the Poop, hours of attendance from 10 to 5 min past A.M. His address is No. 1 Port Side next the water closet. No. 4 is Mr. Brown the Second Mate, a very nice young man, very willing to oblige anyone in any way or with anything, affable and courteous to all and takes his cap off the moment his foot is over the threshold of the Cabin Door, takes his meals very quietly and is off to duty as soon as they are finished

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Having done with the Officers I will now commence with the others, beginning with our Table, and the gentleman and his wife who sit opposite to us, Nos. 5 and 6 is Mr and Mrs Jones, the former is a jolly son of “Erin” with a Welch cognomen, he is a real “Broth of a Boy” very lavish in his condemnation of Ibillis, Gann & Co. for not allowing him more water to wash his precious face and hands with; should his opinion be a correct one, there is not a verier set of rogues in London, the latter is a very kind and agreeable Lady, but has suffered very much from the sickness . They live on the opposite side of the street.
No. 2 next the Mr. C.

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10th Day

Thursday March 5th

Weather Very Fine, beautiful Day Therm 62° Temp. Ocean 62° Lat Obs 30° 26 N Long Chro 19° 6 W Course S 10° E Dist 112 miles

Great dearth of News, nothing to report but the usual duties of a Ship at Sea, walking Decks, in the Morning, Making, shortening, and trimming Sails, Striking Bells, eating, drinking, lounging & Sleeping. I have not sufficiently got over the Novelty of being on a long Voyage as to sit down to read and Study, there is something to distract the Mind, almost every moment. I am very happy to be able to Say that Dear Emma, got up to dinner to day, she took a Mutton Chop in the morning with Roast Goose and Plum

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Tart, washed down and Kept there with “Old Port” for dinner I hope in the course of a day or so all will be well again We have now most delightful Moonlight nights, and glorious Sunny days This evening a foul wind has set in upon us

11th Day

Friday, March 6th

Weather Fine Day with a fresh Breeze but dead against us
Lat Obs 29° 40 N Long Chro 19 12 W Course S.7° W Dist 47 miles

I must begin to day, by correcting yesterday’s report, that portion refering to Dear Emma’s dinner should have been to day, however you must substitute, for that Dear Emma in Bed all day

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I have nothing else to say, save that it is now nearly 6 Bells P.M. and time to turn in so “good night”

12th Day

Saturday, March 7th

Weather Squally Morning with heavy showers of Rain 11 A.M. cleared up a very fine Day Thermom in Cabin nearly 70°
Lat Obs 28° 42 N Long Chro 19° 54 W Course S.33 W. Dist 69 miles

Rose at ½ past seven, went on Deck and saw a Sail, ahead, on the Lee Bow, Hull Down, gradually over-hauled her, and at about 2 P.M. Spoke her, she was the “True Briton” from London to Port Philip, 17 Days out from the Lizard, she left Plymouth a week before us, consequently we have beat her by that time; 1 Bell 1st Watch we are rapidly going ahead of her

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and in all probability she will be far behind, if not out of sight by daylight tomorrow morning

½ past 2, P.M. saw a Whale blowing on our Lee Quarter, a very pretty sight, imagine a beautiful fountain in full play, and you have a pretty accurate idea of its appearance. The Laundry Man brought aft our washing, this morning, and what do you think he charged per Dozen; only 3/s, I told him he should have the whole of the things for what the washing would come to, you must bear in mind they were only rough dry, his reply was, the usual charge is 5/s but that he had favoured us, “save me from my friends” thought I in order to prevent our names from

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being bandied about among the Crew the money was paid, with the intimation that his services would not be required again for the remainder of the Voyage Mr Brown the second Mate has Kindly lent me his Log, to assist me in posting up my own, that is so far as the Latitude and Longitude is concerned also the Ships Course, and the distance run every 24 hours, or from Noon to Noon

Dear Emma has been in Bed all day she has been crying very much and still is, but what for, I don’t Know. As there is nothing more of importance to add, will again resume my description of my fellow passengers it commences with No 7 and Mr Acland, a young man about 25 years of age, is being sent out

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with 2 others to establish a Branch of the Oriental Bank in Auckland. rather a curious young fellow, with a remarkable cranium, quite “Au Fait” to all the games contained in “Hoyle”, nothing comes amiss to him. No. 8 is Mr Hanley a vey aimable Young Man, brought up in the Navy can make Steeple Chasing Cards in a very handsome manner, what his business in to Auckland I don’t Know No 9 is Mr Johnston a very gentlemanly young fellow business, profession, or object, unknown Nos. 10 and 11 are the writer and his wife the Little Em’ whose persons, habits, profession and objects, are well Known to you Nos. 12 and 13 are Mrs Parker and Infant, a young Widow

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emigrating alone, and having no friends in Auckland, the “Bairn” is a complete Bore always commences to cry at Meal Times, my dear Friends never come out in a ship where there is a blessed Baby, if you have any regard for your Nocturnal repose of Matinal dosings, her Cabin is next door, I wish it had been in the next Ship

No. 14 Mr Hancock a tradesman from Bath, I don’t think (upon acquaintance) he has got “all his change” a man easily led away, and is the same refered to on the occasion of our leaving Plymouth. He leaves a wife and four children at home, he is going out to look about and then come again for them in a twelvemonth or so.

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13th Day

Sunday, March 8th

Weather A Glorious Day The Sun becoming very hot Thermr 68° Wind W.N.W. Ship’s Course S.W. Lat Obs. 26° 43 N Long Chro 20 19 W Course S.11° W. Dist 121 miles

To day has been Sunday, I woke this morning and immediately looked out of the Window, and the very Ocean, appeared to be conscious that the Day of Sacred Rest had come, it had laid aside all its turbulence and agitation, and its bosom was only disturbed by gentle ripples, and soft undulating swells, as the morning advanced there was only one thing wanting to complete the, scene, that fancy was so busy in the endeavour to realise it was the Sound of the “Church Going Bells”, a few Trees, and a little Vegetation, what a relief to

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the eye that has only seen Sea and Sky for three weeks The very Ship, Commander, Officers, Crew and Passengers, all spoke out, and acknowledged, by their dress and Mien, that this was the Sabbath Day At ½ past ten Prayers were read in the Cabin, but I could not attend being engaged assisting Dear Emma to dress, she has been on Deck all the day, with the exception of dinner time, she is better to night but still very sick at times This evening I lighted the Pipe and withdrew to the extremity of the Ship Aft, and there under the silvery rays of Cynthia, roamed oer’ the whole of Fetter Lane, the old familiar faces I saw again in their wonted places, the well

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known broad shoulders of one very dear to us, I recognised as in times gone by, and the familiar form of his equally beloved partner, and dear little Emily, in the Pulpit was a well remembered face and voice scattering the bread of life to all then I walked a little way, and pulled a Bell, and the Door was opened, I walked up stairs, and there was the wearied form of the Preacher, reclining on the Sofa a conversation was going on, the gist of which was, the whereabouts, the health, and the weather two individuals closely connected with them were experiencing on the Mighty Deep, then I heard the prayer ascending on high to Him, who holds the Waters in the hollow of

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His hand, that He would protect, and give His angels charge concerning them, that no harm or evil came near them, to which all joined in a hearty Amen The reverie was broken by the tinkling of the Tea Bell at ½ past six (with us) eight with you, my legs ache very much and feel as tired as though I had walked 30 miles to day I will therefore conclude by saying Good Night Good Night

14th Day

Monday, March 9th

Weather Very fine clear, open day, the Sun, very warm Thermr 67 ½° Wind Variable from N to NW Ship’s Course S>W. Lab Obs 25° 11 N Long Chro 21° 10 W Course S.27° W Dist 103 miles

News of any Kind, is at a premium, I don’t Know of a single incident

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worth recording, there is one, Dear Emma has been on Deck all day, but the seasoning process goes on very slowly. Turned out the contents of the Cabin and had the floor washed and scraped dry, was able to keep the Scuttle open some hours, but our next door Neighbour Mrs. Parker forgetful of the incontinency of old Ocean, omitted to close her’s in proper time, and therefore He walked in and thoroughly drenched all her bedding, and in consequence has been obliged to take lodgings, on the opposite side of the Sheet for a Night The gentlemen are beginning to don their hot weather clothing, and very well they look in it The current amusements are Quoits by day, Cards by Night

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I essayed this evening to sound two or three, as to the advisability of instituting an, Improvement Society, as a pleasing relief to the Monotony of Card Playing, I am Sorry to say the idea was rather unfavourably received, there is a most discordant jumble of Mind on board, I cannot as yet find one congenial mind with My own By way of filling up this sheet, I will commence with No. 15, Passenger, Mr Battersby a good six foot, out of his shoes red hair and florid complexion of Irish extraction, with a dash of the “Brogue” profession or object unknown Nos. 16, 17 and 18 are, Mr and Mrs Lewis, and Son the former a very easy going Coach

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very sedate, in all his movements comes on Deck very regular everying morning at 7 Bells, lays hold of a rope and looks very timidly out to Sea, Sniffs the morning breeze, takes a pinch of Snuff, and then passes. The Englishman’s compliment, I may add, that he has renounced the Razor, and is at present a “pretty beauty”, his trade, I believe is that of a Jeweller and lately resident at Bath Mrs Lewis is a very nice lady like person, she has kept an Establishment for Young Ladies in the same City Master Do. is a very kind obliging boy, and thinks nothing a trouble. Nos 19, 20, 21, & 22 consists of a party of four, Mr & Mrs Griffiths, and two Miss Brownlows, the two latter, sisters of Mrs G, and I

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should think is going out to Auckland on a Speculation their names are Daisy, and Flossy, Mr Griffiths left New Zealand about two years ago, and is now returning with his new made wife, of the three Ladies I may say, there is a strong dash of the [indecipherable] but from force of circumstances are agreeable. Nos 23, 24, and 25 are Captain and Mrs Mariss, and Son, the Captn is a very quiet, gentlemanly, thin, pale man, with a Moustache and is I suppose going out to join his regiment, his wife is a Merry, cheerful, and Kind, little Irish Lady, most affable and courteous to every one, the Boy is a spirity young Hose Bird

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26, 27 and 28 are Mr and Mrs Olivea, and Servant, Mr O, is going out to Auckland in company with two others, Messrs, Ackland & Fraser, to establish a Branch of the “Oriental Bank,” there, Mrs O has suffered very much from Sea sickness, a very pale delicate looking person, they have only been just married, their sevant, Jane, is a nice Kind creature, pays great attention to her Master and Mistress, and Makes herself generally useful to the other Lady passengers – 29 is Mr Draper, a real good hearted, Kind young man, an Officer in the Commissariat, has a good stock of Comforts, and of which Dear Emma has been

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the recepient to rather a large extent, his, easy, Cushioned Chair, and Rug, are always at her command when she goes on Deck, sometimes a Rasher of Bacon, Oranges, Marmalade, Wine, in short, anything he has is always at her service, he is a stout, portly, fellow, for his age, possessing a large fund of ready wit, and good temper, dresses handsomely, has a good assortment of Meerchoum Pipes, the best Cabin in the Ship and is Known by the “soubriequet” of the “Great Dra-pier” – 30 is the number belonging to Mr Cranford, a real, unadulterated, Devonshire dumpling, with a Moustache of the Colour called Red

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a good smoker, with a most singular laugh, it appears to me, to come from his throat in lumps, and very guttral, occupation, or object, unknown –

l5th Day

Tuesday, March 10th

Very Find open Sunny weather Thermr 65 Deg Do in Cabin 70 Deg

We have this day just crossed the Tropic of Cancer, and the beautiful days and nights attest the fact, we have a find, fresh, smart breeze, the North East Trades, the Botswain terms it the robbery wind, in, that it shortens the Voyage and thereby reduces their number of months out, and their wages

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in the same proportion, we are now changing the Sails unbending the best, and rebending the worst, the former being held in reserve for bad weather, that will be I suppose in rounding the Cape – Dear Emma has been on Deck all day, but very ill, nothing will remain on the stomach but Port Wine, about the worst thing she can take, according to the Captain’s account – I have this day put on my hot weather clothing, and find it very comfortable, it is now becoming fashionable to wear white Ducks from the Captain down to the Cabin Boy – I have also done a little to my

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Tracing, how I longed for one of the Tables in St James’s Square it is very trying to do anything of the Kind on Ship board, every thing rolling and pitching about, just as you think there will be a steady Moment, and you are about to draw a line, the “Lurch” comes, and away you go down to Leeward, Tracing, Chart, and all the Caboose, Mr Hancock must not take the production, as a fair sample of my abilities in that line, it is the best I can do under the circumstances, on the contrary I think he will be somewhat pleased to find his pupil making such progress –

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16th Day

Wednesday, March 11th

Weather Fine Day with a Strong Breeze Squally towards evening 9 o Clk P.M. A very heavy Sea on, and the Ship rolling dreadfully Thermr 66 Deg Cabin Do 71 Deg

This morning we were very much alarmed, by a sound, exactly like a piece of Spruce deal burning, a sharp cracking noise, I leapt out of bed, slipped on my Trousers, and went in Search, it proved to be the lower Hoop of the Wind Sail flapping about against the Steps over our latent Volcano, went on Deck and saw the day break, took a salt water bath, and shortly after, breakfast, Did a little to my Tracing, I hope to finish it to morrow, should the Ship be a little easier Dear Emma has been in bed

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all day, very ill, her appetite one of the most fastidious character asking for all those things, the most difficult to procure, to day its been Sheep’s Trotters and Lemonade, was successful in the former, not the latter, but a very good substitute, Lime juice, mixed with water, and sweetened.

17th Day

Thursday, March 12th

Weather Glorious, with a stiff North Easter Thermr 70½ Deg

We have beautiful weather with a rare strong breeze, the Captain never Knew the North East Trades blow so strongly, our average rate of speed has been about 9½

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Knots per hour, Dear Emma worse than ever, I have ransacked the Ship for what her appetite craves for, sometimes I am successful other times on the contrary The Sea has been washing the Main Deck, alarming the Dogs, Pigs, and Sheep, effectually but doing no damage –

18th Day

Friday, March 13th

Weather Very Fine with a strong breeze nearly half a Gale Thermr 72½ deg.

Nothing particular to day, except that nearly all the Ladies are in Bed very ill, the Ship has been rolling and pitching fearfully all Night, she appears to be like a rampant Steed

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that has been goaded and spurred into going, and at last has become impatient of the “Bit,” and wants to be off at random, but no, there is a man turning a wheel, his gaze being fixed on her wings, and two small round bits of card with letters on them, alternately which correctly indicates her right course, whatever her desire may be to the contrary, she is good tempered with all, never complains of being tired, all she wants is wind, and Canvass and the she goes forging along and sending the foam astern like two great sheets – This Morning about 2 A.M. the Chief Mate was on Deck and all

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at once a large bird came fluttering over his head, and finally dropped into his arms, it was a beautiful tame pigeon, which he supposed had come from the Cape de Verd Islands, which we were then abreast of, distant about 50 Miles – Flying Fish are now very abundant, one flew on board this morning, they are very interesting looking things, they rise out of the water and skim along the surface just like Swallows do in England, their flight is quite as rapid and equally eccentric they are not very large, the head is rather blunt, the body long and taper, with the wings just behind the Gills –

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Dear Emma in bed all day very ill, no better – I have suffered very much all the day from sore throat I thought I should have been almost choked, “old Medicus” gave me three Sudorific Powders, [indecipherable] a very wise shake of the head, and an assurance that I should be better in the morning –

19th Day

Saturday March 14th

Weather Find and very hot Thermr in Cabin 73 or Summer Heat

Old Medicus was right, I was better this Morning, but whether the credit is due to his Sudorific’s I dont’ Know, - One month to day has elapsed, since we left

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Thermr 75 Deg

London, I can scarcely believe it, time has sped away with rapid flight, if it continues to do so we shall soon be in Auckland – Dear Emma has been on Deck nearly all day, I had the Bed brought up and she has been very comfortable her appetite is a very difficult Matter to please, it is more than I, Steward, or Cook, can do The wind has abated very much the Ship is much easier, which has enabled me to post up My Journal from Wednesday; it is impossible to write when you are being tossed about from Starboard to Port and Port to Starboard, with an occasional jerk from Aft to Forward and

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Vice Versa, I am very sorry for it as some very nice thoughts have come and gone without being noted, to be able to write properly on board Ship, a person wants to be hung in Gimbals – like the Compasses, No Matter what position the Ship is in you preserve your equilibrium. Just now I could give a glass of Rum or Gin for a halfpint of cold spring water, we are being put on an allowance two cups of Tea at Breakfast Do Tea Time, and no more, to Know the value of water you must be in the Tropics, on a long voyage, outward bound, it then acquires a relish, attainable No where else that I Know of –

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- 20th Day –

Sunday, March 15th

Weather Very hot, the Sun very clear and vivid Thermomer 70 Deg

The day has again come round and here we are making but very little progress, the strong North East Trades have left us, and just now there is nothing but light baffling airs, not sufficient to Keep the sails distended, but let them flap against the rigging. Prayers was read at the usual time, but I did not attend having domestic duties to attend to in the shape of getting a bath ready, making the bed &c. &c Dear Emma still as ill as she can be, with no prospect of being any better for the residue

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of the Voyage, we begin to feel the want of a little cold Spring Water Never did I Know its real value before, everything is warm now.

21st Day

Monday, March 16th

Weather Very hot, Tropical Weather almost a calm Thermr 77½ Deg

News is really becoming a very scarce article, there are not any Births Deaths or Marriages, to enliven the scene, we have observed of late, a good deal of preparatory attraction, and repulsion, on the part of one young lady we have with us toward the latter, but I cannot say what the end will be, if men were only wise, well, it was so in the beginning, and ever

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will be the same –

I had almost forgotten to day that a grand Ball took place this evening at ½ past seven, on the Main Deck of the good Ship Hark-Away, notice was given last week that such an event would take place on Wednesday last, but the roughness of the weather rendered it imperative on the Stewards with the Committee to post-pone it, the weather having Moderated on Sunday and this Morning it was decided to hold it in the evening as aforesaid The evening was most propitious, and the “elite” of our fashionable world were present, the Programme consisted of Waltzes, & Quadrilles varied with Sentimental and

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Comic Songs, one of the latter was Charles’s favourite, “Im’ not Myself at all”, we had not any of the usual appendages of a Ball Room such as Chandeliers, or handsome Gas Fittings, but the gallant Captn ever anxious to contribute to the comfort of his passengers gave orders for a large Ship Lamp to be lighted and hung to the Mainmast, which served to light up the Motley Scene, on one side was a most Miscellaneous company, consisting of the Steerage and intermediate passengers, and that portion of the Crew not on duty on the other, the “Nobs , who went through the [indecipherable] dance in figures belonging to the “Lancers Quadrille”

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and other fashionable dances of the day, a “quantum sufficit” of Sherry and water, and Bottled Ale, was drank, and which in My opinion only served to make what was hot, hotter, Dear Emma and I were spectators from the Poop Deck, and enjoyed the evening very much, from the simple fact of its being a change, in the Monotonous every day life on board Ship, at 8 Bells, first watch, the evenings amusement terminated, and the company separated, Some to retire to their overheated Cabins others to take up their nights lodging on the Deck, within the last two or three Nights we have had some very unpleasant Neighbours, taking up their temporary residence

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next door to us, it is a race of animals with long tails, and of the most revolting appearance, they are Known pretty well all over the World by the name of Rats, I have mentally vowed vengance, should they ever afford me the opportunity I have adopted the Motto “Lex Talionis”

22nd Day

Tuesday, March 17th

Weather The Sun scorching hot, and very little wind Thermr 79 Deg

Woke this morning very little refreshed by sleep, turned out and went into the head of the Ship to bathe, that feat is performed by your getting into the grating, and another person pumps some two or

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three pails, full of water, and pours it over you, it is a most refreshing thing in the Tropics it wakes you up to vigour and activity and imparts a very large amount of elasticity for Some hours, then comes that lassitude, which to me is highly depressing, we sighted a Ship to Leeward to day the distance too great to speak. A petition from Neptune, has been hung up in the Cabin to day, intimating that the smallest donation will be thankfully received by His Imperial and Marine Majesty, we expect a personal visit in the course of a Nautical Day or two, this morning at about

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2 Bells or 5 o Clk, the Second officer, Mr Brown, found it necessary to preserve the discipline of the ship, to administer a rather strong dose of Rope’s end, on our Butcher, the offence being insolence, resulting from not turning out and attending to his duties at the proper time Dear Emma came on Deck about 12 o Clk and remained until 9 P.M. very ill all the time No prospect of convalescence for the remainder of the Voyage

Nil Desperandum

- - - - - - - - - - -

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- 23rd Day –

Wednesday, March 18th

Weather Hot Hot piping Hot and little or no wind Therr 81 °

The weather has become almost unbearable, water, is at a great premium, it is now a common thing to hear, the question, “Jones,” got any water, No, “Hancock”, have you a glass of water to give away “No, by “Guns” I havent’, what a nuisance it is to have no water, so it goes on throughout the day, questions and responses in the above style, - This evening at Tea time, the Ship was hailed, and a Messenger from His Imperial Majesty of the Seas, was announced, and he delivered into the hands of the

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Captain, an autograph letter requesting him to have all his (Neptune’s) children ready by the following Morning 9 o Clk at which hour he would be on board to receive them, and to See that the operation of “Shaving” was duly performed. The Messenger took his departure in the half of a Tar Barrel, lighted and in full blaze, prior to the final parting for the night a conversation took place between the Chief Officer and him, in the presence, and hearing, of all the passengers who were crowding the Main, and Poop Decks, as to the weather &c. concluding with the remark that he thought we should have some rain, he was quite right, for

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in a twinkling down it came in torrents, from out the rigging and Tops, drenching all who had the honour of a stand on the Main Deck, to the great amusement of those on the Poop, of course the Rain was ready made, and taken up there by some of the Crew; the evening was very calm and we saw the Boat astern for 3 hours – This afternoon we caught a small Shark about 2 ft long with a hook baited with a piece of Pork, there were two of them and their attendant, the Pilot Fish, a small, pretty little thing that always swims along a short space above and before them, they were very

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shy for some time, but at last the temptation became too great for the little one; he darted up to it, rolled over on his side, and gobbled down his destruction foe in less time than I have taken to write it he was in the hands of the Man who was steering, having an incision made in his lower jaw, for the purpose of extracting the fatal hook, the most striking features in their formation, is the lower jaw and the tail, the former opens, just underneath their shoulders, and some distance from the point of the nose, which renders it impossible for them to bite without rolling over on their side, the latter consists in the

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great length of the upper half and the extreme shortness of the lower, the back is a dark dull color the belly light, there are small sucking fish found adhereing to their backs, the, “Remora” a little thing very like a Leech, - Dear Emma is no better, but rather worse, the stomach rejects everything –

24th Day

Thursday, March 19th

Weather Very hot squally clouds in the distance Ther 82½ deg;

On going to take my bath this morning, I was surprised to see the alacrity with which the brooms and scrubbing brushes, were doing their work, when all at once I was

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reminded that this was to be the grand gala day; everything in fact, wore a sort of holiday aspect, the boatswain with some others were busily engaged erecting, or rather suspending a large sail by the Corners, and partially filling it with water, on the starboard Main deck, then the carpenter’s bench was brought, above which just on the level with the edge of the Sail, was a pole lashed, which was to serve the purpose of a Seat a flight of steps, led from the deck on to the bench, which was to serve for a platform, and to complete the whole a board was nailed to a pole, on which was written in Chalk that this was Neptune’s shaving shop, free gratis and

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for nothing, as soon as six bells was struck, all communication with the fore part of the ship was interdicted, on pain of being taken into custody and dealt with according to ancient usage, all persons therefore having any regard for their Chins and olfactory organs, wisely avoided incurring the stinking penalty ere’ this I should have said that permission had been asked of the skipper to perform the operation, which he granted, with the condition, that they should not interfere with any of the passengers, except they were agreeable, which was agreed to the approaching ceremony formed the topic of conversation

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during breakfast, as to who was to be operated on, and who was not, as soon as the meal was over every one hastened on deck, anxious to witness the whole of the proceedings, I went below to bring up Emma, but was sorry to find her too ill to come up; anxious to be in possession of all the facts to insert in this Journal, I returned and in a few Moments, a loud cheer forward, announced to those aft that all was ready, yes, here they come, Neptune and his wife Amphitrite, sealed in a Car side by side, and drawn by a posse of seamen, at the foot of the steps leading to the Poop the equipage halts

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and his Majesty descends, and walks up the steps at the top of which stands the Captain ready to receive him, after the exchanging of civilities and courtisies, incident to royalty his Majesty prepares to descend ere’ this, in the person of the ocean King, I have recognised our boatswain, dressed as follows, his feet and legs encased in a pair of Sea Boots reaching half way up the thigh, with a pair of drawers to cover the residue up to the waist, on his head is a large wig made of Manilla rope, (an excellent imitation of flaxen hair) the curls of which descend to the top of his boots, the whole surmounted

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with a Tin Crown, and in his right-hand a trident, on the prongs of which is the young Shark, caught the evening before, I cannot say much of Amphitrite she was a very bad specimen of female royalty, that is, if land and Marine Sovereigns are anything analogous to each other, they now take their seats in the gunwale close to the Shop and operations commence; on the platform stands the “Shaver”, and his “Latherer”, and the Doctor with his Medicine Chest, the constables stand round with their slaves, Neptune holds in his hand a list of names of those to be operated on, and from it he calls the name of the first

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child, a sturdy sailor youth he makes his appearance, led blindfold, he ascends the steps and h is seated on the pole, with his speaking trumpet Neptune asks his name, and where he comes from on his opening his mouth the Tar brush is poked into his mouth, and then to recover him from the fit of spitting and sneezing the Doctor administers a vile dose, and at the same time holds a smelling bottle to his nose, the scent is not “Preston salts”, but a few needle points passed through the Cork the Tyro is requested to sniff and in his endeavour to do so bobs his nose against the Needle points, he is now lathered

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and the “Shaver” commences to scrape off the vile compound with his Iron hoop Razor, with the edge jagged, as the operation goes on the Razor is wiped in the mouth of the person being shaved, when it is concluded he is caught up by the heels and turned over into the water, where two men are waiting to receive him and give him a good ducking and let him get away as best he can, such is the ceremony of shaving on crossing the “Line” after it is all over Neptune and his wife resume their seats in the state carriage and is drawn foreward, amid the hurrahs of Crew and passengers –

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one word, as to the carriage, it is made out of one of the Gun carriages, with three hoops bent over it for a head and the covering is the British Ensign as soon as all was over the crew dined, and were preparing to enjoy the evening, the Cabin passengers about half way through their dinner, when one of those squalls peculiar to those latitudes burst over us with tremendous fury; what a scene, the Moment the Ship felt it she heeled over, and away went Dishes, Glasses, and Bottles with their contents to Leeward, people were scrambling for their dinners, inside, and the Sailors, were bawling and calling outside, amid such

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torrents of rain as is only seen in the Tropics, it came down literally in Sluices; such a scene of confusion it was never my lot to witness before, all the passengers and crew were busy catching the rain in every description of Vessel from the humble Tin Pannikin to the more aristocratic japaned Bath, its duration was about a half an hour, and then a calm, in the midst of the confusion a message reached me, desiring my presence in the tween’ decks, I hastened below and there to my great sorrow found Dear Emma worse than ever, I sent for the Doctor and he advised

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her speedy removal to the Deck the Captain immediately ordered a tent to be rigged over the foremost Skylights, and then sent Men to bring up the Bed, which being done I took her up in my arms and carried her on Deck, the change was soon perceptible, in the diminution of heat, and oppression of the spirits I sat up all night, filled with the deepest anxiety, which was not at all lessened about three o Clk in the morning when another squall of wind and rain came as violent as the first, with the aid of Rugs Kindly lent and my Oil skin, managed to keep all pretty dry ---

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25th Day

Friday, March 20th

Weather – Very fine but excessively sultry Ther 82½ deg

Daybreak came and with it no improvement in Dear Emma nothing would remain on the stomach, passed a most miserable day, one of the Steerage passengers a Mrs Roberts, has been very Kind and attentive, she comes from Cornwall and is going out to her husband, in company of a brother and sister, Night has arrived and no change for the better, shall have to sit up all night, as the greatest care and attention is Necessary –

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26th Day

Saturday, March 21st

Weather – Very hot with very light winds Ther 82 deg
Lat Obs. 0 deg 49 N, Long Chr 24 deg, 0.7 W
Distance 149 miles

This morning forcibly reminded me of the 29th June 1856, full of anxiety and trouble. I looked out from our tent and saw the sun just rising from out the sea, the sight was a most glorious one, how my mind was lifted up beyond the [indecipherable] things of this world to the contemplation of those things which are beyond the skies, the great kindness of our heavenly Father in giving us, his sinful and erring creatures, that resplendent luminary for light and heat

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and the prime source of all our earthly comforts. Turning round, there on that couch lay one reduced almost to the last stage of inaction, moaning most sadly, the mind doubtlessly filled with thoughts of home, parents, brothers, and friends here we were on the deck of a ship, in the middle of the mighty ocean, early in the morning, performing all the duties of the sick chambers. After breakfast the Doctor paid us a visit and he ordered an injection to be administered without delay and a Blister to the pit of the stomach, the sufferings were very great, throughout

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the day, with no cessation at nightfall, laid down on the deck for an hour or two and then sat up all night, the Captain has been very kind in making the tent for us, out of sails and Ensigns, which imparts an amount of grandeur to our deck residence, night has again come and Dear Emma is no better –

27th Day

Sunday, March 22nd

Weather – Beautiful but very hot Ther 82 deg.
Lat Obs 0 deg, 20 S, Long Chro 24 deg 50 W Course S.32 deg W
Dist 82 miles

Dear Emma is no better, I attended prayers this morning in the Cabin, felt very much

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the suitability of the Psalms for the day to people in our situation, but alas! what formality, how little was the solemnity of the scene felt by the Majority of those present it appeared to produce just as much effect as a “tale thrice told” if we may judge from the conversation before and after the Service –

I feel almost exhausted with staying up three nights and the fourth is close at hand, there is plenty of discomfort on board ship to those in health but to be sick and incapable of getting out of bed, is of all things most miserable. We crossed the Line between last night and this morning

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28th Day

Monday, March 23rd

Weather – Most delightful Ther 82 deg
Lat Obs 2 deg 12 S Long Chro 26 deg 30 W Course S 42 deg W
Dist 157 miles

I am almost done up and Dear Emma is no better – another injection has been administered today, it is forbidden to take anything into the stomach, only wash out the mouth with cold water, which is very difficult to lay hold of, we have an assortment of drinks in requisition, Champagne, Port, Ale, Brandy and Raspberry Vinegar, but they are all like “Chip and Porridge” neither good nor harm

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29th Day

Tuesday, March 24th

Weather – Very fine and clear Ther 82 deg
Lat Obs 4 deg 7 S Long Chro 27 deg 34 W Course S 20 deg W
Dist 132 miles

For some days to come I shall have nothing to record, save that Dear Emma is very ill and reduced very much, violent sickness still continuing of a very dark dirty green color

30th Day

Wednesday, March 25th

Weather – Very fine and bright Ther 82 ½ deg
Lat Obs 5 deg 41 S Long Chro 28 deg 54 W Course S 40 deg W
Dist 123 miles

Fully occupied in waiting on the sick, no easy matter on ship[board, you want two or three pair of hands –

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31st Day

Thursday, March 26th

Weather – Fine and clear but very hot Ther 83 deg
Lat Obs 8 deg 55 S Long Chro 30 deg 13 W Course S 22 deg W
Dist 210 miles

Nothing particular today but the routine of a sick chamber, no improvements in the afternoon spoke the American ship Sarah and Elizabeth, from Boston to Madras 30 days out. It was amusing to see the Yankees crowding sail, in order to keep up with us, it was no race, ere the shades of evening closed in, he was a long way astern, report said that he was seen stamping his hat on the poop but I cannot vouch for the truth of it

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32rd Day

Friday March 27th

Weather – Very fine and sultry Ther 82 ½ deg
Lat Obs 12 deg 14 S Long Chro 30 deg 19 W Course S 2 deg W
Dist 203 miles

Nothing to write, Dear Emma is no better, I have not had my clothes off since the 19th, it will be a treat to sleep in a bed again

33rd Day

Saturday March 28th

Weather – Fine and clear Ther 82 deg
Lat Obs 15 deg 15 S Long Chro 30 deg 30 W Course S 7 deg W
Distance 183 miles

Dear Emma no better with no prospect of her being so for the remainder of the voyage

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34th Day

Sunday March 29th

Weather – Beautiful and clear Ther 82 ½ deg
Lat Obs 18 deg 15 S Long Chro 31 deg 00 W Course S 9deg W
Distance 183 miles

Did not attend Prayers this morning, went and laid down for an hour or two. Captain Stephens has intimated the propriety of our going below soon, as the bad weather will be coming on in a day or two –

35th Day

Monday, March 30th

Weather – Very fine Ther 81 ½ deg
Lat Obs 20 deg 58 S, Long Chro 32 deg 00 W Course S 19 deg W
Distance 173 miles

Tonight we moved off the deck, below, such a horrible night, the heat intense and Dear Emma much worse

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36th Day

Tuesday, March 31st

Weather – Fine Ther 81 deg
Lat Obs 23 deg 30 S, Long Chro 31 deg 37 Course S 8 deg E
Dist 154 miles

Oh! what a night have I passed through, the Black Hole of Calcutta could not have been much worse, imagine a poor tired out bellow, stretched out on one or two boxes, being called every five minutes to do something, I begin to wish that the shores of New Zealand would heave in sight, you will doubtless say that wishing is vain

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37th Day

Wednesday, April 1st

Weather – Very fine Moderate breeze Ther 80 deg
Lat Obs 26 deg 13 S Long Chro 30 deg 47 W Course S 16 deg E
Dist 170 miles

Nothing in the shape of news save that we are almost melted in our Cabin, the heat is of the most oppressive character, Dear Emma is still very ill, and as thin as a rush –

38th Day

Thursday, April 2nd

Weather – Fine, Ther 80 deg Lat Acct 29 deg 13 S, Long Acct 28 deg 50 W Course S 30 deg E Dist 208 miles

Today the same as yesterday, a slight change for the better in Dear Emma have not been in bed yet

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39th Day

Friday April 3rd

Weather – Fine with a strong breeze Ther 78 deg
Lab Obs 32 deg 14 S Long Chro 24 deg 48 W Course S. 49 deg E
Distance 276 miles

I am happy to be able to write that Dear Emma is better, the improvement is mainly owing to the use of Coffee, the appetite is very fastidious –

40th Day

Saturday April 4th

Weather – Fine with a breeze Ther 77 deg
Lat Obs 34 deg 30 S Long Chro 21 deg 56 W Course S 47 deg E
Distance 200 miles

The invalid is much better today and is able to eat something, but is very irritable at times, went to bed for the second time since the 19th ult

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41st Day

Sunday April 5th

Weather – A gale from the S.E with rain Ther 76 deg
Lat Acct 36 deg 0.6 S Long Acct 19 deg 33 W Course S 37 deg E
Distance 153 miles

I woke this morning very much better for having slept soundly the first sound I heard was that “a gale was coming on” and that we were to prepare for it. I washed and dressed and went upstairs to breakfast, that bad the other sign “the fiddle” was on the table, however we sat down and commenced operations in the best way we could, when about half over the Captain, who was on Deck, sent a message into the Cabin that a whirlwind was to be

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seen on the weather bow, at that instant there was one sprung up in the Cabin, such a rush; on Deck, men over women, and Ladies over Gentlemen, some in going up the steps, as soon as their heads came up in the current, were instantly stripped of their Caps, which in a twinkling were over the side and floating astern; with the “Cape Hens” “Tinkers” and Mother Cary’s Chickens hovering over them, thinking no doubt they were something to eat, myself and another were the only two who remained to finish their meal.

By this time the ship was pitching and rolling in fine

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style, the wind blowing very fierce, and whistling through the rigging very strongly, it gradually increased in violence, the meanwhile ll hands were busy, shortening sail, until at last we could carry nothing but a close reefed fore top sail [indecipherable]Main and Mizzen, toward evening I t slackened a little, and the ship was put about at about 7 bells or ½ past 11 o’clk heading off from the “Cape”. Dear Emma is much better, her appetite is returning with great force, I hope in a few days she will be able to go on deck again.

Divine Service has not been held today, the weather being too bad.

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42nd Day

Monday, April 6th

Weather fine, with a strong breeze Ther 69 ½ deg
Lat Obs 36 deg 28 S Long Chro 18 deg 40 W Course S 62 deg E
Distance 48 miles

This morning the ship was still, pitching very much but during the night the wind veered round, and became almost fair, the sails are close reefed, but the main sail has been hoisted this afternoon; We amused ourselves this morning by fishing for some of the large sea birds, close under our stern, they consisted of “Tinkers”, “Albatroses”, “Cape Hens” and “Stormy Petrels”; they all appeared to have been “too far north” although we

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saw them in 36 deg 28 South. They would come and strip the hook off the bait and off they are on the wing again. In the afternoon we tried powder and shot with no better success.

Dear Emma is much better today, can eat and drink heartily.

43rd Day

Tuesday, April 7th

Weather – Most splendid, clear and bright day Ther 72 ½ deg
Lat Obs 38 deg 07 S Long Chro 15 deg 57 W Course S 53 deg E
Distance 165 miles

The weather has moderated to such an extent that today we have been making sail again, although the reefs have been shaken out and the “[indecipherable]” sails were set this

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morning after breakfast. The principal topic of conversation at meal times is the probable duration of the residue of the voyage, bets of Cigars and Grog are being made on the event, it really is a monotonous affair, you get up in the morning, go on deck and there it is the same as you left it the night before, sea and sky meeting in the horizon. The eye longs to rest on trees and hedges, grass and fields, memory recalls one spot above all others, that is, Halse Mill Lane, where we used to go nutting on a Saturday afternoon, that in my mind

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[127]

now is one of the most pleasant spots in creation, it is the hedges and water that make it so, what would I give for a quart of cold spring water my very mouth runs with the thought – nectar itself would not [indecipherable] half the relish.

This evening we have witnessed one of the most glorious sunsets; to describe it is impossible, the gorgeous tints, from the lightest gold to the darkest copper, set in a border of Indian Ink, yet with all this radiant beauty, there was a strong prognostic that we shall have a second edition of Sunday –

Dear Emma is still improving.

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44th Day

Wednesday, April 8th

Weather – Fine with a strong breeze Ther 77 ½ deg
Lat Obs 39 deg 04 S Do Acct 39 deg 26 Long Chro 13 deg 0.7 W Do Acct 12 deg 5 Course S 68 deg E Dist 146 miles
Course Acct S 66 deg E Dist 196 miles

The indications for wind given last evening have been fully realised today, it has been blowing very smartly all day. By dint of great exertion we (that is, Mrs Roberts and I) got Dear Emma on deck for a short time, the first time since we went below – I am truly glad to be able to record that a great improvement has taken place in her health, she can now take a hearty meal, of Roast Pork or Mutton.

We are all becoming very anxious to have a glimpse of the promised land.

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45th Day
Thursday, April 9th

Weather – Fine wind not quite so strong Ther 69 ½ °
Lat Obs 39 deg 16 S Long Chro 8 deg 13 W Course S 86 E
Dist 230 miles

The wind has slackened during the nights but the rolling is dreadful, about 4 Bells this morning we were awoke by such a concalenation of sounds as are never heard anywhere, but on board ship, in a high southern latitude, the best idea I can give you is, to imagine yourself in bed awoke, the house has a motion from side to side amounting sometimes to an angle of about 45 deg, all the furniture partakes of the same, the ring and rattle

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of all the Iron and Tin pots in the Kitchen, and the Plates, Dishes and Jugs, joining in one grand discord, then your eyes rest on an uneasy chest or washstand, trying to walk or slide out of doors, and to crown the whole the sea comes and hits our poor devoted ship with such violence that makes her vibrate from stem to stern – which was this morning and in the midst of it all I turned out and went on deck to see what was the matter. Ah! there was the whole matter explained, we had been caught in a squall, the Captain and Mate were giving orders to

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shorten and reef sails, after looking round and seeing that all was right, and not much liking the heavy rain now falling, again went below. Made a report, and then turned in again –

Dear Emma has been in bed all day, she daily improves in appetite, and strength.

Large flocks of sea birds are our constant attendants. Many of them have been shot but we cannot get them as the Captain will not allow a Boat to be lowered for the purpose, considering it fraught with danger to do so. Every day increases our anxiety to see the shores of New Zealand

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46th Day

Friday, April 10th

Weather – Very find Ther 67 deg Lat Obs 39 deg 52 S Long Chro 5 deg 40 W Course S 73 deg E
Dist 125 miles

The rolling motion of our wooden house is almost more than can be tolerated, she is now dipping her “[indecipherable] sail” under water every lurch she makes, it is almost dangerous to be on the Poop, yet with all, it is a most beautiful day. Three Albatroses have been shot today, but all have gone astern to make perhaps a Shark’s dinner.

Dear Emma is much better today, she has made a very pretty mat for our teapot on arrival in Auckland. This is Good Friday, and we had some cold cross buns for breakfast and tea –

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47th Day

Saturday, April 11th

Weather – a Gale with very heavy rain The 69 ½ deg
Lat Acct 41 deg 34 S Long Acct 1deg 47 W Course S 60 deg E
Dist 205 miles

The violent rolling yesterday turned out to be only the prelude to a very heavy gale this morning, we went to bed about 4 Bells and slept soundly until 6 o’clock in the morning, when we were awoke suddenly by a terrific lurch to starboard. I really thought the ship was on her beam ends, in the most speedy manner I got out of bed and after exercising no small amount of patience in dressing succeeded in getting on deck, what a scene did my eyes rest on! The sea was literally running

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mountains high, the rain was falling in torrents, the ship was rolling over almost on her beam ends, the Captain clothed “Cap-a-pie” in oil skin, was shouting to the men on the “Yards”, the wind was blowing, crying and whistling through the rigging like some escaped fiend from the nether regions, with every now and then a heavy sea coming right over the bulwarks. By this time I was almost wet through so I went below, made my report, put on my oil skin and went on deck again in accordance with my natural disposition, always, to look personal danger

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in the face, so as to give timely warning to others; what a grand and sublime sight it is to see the ocean under a gale, nothing coming in opposition can possibly withstand its fury. By this time the breakfast was fiddled on the tables and after a great deal of trouble and mishaps of not a very desirous character got over it, the gale still continued to increase in violence, and the seas were coming over in quicker succession.

I was on my perilous journey from the “Galley” (where I had been to light my “[indecipherable]”) aft when I was obliged to bring up over the [indecipherable], a short lull, and then as far as the

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main hatchway, where another heavy lurch brought me up and while endeavouring to readjust my equilitrium I looked out to port and there I saw a mountainous wave coming broadside on, I tried to make for the Cuddy Door but ere two steps were taken in that direction the sea had attained a height of some 6 or 7 feet above the bulwarks, and in an instant some 3 ft of water was on the deck washing everything before it, the “hulla balou” that came up the hatchway from the “tween decks”, that is our part of the house, was truly deafening. I could not refrain smiling

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in the midst of it all, at the grotesque and ludicrous scenes going on there, one man was knocked down, and was washing about on his back with a stone jar of treacle by his side. The women were screaming, the men were hollowing to each other to do something that was impracticable, the tin pots, plates and dishes, were having a jig and a concert together, then an occasional sea down the hatchway to keep it all fresh and in motion and to complete the harmony of sweet sounds, the boxes in the steerage got adrift and were banging up against

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the Cabin Doors like miniature thunder, the occupants of which were calling out for help, one in particular was calling loudly for “Philip” to come and rescue the boxes from floating away through the Scuppers, but however, everything has an end, so with a gale at Sea.

Toward evening it moderated a trifle and afforded the opportunity of ascertaining the amount of damage done and to talk over the hair breadth escapes of the day just like people do on shore after a fire, we went to bed very much tired and slept soundly. Dear Emma is better and able to eat again –

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48th Day

Sunday, April 12th

Weather – Fine with occasional showers Ther 66 deg
Lat Acct 42 deg 14 S Lat Obs 42 deg 0.6 S Long Acct 0 deg 34 E
Course S 73 deg E Distance 115 miles

The wind has very much abated during the night, almost a calm toward noon. This is weather peculiar to those latitudes, a squall one hour a calm the next.

Dear Emma dressed and attended prayers in the Cabin for the first time since being on board, after which ate three pigs kidneys, bread and a pint of coffee, sat awhile, then went to bed, slept and then had a good dinner at four 8 p.m. the wind is again

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becoming fresh and fair and the men are aloft m=shaking out the reefs and making sail generally to the time and tune of –
“Haul on the Bowline/ Kitty is my darling/ Haul on the Bowline/ Haul – Boys Haul”

49th Day

Monday, April 13th

Weather – A most lovely day, but cold Ther 63 ½ deg
Lat Obs 42 deg 0.7S Long Chro 4 deg 44 E Course East
Dist 186 miles

The wind has been blowing very fresh all day, a fair one, right after us, the thermometer on deck has fallen to 45 deg. nothing of importance has occurred. Dear Emma not quite so well today.

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50th Day

Tuesday, April 14th

Weather – fine but very cold Ther 60 ½ deg Lat Obs 42 deg 0.7 S Long Chro 8 deg 34 C Course East
Dist 171 miles

I have been sitting for some time with the book open before me cogitating, and cogitating what I shall note down herein; matter of any kind is very scarce, it is the old thing over and over again, weat, drink and sleep, sleep, drink and eat, so the day comes and goes. I find from experience that on board ship at sea, is of all places, the very worst for study of any kind. You can do nothing with anything like pleasure or satisfaction to yourself, it might be thought

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a find opportunity for one so disposed to read and study with great and permanent advantage. So it would, provided you could make the sea and ship motionless and set all other disturbing influences at rest, if you remain in your Cabin to read you must burn a Candle all the day, you go up into the Cuddy there you are annoyed with the clatter and clamour of parties, playing Cards, [indecipherable], backgammon and Chess. You retire to the Deck and there are the Sailors, singing, pulling and hauling the ropes and trimming sails. At last you give it up as a bad job, and passively resign

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yourself to compulsory idling, watching the waves undulating backwards and forwards and the sea birds skimming the surface, and occasionally darting down to pick up some morsel that has been thrown overboard. To a contemplative mind the night is the most pleasant season, the solemn silence with which you are surrounded (broken only by the water rushing astern) invites no thoroughly deep thoughts, you look up into the blue vault of heaven and endeavour to count the starry hosts – what a futile effort, for a being possessing only human attributes

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the mind falls back abashed and humbled, exclaiming
“The spacious firmament on high
“AndWith all the blue ethereal sky
“And spangled heavens a shining frame
“Their great original proclaim
“The unwearied Sun from day to day
“Doth his Creator’s power display
“And publishes to every land
“The work of an Almighty hand”

I have examined with some care the southern heavens, and confess, I have failed to notice any superiority or beauty in the Southern constellations, over those of the Northern, I have been very much disappointed in that much vaunted constellation

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the Southern Cross, and consider it far inferior to Ursor Major, or Ursa Minor to say nothing of Orion, or Mighty Arcticuus, there is this advantage that the atmosphere is more clear, and the starry host shine forth in greater splendour and distinctness Dear Emma has walked a little on the Main Deck to day and remained in the Cabin to dinner, but was obliged to retire to bed immediately after it was over, in addition to the old ills Toothache has come on with great Severity, I suppose we shall run through the catalogue ere’ we land in Auckland

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51st Day

Wednesday, April 15th

Weather Fine sunny day but very cold Ther. 60 °½

Lat. Obs 42° 34’S Long Chro 12°.00’E Course S.80°E Dist 160 Miles

I do really begin to wish that New Zealand was in Sight, everything is becoming very Monotonous, I just feel like the Man who sat down to count the tickings of the clock, and would like him take off my coat and work like a nigger, we expect to be off the Cape the day after to morrow, I wish it was Van Diemans land instead Dear Emma has not been out of bed to day, she has been worse again to day than yesterday –

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52nd Day

Thursday, April 16th

Weather A very heavy gale with pelting rain Ther 57°½

Lat Obs Uncertain 43° 19’S Do. Acct 43° 03’S Long Acct 16° 07’E Course S.81° E Dist 190 Miles

We were woke up this morning by one of those violent lurches to Starboard, with the Tin Kettle, accompaniement, I dressed and went on deck, and there we were in a heavy gale of wind scudding undere close reefed topsails, and foresail, it was blowing great guns, we managed to get our breakfast, after various upsets had taken place, afterwards, I went on the Poop to have a look out to windward, when one of those gusts came up and carried away my Sailor’s Hat over the side, it was that

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fierce that it tore away the elastic band, which fastened it to my head, all such incidents give rise to merriment and laughter and I had to beat a retreat below to find some other covering, and which I intend shall serve the remainder of the voyage, 6 P.M. no abatement has taken place, the seas have been washing the decks all day, and we have the pleasure of looking forward to anything but a pleasant night 11.P.M. I have managed to get over to the Galley for shelter to smoke a pipe, but I had a job to get back again, the ship rolling and the seas coming over every lurch, in making for the Cabin Door I was thrown against the

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Steps, and sustained a severe blow on my left Shin, after performing several feats in the balancing line during my transit through the Cabin and down the Stairs, I ultimately reached the Door of No 2 Cabin, starboard Side, then it was that Mrs H, insisted on the convenience of adopting a new position in bed it was to lay head and top, thinking I should have a little more room, I acquiesced in the proposition, but very little comfort was derived from the alteration sleep was all but banished from the whole of those in the Ship, it was a fearful Night, of tempest and rain, [indecipherable]Dear Emma has not been out of bed to day she is not quite so well –

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53rd Day

Friday, April 17th

Weather The gale continuing with much rain Ther. 64°

Lat Obs 43° 48’S Long Chu 20° 26’E Course S.76° E
Dist. 196 Miles

After going through a most miserable night, I turned out at ½ past five, the ship rolling and tumbling dreadfully, and to add to the comfort of such a motion, the water was slushing about the deck of our cabin, as four bells were striking, I thought, that nothing less than the bottom of our craft had given way, and that all the Tin plates, Dishes, and Crockery ware in her were rushing with all speed through the aperture into Davey Jones’s Locker confusion, confused, was nothing to it, and as a grand finale

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down came through the Booby Hatch, a tremendous sea, as a refresher, and morning call to the sleepers underneath, to be up and doing – at noon to day we were 26 Miles east of the Cape of Good Hope, the great difficulty appears to be surmounted now that we have doubled it nothing now remains but a straight road, and a fair strong wind - Dear Emma is better to day but has not got out of bed, she is busy making mats and Crochet work –I dont’ intend having any more head and top, for I found a large toe very near in my Mouth this morning –

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54th Day

Saturday, April 18th

Weather Very fine morning the sun delightful strong breeze Ther. 62°

Lat Obs 43° 15’S Long chu 23° 22’E Course N 73°E Dist 135 Miles

We had a treat last night, a good night’s rest, the ship was very easy, her speed during the night averaged 8½ Knots per hour I went on deck at 7 it was one of the finest mornings we have had for some time, the men were busy setting the “Stun sails,” the atmosphere was beautifully clear and bright, so it continued up to about 4 P.M. when the wind began to freshen and we were dashing along at 10 Knots, it gradually increased up to 8 P.M. when the word was passed “brail up the Mizen”

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“reef the Mizen Topsail”, those two manouveres having been executed, has considerably eased the ship, and the Captain’s Mind, a short time elapses, then the word is passed, “haul down the jib”, “slow the fore top gallant sail”, another lull ensues and then the boatswain’s whistle is heard piping “all hands reef the Mainsail”, then follows a series of orders, commencing with the words “stand by” and, “overhaul the reef tackles” “let go the buntlines” &c. &c. then you see dark forms of men climbing up the shrouds, when they disappear in the pitchy darkness which prevails, you can at times hear them shouting

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to those on deck to let go, or haul some rope or other, after some time the order is performed and the men come down on deck again, swearing most dreadfully, as a sample I will give you as near as I can, the reply, to an order given by the chief officer last night by one of the men that I happened to be talking to in the “Midships” the order was, “loose the Mainsail” the old salt looked in the direction the Poop from whence the order came and said in the most calm and deliberate Manner, “ah! you b-r the d-l will loose you some day”, before I had time to offer one word of remonstrance on the impropriety

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of using such language, he was off the deck, running up the shrouds, well I thought he is an English sailor to perfection “grumble and go” but they are a discontented race, the little, at times, they have to do is always done grudgingly, I think if the Sails were set at the Land’s End, and Nothing done to them until the Ship arrived at Auckland they would say they had been too much worked, this is a thorough temperance Ship, grog is not served out at regular times nor do the men expect it, on some occasions, a rough stormy night for instance, the Captain gives them a little, but not

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in sufficient quantity to produce anything like inebriety, the Captain, is a very abstemious man, takes no spirits I believe, and but very little wine Dear Emma is getting better every day, her appetite is as good as ever, it was, but is rather deficient in strength – Calculations are made every day as to the time we shall arrive at our destination, every day shortly after Noon the question in every ones mouth is, what’s the reckoning? if it turns out good then come the congratulations, and also prognostications, taking of course the probabilities of wind and weather into the account –

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55th Day

Sunday, April 19th

Weather Very fine lovely day Ther. 62°½

Lat Obs 43° 15’S Long Chu 27° 04’E Course East Dist 162 Miles

Once more the Sabbath morn has dawned upon us on the bosom of the broad and mighty ocean, and we have been brought thus far on our journey in perfect safety, and am the living to praise ”Him” who is the Author and Giver of every blessing. May He give us hearts to be truly thankful for all the great Mercies received at “His,” hand we can fully acknowledge that our prayers have been heard and answered, oh! may we realize more and more the unbounded love of our heavenly

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Father, I sometimes fear my thoughts and feelings are not real and genuine, but proceed from the mouth and not the heart, when utterance is given to either, I hope and pray it is not so, what a relief it would be to my mind to know I was a child of God, and an heir of eternal life, sometimes an ineffable joy fills my whole soul, but regret today it does not continue long with me – It is a most beautiful morning the air Keen and bracing, and a fair wind blowing, Prayers were read this morning in the Cabin, it is quite a matter of form, certainly not of Spirit, for I noticed in the hands of

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some, novels, immediately before and after the Service, last Sunday, I think it was, Emma called my attention to an instance where the Bible, Prayer Book, and the Novel were open before the same person at one and the same time, the latter of course was the Book under perusal, I should have said it was after the service was over, but still it shows how much the mind has been affected by a consideration of Matters appertaining to our everlasting welfare – Dear Emma is better to day she has dressed, and gone up to dinner and tea I hope soon she will be convalescent

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56th Day

Monday, April 20th

Weather A Most splendid day Ther. 60°½

Lat Obs 43° 0’S Long Chu 31° 43’E Course N.86° E Dist 204 Miles

Another glorious day has broke upon us, during the night the wind freshened and we have been bowling along all day at about 9 ½ Knots, at Noon we were just abreast of the Mozambique Channel and the Mate tells me it is not unlikely we may have a good strong blow during the night, at 8 P.M, she was going most beautifully, the wind had increased a little, and every stitch of canvass set, wa