Saturday, Septr 17. Moderate & rainy. 7. Wind S.E. Head S.W. 8. Mode & fine. Set ftmstudg sail, flyg jib & royals. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 111 + 4436 = 4547. Late 2E20′ So. Longe 20E20′ Wt. Wind S.E. b S. In ftmstudg sail. Sunset. In 2d reefs of topsails. Fair wind.
About Darren
Share this page:
Saturday 17 September 1836
I have purposely avoided making a memorandum of the conveniences of our cabin until I should have had time to test them practically; it is now more than ten weeks since we came on board, and considering the time sufficient to enable me to ascertain their relative worth, with a view to the guidance of others who may follow my steps, I shall now describe them and the cabin itself. The cabin I occupy is the larboard stern cabin, besides the two stern windows, there is a ventilator on the deck about three feet in diameter which however is divided between mine and the adjacent cabin. Thus I have a sufficiency of air and light for all purposes. But there is an advantage in the possession of a stern cabin far beyond that of ventilation or even abundance of light: viz. the power of abstracting oneself from the company of the rest of the passengers. In our case, the companion ladder is between the stern cabin and the cuddy, so that when the door is shut, it is impossible to hear the never ceasing conversation in which some of the party are sure to be engaged. To be alone is the greatest luxury which we enjoy on board; were I the occupant of a cabin adjacent to the cuddy, I verily believe, that instead of passing my time agreeably, I should be suffering from a brain fever caused by the continual din and noise of my worthy fellow passengers…
In the list of ‘cabin comforts’ a filter stands preeminent. The water on board the Africaine is I should think as good as is generally found in ships; but I, who however am to a great extent a water drinker, should much feel the want of this little machine. Mine was purchased of James in the Poultry, and filters very brightly. By way of protection it is enclosed in the wickerwork.—I have two cabin lamps, and one candlestick: they are all useful. The candle is enclosed in the candlestick, and is forced up to the socket with a spring, and the whole has a universal joint to accommodate itself to the motion of the ship. By this I write andread. The night lanthorn was bought of Miller in Piccadilly, and is convertible into a variety of purposes: it is a dark lanthorn, a hand lanthorn, a chaise lamp, & a night lamp. The other is a nursery lamp upon Davy’s principle, with a kettle and saucepans to fix on the top: this afforded Harriet during her illness at the commencement of the voyage excessive comfort; by its means in about fifteen minutes I have been able to supply her in the course of the night with a cup of tea or arrow root, things which could not have been obtained by any other means… at all events I would recommend a few things to be procured for use in the cabin, amongst which I would name the following articles: — half a dozen bottles of brandy of the best quality in case of sickness; some dried fruits (such as figs, almonds & raisins, prunes) by way of dessert, a luxury which of course the ship does not provide, but which becomes almost a necessary to health if the voyage is undertaken at a time of the year when potatoes will not keep; some of Gamble’s preserved provisions, especially mutton broth and vegetables in the smallest canisters; some of [?Lemsan’s] biscuits in tins; and one each of sago, arrow root, and prepared groats for gruel…
Share this page:
Friday 16 September 1836
Friday. Septr 16. Moderate & fine. At 3, a sailor heaving the lead in the main chains, fell overboard, & it was some time before he was missed; the ship was then hove to, & a boat lowered to look for him; but although a good swimmer, he could not be found: blue-lights & muskets […]
Share this page:
Friday 16 September 1836
Friday Sepr 16 Gloom seems to be daily becoming more
the natural element of the Buffalo. In place of the
mirth which last evening promised us, a most [tooltip color=”grey” text=”a gloomy state of mind.”] melancholy [/tooltip]
crossing the line we have had. One of the sailors a young
man named Story, the only support of a widowed mother,
fell overboard last night while heaving the lead, [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The action or process of measuring the depth of water with a sounding line, a line marked at intervals of fathoms and weighted at one end. A fathom is a unit of length equal to 6 feet (1.83 metres).”] sounding [/tooltip]
for a shoal marked in the Admiralty Charts but which is in
fact generally believed not to exist. He was missed in a few
minutes after the accident had taken place, and a boat
was lowered, but he was lost. To add to the misery of his
fate the poor fellow was an excellent swimmer, and
most probably suffered a horrible & lingering death. It
seems astonishing that the readiest and most efficient
means of salvation in such cases should not have been thought
of, and that the life buoy was not let go: it is provided with
a light and he might have seen it and swam to it, while
he could not see the boat. Since this accident the Sentry on
the poop has received orders to slip the life buoy at the cry
of “a man overboard”, without waiting for orders from the
officer of the watch. This might have been done before,
it may however yet be useful.
Share this page:
Thursday 15 September 1836
9 p.m. Thursday, 15th Sept.
After we had turned in last night Captain Martin came on board on his way to Kangaroo Island from his trip up the Gulf. He gave us a very favourable account of the country and the few natives he met with were peaceable – but as we are going the same road in a day or two we shall be able to judge for ourselves. After breakfast Martin, Hill and myself went on shore to the tents and had not long been there before our Sealer returned from Encounter Bay bringing with him eight of the natives who promised to take care of our garden. These men are much the same in appearance and belong to the same tribe as the two we saw on the Island. There were no women with them except those belonging to the Sealers. It appears that the small-pox commits great ravages against them as three of them were deeply pitted and one has lost an eye from the same disease. Two of them had congenital malformations – the most singular – of the arm, there being in the place of that useful member a shrivelled stump not more than ten inches in length with three small appendages the rudiments of fingers at the end of it. They are all more or less tattooed in a very rude way, the principal incisions being on the back and two very large ones of a similar shape over each blade-bone. Their faces are free from these mutilations which are made with pieces of flint. This tribe is a very small one – a great number being carried off yearly by disease and a still greater number being put to death shortly after their birth. They hold a …[pages torn from journal]
Share this page:
Thursday 15 September 1836
Thursday, Septr 15th. Moderate & fine. Wind S.S.E. Head S.W. Miles run, 102 + 4228 = 4330. Noon. Do Wr. Lat. 0E21′ No. Longe 17E50′ Wt. 6. Quadrilles & country dances on the quarter-deck. At 7.30. The approach of Neptune being notified by the man look- -ing out on the forecastle, the mizen topsail was […]
Share this page:
Thursday 15 September 1836
Thursday September 15. Crossed the line this afternoon
thermometer at 74. In the evening the ship was hailed
by Neptune, who announced his intention of paying us
a visit on the morrow. The Water sprite then burned his
blue light, sent up his rocket, and sailed gaily away in
his lighted car. Great preparations are making for the
Saturnalia, and amusing pictures are drawn by those
who have undergone the process of lathering shaving and
ducking for the comfort and edification of the uninitiated.
Share this page:
Wednesday 14 September 1836
Wednesday 14th September.
This morning, the weather being beautiful, Field and I started after breakfast with our guns and penetrated nearly three miles into the interior which considering the height of the hills we found a very long and fatiguing walk. We met with no sport but the views from the top of the hills were beautiful. The soil in the valleys is excellent but that on the hills is shallow and mixed with rock and stones of many kinds, viz: lime-stone, coarse slate and an inferior kind of marble. We found some fine Cypress and Cedar trees, likewise daisies similar to those found in English meadows. Flinders mentions a peculiar feature of the country which we found very striking in today’s excursion. I allude to the combustion which a great part of the trees have undergone and which I can only attribute to the passage of the Electric fluid and not, as some have said, to the burning of the bush by the natives. My reasons for coming to this conclusion are first, that the same phenomenon exists in Kangaroo Is. Where there are no natives: and secondly, that the trees thus found are for the most part isolated, there being no traces of combustion around them – indeed I have in many instances found a large tree reduced almost to charcoal surrounded by and close to a cluster of others in a state of vigorous health. There are many speculations on this subject which will be, I doubt not, soon set at rest. If lightning had been the cause we shall most probably see its most recent effects in the summer and our intercourse with the natives will satisfy us as to its being their handywork or not. We dined at the tents and then came off.
Share this page:
Wednesday 14 September 1836
Wednesday Sept. 14. Today it was ordered by the Governor that
the Emigrants should be instructed in the manual exercise.
In order that no objection should be made, the Gentlemen
passengers were first asked to [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A military exercise in rifle handling.”] drill [/tooltip], and they agreed to
do so with great good nature. The Emigrants were then
paraded and went through their exercise very respectably
for a first attempt. They are to be [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A military exercise in rifle handling.”] drilled [/tooltip] regularly by
the corporal of Marines until they are perfectly au fait.
That an armed body should exist for the enforcement of
the laws in the event of popular or individual resist-
-ance may perhaps be necessary, but the idea which
appears to exist in some quarters, that they are required
as a means of defence or aggression against the natives
cannot be too soon repudiated. A hostile shot shall never
be fired against them if I can help it either by pen
or print; the proper force after all, would be a small
body of regular soldiers say 25 or 30, to be paid by the
Colony, and liable to do the requisite duty.
Share this page:
Wednesday 14 September 1836
Nepean Bay Kangaroo Island 14th Sepr, 1836 I am sure you will be pleased to hear that we arrived here safely the day before yesterday after a long but calm and pleasant passage. We got off the Western Coast of Kangaroo Island the beginning of last week after a favourable run from Rio, but had […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 14 September 1836
Wednesday, Septr 14. Modte & fine wr. Wind S.S.E. Head S.W. Miles run, 92 + 4136 = 4228. Noon. Do Wr. P.M. Mode & fine. Late 1E40′ No. Longe 16E46′. Sunset. In 1st reefs of topsails. 10. Small rain.
Share this page:
Tuesday 13 September 1836
September 13th I have been very unwell for three or four days – splitting headache & rheumatism. Today however being quite recovered, I wrote or rather finished a letter to my Mother. The wind has been still favorable, and we now confidently expect to spend next Sunday at the Cape. The number of persons on […]
Share this page:
Tuesday 13 September 1836
Tuesday, Septr 13. Modte & fine. Head W.S.W. Wind South. Aired the bedding. The gentlemen emigrants were subjected to their first military training. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 108 + 4028 = 4136. Late 2E28′ No. Long 15E25′ Wt. Commenced to drill the emigrant labourers. 6. Quadrilles on the quarter-deck.
Share this page:
Tuesday 13 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 13.-Going at ten and a half knots an hour.
Share this page:
Tuesday 13 September 1836
Tuesday September 13. This morning the south east trade
wind reached us and we are now within 100 miles of the equator.
A conversation with the Governor, Mr Fisher, & Mr Jickling
to-day on the subject of the establishment of a Public
Library in the Colony, regarding which both Mr Fisher and
myself are exceedingly anxious. The governor is inclined
to throw cold water on our project. “It is of no use,” said he,
“what good will books do our Colony?” but I strongly
suspect neither Fisher nor myself will be deterred from
doing our conscientious duty by such an opinion. The
ship continues to be made a carpenter’s shop, – hot-houses
dog-houses and other sorts of houses for the Captain
are in progress, and there is from morning to night such a
complication of noises, hammering, sawing, planing,
that the Ladies & passengers and Emigrants generally
suffer dreadfully from these various annoyances.
Little regard indeed is paid to their comfort at any
time: poor Mrs Fisher has the carpenter’s shop precisely over
her bed, while that part of the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Technically called a stern deck, the poop is an exposed partial deck on the stern (rear) of a ship. It forms the roof of the stern or ‘poop’ cabin.”] poop [/tooltip] under which are the
cabins of the Governor’s family is carefully secured from
noise by being covered with trusses of hay. The Governor’s
dogs are allowed to run loose, bite, as they have done, the
Emigrants & crew at their pleasure, and to perform all
manner of beastlinesses where they have a mind; while
the dogs of the passengers are sedulously cooped up.
In a man-of-war it seems the Captain’s property and
chattels are always especially attended to; those belonging
to others must take their chance – that is the rule. It is
a pity Governor Hindmarsh should act upon it. Public
respect & popularity are not usually acquired by decided
acts of selfishness.
Share this page:
Sunday 11 September 1836
Sunday, Septr 11. Modte & squally, rain at times. Head S.E. Wind S.S.W. The weather prevented the performance of Divine Service. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 80 +3829 = 3917. Late 2E49′ No. Longe 12E10′ Wt. P.M. Fresh breezes & cloudy. 5. Wore Ship. Head W.b N.
Share this page:
Sunday 11 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 11.-For the last two days the wind has been blowing right astern, which, though it sent us on at a rapid rate, caused the vessel to rock from side to side in a manner that was very unpleasant.
Share this page:
Monday 12 September 1836
Monday, Septr 12th. Moderate & cloudy wr. Head W.b N. Wind S.W.b S. Washed clothes. Miles run 111 +3917 = 4028. Lat. 2E40′ North. Longe 12E33′ Wt. P.M. Modte & cloudy. making very little progress.
Share this page:
Saturday 3 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 3.-Several Cape pigeons flying about the vessel. We had now a fair wind, and were going at a good rate.
Share this page:
Saturday 3 September 1836
… In the everning had family worship Mrs Bear is
much better and I had the pleasure of seeing her
children restored to her and she acknoledge them which
she has not lately, I believe this is an answer to prayers.
Share this page:
Saturday 3 September 1836
3rd Called the hands at ½ past 5 A.M. & went on as before & often, very often, looked out in hopes of seeing the Emma that I might get one officer at last to stand by his post & assist me in the present emergency. I have still no communication from the L.M.P. At night paid the men & afterwards received a note from the two men (James & Joseph Jones) who deserted their duty last Monday begging that I would receive them again!!
Share this page:
Saturday 3 September 1836
I have not left the vessel today as it has been blowing a gale and the weather has been in other respects as disagreeable as it was yesterday. Field, I am happy to say, is better. My occupations have been reading, mending old clothes and cleaning my gun.
Share this page:
Share this page:
Saturday 3 September 1836
Saturday Sept 4 S.S.W Parker fell and Cut the Cap of his knee and the Boy Joe fell over Bord We was be Calmed 2 Nots
Share this page:
Saturday 3 September 1836
Saturday, Sept 3. Modte & squally, rain at times. Wind SW, & Head W.N.W. Miles run, 89 + 3111 = 3200. Noon. Do Wr. Lat.7E12′ No. Long. 19E13′ Wt so that we had lost 20 miles during the 24 hours. P.M. Squally with rain. Four sail in sight on a wind.
Share this page:
Friday 2 September 1836
Went on board the “Duke of York” and as Frill [Field?] was very ill remained on board all the rest of the day.
Share this page:
Friday 2 September 1836
Friday, Septr 2. Moderate breezes & cloudy. Wind S.W. Head S.S.E. Miles run 88 + 3111 = 3199. Noon. Late 6E51′ No. Longe 19E 13′ Wt. P.M. 4. Do Wr. Tacked, wind, SW. 8. Modte & squally occly.
Share this page:
Friday 2 September 1836
… Some of the runaway sailors coming in I gave them a small supply of provisions but told them I could not further communicate with them while Capn Ross was in the Bay. I had to manage the men myself to day as usual, having no one to assist me, except Mr Birdseye who appears at the store for 3 or 4 hours in the middle of the day.
Share this page:
Share this page:
Friday 2 September 1836
Friday Sept 3 S.W ½ W Saw the Ware a Bark Laying at St Jagoes Left the Same day as we did 5 Nots
Share this page:
Friday 2 September 1836
Sept 2d At Noon a Boat arrd from Kingscote, with a few Oats, and a Ram, & Sow, that could not be seen, when they brought the others on Monday last ________
Share this page:
Friday 2 September 1836
This 24 hours squally weather from the NW to SW employd wooding and other nessary jobs the doctor of the Rapid visited the sick to day we let go the seacond anchor blowing hard In the everning had family prayers in the cabin
Share this page:
Thursday 1 September 1836
September 1st The same favorable breeze continues and the ship is running her course delightfully. Yesterday we passed the Martin Vaz rocks, three in number. One is very small, and at the distance at which we were about thirty miles resembled a large boat; another somewhat larger and apparently about 200 feet high; and. the […]
Share this page:
Thursday 1 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 1.-We had by this time managed a little better with regard to our cooking, that is, we had made friends with the cabin cook, and by the occasional bribe of a glass of rum he would bake for us whenever he could; sometimes a beef steak pie (salt beef, of course) or a rice pudding (the latter without either eggs or milk) or a dripping cake. Dripping, which in some measure answered the purpose of butter, I purchased from him at a shilling a pound. The wine also was better than at first, whether from the effects of the voyage or not I cannot tell, but we had some of a very fair quality.
Share this page:
Thursday 1 September 1836
Thursday, September 1. Moderate & cloudy. Wind S.S.W. Head S.E. Miles run, 97 + 3014 = 3111. Noon. Modte & fine. Lat. 7E19′ No. Longe 20E10′ Wt. P.M. Do Wr.
Share this page:
Thursday 1 September 1836
Thursday Sept 2 S.S.W Blowing hard and a Great Deal of Rain Running 6½ Nots Saw the Wiliam hut
Share this page:
Thursday 1 September 1836
1 September-Fresh breezes and squally; went on shore to take some angles, but owing to the weather could effect nothing.
Share this page:
Thursday 1 September 1836
Repeated my visit to the river and have had excellent sport, but was hurried on board by the appearance of a ship in offing which we took to be the long expected “Cygnet”, but found, on her showing her number, that it was the “Pelham” that had put to sea two days before – we […]
Share this page:
Thursday 1 September 1836
Thursday September 1. A foul wind with a heavy swell
from the South; we are now in the region of what sailors
call “[tooltip color=”grey” text=”winds which frequently shift from one direction to another”] baffling winds [/tooltip]” and must be content to endure what
we cannot avoid. The Emigrants have expressed some
dissatisfaction on the substitution of cocoa for tea, and
in fact are not, upon the whole, made so comfortable as it
would be for the interest of the colony that they should
have been. I have exerted my influence with several
of them, and they consent to bear the disagreeables as well
as they can. Let full justice be done to the body of
Emigrants on board this ship; they have suffered without
much murmuring, though they have had several sufficient
causes for complaint. They have no place where they can
walk or breathe unpolluted air; the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Sides of a ship raised above deck level to protect objects and crew.”] bulwarks [/tooltip] of the
Buffalo are six feet high; on both sides of the main
deck are rows of filthy hogs kept in pens, generally in
a horrid state of dirt and uncleanness. The Emigrants
can only walk alongside of these animals and inhale
the stench from them: they are forbidden either side of the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The quareterdeck was the deck between the main mast and the back of the ship.”] quarter-deck [/tooltip] although the officers and passengers have the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Technically called a stern deck, the poop is an exposed partial deck on the stern (rear) of a ship. It forms the roof of the stern or ‘poop’ cabin. “] poop [/tooltip] or what remains of it unoccupied by hay trusses
& hen-coops to themselves. These things make a deep
and ineffaceable impression on the individuals most
directly affected by their operation, and will tell
eventually. It has been a grand and radical error to
send out the Governor of South Australia in the invidious
and arbitrary character of Captain of the Ship: the
consequences of this act must be severely felt by him
if they be not in their result highly detrimental to the
colony. Common people have difficulty in separating
the acts of the Captain from those of the Governor, and
the trifling doings of the one are not likely to increase
respect when they shall be merged in the more important
functions of the other. A voyage like this calls for the
exercise of more philosophy than falls to the common lot
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”A reference to the teachings of Greek philosopher Zeno.”] Zeno [/tooltip] was never at sea in an Emigrant ship.
Share this page:
Thursday 1 September 1836
This 24 hours strong winds from the south attended with rain employd as needfull a party cutting wood a sail in sight In the evening held a prayer meeting in the cabin 4 prayed I belive god in Christ was in the midst of us the young man Glansford says O Lord do strengthing us […]
Share this page:
Thursday 1 September 1836
Sept 1st Mr Stephens paid us a visit to Day, and brought with him a Man, calld Mitchell, to attend upon the Stock __
Share this page:
Wednesday 31 August 1836
Went on board the ‘Duke of York” at 7 a.m. this morning and was much pleased to find my patient better. Returned to my own vessel after breakfast and have been mending old clothes best part of the morning. The Sealers again visited us this morning bringing with them two native men and a woman belonging to the Main. These men are brothers and one of them is the father of the woman who lives with the Sealers on this Island. They were much better looking than we had expected and probably are a good specimen of their tribe – their stature is about 5’6” and their limbs very small – their complexion dark copper-coloured – their features are coarse but exceedingly good-humoured, occasionally giving way to immoderate fits of laughter especially when we gave them brandy and tobacco of which they seemed very fond. They have large flat noses and exceedingly long beards – their hair is not woolly. They are a very ignorant and indolent set of men depending entirely on their women for the means of subsistence which are very uncertain and which probably accounts for their emaciated appearance.
Share this page:
Wednesday 31 August 1836
Wednesday August 30. [sic] Four weeks at sea this day. We have now made nearly three thousand miles in latitude exclusive of about seventeen degrees of west longitude; so that upon the whole the clumsy old ship has done pretty well. But the system of sailing adopted on board by the express order of the […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 31 August 1836
Wensday Sept 1th W ½ W Evry one well Stunsells Lower and aloft – 2 fowls Left Belonging to our Mess
Share this page:
Wednesday 31 August 1836
31 August-Went to examine a fresh water river, about three miles to the southward and eastward; being low water, we could not approach for a long time sufficiently near to find the mouth of it, and a whole day was nearly lost. I at last, as the tide served, was enabled to enter it in […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 31 August 1836
Augst 31st I had the three unfortunate Sheep & Lamb, laying by the Fire all Night, and find the Ewe & Lamb, considerably better this Morng being able to stand upon their Legs, and eat a little choice Grass, but One of the Rams is dead, & the other not much better _______ I therefore […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 31 August 1836
Wednesday, Augt 31. Moderate & cloudy. wind SW. Head SSE. Miles run, 62 + 2952 = 3014. Noon. Mode & cloudy. Lat. 7E50′ No. Longe 21E58′ Wt. P.M. A sail on the weather bow. 6. Shortened sail, wind freshened from the S.S.W.
Share this page:
Wednesday 31 August 1836
This 24 hours calms and plesent weather employd painting taring and other jobs as needfull we caught a few fish of the salmon kind We had family service in the everning but as it was late and we tired the service was dull I hope by gods grace to be more [h]artyer for the futer
Share this page:
Wednesday 31 August 1836
31st Rose at ¼ to 6 A.M. & finding that neither men nor officers were stirring (I had arranged that Mr Dawsea was to call the men this morning at ½ past 5) I sounded the call on my trumpet & soon had the men out, no officer of higher rank appearing to take my orders I at 10 minutes past 6 called Mr Wallan the oldest of the Islanders & a man whom I introduced here & always treated as an officer & to him I explained at length the way in which I wished to have a store built to receive “John Pirie’s” Cargo. I directed him to take all hands with him & set about it immediately. All this time I was out in my shirt shoes & dressing gown & at ½ past 6 as I was going to my tent to dress I saw Mr Beare approaching. I took no notice but went into the tent & prepared to dress, when he came in front & without prefixing or adding any other word called out (I supposed to me) “what are the hands to go about today”. I replied “I have told Mr Wallan” & Mr Beare retired. I may as well here record that this was the first morning Mr Beare had ever appeared to receive in any way my orders as from the severe affliction of his wife I had permitted him to remain with her & had further allowed him some hands to assist him occasionally, & had had his 4 Children under the care of his sister living under a tent by me & at my expense. Two nights before this (up to this time I had every reason to pity & respect him) I had mentioned to him that on the morning of 31st I should begin to build a store &c, & that if he would speak to me in the morning (of the 30th) I would explain to him how it should be done he did not however do so ——
Share this page:
Wednesday 31 August 1836
… We had now been rather more than two months at sea, and though we were all well stocked with clothes I found it necessary sometimes, as, I believe, most of the passengers did, to wash a few small things such as pocket handkerchiefs, partly to prevent them from getting mouldy, a condition to which I found everything very liable, whether dirty or clean. I mention this to show that our supply of water was sufficient with economy for so doing, but I could not boast of their whiteness when washed in muddy water. Some of the steerage passengers, I understand, washed all their clothes. How they managed it I do not know, but one of the women washed for the surgeon I before mentioned (an Irishman), and, of course, charged an extravagant price, which caused him to make the observation in my hearing that every man while on board of ship ought to be his own washerwoman.
Share this page:
Tuesday 30 August 1836
Started at daybreak with Field and Jacob to shoot along the banks of the river and to see something of the interior of the Island. After the first two miles we were gratified by finding a flat of very superior soil to any we had seen extending many miles on each side of the stream. […]
Share this page:
Tuesday 30 August 1836
Tuesday Aug 31, 1836 took on Last raft of Casks on Board 3 OClock Got on the [….] maid all Sail with a fair wind Blowing West. S. West
Share this page:
Tuesday 30 August 1836
AUGUST 30.-This being Mary’s and my birthday, we managed to make a cake and give a slice of it and a glass of wine to all our young men. I should not have mentioned this, but it also happened to be the birthday of Mr. Hallett, a gentleman in the cabin, and of one or […]
Share this page:
Tuesday 30 August 1836
30eth This morning early the L.M.P. got under weigh & at 2.P.M. rounded Kangaroo Head. I sent the rest of the live stock to the Lagoon (except 1 ram & 1 pig).
Share this page:
Tuesday 30 August 1836
30 August-Employed in ascertaining the extent of the shoal, which runs from the northern side of the bay to the southward.
Share this page:
Tuesday 30 August 1836
Augst 30th This Afternoon all the Merino Sheep came from Kingscote but have been most dreadfully ill used by the Persons who had charge of them across the Bay to this Station, indeed two Rams 1 Ewe, and a Lamb are nearly lifeless, having entirely loss’d the use of their Limbs, by being roughly drag’d […]
Share this page:
Tuesday 30 August 1836
Tuesday, Augt 30th. Vble weather & wind. rain occasionally. Steering S.S.E. Wind West. One of the seamen, who had been sinking for some time, died this forenoon. Noon. Cloudy with light variable winds. Miles run, 88 + 2864 = 2952. Late 8E40′ No. Longe 22E28′ Wt. P.M. Light variable airs. 6. Buried the corpse of […]
Share this page:
Tuesday 30 August 1836
This 24 hours calms and plesent weather employd taring painting and other nessary work we cleard our anchors and chains being foul I went on shore to pray in seacreat but found a brother in adversity and indeavoured to bind up his wounds we met in the evening we met I felt some love towards […]
Share this page:
Tuesday 30 August 1836
Tuesday August 30 Wind fair but the weather unsettled,
the atmosphere heavily charged with electricity. A poor
sailor died this afternoon of [tooltip color=”grey” text=”tuberculosis”] consumption[/tooltip]. He was perfectly
sensible to his latest hour, and spoke of his death with the
calmness and the hope of a Christian. He was ordered to
be buried in the evening, and accordingly by torch light
his body was committed to the deep. Mr Howard read the
prayers of the Church, the crew was silent and attentive, and
the poor fellow’s mess-mate who had nursed him throughout the
whole period of his illness, shewed by his sobbing and tears
that a sailor can feel like a man.
Share this page:
Monday 29 August 1836
29 August-Fresh breezes and squally; went in the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A class of net fishing boats used on the Thames estuary. The Rapid’s boat was built specially for the Colonization Commissioners by W.T. Gulliver of Wapping”] hatch-boat [/tooltip] to examine the northern side of the bay, distant about four miles from Kingscote. There is a well of fresh water here, dug in the sand, close to high water mark, which supplies the settlers at Kingscote. The country here is low, and the soil appeared much better than that we had seen before; and altogether, it struck me that a settlement might be formed here at some future period, to great advantage.
Share this page:
Monday 29 August 1836
Went on shore this morning to see a patient at the tents and after refusing a pressing invitation from Mr. Bird’s Eye, one of the Settlers, to dine on walloby and new potatoes, returned on board to clean my gun and make preparations for an early start to the river tomorrow. I picked up two […]
Share this page:
Sunday 28 August 1836
AUGUST 28.-This morning, at about 8 o’clock, we had a specimen of ship discipline which, however necessary it may be to maintain subordination, was nevertheless disgusting to the passengers. One of the sailors, who happened to be at the helm, received some orders from the chief mate which he swore he would not obey, and made use of some very abusive language, whereupon the mate struck him. Catching hold of the binnacle, the man overturned it and broke the compass, cutting his head at the same time. The captain was then called, and he also struck the man several times. Some sailors having been called up, the captive’s hands were tied behind him, and he was fastened to a hencoop on the deck, where he remained the greater part of the day. But what made the incident appear worse was that it happened to be Sunday, and we had Divine Service with the culprit in full view, the blood streaming down his face. The man was, I believe, often abusive, but yet it was thought by some that the punishment exceeded the offence, especially as it was well known that the mate was, on account of his surly behaviour, by no means a favourite with the crew, or, indeed, with anyone else on board the vessel.
Share this page:
Monday 29 August 1836
Monday, Augt 29. Modte & fine wr. Empd washing clothes. A heavy swell from S.W. Wind S.W. Head S.S.E. Miles run, 78 + 2786 = 2864. Lat. 9E54′ No. Longe 23E33′ Wt. P.M. Do Wr. Sunset. Cloudy with lightning.
Share this page:
Sunday 28 August 1836
… in the afternoon Jones & Glansford and myself
went on shore and in the bush by the sea side we
powered out our prayer at a throne of grace and
was refreshed in the wilderness in the settlement they
had the coulours flying and the fidle playing and dancing
selebrating a sailors weding Captn Martain had maried
them one of his crew to one of the emigrants
Share this page:
Share this page:
Monday 29 August 1836
29th Sent half the live stock to the Salt Lagoon & propose sending the remainder tomorrow. Two of the Company’s Servants James Jones & Joseph Jones refused to proceed with Mr Dawsea & the other hands to the Lagoon & assist in getting the stock from the boat to our station unless I would allow […]
Share this page:
Sunday 28 August 1836
The Bay has presented today a singular scene of bustle and merriment on the occasion of a wedding on board the ‘John Pirie’. The ceremony was performed by the Captain after which the happy pair proceeded to the tents where the marriage dinner was prepared. Our crew was invited to the feast which wound up with one or two amicable fights, amongst which the Bride and Bridegroom were conspicuous. The afternoon being very fine I went on shore for a walk but was very soon driven on board again by my implacable enemies – the mosquitoes. They use me very ill and cause me so much irritation on my skin that I am obliged to scratch for half an hour at a time and the consequence is that the bites soon degenerate into ulcers. I have been diligent in my search for Butterflies for dear Melliora but have, as yet, been very unsuccessful. There are, however, some very good shells on the beach and I hope soon to make a collection for her.
Share this page:
Monday 29 August 1836
Monday Aug 30th 1836 […] Mr Lee and Mrs Lee went on Shore with Mr J White Bought 3 fowls at one Shilling Each the rose lost a young woman off from the rocks
Share this page:
Monday 29 August 1836
This 24 hours moderate breeses from the south employd taring painting and fitting the riggin In the everning had family prayer in the cabin
Share this page:
Share this page:
Monday 29 August 1836
Augst 29th On Saturday Eveng all the Men went down to Kingscote
for their Wages and fresh supplies of Provision, leaving me quite
alone untill this Afternoon (Monday) when two of them came back
named Bates & Powell, with a few Sheep, Pigs and grey Peas,
but the other two Men call’d Jones, who are Brothers (and were brought
out, in the “John Pirie”) refused to come with the “Stock”, because
Mr Stephens would not allow them, to bring any Spirituous Liquours.
The Man Bates mentiond above, has been 13 Years on this
Island, and is a very active, civil sort of Fellow _________
Share this page:
Sunday 28 August 1836
… For Service to-day
had substituted the Articles of War. Surely in the lazy
listlessness of existence at sea there might have been
sufficient time for both – if indeed reading the Mutiny
Act be at all a fitting employment for the day. No
Sunday School. So we thought it would be. What the
plea is we know not. But all this is exceedingly un-
-satisfactory. There are no school books on board to give
to the Emigrants’ children – an unhappy oversight, for
they might have been advantageously instructed during
these long and sleepy days. It will be important to see
that in all future emigrant Ships a person in some
degree qualified to act as Schoolmaster, be sent out.
Next to the Surgeon he would be the most useful person
in the vessel.
Share this page:
Sunday 28 August 1836
28th (Sunday). The wedding took place this morning with all becoming solemnity & all due honours.
Share this page:
Sunday 28 August 1836
Sunday, Augt 28. Heavy rain, Wind West. Course South.
Mustered the crew & emigrants, & read the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The regulations which govern the behaviour of members of the Royal Navy.”] Articles of war [/tooltip] (by the Governor). Lowered the topsails in squalls.
Took in one reef. Noon. Miles run 89 + 2697 = 2786.
Late 10E43′ No. Longe 25E. P.M. Modte with rain. People very
busy catching water in various vessels, water being
scarcer yesterday than brandy or wine: that is to
say that I could get brandy or wine to drink, easier than
water. In 2d reefs of topsails, down royal yards. Rainy.
Share this page:
Saturday 6 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and rain all hands employd gitting on shore the companys stores in the everning cleaned down the deck for sabath In the everning read the 33d chapt of Ezekiel to four souls I found it good to wate on god iniquity still abounds
Share this page:
Saturday 6 August 1836
Light winds, North. Rather fine weather. Set lower studg sail. Noon. Lat. 49E27′ N. Long. 6E12′ Wt 69 miles run since Noon yesterday, which added to 200 miles run from Isle of Wight, makes 269. P.M. Cloudy, light winds from N.E. Spoke a Spanish brig. 10. Light winds and rainy.
Share this page:
Friday 5 August 1836
A fine morning after a very rough night but the wind a little lower, though still against us, the sea swelling and foaming tremendously, and the ship leaning so much to leeward that it was almost impossible to stand. We had learned by this time, however, what it is to be at sea.
Share this page:
Friday 5 August 1836
For the last three days the
Emigrants deck has been in a most offensive
state – so much so that it was impossible to
pass along without fingers to the nostril. To cleanse
it at last, became a matter of absolute necessity,
and this has accordingly been done to-day with
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”bleaching powder”] chloride of lime [/tooltip] and plenty of seawater. I had
some difficulty before leaving St Helen’s in procuring
a number of cats to be sent on shore. They were
very numerous and had crept under the berths
of the emigrants, which is the main cause of the
horrid effluvia now existing. Cats are probably
valuable in the colony, but whoever takes them
out should be obliged to keep them sweet and
clean and confined to a hutch during the
voyage.
Share this page:
Friday 5 August 1836
Light airs & cloudy, N.E. All sail set. Shewed
our Number to the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The Channel Squadron of the Royal Navy was first stationed in the English Channel in 1690 to defend Britain against the French Navy. “] Channel Squadron [/tooltip] (6 sail of line)
Noon. Almost calm & fine. Aired the emigrants’ bedding &c.
& inspected them for [tooltip color=”grey” text=”This might refer to bed bugs, fleas, lice, or all three. Scabies was also often referred to as ‘the itch’, but the mites which cause it are microscopic and unlikely to be found by inspection of bedding.”] the itch [/tooltip] – a few cases only. P.M. A light
breeze from the Northward. Attended concert in the cabin.
Share this page:
Friday 5 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and rain at times employd gitting the stores on shore In the everning had family prayers eleven attended the times are trying iniquity abounds curseing and swareing is where ever you are most of the L M Pelhams crew serve the prince of the power of the air and in […]
Share this page:
Thursday 4 August 1836
The second No of the Buffalo Telegraph
today. A dead failure. Scarcely a redeeming point
of intelligence or wit. Scraps from young ladies’
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”Books of useful information or memorable sayings, compiled by individuals. They were often hand-written, but could also include pasted extracts – hence scrap books.”] common place books [/tooltip] do not become original by
being fairly copied into a sheet of foolscap
Share this page:
Thursday 4 August 1836
Close hauled on larbd tack, wind W.b S. Saw the land at 8 on the lee beam. Drizzly occasionally Calm during the middle of the day, off the coast of Dorsetshire. About 7 P.M. a light air sprung up from the N.E. At 10, the light of Portland bore East, about 12 miles. Midt. Light […]
Share this page:
Thursday 4 August 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the westward AM got under weigh and moved the ship where we intend to land the colonian stores came to anchor in about fathoms water with 18 fathoms cable made a raft and got it along side ready for discha rgeing in the everning had family prayer ten attended […]
Share this page:
Thursday 4 August 1836
Augt. 4th, 5th and 6th. The ships commenced and continued to discharge cargo and so rapidly that it was with difficulty I could by any means manage to save the damageable parts from being seriously injured by the weather; succeeded however by the evening of the 6th in erecting by means of my tarpaulins (without […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 3 August 1836
Left St Helen’s this morning once more, with a favorable breeze, which looks likely to take us clear of the Channel. A good deal of motion. The ladies and most of the gentlemen suffering from the mal de mer. The emigrants also in no very savoury condition, but bearing their lot upon the whole with […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 3 August 1836
Moderate breezes & fine from S.E. At 5, we weighed & beat out of the roads of St Helen’s. At 10, having weathered St Catherine’s point, we kept away & set topmast & tgt studg sails. P.M. light winds & fine. Wind drew forward to Westly. Braced sharp up on larbd tack. 8. Tacked off […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 3 August 1836
This 24 hours mostly strong winds attended
with rain I had the people called on the quater
deck to know the reason they refused to land the
passengers things they sayd Mr Stevens had promiced
them fivety pounds and they whould not work till
he paid them so I let it stand till farther advice
the two men came from the farm Mr Stevens was
not on board but had bing makeing signals
on shore and no one preceived him
we had family prayer in the everning I went
to bed as usal and was disturbed some time after
by hereing Mr Stevens going on in a most unman
ly way it appears he was hurt in not being heard
when these men where on board for he wanted to
be on board to receive them I heard him say it
was an eternal disgrace to the captain an eternal
disgrace to the officers and crew and he should
write to the directors and inform them and he was
a magestrate and so on and said he should like
to see the captain but surposed I was asleep so I got
up and told him what I thought of his conduct
dureing the time I have had to be with him as to
his moral conduct I have known when we have
bing in our extrimities he has bing lost and as his
conduct towards Mr Bear and family has bing
such as no one but whould disapprove off he has
came into the cabin tore down the curtains got
a horse wip and thretned to horse wip Mrs Bear
and has told Mr Bear in the hereing of his wife
that he whould banish him and his family to
any part of the Island and cut off his supplys
the poor whoman is now raveing mad with four
helpless babes on board with the sister of Mr Bears
who is over come with the good qualities of Mr Stevens
at the age of fivety Mr B disapproves of such conduct
well god makes the ungodly his rod but either to
they can come and no farther Mr Stevens I under
stand has bing down where the people lives and
paid them fivety pounds – so ended this day
Share this page:
Wednesday 3 August 1836
Spent the whole day in endeavouring to restore peace on board the ships. The grievance was the having to bring out and land passengers and cargo without some remuneration and both crews positively refused to lower another boat unless they first received the sum they wished. To the Pelham I sent £40 through their Captain to pay the remainder of the money promised them at Liverpool by consent of Mr. Hurry and I further consented to give them 1 [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Also known as a ‘piece of eight’, this large silver coin was minted in Spain from 1497. Widely used in the Americas, Europe and the Far East, it became a form of world currency and was widely used in trade, including within the British Empire, where there was often a shortage of coinage. It was the basis for the American dollar and equated to approximately one dollar in value. Pieces of eight were also associated in the popular imagination with piracy.”] Spanish dollar [/tooltip] per man for landing the cargo. To the crew of the Duke of York I gave £50 which I had partly promised in Torbay (England and for this sum they promised to land passengers and cargo in good order. Henry Wallan and John Day came to our ship today and brought the 2 pigs. I was ashore at the time and for 2 hours hailed the ship (and fired 7 shots to her) but could not get a boat put off for me although the Captain knew I had asked the settlers to dine with me and look at the act of Parliament and other Documents connected with the Colony. Captain Ross brought the men ashore, and I returned by his boat having first agreed with Henry Wallan to give me his service and advice in any way I wished for the space of 3 months from this day in consideration of the payment to him of £1:10:0 and his provisions. On reaching the ship spoke to Captain Morgan and Mate about what I considered the very uncourteous behaviour in not answering my hail. This was the first time since we left England that I had made the least complaint to captain Morgan ( though I ought to have done so more than once) and I was perfectly astonished to find him get so warm and use to me language so exceedingly disrespectful and unprovoked. Henry Wallan and John Day acknowledge me as Magistrate of the Island and on arrival of the Governor wish to retain their farm on payment of the purchase money.
Share this page:
Tuesday 2 August 1836
Who killed my cat? Suppose I tell;
Unless deceived, I know full well;
But you, perhaps, may guess the plot
When I have told you who ‘twas not.
‘Twas not the captain nor the mate,
For they, I’m sure, had no such hate,
But both expressed their deep regret
That Puss with such a fate had met.
‘Twas not the steward; he desired
That she should every day be fed,
And said, ‘I tink dat man so bad
Who dared do wicked act so sad.’
‘Twas not the sailors; one and all
They would apprehend a squall,
And vow that man should drowned be
Who threw a cat into the sea.
‘Twas non who in the steerage dwelt,
For they had more humanely felt,
And all, with Nature’s truth inspired,
Her stripes and beauty much admired.
Who was it, then, who killed my cat?
Share this page:
Tuesday 2 August 1836
This 24 hours moderate breeses from the North
early this morning Mr Stevens Captn Ross and
myself went to the river in search of the boat
and if posable to git some whild foul in walking
along the side of the river on the oppersite side
I saw a man some what like when a boy I have
seen Robinson cruso with long hair and beard a
stick in his hand and verry little [tooltip color=”grey” text=”apparel/clothing”] apperil [/tooltip] I
put to him a few questions which he answered
said he had bing here since 1832 had a farm
by the side of the river with another man and
had come down in search of swans eggs by this
time Mr Stevens came up who was behind in
the boat the man turned back and we
accompanied him to his farm which was
closed in with piles drove in the ground conta
ining about five acres of weat some turnips
cabages onions and a few pertatoes they have
pigs and fouls a fine cat we where introduced to
the partner of our friend who appeared to be a
rough sailor though left of sea and had bing
on the island about years and had become
quite nativefied his voice appeard to have lost
his mother tongue as regards voice they said
they had two women lived with them which
they called [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Aboriginal women, from dyin in the langauge of the Sydney area, usually used perjoratively”] jins [/tooltip] and they where gone to catch
wallaby that is a small kind of Kangaroo
Mr Stevens invited them to come with thier wives
to see him on sunday and have a religious ser
vice but says the man to introduce our wives whould
be like introduceing a dog to you presence they
lived in small one story leve with the ground
houses had out houses for thier stock I promiced
to give them some [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Essay or pamphlet, generally on a religious topic.”] tracts [/tooltip] with a Bible each
in the everning returned on board with some
ducks and a swan and found my own crew and
the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Lady Mary Pelham’s”] L M Pelhams [/tooltip] and the people on shore had re
fused duty I had prayers in the cabin with
the mate two foremast men and the two
apprentices and found Mrs Bear much worse
Share this page:
Tuesday 2 August 1836
Having given Mr. Birdseye directions for the men during the day went on board the Pelham at ½ past 5a.m. to breakfast and at ½ past 6 in company with Captains Morgan and Ross put off in a boat in search of the one we had lost in the River Morgan. Shot a swan and some ducks on our way and when about 8 miles up the river fell in with John Day a resident on the Island, took him on board explained to him the reason of our coming to the Island and visited his residence. His partner Henry Wallan is the oldest resident on the Island having been here 18 years. They seem very industrious and steady people having a nice little farm of about 5 acres (two of which are under a fine crop of wheat) 8 or 10 pigs, some poultry and various vegetables, purchased two pigs for the ships brought away a bag of turnips and left two men and 1 boat to come down the following day with the pigs and settlers, reached the Pelham about 9p.m. and was not a little surprised to find that all my men and the crews of both vessels had struck work! Saw my men immediately and after some lengthy conversation was pleased to find them agree to return to their alleigance. Retired to bed on board the Duke of York at 2a.m.
Share this page:
Tuesday 2 August 1836
Fresh breezes & fine. West. Recd fresh beef & provisions. The Water tank came. A party of us rowed the ladies in the cutter to the Isle of Wight. Took a walk, & afterwards (19 of us) took refreshment at the house of the brother of Mr Fisher (Col. Com.) then took another walk afterwards […]
Share this page:
Monday 1 August 1836
Warmly did our hearts respond to those of our friends who on the 1st of this month would celebrate at Barkway the anniversary of Harriet’s birthday. How often did we talk over the events which were probably being enacted at the moment of our speaking! And herein we had an advantage over our Barkway friends for knowing the exact difference of time between our position on the globe and theirs, we were able to fix upon the precise moment for dinner, for the usual course of toasts and expressions of kindness & affection, and, last of all, for the striking of the hour of twelve, when we knew Caroline would in her own inimitable style give the crowning glass to the whole – at the same hour the time having been calculated to the minute, Harriet & I joined in ardently wishing every blessing to be the portion of each around her.
Share this page:
Sunday 31 July 1836
Light winds & fine from N.W. to North. 11. The tide serving, we weighed anchor & stood out to sea; before we cleared the island, the wind became unfavorable, & increased in violence. The Tam o’Shanter being 1 mile on our weather beam. P.M. Fresh breezes & fine. 8. Tacked, about 1 mile from the […]
Share this page:
Monday 1 August 1836
August 1. Fresh breezes & cloudy from West to S.W. Made no progress during the night, Tam o’Shanter in Co. P.M. Fresh breezes with rain. 2. Bore up for St Helen’s roads. 5. Saw the land. 7.30. Anchored in St Helen’s roads. Light airs.
Share this page:
Monday 1 August 1836
Another heavy gale from the S.W. which forced us back a second time to St Helen’s, where we shall now probably remain till a decided change in the weather takes place.
Share this page:
Sunday 31 July 1836
This 24 hours passing showers of rain in the fore
noon had prayers in the cabin with a surmon
13th chapt of Hebs 5th verce in the afternoon instruct
ed the children I was sent for by Mrs Bear one of
our passengers who is in a deranged state of mind
with four helpless babes to look to her as a mother
I think the means used for her is too hars not suited
to the case I read and reasoned with her but I
am afraid to little perpose in the everning
we had service on the quater deck read the 13th chapt
of epist of Hebs read a surmon and exhorted the people
we commenced and ended with prayer and sung allso
so concluded with this day the first in this port
Mr Stevens and Mr Bear on shore erecting a tent
for Mrs Bear with desire to git her on shore as soon
as posable beliveing it the best
Share this page:
Monday 1 August 1836
Most part of this 24 hours light winds from the north employd gitting some of the pasengers things on shore Mrs Bear went on shore under verry trying circumstances and verry painfull – in the afternoon Mr Stevens and myself went to the east part of the bay of shoals we found a large well […]
Share this page:
Monday 1 August 1836
Had Mrs. Beare taken on shore, then took two hands and the well borer and went once more in search of water and a suitable place to discharge the cargo. Succeeded better than I expected and fixed upon a spot which I think will be our first town, then went on board a boat with Captain Morgan and [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The action or process of measuring the depth of water with a sounding line, a line marked at intervals of fathoms and weighted at one end. A fathom is a unit of length equal to 6 feet (1.83 metres).”] sounded [/tooltip] the Bay nearly to Point Marsden. Returned to the ship at 8p.m. much exhausted having neither eaten nor drank anything since 5a.m.
Share this page:
Wednesday 3 August 1836
On Saturday Night, the Wind increased to another heavy
Gale, from nearly due West, which contd without the
least abatement, accompd by Lightning, Hail, and
Rain, untill Yestdy Afternoon, before it moderated, and since
which time, has been shifting about, between S,S,W, and West,
while the Sea, is most terribly high and cross ________
This Eveng, we are by calculation in a Parallel of Long,
with “Cape Leuwen”, which lies in 115E6’ E, Long, and
34E20’ S, Lat, but we are over far off, to distinguish
it, being in 36E47’ S, Lat, ___________
Share this page:
Saturday 6 August 1836
Again a rough head wind, which drove us every way but the right, everything and everybody tumbling about. Mr Thomas had hitherto boasted that he could stand upon his feet though others could not, but this day threw him flat on his back. The children had many falls, as did almost everyone. For myself, I […]
Share this page:
Sunday 31 July 1836
Letter to George Fife Angas
H.M.S. Buffalo
St. Helen’s July 31 1836
My dear Sir,
….The Tam O’Shanter came in to these roads
shortly after us having been also driven back. The
Captain reports all his emigrants well, with the
exception of a Mrs Stuckey who is considered by the
surgeon to be rather in some danger. The Dr of the
Buffalo & I have considered his report in the
case and are of opinion it is not more than
a severe attack consequent on sea sickness.
…
Believe me always my dear Sir
with greatest esteem Yrs faithfully
Geo Stevenson
G.F. Angas Esq
Share this page:
Saturday 30 July 1836
– W, Saturday 30 of July the Captan went on Shore and 11 of the Passengers we took in water the 2 piggs Dide 11 OClock the wind Changed W.N.W fair for our Corse
Share this page:
Saturday 30 July 1836
Strong gales & cloudy, N.W. Mr Sadler, late Master of the Ship came on board. A lighter came alongside with provisions. Found the Tam o’Shanter, in which my stores were shipped, had been obliged to put in here. Several of her passengers came on board of us. Evening. Weather more modte.
Share this page:
Saturday 30 July 1836
Most part of this 24 hours passing squalls of heavy rain in consequence of the trees falling over the river on each side we could not git the boat close to the bank and took some refreshment and left the boat to trace the river along but by trying to cut of some bush that […]
Share this page:
Saturday 30 July 1836
to trace the River Bank, intending to return to our boat to breakfast, but at ½ past 3 finding that we had suddenly and most unexpectedly lost the river (by turning a little from the bank into a bed of small tall brushwood in order to avoid climbing over a quantity of log timber) and being unable to recover it for want of an elevated spot of land or a tree from which to get a look out, we judged it best to lay-to till day-light, so made a fire and sat round it wondering no less how we lost the river, than how we were to find it again. At 6a.m. having held a council as to what should be done and having found the bearings of the sea by a small chart and compass which most providentially I brought with me and without which we should most probably have been lost we decided it would be best to shape our course due N.N.E. in hope of gaining the shore as we had no chance of finding our way back to the river. The only provision we had was 3 biscuits amongst us all. After various perplexities such as it is impossible to describe we reached the sea at 5p.m. and made a fire to dry ourselves and cook a Crow which I had shot and which was the only living creature we had been able to get near. The Captain and myself divided a leg of this small bird between us and let the men have the rest. We had just day light enough to examine the shore and found by the chart and bearings that we were in Napean Bay 12 miles west of our ship and hid from the sight of her by a projecting point of land. At 6p.m. we started again and at ¼ to 10p.m. we reached our tents where our men got food water and fire and from which we hailed the ship and got a boat sent off for us. On our way to the tents we found fresh water in the well I had left the men digging and drank of it with avidity and now I found that our Barque, “Lady Mary Pelham”, had that morning arrived from Liverpool and was anchored in safety by the “Duke of York”.
Share this page:
Saturday 30 July 1836
The Rain contd without the least intermission, all Thursday Night, but at 6, A,M, of Yestdy it clear’d up, Yet, still remains very unsettled, sometimes We have it fine, and pleasant, for an Hour, or two, together, then a black Cloud will come, sweeping over our Heads, in a violent Squall, from the Westward, pelting […]
Share this page:
Saturday 30 July 1836
The winds are now, as Capn Duff foretold many days ago, very variable, & last night we experienced rather a severe squall. I was first apprized of it by Harriet’s awakening me in consequence, as she said, of the rain blowing in upon her (though swinging in the cot nine feet from the stern windows) […]
Share this page:
Friday 29 July 1836
Fresh breezes with rain, S.W. Under double reefed topsails. Finding the ship was making no progress, while the wind increased in violence against us, we bore up for St Helen’s roads, where we arrived at 8 P.M. The wind increased to a gale from West. Down togt yards.
Share this page:
Friday 29 July 1836
Most part of this 24 hours passing showers of rain employd gitting up casks for the raft Mr Stevens went on shore with four men to dig for water he gave them directions and we took a boat and went to the river morgan to seek for foul to refresh crew and passengers at midnight […]
Share this page:
Friday 29 July 1836
passed the Cape in Latitude
37½. This day the Steerage passengers
refused to get a cask of biscuits from the hold
for themselves.
Share this page:
Friday 29 July 1836
S W 2 oClock morning Came on to Blow
a Gail We hove too under Close Reefe
Main and fore top Sails and Mizen
She Began to take in 18 inches of water
in 3 howers we put in portsmouth 6
OClock the Saim Evening by Loosing 52 miles
Share this page:
Friday 29 July 1836
Saw the Island of Amsterdam bearing E.N.E. distant four leagues. This is a volcanic island of extreme height and remarkable for its having a boiling fresh water spring so close to the margin of the sea that the sealers who frequent this island boil their fish without taking it from the hook. This was the last land we saw till Wednesday 17th. August when we made Kangaroo Island. It was very indistinct and the weather being thick and squally we again lost sight of it till the following day when at 8 a.m. we saw the whole of the South Side of the island. The weather was very fine so we stood in to within eight miles of the shore along which we were obliged to beat this day and the next – the wind being very light and against us.
Share this page:
Friday 29 July 1836
Spent some hours in carefully examining the N.W. shore of the Bay for fresh water and left my men under Mr. Beare, to dig on the beach at what I thought the most likely spot. Returned to the ship, dined and set out in a boat with Capn. and 4 hands to trace the “Morgan” further up. We rowed till dark then rested made a fire and had coffee and supper at 10p.m. it being clear moon light pulled on again until prevented from working the oars by the quantity of dead timber laying over it, made 2 paddles out of the boat seat and pulled on again till ½ past 1a.m. when we were unable to get any further by reason of the dead timber, landed, tied the boat to a tree, made a fire, rested and had tea and coffee, then put our things under a tarpaulin, and set forth at ¼ to 2a.m.
Share this page:
Friday 29 July 1836
Early this morning when off the Bill
of Portland, encountered a heavy gale from the
South West. The Buffalo was not built to contend
against the wind, so we put about after a brief
struggle and ran back for St Helen’s where we came
to anchor at 7 p.m. A Manuscript weekly news-
-paper, edited by Miss Mary Hindmarsh, appeared
yesterday. It does not display superabundant talent
and will not last above a week or two, although
there is little difficulty in extracting old epigrams
and worn out bons mots. A thing of this kind could
be made the source of much interest and amusement
as well as instruction. Some young people are
jealous of their information being suspected, on those
subjects the more especially of which they know nothing.
Share this page:
Thursday 28 July 1836
The weather the last two days has been very fine but oppressively hot. In my cabin, kept as cool as possible by the ventilator, windows & door being open, the thermometer has nevertheless ranged between 82o and 84o. The length of the evening again is not very pleasant, it being too dark by seven o’clock to read. The brilliant moon however is a great comfort. Harriet remains in excellent health and spirits. Yesterday a large turtle passed us, and in the morning the ship was absolutely surrounded by large fish, there being according to Capn Duff’s computation not fewer than 100 porpoises & bottle-nosed whales around the vessel at one time, some of which are 20 feet long. The mate struck a whale with the harpoon but having hit it on the head, it is supposed, the weapon was blunted & did not take effect. A nautilus also was seen last week sailing by.
Share this page:
Thursday 28 July 1836
Light airs & fine wr, wind S.S.E. steering W.b S.
at 11. The whole of the crew & passengers assembled
to witness the celebration of three weddings on board, previous
to which part of the Morning Service of Prayer, & part of
the Prayers to be used at sea, were offered up by the Revd
C.B. Howard: after the ceremony the married couples and
bridesmaids were regaled in the cabin by His Excellen-
-cy the Governor. Noon. Light airs & fine wr. wind S.S.W.
P.M. Light winds & cloudy, S.W. with a threatening aspect.
The first number of the “Buffalo Telegraph” appeared.
(This was a periodical, to be continued weekly during the
voyage, by contribution of original articles by those on
board). Contributed “a letter from Bembridge” &c. &c. &c.
The wedding parties were regaled with wine on the quarter-
-deck, after which followed singing & dancing. Wind
freshened during the evening against us. Shortened sail.
Share this page:
Thursday 28 July 1836
Three weddings amongst the young Emigrants
this morning. The ceremony was performed by Mr Howard
on the quarter deck in the presence of the Governor, officers
passengers, emigrants and whole ships company. Mr Howard
on this occasion acted under a license granted by the
Governor, and as some doubts have occurred to me, as to the
legality of marriages under such circumstances, I subjoin
a Copy of the licence under which they were celebrated.
“By His Excellency John Hindmarsh Esq. Captain in
the Royal Navy, Knight of the Royal Hanoverian order,
Governor and Captain General of His Majesty’s province
of South Australia,
“Whereas it hath been represented to me that A.B.
&c (Here the names and last residences of the parties
are enumerated) are desirous of being united in
matrimony and that there are no lawful impediments
to the solemnization thereof, now therefore I hereby
authorise you to proceed to solemnize the marriages
between the parties herein before designed with
all convenient speed according to the rites of
the Church and for so doing this shall be your
warrant. Given under my hand & seal &c”
Signed by the Governor &
addressed to the Rev. Mr Howard.
Share this page:
Thursday 28 July 1836
Sent a boat ashore with my hands to erect 2 tents for the temporary accommodation of the parties who might land. Directed them to spend the rest of the day in trying to find fresh water. At noon put off in a boat and traced down the N.E. shore of the Bay in the hope of finding the salt Lagoon and a good place for landing the cargo. Did not succeed, but found a small river salt at the entrance but fresh about 3 miles up. We rowed up it about 6 miles saw many thousands of ducks and swans (which our guns and shot were too light to kill) made a fire had coffee and at dark set off back. This river not being laid down on any chart nor before as I believed known I named The Morgan, as a mark of respect to Captain Morgan, of our barque, “Duke of York”. The entrance is over a bank of sand having 3 to 6 feet of water on it at high tide, but nearly dry at low water, and at first sight it appears only one of a number of pools of water. For some distance it is about 40 yards wide, and 3 to 6 feet deep, it afterwards draws it to 10 yards in width, but increases in depth.
Share this page:
Thursday 28 July 1836
The Rams are uncommonly weak, not having
taken any nourishment, for the last 10 Days, except
what has been given to them, by means of a Bottle, and
the little Ewes, have again suffer’d, most severely in the
late Gales, indeed it is really astonishing, how these
poor Animals survive, after enduring so many hardships
being almost continually Wet, and Cold, besides when the
Sea’s, some rushing upon the Deck, in Gales of Wind,
they are for a while, almost overhead in Water, and dread-
-fully knocked about, by the violent rolling, and pitching
of the Vessel
Share this page:
Thursday 28 July 1836
N = E fair Thursday 28 fore top men Stunsell fore te Gallen Stunsell Stunsell Man tye Gallen Stunsell We Comenced Our fishing thomas Better Mr John W the Same
Share this page:
Thursday July 28 1836
…Mr Stevens, Mr Bear and myself went in search of the salt and fresh water lagoon and in our way found a fresh water river entrance from the sea we went up about 5 miles we saw a few swans and a great quantity of ducks Mr Stevens gave the river the name of Morgan by christen it with brandy at 7 PM we returnd on board Mr Richards was at prayers with the little flock after the days adventures I was tired and wanted rest
Share this page:
Wednesday 27 July 1836
After a pleasant voyage from England in the S.A. Co.’s Barque Duke of York we reached Nepean Bay Kangaroo Island and brought up in 4 fathoms water at ½ past 10a.m. we lowered a boat and Captain Morgan, Mr. Beare, myself and 5 hands went ashore. I was the first who ever set foot on the shore as a settler in the Colony of South A. We rambled a little while in the bush then examined the shore for some distance and returned at dark well pleased and well tired
Share this page:
Wednesday 27 July 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses and clear weather
AM we ran down close to the reefe which forms the
harbour of nepean bay found the entrance and
at 10 or half past came to anchor in three
fathoms water in neapean bay gave the
ship 30 fathoms cable but we found we had not
preceived it was flood tide and at ebb found our
selves aground NB at 10 PM in 2 fathoms water but perfectly safe
the water being perfectly smooth we got out all our
boats and anchored them in shore and got ready
for moveing when the tide suits we landed the
colonan manager and Mr Bear and we went to gather
to look for the lagoon but had to return unsucksess
full night comeing on
In the everning had family worship I could not
but see and admire the singular hand of god in our
safe deliverance through the track less ocean and bring
ing us safe to these uncultivated shores no sooner than
we had come to anchor and the sails firld than a
covenant bow extended its self on shore from one bow
of the ship to the other in all its beauty O how true
is Jehovah to his promices to his family on earth
how good has he bing to us when passing through
the tempestious ocean my peace flowed like a
river not a cloud did arise to darken the skys
or hide for a moment my Lord from my eyes
once more was I enabled to bow before the Lord on
the land
Share this page:
Wednesday 27 July 1836
N ½ E fair Wednsday 27 fore te Gallen Stunsell and Lower Stunsell Set Log 6 Nots, the fisherman Borded us Boats number 27 = P Laden With Mackral
Share this page:
Wednesday 27 July 1836
Light winds from Westwd. 5. Weighed & stood to the Southward, close hauled on the starboard tack. 11. Tacked & stood in. Noon. Light airs & fine. P.M. Do Wr. Tacked. 4. Wind light from the South: set topgt studg sails. 8. Do Wr.
Share this page:
Wednesday 27 July 1836
After two days more perverse wind it changed at last to the east of south, and we put to sea this morning at day break. The number of passengers who are officers of the Colony proprietors of land and their families is thirty seven; Emigrants and their families 136. Crew and Marines above 100.
Share this page:
Tuesday 26 July 1836
8. Calm & fine. 10. Light airs & fine from S.W. Sent two boats to assist the Watertank alongside. Completed water & the crew & emigrants consumed 15 tons more in washing & laying in private stocks. Let out the ducks & geese to wash themselves. A party of gentlemen (of whom I was one) […]
Share this page:
Tuesday 26 July 1836
Long Lat. N – E fair Tuesday July 26 Set fore top men Stunsell and Main te Gallen Stunsell Log 4½ Nots
Share this page:
Tuesday 26 July 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the SW with plesent weather all sail set at 8 AM saw the Island of Kangaroo a head bearing by compass NNE at 5 PM shortd in sail to the two top sails cape boder beari ng SW wedge Island south althorp Island bearing NE run dureing the night a moderate distance from Kangaroo Island Lattd at noon 35.56 South In the everning held a prayermeeting read the 20th chapt of Acts four prayed sung ceveral hymns and found it good to pray in all most sight of our haven – last night was a lovely night I was up most of the saw covernant bow which spoke the promices of Jehovah
Share this page:
Tuesday 26 July 1836
This morning the first mate found on the deck a flying fish which although somewhat injured in the tail afforded to our amateur artists an opportunity of trying their skill. The accompanying sketch I copied from a painting by Brown who among his other qualifications now turns out to be a very good artist. [Here follows a coloured drawing of the fish] The scientific name is Dactylopterus volitans. Some idea may be formed of the height the fish sometimes fly by this fish having been found upon the deck which is above the water about twelve feet. They generally however fly within two feet of the surface.
Share this page:
Monday 25 July 1836
This 24 hours moderate breeses from the NW all resqusite sail set standing to the Northward employd getting up water Latt 37.38 South Longitude 135.21 East In the everning had a prayer meeting read the everning Psalms sung three hymns three prayed with thier voice but I belive all prayd with thier hearts god was […]
Share this page:
Sunday 24 July 1836
Most part of this 24 hours moderate gales from the north under sail as resqusite moderate sail Lattd Obs 38.10 South Longd 135.10 East We had four good meetings to day reading the word of god praying singing and christain conference the sea is heigh but God in the heavens heigher Christ in all places […]
Share this page:
Sunday 24 July 1836
A nautilus was seen dancing on the waves with its transparent sails and little shell for a boat; the sight was very beautiful.
Share this page:
Monday 25 July 1836
Weather cloudy, wind veering from N.W. to N.N.W. Fidded top galt masts & prepared to weigh anchor. P.M. The wind continued fresh from N.W. but it was de- -termined to proceed to sea tomorrow, if it became no more unfavourable. In the afternoon, the Governor’s sister & daughters went to the Isle of Wight for […]
Share this page:
Sunday 24 July 1836
Our first Sunday on Ship board and such a Sunday! A gale from the South West, and motion enough even at this anchorage to make the ladies and most of the emigrants qualmish. Moderated towards mid-day. No public attempt at performing divine service or even reading prayers, which might have been the case in the […]
Share this page:
Sunday 24 July 1836
A strong gale from the S.W. with constant rain. Noon. The wind became more moderate from the N.W. and the rain ceased, but the weather still looked unfavorable. Bad weather & necessary duties in the ship had prevented the per- -formance of Divine Service, but in the evening the emigrants having commenced singing psalms, the […]
Share this page:
Sunday 24 July 1836
This morning the sun was vertical, and we are now south of it. Although we shall henceforth be receding from the sun, still if we experience, as is most probable, calms and very light winds about the equator, the heat will be much more oppressive than at present. Today it is 80o in my cabin in the shade & with a thorough draft.
Share this page:
Wednesday 27 July 1836
This evening the setting sun was remarkably brilliant, sometimes resembling a burning volcano, and then softening down to a variety of colours of the most delicate tints. The reflection on the water was most beautiful. As I was often on the deck early in the morning I had more than once an opportunity of witnessing […]
Share this page:
Friday 29 July 1836
This evening we had a specimen for the first time of the usual weather in a tropical climate. The wind during the day had been calm and we made but little progress, but about 7 o’clock that night a sudden squall arose and was immediately succeeded by a tremendous shower of rain such as is […]
Share this page:
This work is licenced under a Creative Commons
Recent Comments