…
At 8, A,M, a Vessel [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To ‘heave to’ is to reduce a ship’s sails and adjust them so they counteract each other and stop the ship making progress. It is a safety measure used to deal with strong winds.”] hove [/tooltip] in sight astern (being the first
we have seen since the 28th [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Abbreviation for ultimo, of last month. “] Ult [/tooltip], She sailed remarkably
fast, and was soon near enough, for us to make her out,
to be a suspicious looking [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A small vessel of two or more masts whose principle sails are fore-and-aft.”] Schooner [/tooltip], so all our [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A muzzle-loaded, smooth bore long gun, fired from the shoulder.”] Muskets [/tooltip]
&c, were got ready, in case of being attacked, we therefore
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”To hoist and display the ship’s flag.”] hoisted our Colours [/tooltip], when She was about 2, or 3, Miles, off us,
and which, in the course of ¼ of an Hour, was answer’d by
her, showing the Flag of Portugal, She then hauled close
to the Wind, and was soon out of sight, there is little doubt
but She was either a [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A ship used for piracy, the act of robbery or violence on the high seas.”] Pirate [/tooltip], or [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A ship transporting slaves for sale in a suitable market.”] Slave Vessel [/tooltip], ______
About Kristy
Friday 13 May 1836
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Sunday 8 May 1836
At 11, O’Clock last Night a gentle Air sprang up from E,N,E, which at 8, A,M, had increased to a smart Breeze that contd all this Day, _______ We have seen an im- -mense number of flying Fish, during the Day, three or four of which, flew upon our Decks, they were follow’d by several […]
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Friday 13 May 1836
This 24 hours fresh breeses with squally weat her wind from the SEd steering SW all sail set Lady Mary Pellam in sight signallised to her Lattd Obsd 5.47 S Longd 27.5 West In the everning had prayers in the cabin read the 5th chapt Pl Epistle to the Corrintians and tract commentry
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Saturday 7 May 1836
1 May to 8 May, 1836
On Sunday the 1st. of May, 1836, we left the City Canal, Blackwall and were towed down the river in the Nelson Steamer to the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The Nore is a sandbank in the mouth of the Thames River outside London. It was a hazard to shipping so a lightship (a ship carrying a light similar to a lighthouse) was anchored there from 1793. The light warned ships away from the sandbank and provided a marker that showed ships where they were.”] Nore [/tooltip] where a contrary wind compelled us to anchor at 7. p.m. At 8 p.m. the breeze freshened and increased to a gale which detained us till Tuesday when we again weighed and made fast in the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A steamer is a steam ship or steam boat. Small paddle steamers were used to tow ships in confined waters such as the Thames estuary.”] Steamer [/tooltip]. We finally cast off from her at the North Foreland on the 4th. at 1 p.m. and made sail with a moderate and fair breeze down Channel, taking our departure from the Lizard on the following Sunday.
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Monday 2 May 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the eastward plesent weather all sail set steering S½E employed fitting the pertious blocks strops and other necesary work as required Lattd Obsd 9.57 North Longd 23.50 West In the morning read the 5th chapt of Leviticus with tract commentry and dureing the day the life of Dr Herbert […]
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Sunday 1 May 1836
This 24 hours strong winds from the eastward clear plesent weather all sail set steering S½ east Lattd Obsd 12.45 North Longd 21.8 West I read in the morning the 1st chapt of galls with tract commentry in the forenoon read with the church service Christ on the mount 7th chapt of St Matthew gospel […]
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Friday 6 May 1836
We have had a smart Breeze from E,N,E, since Tuesday with delightful Weather, and this Day at Noon, were abreast of St Antonio, one of the Cape Verd, Islands which was about 15 Miles distant, on the larboard Side, we then had a Calm, that contd for about an Hour, after which a clever Breeze […]
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Saturday 7 May 1836
This 24 hours light winds and squally weather with rain shortd and made sail as needfull employd about nessary work Lattd Obsd 3.42 N Longd 20.22 West I went down foreward and read the scriptures to the people with singing and prayer praying good may be done in the name of the saivour
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Thursday 5 May 1836
This 24 light airs and [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Without wind.”] calms [/tooltip] all sail set thundering
and lightning at times employd fitting Whaleing
guier saw a strange sail had a man at the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The top of the mast.”] mast
head [/tooltip] for the first time looking for Whales
Lattd Obsd 4.30 N Longd by chro 21.20 West
In the morning read the 9th chapt of Numbers with
commentry in the everning read the 24th chapt of
Joshua with parts of Mr Wesley surmon taken from
that chapt ten was present we sung and prayd
togather and no doubt most felt the love of God
in thier hearts and bless the God of all grace
we had a Mother restored to her husband and
four children after a hard strugle for life the
Lord had mercy on them and not only
them but me allso for how painfull whould have
bing the event I hope never to forget this event
the young man Glansford has bing ill I gave him
medicine and visited him and found him reading
a prayer book and token for good
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Friday 6 May 1836
This 24 hours light airs and [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Without wind.”] calms [/tooltip] with all draw
ing sail set employd as needfull a look out for
Whales saw none Lattd Obsd 4.00 N Longd 20.54 West
Read the scriptures after gitting up with prayer
and a short time after had to pass through another
scene likely to have given much pain a young man
son to a missionary in the east was batheing with
me over the quater of the ship carelessly let go the
rope knowing he could not swim which I did not
know he cryd out for me I see he was likely to
drownd I [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To throw overboard.”] hove over [/tooltip] an oar and jumped over board
and with the assistance of another young man
who jumped after me we held him up till
they lowered a boat and picked us all up
this young missionarys son is I believe a Christ
ain prays to God continually the Lord saved
him his cry was Lord save me or I perish
Dangers stand thick all around to push us
to the tomb – …
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Saturday 7 May 1836
There has been a fresh Breeze all Night from E,N,E,
and at 8, A,M, took a [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Seafarers reduce sails in strong winds so that ships can move more safely and comfortably. Sails are made with rows of small ropes attached to them and these are tied around spars to reduce the amount of sail exposed to the wind. The amount of sail taken in by securing one set of ropes is called a reef. The action of reducing sails is called reefing and the knot that is used to tie the ropes is called a reef knot. In light winds all the reefs are taken out and the full size of the sail is exposed to draw full power from the wind.”] reef [/tooltip] in the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The top sail on a foremast.”] Fore-top Sail [/tooltip], for the
first time since leaving Dartmouth, and at 11, A,M, had
the Islands of Brava and Fogo, (two of the Cape Verde)
right abeam of us, the former about 20, and the latter
40 Miles distant, on the larboard Side, it then fell
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”Without wind.”] Calm [/tooltip], and remain’d so untill the Eveng, during which,
the heat was excessive ____ We saw a great number
of [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A family of marine fish (Exocoetidae family) consisting on some 64 species. The species’ defining feature is their wing-like pectoral fins used for gliding above the water’s surface for up to 50 metres. Flying fish live in all oceans, but are particularly prevalent in warm tropical and sub-tropical waters.”] flying Fish [/tooltip], this Morng and in the Afternoon were
follow’d by a Shark, that broke two fishing Lines, and
a strong Hook, when One of the Sailors found a proper
Shark-hook, on to which he put a piece of Pork,
for Bait, and gave it to the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Short for Captain.”] Capt [/tooltip], who in his eagerness
to catch the Fish, did not notice, that there was no Line
made fast to it, but immediately threw it overboard, which
caused a hearty Laugh, and most probably saved the Sharks
life, for we could not find another One, strong enough
to hold him ___________
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Wednesday 4 May 1836
This 24 hours light winds and plesent weather all sail set steering S by E and S by W employd fitting our Whaleing guier and doing other nesury work Lattd Obsd 5.52 N Longd 21.43 West Read a chapt in Job this morning and had my sperit uall strength renewed in the everning read the […]
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Tuesday 3 May 1836
This 24 hours the wind from the eastward gentle breeses and cloudy weather steering S by E employd fitting the Whaleing tackling saw black fish Lattd Obsd 7.30 N Longd 22.37 West We have made 2596 miles these last nine days read in the morning the 6th chapt of Leviticus with commentry at noon the […]
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Tuesday 3 May 1836
We have had beautiful Weather, with a moderate Breeze from the N,E, since Saturday, but which increased last Night to a fine fresh Breeze from E,N,E, and has contd all this Day, sending our Vessel along, at the Rate of 6, and 8, Knots an Hour, and as we were in between 22E, and 23E, […]
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Friday 29 April 1836
This 24 hours fresh breeses from the NEd with clear weather all sail set steering SW at 7 AM saw the Island of Antoina bearing South by compass distance 8 leagues off a strange sail in sight employd setting up the lower topmast and top Gt riggin with bolt split shrouds cooper fitting line tubs […]
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Thursday 28 April 1836
All this 24 hours light winds from the NEd all sail set steering SW employd variously as needfull carryed away the larboard bolt split shroud Lattd Obsd 19.25 N Longd 24.00 West In the everning read the 11th chapt of Hebrews with two Illustrations of scripture I belive the sperit of God to be working […]
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Sunday 24 April 1836
This 24 hours light winds from the SEd all sail set steering SW PM obsd a distance between the À and Å which gives our longitude 22.42 West Lattd Obsd 27.47 North In the forenoon had devine service in the cabin on dock read a surmon of St Paul to Timothy 2nd epis 1 chapt 13th verce in […]
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Wednesday 27 April 1836
The Weather has remain’d uncommonly fine since Sunday,
accompd with a smart Breeze from N,E, and at Day
light this Morng we could just discern the tops of
the high Lands, in the Island of Porto-Santo,
shortly after which, saw the Island of Madeira, and
before it was dark, passed through between them, keep-
ing Porto-Santo, with a few Islands called the
Desertas, on our [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The old term for the left hand side of a ship looking forward. The right hand side is starboard. To avoid mis-hearing an order, it is now referred to as ‘port’.”] larboard [/tooltip], and Madeira on the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The starboard is the right side of a ship or a boat perceived by a person on board facing the bow (front).The left side was originally called ‘larboard’ but in the early nineteenth century that term was replaced by ‘port’ to avoid the crew mis-hearing an order. The change was made official in 1844.”] star-
board [/tooltip] Side _______ In the grey of the Eveng we got
sight of a Whale, about 3 Miles from us, it was spou-
-ting up Water to a great height in the Air _______
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Sunday 24 April 1836
Brig Emma off the Downs
Sunday Morning
April 24. 1836
My Dear Sir
I have an opportunity in the
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”To navigate difficult stretches of water, ships took pilots on board. Pilots were coastal navigators with knowledge of their local waters and they captained the ship through the channel or harbour.”] Pilot [/tooltip] going ashore, of communicating with you once
more, ere we take our “long farewell” to you and home
We have had a more than ordinarily
smooth trip thus far, which I feel as a particular
blessing under our present circumstances so many of
our passengers never having seen the great waters before
myself as usual have been very sick, with nearly
all the other passengers, my wife excepted, I have
made arrangements with those men I thought most
appropriate to take care of the stock, those that
have been cramped I have had out of their various
domiciles, and given the range of the ships decks to
until they have recovered, I have made two of
the eldest and most steady responsible for the
general cleanliness of the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The area of between-decks occupied by steerage passengers, that is, those travelling at the cheapest rate.”] Steerage [/tooltip], and 2 more
to keep an account of, and superintend the provisions
to observe that nothing is wasted and that all obtain
their due share, – The arrangements I have made
seems to have induced a considerable degree of comfort
and harmony, which it will be my constant object
to promote and continue, I am intending to day to
assemble all hands on the quarter deck and make use
of that [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Book of sermons”] Book of Homilies [/tooltip] you so kindly presented me
with and add a little address to it. I am persuaded
from experience of the propriety of this measure if it
were only as a relief to the dull monotony of the six
days at sea. But I have a higher and better motive
I do not stoop to such low game I fly at a higher
quarry —
…
Adieu the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To navigate difficult stretches of water, ships took pilots on board. Pilots were coastal navigators with knowledge of their local waters and they captained the ship through the channel or harbour.”] Pilot [/tooltip] is waiting
and believe me Ever your obliged and humb
Servt
Chas S. Hare
G F Angas Esq
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Saturday 30 April 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the eastward
plesent weather all sail set steering south
a strange sail in sight saw the Island of
Brava to [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The direction from which the wind blows. The other direction is termed ‘leeward’.”] windward [/tooltip] the watch employed as need
full Lattd 25.32 North
…
In the morning read the seacond chapt of
Leviticus … a few
attended and others was singing the songs of the
impious foreward
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Wednesday 27 April 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the NEd all sail set steering SW employd as needfull makeing spunyarn cooper makeing line tubs carpenter fitting the boats ready for Whaling Lattd Obsd 21.44 North Long 23.57 West In the morning read a chapt in Leviticus with track commentry had many little things to try my graces […]
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Thursday 28 April 1836
There is less Wind to Day, than has been for the last few Days, but it still continues from N,E, and the Weather feels so much warmer, that we had the Wool cliped off our Sheep this Morng ___________
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Monday 25 April 1836
All this 24 hours light winds from the NEd all sail
set steering [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A bearing half a point south of south-west.”] SW½S [/tooltip] and SW by S employed [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Extracting threads from old rope and knotting them together for further use.”] drawing
and knoting yarns [/tooltip] makeing [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Sennit (correct spelling) is a flattened form of rope made by plaiting three or more rope-yarns together.”] senet [/tooltip] boat sails
and grinding harpoons the cooper makeing [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Coopered wooden tubs in which the whale line attached to a harpoon was coiled ready for use in the whaleboats.”] line
tubs [/tooltip] PM [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Observed the angle between the sun and moon, which was known as a ‘lunar distance’. Taken at a time related to the midday as determined by the sun’s passing, the longitude could then be calculated and use of this method was indicated by the symbol ‘À and Å’.”] Obsd a distance [/tooltip] between À and Å which
gives our Longd 23.59 West Lattd 25.52 North
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Friday 29 April 1836
At Noon we saw the Island of Palma, it was then nearly abeam of us on the larboard side, and about 20 Miles, distant _____ There has been a gentle little Breeze all last Night and to Day, but which still remains right Aft, and sends us along, at the Rate of 4, or 5, Miles […]
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Tuesday 26 April 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the NEd all sails set steering from the SW by S people employd as yes terday about sundry jobs as needfull Lattd Obsd 23.53 N Longd 23.31 West I read the 25th chapt of Leviticus with tract commentry and had a sensible feeling of the sinfull state God by […]
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Sunday 24 April 1836
We have had a remarkable clever Breeze, all last
Night, and to Day, from N,E, which has sent our
Vessel along at the Rate of 6, and 8 [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The speed of ship or wind in nautical miles per hour. A float is dropped overboard and the speed is indicated by the rate at which the ship sails away from it. Spacing of knots in the log-line connected to the float is in same proportion to a mile as the half-minute sandglass used is to an hour, thus the number knots counted off in the time is the speed in knots”] Knots [/tooltip] an Hour _____
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Saturday 30 April 1836
This Morng all the Chests, Bedding, &c, belonging
to the Passenger’s, were got upon Deck to Air, and
in the mean time the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The area of between-decks occupied by steerage passengers, that is, those travelling at the cheapest rate.”] Steerage [/tooltip] was thoroughly cleansed,
as the Weather is now getting very warm _______
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Saturday 23 April 1836
The weather has contd uncommon fine since Thursday,
and Wind veering about from West, to North, sometimes
being a smart Breeze, and at other times nearly a [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Without wind.”] Calm [/tooltip],
At Noon we [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To speak a ship is to communicate with it by voice or signals”] spoke [/tooltip] a Schooner, call’d the New-Jane,
of Plymouth, bound to Liverpool, the Capt of which
promised to [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To record meeting another ship upon arrival in port. In one case, the South Australian Company Directors learnt at their meeting of 17 May that the John Pirie had been encountered on 23 April in latitude 42E north, longitude 12E west.”] report [/tooltip] us, on his arrival there _____
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Saturday 23 April 1836
This 24 hours with passing squalls from the eastward steering SWd employed variously as needfull Lattd Obsd 30.12 N Longd 20.42 West Read in the morning the 12th chapt of St matthew/Luke with tract commentry read to the people assembled togath er in the everning in St Luke and a surmon on the rich farmer […]
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Friday 22 April 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the NEd all sail set steering SW people employed variously Lattd Obsd 32.21 N Longd 9.58 West In the everning had family prayer read the 8th chapt of St Matthew with tract commentry
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Monday 18 April 1836
The Wind contd from the North all Night, but at 4, A,M, it veer’d round to N,W, which remain’d untill Noon, and then again backed to the Northward, in a gentle Breeze, that lasted all Day ____________
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Sunday 17 April 1836
The Wind still remains Northerly, and at 9, A,M, we saw the Lizard Point, about 10 Miles distant _________
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Monday 18 April 1836
All this 24 hours strong winds with a heigh sea
the wind ENE with a heigh sea steering SW
shiped great quantities of water on deck – allowanced
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”About 1.5 litres”] three quats [/tooltip] of water a man per day to all hands
…
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Wednesday 20 April 1836
This 24 hours moderate breeses and cloudy weather
wind from the NEd saw a strange sail PM took
in all the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Studding sails were set outside the square sails in fine weather and with a fair wind. Their head was fastened to a short yard hoisted to the end of the upper yard and their foot extended by a boom slid out from the lower yard. They took their name, such as main topmast studding sail, from the adjacent sail”] studingsails [/tooltip] and run under [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To progress comfortably under sail suited to the conditions”] easy sail [/tooltip]
Lattd 36.53 N Long 15.34 West
In watching this morning for a [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Meridian altitude is a method of astronomical navigation used to calculate ones latitude on earth, in this case the latitude of a ship at sea. Using a nautical almanac to determine an estimated time of the meridian altitude of a planet or star, a ship’s captain would then use a sextant to track the object’s altitude for a few minutes before and during its pass through the meridian (in the case of the sun this was usually at noon).”] meridian altd [/tooltip], she
kept clouded well I thought [tooltip color=”grey” text=”God (from the Hebrew)”] Jehovah [/tooltip] could cause those
clouds to disperce but still I do nont look for it nor
expect it but the clouds cleared away just time
anough for me to git a good altd…
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Sunday 17 April 1836
Most part of this 24 hours a moderate gale from the NEd all drawing sail set steering SW by W with a heigh sea a strange sail in sight Latt Obsd 44.36 North Long 12.6 West I had little or no sleep dureing the night in the morning went to my speritual dutys in much […]
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Wednesday 20 April 1836
The Weather has been very fine since Monday, with light Airs of Wind, veering about from North, to W,S,W, and sometimes nearly a Calm, until 6, P,M, when a clever Breeze sprang up from N,N,E _________
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Thursday 21 April 1836
The Wind contd all Night from N,E, but at Day-light
it lower’d into a gentle Air, which kept shifting about
from North to West, all Day _______ At 6, P,M, we
came in sight of part of a Wreck, consisting of a
lower Mast, and [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Yards are horizontal poles that are suspended from the masts to support and spread the square sails. They are basically set square to the ship’s centre line but the angle can be adjusted to suit the direction of the wind.”] Yard [/tooltip], a top Mast and Yard, ___ with
a few Spar’s, ___ round Top, ___ and the remnant of
Sails, Rigging, &c, all of which had no doubt,
been carried away from some unfortunate Vessel, in
the awful Gales of the 27th, 28th,, [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Ult is short for Ultimo which means ‘of last month’.”] Ult [/tooltip], We took only
One Spar, as our Decks, are already too much [tooltip color=”grey” text=”‘Lumbered’ is an informal term mainly used in Britain to refer to someone being burdened with a thing, or things, unwanted. In shipping terminology, ‘much lumbered’ or ‘lumbered with’ were sometimes used to describe the state of decks that had become cluttered with cargo and other objects during storms.”] lumberd [/tooltip],
for stowing any more, __ but they will be a good prize, to
a Ship, that can make room for them __________
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Tuesday 19 April 1836
This 24 hours strong winds from the NEd all sail
set two topmast two lower two [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The topgallant mast (pronounced and sometimes written t’gallant) is the mast immediately above the topmast, or an extension of the topmast.”] top Gallt [/tooltip] [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Studding sails were set outside the square sails in fine weather and with a fair wind. Their head was fastened to a short yard hoisted to the end of the upper yard and their foot extended by a boom slid out from the lower yard. They took their name, such as main topmast studding sail, from the adjacent sail.”] studing sails [/tooltip]
set steering SW by W fillid a fourty gall cask of water
to last the passengers and crew twenty four hours
with passengers Lattd Obsd 39.20 N Long 15.21 West
…
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Thursday 21 April 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the ENE all sail set steering SW people employed variously Lattd Obsd 32.21 N Long 19.58 West In the everning had family prayers read the 8th chapt of Matthew with the tract commentry the mate and myself spoke to the people on devine things
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Wednesday 13 April 1836
Most of this 24 hours strong winds and cloudy weather with all resquisite sail set at half past 7 tackd ship to the North and duble reeft the at 7 PM and tackd again to day ceveral sail in sight people employd variously Lattd Obsd 49.12 N Longitud by chro 5.58 West In the morning […]
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Sunday 10 April 1836
I rose this morning under some stress of mind
conserning the path of duty the wind fair
from the NE all ships out of the harbour
but our own I have experianced what it is
to be here in destress blowing from the SE
with a heigh sea I went on my knees and prayed to be
directed in the right way I afterwards consulted with
the mate we went on our knees togather and prayed
fervently to be directed the right way …
… the wind blow
ing in the bay and likely to increase I felt my
mind easey when I thought of sailing out but
otherwise when of staying I read the 121th Psalm
and gave orders for gitting under weigh we weigh
ed anchor and made sail down chanel with a
fine and pleasant breese from the eastward all
on board seemd to enjoy the fine weather and fair
wind after upwards of six weeks contrary winds
…
I bid adewe to old England again
and those I love dearly as my own soul home is
all that sweetings like it speaks the warm affection
of a wife or the lisping babe that pratles on the knee with
all the joys of infantcy
at 8 PM the edistone light bore by compass ENE distance
about 6 [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A league is a measure of distance in the imperial system. At sea a league equals three nautical miles or 5.56 kilometres.”] leagues [/tooltip] fine plesent weather all sail set
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Friday 15 April 1836
This 24 hours light winds from the eastward all posable sail set at 9 AM saw what we surposed to be a wreck lowered a boat pulled towards it and it proved to be a fishing boat with her mast struck bore up and made sail ceveral sail in sight emp loyd gitting up water […]
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Saturday 16 April 1836
The repairs of our Vessel being completed, and every
thing got on board, with two fresh Sailor’s, and a Cook,
to fill the situations of those who decamp’d (but no One
in the room of Stephen Sessions), we [tooltip color=”grey” text=”When the crew weigh anchor they raise or lift it from the ocean floor so they can put the ship in motion.”] weigh’d Anchor [/tooltip] at
10½, A,M, and proceeded to Sea once more, with the Wind
from S,S,W, which contd until 5, P,M when a fine
Breeze sprang up from the Northward, and remain’d so
all Night ________ In the Afternoon our Capt order’d the
Ewe to be kill’d, which I spoke of Yestdy, as it was in
extreme Misery, and at 4 P,M, one of the Turkey’s,
unfortunately flew overboard and was drown’d _____
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Tuesday 12 April 1836
After reading and praying still find my sperits dull and heavy the atmisphere is dense I think has great power over the humane system but Gods holy word inlivens the frame of nature the wind from the NWd with hazy weather ceveral sail in sight in the everning a few attended read a chapter by […]
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Saturday 16 April 1836
This 24 hours cloudy weather though plesent wind
ENE increaseing employd putting down the salt
provisions we had on deck [tooltip color=”grey” text=”in the place of”] in the room of [/tooltip] water we
got up we unbent the chain from the Anchor put
the cables below and cleaned down the decks
Lattd Obs 46.48 North Long 9.26 West
…
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Monday 11 April 1836
Riseing at six after a quiet calm night read and prayed and went through the day with some thoughts of God and his grace but in the everning had my soul abundantly blessed in reading the scriptures and a pasage in the tract magazine and sung two hymns concluded with prayer sung praise God from […]
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Friday 15 April 1836
Yestdy we got on board 11 Bundles of Hay, and this Afternoon have got back the 5 Ewes, that were sent on Shore to recruit themselves, but one of the poor Animals is in a most deplorable condition, being as lean as Wood, and so very lame’d that it can scarcely put a Foot to […]
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Sunday 10 April 1836
Several of our People went on Shore, to Church, during the Day, _______ Two of the Crew had got on Shore last Night, and no doubt have absconded, one of them is the Cook, the other is an able Seaman, call’d James Cantilian ____________
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Thursday 14 April 1836
At half past 3 AM [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Ships could not sail directly into the wind, but they could sail across it at angles. So, to move forward in the direction of the wind they set a zigzag course, sailing across the wind at alternating angles. That course was called tacking.”] Tackd [/tooltip] ship to the SWd signalaized
a ship named ganges bound to Mauritius bark
rigged we [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] at 85 [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A fathom is a measure of depth in the imperial system. One fathom is equal to six feet or 1.83 metres.”] fathoms [/tooltip] water sand and
shells Lattd Obsd 48.41 N Longd 6.30 west
…
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Wednesday 13 April 1836
During this Afternoon we got on board, 2 Rams
2 Ewes, 1 Sow, 1 Boar, and 4 small pork Pigs,
also a lot of Fowls, and 3 Turkeys, besides 3 Bags
of Oats, 3 Bags of Barley, and a quantity of [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A swede or yellow turnip.”] Swe-
-dish Turnips [/tooltip] _____________
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Tuesday 5 April 1836
After commending my all to God and his grace
with reading and praying wrote aletter to my
wife and employers – the people all on duty
doing it with appearant chearfulness James Riley
left last night and Prichard was sencanced to
twenty one days imprisonment I went on shore
ordered some oil and candles and pertatoes received
them on board the wind still SW …
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Wednesday 6 April 1836
Letter from Martin to Angas
Dartmouth, April 6th 1836
To /
G.F. Angas Esqr
Sir
I have the pleasure to acknowledge receipt
of your letter, last evening, dated the 4th, when I wrote you on
last saturday, it was late, & having but just come to an Anchor,
being at the time much fatigued, not having been in a bed for
nearly ten days, you will pardon my not writing you at the time
all particulars, which by your leave I will now endeavour to do –
…
The following day being Sunday, I requested all the Passengers
with some of the crew, to come on shore to church, to render thanks
for our safe delivery from the dangers we had escaped; when to my
great surprice one of them (Steven Session) has absconded & I have
not seen or heard of him since, he being completely terified to death
at the sea, & which I dont wonder at, I am sorry that he is gon, as
he was one of the best of the company’s servants on board, one of the
crew has also run away, the name of wood, but as he was a useless
fellow I have not made any serch for him, but has shipt another in
his place, the carpenter & the cook I am afraid they will not be sufiscantly
recovered to take to sea with me, therefor beg you will not Pay
the Carpenters note that I gave in London, and indeed it would be
a great benifet to the company to get clear of hime, for he is a
very useless and good for nothing fellow, & not by any means worth half
his Wages –; should you see Mr Simpson Father of my second mate, you
give very great hopes of the Prospects of his son, who I am happy to say
is a very praysworthy & promising young man, and in fact the best I
have in the Vessel, & I shall loose no oppertunity in putting him forward,
On Monday I had a [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To survey a ship is to inspect and determine the structural condition of it.”] survey [/tooltip], the result of which I hereby inclose
you a Copy, & am getting every thing repaird as fast as possible, & I expect
I shall be all ready by next monday, I with pleasure beg to inform you
that I have received every possible assistance & attention from Mr
Hingston of this place; and very Difrent from that received from
Mr Fox at Falmouth, who was only by chance shewn to me once
in passing, though I made it a rule to call at the Office every day we layd in that Port –
I was greatly surprised at meeting Mr Stephens in the street,
& he was eaqually surprised at meeting me, he informed me the unpleasant
situation they were placed in respecting the crew on board of the Duke
of York, I emidiately went with him & Mr Hingston on board, having
first got the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The preventative service was the establishment of coastguards at numerous stations along the coast of the United Kingdom for the prevention of smuggling. It reported to Customs, which also had control of the revenue cutters which cruised off-shore.”] Commander of the preventetive service [/tooltip] to follow us, with
his boats crew armed, and after having calld the men [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The stern or rear of a ship.”] Aft [/tooltip], questioning
them if they would get the Vessel underweigh, one of them being a
spokesman or ringleader, answared for the whol, & sayd they would not
without being put on Monthly Wages, finding it useless to contend with
them, I persuaded Captn Morgan, to Make an example of him
in the first place, to the utmost extent of the law, to see how that
would work with the rest, & which I am happy to say had the desired
effect, for Captn Morgan acordingly gave him in charge of the Naval
Officer, who very kindly offerd every assistance, & he was taken before
a Majistrate, I attended with Mr Stephens & the mate; where he
was sentenced to 21 days hard labour in Exceter Prison, two of the
crew having run away, the remainder very peasably went to their
duty, & to day (Wednesday) after having settled their afairs at Bricksham
I saw her leave the Bay with the wind NNWt & fine weather,
but the wind is since changed to West, and no good prospect before
them, the glasses falling very much, Mr Stephens requested me to
write you of their sailing; he being very much fatigued, having from
from fatigue and angsiety not had a nights rest for some time, but
will write you before he get clear of the channel, if the weather
permits, he has wrote me a letter, the copy of which I have also
inclosed, should you aprove of those directions be so good as to
write me word, or any other advice you can favour me under
the present cercomstances, which shall be most punctualy be attended
to, as far as my humble abillities goes –
I beg to complain of the Person who supplyd the sugar &c
in the first place it is not sugar a tall, but apears to me to be
some rotten stuff taken out of the bottoms of Molasses cask, the
smell is past bearing, the loaf cheese is not worth the porterage,
nor is the quantety in either package I have yet oppend
of Porter wine or Brandy, and about half the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A dark-brown, bitter beer brewed from charred or browned malt, thought originally to have been made especially for porters.”] Porter [/tooltip] in small wine Bottles,
the Vinegar also very bad –; this complaint dont rest with me alone, but
Mr Stephens requested me particularly to write about it, informing you
that it was the same case with the Duke of York —
I also beg to complain of the muskets sent on board for the use
of the Vessel, not one in four are the locks of any use, & I beg to
asure you, that I have never had any of so bad a quallity to trade,
with the savages of the south sea Islands –
When you was absent, during my stay at Falmouth, I wrote
several times begging the favour to send me an Invoice of the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Articles of clothing and bedding supplied or sold to sailors.”] Slops [/tooltip] &
Tobacco, but have never received an answer –, I will feel greatly
obliged if you will be so kind as to order it to be sent, as I dont
know what to charge the men for them
Waiting you orders allow me most respectfully
to subscribe my self
Yours & the Company’s
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”Most Obedient humble servant – a common form of ending business letters.”] [/tooltip]
George Martin
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Thursday 7 April 1836
7th. Still beating off Portland! Wind N.W.
Remark 1. Nearly 3 weeks at sea between decks, still [tooltip color=”grey” text=”‘Lumbered’ is an informal term mainly used in Britain to refer to someone being burdened with a thing, or things, unwanted. In shipping terminology, ‘much lumbered’ or ‘lumbered with’ were sometimes used to describe the state of decks that had become cluttered with cargo and other objects during storms.”] lumbered [/tooltip] up, also the deck, Kingston complaining of the dirt below. I suggested that with troops, the men were ordered to parade with bare feet. He immediately determined to act upon this, and gave an order accordingly, Adams did not think proper to obey, but after some warning did so. The married passengers Chapman, Bristow, Hoare, Brown etc did not appear.
An untoward circumstance occurred soon after passing St. Antonio. one of the Cape Verde Islands. A favourite [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A breed of dog often used for hunting game.”] setter [/tooltip] belonging to a passenger was thrown overboard during the night. Presumptive evidence fixed this act upon none [?] of the sailors.
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Monday 4 April 1836
At dawn of day I gave orders to the chief officer to get
up the seacond anchor he returned said the people
wished to speak with me after reading the word of
God as usall and commending my all to the God
of all grace I then went out to the people they
told me they whould not go out of the port
without monthly wages I said they aught to have
considered this before they signed [tooltip color=”grey” text=”When seafarers joined a ship they signed the articles. The captain signed them as well and they formed a contract that set out conditions of employment including how much crew would be paid, what food they would be given, and what hours they would be expected to work. The articles would also say that if a ship was in danger, the normal expectations of work would be set aside and the captain could call on his crew for whatever was needed to save the ship. The articles could form the basis for shipboard discipline, giving the captain authority to punish seafarers who broke them.”] articles [/tooltip] I
asked them if they whould move the ship in
a safe place or a safe harbour they refused
to sail out of torbay Mr Stevens read the articles to them
Mr Stevens and myself went on shore for advice
from the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Shipping agents provide local knowledge and represent ships in port. Their job is to provide anything that a ship might need. They may arrange a pilot to navigate a ship out of port, arrange clearances from customs or buy stores from local suppliers.”] agent [/tooltip] came on board and offered
the people fivety pounds if they would proced
and if Whales came in the way to heave all
lumber over board that whould stop us Whale
ing for that was thier princable grevance but
they refused and whould not remove the ship
to a safe harbour Mr Stevens went on shore
went to Dartmouth and returned with Captn
Talbert of the royal navy and Mr Inkston
Loyds agent he had on his uniform with his
men with [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A pair of pistols.”] brace of pistols [/tooltip] he called for me
to bring the articles and call the mens names
over I did so he asked the men if they signed
these [tooltip color=”grey” text=”When seafarers joined a ship they signed the articles. The captain signed them as well and they formed a contract that set out conditions of employment including how much crew would be paid, what food they would be given, and what hours they would be expected to work. The articles would also say that if a ship was in danger, the normal expectations of work would be set aside and the captain could call on his crew for whatever was needed to save the ship. The articles could form the basis for shipboard discipline, giving the captain authority to punish seafarers who broke them.”] articles [/tooltip] which they replyd they did
he questioned them if they had any complaints
to make of my conduct towards them they
said no they where satisfied with the ship and
officers said the desipleing was good Captn
Talbert took Prichard the ringleader on shore with him
all the rest on board with the exception of Riley agreed
to go to thier duty – …
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Friday 8 April 1836
We have had variable Weather since Tuesday, and we sent our 5 remaining Sheep, on Shore this Morng to recover themselves a little from the effects of the late disastrous Weather, which has made them very sickly, and weak ___________
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Friday 8 April 1836
Liverpool 8th April 1836
Mr Angas
Sir
…
9th Feby 1836 Arrived in Liverpool, saw Capt Ross all appeared very
comfortable – at a future time in speaking of the sheep thought Capt Ross
consider’d them mine as he said there would not be room for them
asked him if he had not been acquainted with their going pr Lady
Mary Pelham before his leaving London he said yes, but he was
told by you there should be no obstruction fo whaling –
…
– Since the men have been engaged I have now full evidence
they have been given to understand the sheep were mine –
Heard of Mutiny took no notice of it thought it was only
sailors talk – since have heard they meant to take a fitting
night for the occasion to throw the Sheep &c overboard, or as
they termed it to dowse the dirt a term used for the sheep &c
…
6th April – Present Capt Landers &c Capt Ross said he beleived
still the sheep were mine … I now find the men have been
told the same story – I was very pleased he spoke of it
as it gave me the opportunity to get Mr Hurry to
contradict it – We are now out at Sea …
I now remain
Your humble
But faithful Servant
Cornelius Birdseye
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Tuesday 5 April 1836
There has been a fresh Breeze of Wind, all this Day, from S,W, accompd with a great deal of Rain
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Saturday 9 April 1836
In the morning employd variously gitting ready for sea the wind baffling from the NW and NEd I went on shore received letters which informed me my wife and little ones where well so either too hath helped us the weather and wind not being settled did not get under weigh had prayers in the […]
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Monday 4 April 1836
This Morng Lloyd’s Surveyor, and two other Gentlemen,
came on board, to look at the Damage, our Vessel had
received in the late tremendious Gale’s, and found that
amongst other disasters, the Fore-top-Mast was [tooltip color=”grey” text=”‘Sprung’ is the past participle of ‘spring’. In respect of the John Pirie’s Fore-top-Mast, the word ‘sprung’ refers to the mast being split or cracked during the storm it experienced.”] sprung [/tooltip],
and in the Afternoon sent Workmen to commence repairs __
At 2, P,M, we were very much surprised, at receiving
a visit from Sl Stephens Esqr C.M. who had left the
Duke of York in Tor Bay, which is not more than
5 Miles distant from this place and where She has been
all the late bad Weather, but has broke her [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A machine with a horizontal axle for hauling or hoisting: in this case it refers to the device used to hoist the anchor on the John Pirie. A windlass is different from a capstan, which has a vertical axle.”] Windlass [/tooltip], and
lost an Anchor, _________ The Weather is very fine to
Day, with a gentle Air of Wind, from the Northward ___
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Wednesday 6 April 1836
Left the Roads at ½ past 1 0’clock, ebb tide. Wind N.E.
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Sunday 3 April 1836
Most of our People, went on Shore to Church, this Morng, but Stephen Sessions never came back to the Ship, so that I think, the uncommon severe Weather, that we have experienced, must have terrified him from proceeding further on the Voyage, as he always behaved himself very well, and seem’d to be an honest, […]
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Tuesday 5 April 1836
P.M. Anchored in Portland Roads, sheltered from all but East Winds. Sent a letter to O’Brien.
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Friday 8 April 1836
Hard gales and a heigh sea under a reefd fore sail and close reeft fore and main top sails at 5 AM wore ship the land bearing NNW Ship labouring hard standing in for the land at 10 the start point bearing NE by N wind NW stood in for torbay at 10 came to […]
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Monday 4 April 1836
Continued fine weather and N.E. breeze, very cold. Barometer rising, nearly 30 inches. Passed the Isle of Wight before noon.
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Thursday 7 April 1836
First part squally with heavy rain the wind from the westward close reeft the fore top sail and hauld the main sail up at daylight more mod erate made sail made sail close in with the land ceveral sail sight PM an increaceing breese at midnight heavy squalls took in the fore top sail and […]
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Sunday 3 April 1836
After commending my all to God and his grace with reading and prayer – the blowing hard from the north let go the seacond anchor assem bled the people for prayer read with the church service an homly for easter day and sung three hymns suited I have need of the poets advice O may […]
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Wednesday 6 April 1836
After reading and praying entered on the duty of the day went on shore closed the accounts with the agents and other bills after spent some time with my christain friends pertook of the bounties of thare table temporal fed with them speritual they have bing good and kind to me may the Lord reward […]
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Monday 28 March 1836
At half past 12 I told the pilot it was my opinion the seacond anchor aught to be let go which he allso assented he went foreward to let it go I heard the chain rattle thought it was the seacond anchor gone but to my surprise it was the cable broke from the stoppers […]
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Tuesday 29 March 1836
We contd [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To ‘heave to’ is to reduce a ship’s sails and adjust them so they counteract each other and stop the ship making progress. It is a safety measure used to deal with strong winds”] hove too [/tooltip] the whole Day, with the
Wind still blowing very strong indeed from N,W, and the
Sea running most tremendiously high & cross _____
The People have all been busily employed, in clearing
away and securing every thing, that remain’d upon Deck,
repairing various parts of the Rigging, and fishing
the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”On a schooner like the John Pirie, the foreyard is the lowest yard attached to the foremast to spread the square sails”] Fore-yard [/tooltip]
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Thursday 31 March 1836
Our Vessel contd, to tumble about exceedingly heavy the whole
of last Night, and shipping a great deal of Water, while
the Wind still kept blowing very strong, until 3 A,M, when
it began to moderate, and at 8 A,M, has gradually lessend,
to a clever Breeze, and we had once more the pleasure of
seeing all the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Seafarers reduce sails in strong winds so that ships can move more safely and comfortably. Sails are made with rows of small ropes attached to them and these are tied around spars to reduce the amount of sail exposed to the wind. The amount of sail taken in by securing one set of ropes is called a reef.”] reef’s [/tooltip] shaken out, and our Vessel again under
whole Sails, after having experienced one of the most severe
Gales of Wind, ever witnessed, indeed I am astonished, how
this little Vessel, has weather’d such a violent and terrifick
Storm, in the awful rough Sea’s of the Western Ocean, ___
The only live Stock which have survived its fury, are
5 young Sheep, (which we purchased at Falmouth)
2 Sow’s, 3 Rabbits, and 1 Turkey, besides several of
the Crew being almost fatigued to Death, our Cook has not
been able to come upon Deck, since Tuesday last, but
two of the Passengers, named Tindal, and Powell,
volunteer’d to do his duty, these men, with one Stephen Sessions
have always been very willing, to render their assistance
when ever they could be useful _____________
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Saturday 2 April 1836
Read prayers Sunday for the first time. Wind changed to a strong… from N.E. got under weigh at 3 o’clock saw a brig foul of a ship lost her masts and became a complete wreck, another lost her bowsprit.
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Wednesday 30 March 1836
After committing my all to God imperfectly in the name of a perfect saivour went on shore but it blew so hard the tradesmen could not come on board let go the streem anchor the pilots men got up the anchor and cable we parted from on monday morning in the afternoon the weather more […]
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Thursday 31 March 1836
After commending my all to God myself and all duty and affection binds me to pray for commenced the days probation I felt anger at the negligence of those I aught to have sympathized with I need a continual watchfullness to pray for grace continually abounding grace – wind still westerly went on shore with […]
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Friday 1 April 1836
The wind at SE most of the ships in harbor got under weigh I went on shore to foreward the trades people four came off and others on shore fitting a chock for the windlass the blacksmiths doing thier work allso the wind shifted again to the westward and the rain fell in torents the […]
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Saturday 2 April 1836
This 24 hours rain and snow decending the ship began to drive let go the seacond anchor afterward hove up both anchors to see them clear and let go the small bower and gave the ship 40 fathoms of cable the shipwrights employed repareing the windlass and mostly done in the everning had prayers with […]
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Wednesday 30 March 1836
At 4, A,M, the Wind coming round from S,W, we bore
away for Falmouth, which was then, about 300 Miles dis-
-tant, as the Wind still kept blowing most awfully, and the
Sea equally as cross as ever, causing the Vessel to roll about,
and labour very much indeed _______ During the Forenoon
our white Sow brought forth 10 young Ones, all of which
were dead, and the size of half grown Rats ________
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Wednesday 6 April 1836
Another account of the same storm was written by the captain of the John Pirie, George Martin:
Letter Martin to Angas 6 April 1836
Dartmouth, April 6th 1836
To /
G.F. Angas Esqr
Sir
I have the pleasure to acknowledge receipt
of your letter, last evening, dated the 4th, when I wrote you on
last saturday, it was late, & having but just come to an Anchor,
being at the time much fatigued, not having been in a bed for
nearly ten days, you will pardon my not writing you at the time
all particulars, which by your leave I will now endeavour to do –
After having sailed from Falmouth, soon after passing the
Lizard the wind began to increase to a gale & variable from NWt
to SWt , taken every advantage of the wind changing to Tack,
in order to get to the westward, & had succeeded by the 26th of
March to get as far as 100–00′ West & 460–00′ North, the wind
still increasing, and nothing gale after gale, ancsiously looking
out for a change, each quartering of the moon, but to no effect;
On sunday 27th the wind at SWt, at 3 P.M the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A squall is a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed”] squalls [/tooltip]
came on very fast & heavy, no appearance of a favourable
change, Bore up much against my will, in company with
several other Vessels, stowed all the fore & aft sails close reeft
the Fore Topsail, & endeavoured to set it, but by this time the
wind had increased to such a pitch, that with the assistance
of all the passengers I could not get the sheets more than half
home, nor could I take it in again, was glad it was so far set,
in order to keep the Vessel before the sea; the wind still
gradually increasing, with heavy squalls & very high sea; at
Midnight, thought it impossible that it the wind could continue
long with such violence, but of which I was mistaken, for the wind
& squalls became most terific, the sea rising to a dreadfull hight
& running very cross, from the wind veering from SWt to North; but
was obliged to keep her Dead before it, fearfull of [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To ‘heave to’ is to reduce a ship’s sails and adjust them so they counteract each other and stop the ship making progress. It is a safety measure used to deal with strong winds”] heaving her too [/tooltip] –
and as much as three or four men could do to steer her, to keep her
from broaching too, at 2 A.M (Monday Morning) a tremendous
sea broke on board of us, which complitely overwhelmd her in one
solid body of water, I then for some time gave up all hopes of ever
seeing her rise again, she being to all appearance at the time going
Down, in consequence of the great weight of water on her decks, the
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”Sailing ships carried various smaller boats for different purposes. A longboat was an open row boat accommodating eight to ten oarsmen that was capable of moving through high waves”] long boat [/tooltip] also being full of water, but having all hands on deck we
with bars & handspikes broke the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Sides of a ship raised above deck level to protect objects and crew”] Bulwark [/tooltip] upon, by which means
the water got of the decks, & she rose her head again, set both Pumps
[to?], which to my great joy soon suck’t, the wind blowing now a most
dreadfull Hurrican, & the sea past all possible description, and in fact
past all belife, about 3 A.M. the fore yard came down in two pieces,
the Fore Topsail split in ribbands, the sea making a complete breach
over us fore & aft, & a most horrible sight, the Vessel appearing a
a complite wreck, not one on board ever expting to see daylight,
all the hatchways I had battend down, so no water could get below, by
this time, but the [seas?] had broken the sheep pens & washed the most of sheep
overboard – it had also broken the skylight & nearly fulld the cabin with
water, which damaged ever thing in my cabin, particularly my sextant,
quadrant, charts, cloths &c which with my stock of the desk, I should
not be able to replace for Thirty Pounds –, I had by this time thrown overboard
all the hay & every thing loose we could put our hands upon, in order
to lighten the weight of our Decks, I had one man washed overboard, but
fortunately succeeded in getting him in again, we were all now [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To lash fast is to secure objects or seafarers to the deck of the ship with ropes so that they would not be swept overboard during a storm”] lashd
fast [/tooltip], two men to the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Pumps were essential equipment because all ships took in water. They were worked by hand, either by the crew or by steerage passengers who were expected to assist”] Pumps [/tooltip], four men to the Helm & nothing but a
sight of Horror before us, passed a great quantety of wreck of
difrent description; at about noon the wind moderating a little and
the squalls less frequent; at 4 P.M. the wind Moderating fast & the
sea falling a little, though still very high & cross, hove her too under a
close reeft Main, cleared the decks as much as we could, but the crew
nearly wore out with fatigue, & two layd up intierly, I had now made
my mind up to run for the first port I could get to in France, so soon
as I could get the Fore yard fisht, saw several Vessels that had bore up
with us more or lessdistresed, & I am fearfull for some that I saw
on the comensment of the gale, they appearing to labour heavy when
I was making fine weather of it, & I must confes that the John Pirie
is without any exception the finest sea boat I ever was at sea in, or
els she would not now be in exsistance, on Wednesday got the Foreyard
fisht & across, bent a New Fore Topsail, the wind came from the
Southward, made all sail I could for England, on Thursday got good sights
for the Chronomiter, (which is a most excellent one) also a good
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”Meridian altitude is a method of astronomical navigation used to calculate ones latitude on earth, in this case the latitude of a ship at sea. Using a nautical almanac to determine an estimated time of the meridian altitude of a planet or star, a ship’s captain would then use a sextant to track the object’s altitude for a few minutes before and during its pass through the meridian (in the case of the sun this was usually at noon).”] Meridianal Altitude [/tooltip], shaped my course for the Lizard point, past
Ushant about 2 Oclock P.M –, light winds during the night, but in
the morning freshning again to a gale, & getting very thick, could not
see two miles ahead, run within a few miles of the Lizard, but could not
see it, hove too about 2 P.M & on the flood tide, about 6 P.M the wind
shifted round in a heavy squall to NNWt & cleared up when I found
myself not more than five miles off Falmouth Harbour, but blowing
so hard could not carry sail to get in, bore up for Plymouth, at daylight
was close in to Plymouth but again blown out, it blowing at the
time tremendously from the North, I then run close round the
Start point where I got a [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To navigate difficult stretches of water, ships took pilots on board. Pilots were coastal navigators with knowledge of their local waters and they captained the ship through the channel or harbour”] Pilot [/tooltip], and came safe to an Anchor at Dartmouth,
having the Carpenter & two men layd up, the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Ships’ mates were either first, second or third officers who came directly under the command of the Captain. Mates were responsible for supervising watches, crew, navigation and safety equipment, and sometimes even served as the ship’s doctor”] Mate [/tooltip] scearsly able to moove
myself not much better, & had I remaind two days longer at sea, I should
not had a man to stand the deck, I have not had two fine day all the month
of March,
…
Waiting you orders allow me most respectfully
to subscribe my self
Yours & the Company’s
Most Obt humbl servt
George Martin
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Sunday 27 March 1836
After commending my all to God by reading and prayer praying for a good day for my soul before six in the forenoon assembled the people on the quater deck for prayer and hereing the word of God delivered a surmon from 3d Psalm 4th.5th verces I found it good to give thanks unto God […]
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Monday 28 March 1836
At 2, A,M, a most tremendious Sea, overlap’d the Vessel,
and giving her such a violent Shock, as caused both the
Capt and every Soul on board, to suppose She must foun-
-der, being for a time completely buried under Water,
however, after a few Moments, of the most horrible suspense,
the little Vessel again arose out of the angry Deep, when
both [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Pumps were essential equipment because all ships took in water. They were worked by hand, either by the crew or by steerage passengers who were expected to assist”] Pump’s [/tooltip] were set to work, and which to our unutterable
satisfaction, very soon sucked her dry, but the loss
sustained by that dreadful Sea, is truly lamentable ____
The two Sheep-pen’s, were swept away from their fast-
-enings, and One of them dashed to pieces, when all the
poor Sheep which it contain’d, were washed overboard, the
other Pen is also greatly injured, and thus were 12
of our Sheep either kill’d or drown’d, likewise, 3 Pig’s
23 Fowls, 2 Turkey’s, and 2 Rabbits, shared the same
hard fate, besides 5 Sacks of Fodder, and all the Turnips
also, 1 Barrel of Beef, 1 Tierce of Pork, the Log-reel,
and several other Articles, were all swept off the Decks,
along with the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Sides of a ship raised above deck level to protect objects and crew”] Bulwark [/tooltip] &c, after which Capt Martin,
order’d all the Hay to be thrown overboard, deeming such
a course expedient for the safety of the Vessel, as the
Sea was now making a regular passage over her, every
Minute, and filling the Cabin with Water, through the
Panes of [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A framework placed over a deck opening and fitted with glazed windows to admit light”] Skylight [/tooltip], which it had broken, although they
were defended all round, by strong Canvas, not even leaving
a place uncover’d by which to see the Compass, nor daring
to steer in any other direction, than right before the Wind,
At 4, A,M, the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”On a schooner like the John Pirie, the foreyard is the lowest yard attached to the foremast to spread the square sails”] Foreyard [/tooltip] gave way, breaking into two
pieces by the Slings, and the close reef’d Fore-top-sail,
split into Ribbon’s, which was the only Canvass, we
had set, at the time, our [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A small boat carried across the stern of a ship and suspended from davits”] stern Boat [/tooltip] also got stove,
Thus did this most desperate of all Gale’s, continue
to blow, without the least sign of abateing untill Noon,
when it became rather less violent, and at 4, P,M, we ventured
to [tooltip color=”grey” text=”To ‘heave to’ is to reduce a ship’s sails and adjust them so they counteract each other and stop the ship making progress. It is a safety measure used to deal with strong winds”] heave-too [/tooltip], although the Sea was most terribly high,
and the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A squall is a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed”] Squalls [/tooltip] still uncommonly heavy, causing the
Vessel to labour exceedingly, and ship a great deal of Water,
but we had either to do this, or run down upon a [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A lee shore is dangerous. It is a coast onto which the wind blows from the sea, presenting the danger that a ship will be blown onto shore”] lee Shore [/tooltip]
in the Bay of Biscay
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Saturday 2 April 1836
We had a high Wind all last Night, accompd with heavy Showers of Hail, and at 6 A,M, it Westward, but still blew very strong in the Squalls, and we had got so far to leeward of Plymouth, as to be unable to reach that Port, however we got a Dartmouth Pilot when off the […]
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Sunday 27 March 1836
The Gale has contd since Thursday, from the Westward,
and without the least intermission, or abatement, but
at 3, P,M, of this Day, it veer’d to S,W, and increased
to a perfect Hurricane, raising the Sea, to the greatest
possible pitch of Madness, and violent uproar, so that
fearing every thing would be washed off the Deck’s, we
bore away, right before the Wind, at 4, P,M, hoping by
this means, to save them, from destruction, but the Weather
has contd (to the end of this Day) so truly awful, as
to baffle all description, indeed the Elements, seem to be
engaged, in the most dreadful Warfare, with each other,
and violence is the order of the Day, in which the Rain
likewise takes a good share, for it is pouring down
in Torrents _____ At 10, P,M, the Wind backed
round to N,W, and I think (if possible) it blows
more terrifickly than ever _________
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Friday 1 April 1836
The beginning of last Night, was nearly a Calm, which contd until 3, A,M, when a fine Breeze sprang up from S,W, and the Sea is much fallen, but at Noon, the Wind increased to a fresh Breeze, with hazy Weather, and at 4, P,M, our Capt thinking we should not be far from the […]
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Tuesday 29 March 1836
In the morning commended my all to God in christ the weather fine hove in some cable went on shore to the agent procured a carpenter to examine our wind lass who inspected it and will put it to rights we hove up the anchor and found we had ninety fathoms of cable out shifted […]
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Sunday 20 March 1836
20th. Embarked in the Shadwell Basin. Left the Dock an hour before flood tide, went to Gravesend, towed by a steamer, arrived about 6 o’clock.
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Tuesday 22 March 1836
_______ There has been a great deal of Rain, during the
Night, and 2 A,M, the Wind shifted round to the Northward
in a fine Breeze, but which only lasted untill Noon,
when it fell nearly a Calm, and at 4 PM, a steady
Breeze again sprang up from W,S,W, but a strong Sea,
still coming from N,W, causes the Vessel to labour very
much, and has prevented the Sheep getting any rest in
their Pen’s since Yestdy morng, besides making several
of the Passenger’s squeamish _____________
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Thursday 24 March 1836
___ There has been a tremendious high and cross Sea, all
Night, with heavy Squalls of Wind, from N,W, by N,
accompd by pelting showers of Hail, and Rain, _______
All our live Stock seem very much distress’d, for
the want of rest, and one of the Rabbits brought forth
six young One’s, during the Night, all of which were
dead _______
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Friday 25 March 1836
After commending my all to God and his grace
went to my days duty the wind from the SWd blowing
fresh gave the ship 20 fathoms more cable went on shore
with Mr Stevens went to the agent ordered a few neces
arys for the ship and passengers visited a pious fisherman
wife in our socierty and pertook of the humble fare …
… God
only knows what is before us therefore I commit all
into his care and keeping
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Thursday 24 March 1836
24th. Left Gravesend at ½ past 12 o’clock, anchored near the Nore Light at 3. Strong gale from the West, Proceeded to the Downs, strong gale from the West, several vessels drove, wind moderating, up anchor at night and passing North Foreland, strong N.W. gale drove us to Margate roads, slipped 2 anchors and returned to the Downs.
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Thursday 24 March 1836
Rose today dull and heavy after a nights tossing on the
mighty deep the wind from the SWd with a heigh sea AM
saw the land on the weather bow standing in for the
same PM took a Pilot on board at 5 came to anchor
in Torbay 7¼ fathoms water gave the Ship 40 fathoms of
cable …
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Thursday 17 March 1836
17th, March, presented cup to Colonel Torrens, cost of which was £50. Subscribed £1 – 19 – 6.
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Saturday 19 March 1836
There being a fine Breeze, from the S,E, this Morng we
got under weigh, at Daylight, and proceeded to Sea,
in company with several other, outward bound Vessels,
______
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Saturday 19th March 1836
Rose early found the wind fair we got up the top Gt [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Masts are long poles that extend up vertically from the keel and deck of a ship. They carry the rigging, spars and sails by which ships are propelled. To achieve the desired height of the mast, upper sections called topmasts, topgallant masts and royal masts can be added. Ships and barques have three masts: the foremast at the front, the mainmast (which is the highest) and the mizzenmast at the back of the vessel. Brigs and schooners have two masts: the foremast and the mainmast.”] mast [/tooltip]
and [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Yards are horizontal poles that are suspended from the masts to support and spread the square sails. They are basically set square to the ship’s centre line but the angle can be adjusted to suit the direction of the wind.”] yards [/tooltip] set up the rigin and hove up the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The starboard is the right side of a ship or a boat perceived by a person on board facing the bow (front).The left side was originally called ‘larboard’ but in the early nineteenth century that term was replaced by ‘port’ to avoid the crew mis-hearing an order. The change was made official in 1844.”] starboard [/tooltip]
anchor and got all ready for sea …
the wind fair duty calls I must go
however painfull leaveing a beloved partner close to the
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”Labour, childbirth.”] trying hour [/tooltip] of naturs sorrows but God omnipresent
omnipotent omnicent helpeth the seed of the woman
and gives grace to shout victory victory I had a letter
wrote to send to my beloved partner commending
her to that God and saivour who had done so much
for us beliveing he whould bless her keep her and sur
port her through all the trying seans of life great was
my joy when I recevead a letter to inform me by a
Christain brother I was father of a fine Girl and
Mother and child was likely to do well I will sing to
the Lord a new song for he doeth marvilous things …
… my
gratitude is better felt at present than expressed I now
can give up my dear partner boy and baby to the all wise
God and saivour and go on my way rejoiceing at 4 PM got [tooltip color=”grey” text=”When a ship is under weigh it is in motion. The anchor has been raised or weighed.”] und
er weigh [/tooltip] and made sail for sea light wind from the SE
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Tuesday 15 March 1836
There was a deluge of Rain, all last Night, accompd with
uncommon heavy [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A squall is a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed.”] Squalls [/tooltip], indeed so excessively hard, has
the Wind been blowing, the last two Nights and Yestdy that
even in this well shelter’d Harbour, several Ships have
brought home their Anchor’s, and drifted to [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Windward is the direction from which the wind is coming. Leeward is the opposite direction, away from the wind.”] leeward [/tooltip], where
they have had to let go, the second One ____ however the
“John Pirie”, has rode out the Gale in safety, by only one
Anchor being down, and without ever moving from the first
situation, in which She was placed ______ The Weather
has now become quite moderate, but two of our Sheep, have
caught very bad Cold’s, and are removed to the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Livestock on board were normally kept in pens on deck. Any needing to recover from exposure during severe weather might have been transferred to the between-decks. While loosely described as a ‘hospital’, it was in no sense a formal one.”] Hospital [/tooltip],
(a place we have partitioned off, from the others) where
they can be better attended too, and made more comfortable,
than being amongst those, that are healthy _______
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Thursday 17th March 1836
…
it blows hard from the westward gave the cable to 45
fathoms gave the people some [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A magazine is like a newspaper. Captain Morgan may have been referring to small religious booklets in this instance.”] magazines [/tooltip] to read I felt
a desire to visit my beloved partner in this trying
time
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Friday 11 March 1836
– I felt it a disappointment not receiveing a
letter from her I tenderly love the partner of my life …
sharer of my cares though so much absent from each other
which makes our parting so severly felt like cutting the
tender string of life or the divideing of vine and branch
I have wrote home but received no answer but belive all
will be well for time or Eternity thanks be to God and
His grace …
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Thursday 10 March 1836
During this Day, the Capt sent on board,
six young Sheep, likewise a lot of [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A swede or yellow turnip.”] Sweedish Turnips [/tooltip],
and some Hay
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Saturday 12 March 1836
This 24 hours blowing hard from the westward let go the
seacond anchor …
… felt ankious not receiveing letter .
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