Went on board the “Duke of York” and as Frill [Field?] was very ill remained on board all the rest of the day.
About OScholey
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
Sepr. 1st. I set the hands to work this morning upon the store & at ½ past 6 sent a message to request Mr Beare would immediately see me under my tent, he replied “if Mr Stephens has any communication for me he must make it in writing & it shall be attended to”. I […]
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
… 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:
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:
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:
Thursday 8 September 1836
Sept 8th Yestdy G. Bates began building me a Cottage, and to Day Mitchell took so very unwell, as to be obliged to leave of Work in the Forenoon ______
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:
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
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:
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 27 August 1836
Saturday Aug 28 Went on Shore with Mrs W and Mr Lee and Mrs Lee Came on Bord ½ pt 2 OClock
Share this page:
Monday 22 August 1836
The Lantern took fire in Powys’s cabin during his absence. Captain Lipson carried it upon Deck and threw it overboard
Share this page:
Share this page:
Thursday 25 August 1836
Thursday Aug 26 1836 S.S.W ½ W With all Stunsells Set Running 6 Knotts
Share this page:
Tuesday 23 August 1836
This day our allowance of water, which had hitherto been three quarts daily to each adult and half or two-thirds to children, according to their age, was reduced to one pint for each person. Generally speaking, we had a sufficiency, though it was sometimes such as no one in England would think of giving to a dog. It was as black as ink, with a thick sediment at the bottom, and smelt worse than a stagnant ditch. Those who go to sea, however, must make up their minds not to be over-nice or over-particular about anything.
Share this page:
Thursday 25 August 1836
Moderate & fine wr. Thermometer 82E in cabin. Course S.S.W. Wind East. All sail set. Miles run, 124 + 2374 = 2498. Lat. 15E40′ No. Longe 26E4′ Wt. Noon. Light winds. P.M. Do Wr. Caught a young dolphin. A Ship in company. Midnight. A large Ship ranged up on our lee quarter, & proved to […]
Share this page:
Monday 22 August 1836
This day, at about 6 o’clock in the morning, we crossed the Line. I was up and intended being on deck, but was not aware that we were so near it. Now, having cleared the equinox, we got into the trade winds and went at a very good rate, expecting to be at the Cape […]
Share this page:
Tuesday 23 August 1836
23. 11 oclock P.M – A great row in
the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The galley or pantry of a small ship.”] Cuddy [/tooltip] Kingston, the Captain and
Doctor.
Share this page:
Wednesday 24 August 1836
Modte wind & hazy wr. Wind East. Course S.S.W. All sail set. All awnings spread. Shoals of flying-fish all day. Noon. Miles run, 103 + 2271 = 2374. Lat. 17E46′ No. Long. 25E50′ Wt. P.M. Modte & fine. 8. Do Wr. All night on deck.
Share this page:
Saturday 27 August 1836
Several nautili having passed close to the shipwithin the last two or three days which could have been pulled up almost with a bucket, I contrived a bag net of about 3 feet diameter to be hung from one of the boats on the ship’s side, and weighted so as to sink in the water […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 24 August 1836
Wednsday Aug 25
S.S.W ½ W Mr Allen and
Mrs Allen Got drunk and abused
the Captain by Cawling him a
Scoundral and a Blaguard Caught
one turtle [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Motionless for lack of wind.”] Beclmed [/tooltip] makeing
2½ Knots a hower
Share this page:
Monday 22 August 1836
Moderate breezes & hazy weather. Wind N.E. Course S.W.b W. All sail set. Scrubbed hammocks & washed clothes. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 135 + 2039 = 2174. Lat. 20E51′ No. Longe 24E3′ Wt. P.M. Mode & hazy wr. A flying-fish flew on board & was taken prisoner, & proved an acceptable meal to Mrs […]
Share this page:
Friday 26 August 1836
Modte & fine wr. Course South. Wind East. A Ship in Co. All sail set. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run 102 + 2490 = 2600. Lat. 13E43′ No. Longe 25E40′ W. P.M. Do Wr. Passed a Dutch barque.
Share this page:
Sunday 21 August 1836
Sunday Aug 22nd [sic, 21st] W.S.W fair wind we had Chapell I was Very un well Could Not attend Chapell Gave thomas Some Ink and G W Some Paper Mrs Ketchlove Better Running 6½ Knots
Share this page:
Wednesday 24 August 1836
I mentioned yesterday that our allowance of water had been reduced, but last night the surgeon, conceiving that it was a scheme to avoid, if possible, stopping at the Cape of Good Hope, which would have been a great disappointment to many of the passengers (ourselves among others, for we were not only desirous of seeing the Cape, but wished to purchase some articles there which might be useful to us), urged the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The area of between-decks occupied by steerage passengers, that is, those travelling at the cheapest rate.”] steerage passengers [/tooltip] to send a letter to Mr. Brown, who, being agent for the emigrants sent out by the Commissioners, was bound to see that the terms stipulated by them were strictly fulfilled. One of these was that each person should be supplied with three quarts of water [tooltip color=”grey” text=”per day”] per diem[/tooltip]. In consequence of this we again had our full quantity. In the state cabin, I believe, there was no restriction, but though all the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Cabins of lesser comfort than those occupied by privileged passengers and intermediate between them and the dormitory accommodation afforded the emigrants.”] intermediate passengers [/tooltip] paid handsomely for their passages, our own costing us nearly two hundred pounds, in respect to supplies of every description we were no better off than the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The area of between-decks occupied by steerage passengers, that is, those travelling at the cheapest rate.”] steerage passengers[/tooltip], and even they ought to have had better provisions than were often served to us.
Share this page:
Tuesday 23 August 1836
Moderate wind & hazy wr. Wind East. Course S.W.b W. All sail set. Dried bedding. Caught another flying-fish, which was disposed of, in a similar manner to its predeces- -sor. Noon. Light winds. Miles run, 97 + 2174 = 2271. Lat. 19E 32′ No. Longe 25E15′ Wt. P.M. Modte & fine. Midt. Very fine.
Share this page:
Wednesday 24 August 1836
— Yesterday an attempt was made by Captain Duff to decrease the allowance of water to every passenger throughout the ship with the obvious view of avoiding the necessity of putting in at the Cape; this however was resisted by all, and on Mr Brown representing to the Captain that as ‘Agent for Emigration’ he would consider the decrease of allowance of water as a breach of contract with the Commissioners, and would so prevent the payment of the passage money of the steerage passengers, the Captain countermanded his order and the usual allowance of water was today served out. The quantity allowed is six quarts a day for each adult (children have less in proportion to age) and when it is remembered that this is to suffice for washing, cooking, tea and all other uses, it cannot be said to be extravagant.–
Share this page:
Monday 22 August 1836
Monday Aug 23 1836 W ½ W 2 Lower Stuncells Set fore top men Stunsell Main top men St fore and main te Gallen St Young Phillips Bit by the Captains dog Ship running 6 Knots Saw Porpus
Share this page:
Sunday 21 August 1836
Entered the tropic of Cancer. A fine trade wind carrying us steadily onward. Service to-day. The Sermon, professing to prove the efficacy of faith and the inutility of good works to salvation, did neither. Our worthy Chaplain carefully eluded both points; and vapid common places were all we got on the occasion.
Share this page:
Sunday 21 August 1836
Moderate wind & hazy wr. Wind North. Steering
S.W.b W. All sail set. Divine Service – prayers, singing, &
a sermon by Revd C. Howard. Noon. Miles run 164 + 1875 = 2039.
P.M. [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Latitude is the distance of a point north or south of the equator as measured in degrees. The poles are at 90 degrees north and south.”] Lat. [/tooltip] 22E34′ No. [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Longitude is the distance, measured in degrees, of the meridian on which a point lies to the meridian of Greenwich. On the other side of the earth to Greenwich is a point with a longitude of both 180 degrees east and 180 degrees west.”] Longe [/tooltip] 22E45′ Wt. 8. Do Wr. {Sunday schools}
First issue of limejuice today, ½ oz. [tooltip color=”grey” text=”per person, per day”] per diem, per caput. [/tooltip]
Share this page:
Tuesday 23 August 1836
Tuesday Aug 24 1836 S W and by So Be calmed and very hot Temperate heat 89 the Coast of affricca about 190 miles from Makeing about 2 miles in one hower
Share this page:
Saturday 27 August 1836
Modte & fine. Course South. Wind East. All sail set. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 97 + 2600 = 2697. Late 12E6′ No. Long. 25E16′. P.M. Do Wr. at 10, the wind drew round North, & at midnight N.W. with rain, trimd on starbd tack.
Share this page:
Friday 26 August 1836
Friday Aug 27 S.S.W ½ W We made the Land 3 OClock in the morning Droped anchor at ½ pt 10 Went on Shore With Mrs J W and thomas a Very Barran Isle and a Very Little Live stock on the Land
Share this page:
Tuesday 16 August 1836
N.N.W Left the Land of Madera at 7 Bells the Carpenter was Reported Lowsey the Emegrants Was Mustered Broached a Blue [froek…?]
Share this page:
Monday 15 August 1836
We had to bewail yesterday the death of one of my Cashmere kids, a beautiful female, and, as usual when a favorite dies, the prettiest of the flock. It had not grown much since its arrival & gradually became weaker until it died. The disease appeared on a post-mortem examination to be an inflammation of the [? intestine] occasioned most probably by confinement and change of food. Two others, a male kid and a young ewe seem also unwell, but as they have now the privilege of running up and down the deck in fine weather, it is possible they may yet survive the voyage.They are fed on grain, paddy, bran, and hay, instead of on oats & chaff as recommended by Mr Tower. We have now but four, 2 males & 2 females… Our other pets,the dog and the bird are well and contented.
Share this page:
Tuesday 16 August 1836
A very curious fish of the class Cephalopoda flewor rather jumped on board today: it is nearly five inches long has two tentaclae about two inches long with which it adheres firmly to any substance offered it, and eight mandibles (for want of a better word) about 1 ½ inches long with which it seizes […]
Share this page:
Saturday 20 August 1836
Called the hands as usual & spent the greater part of the day in forwarding work on shore. Capn Martin took dinner with me under my Tent & soon afterwards the Mate of the L.M.P. came to inform me that Capn Ross was confined to his bed through illness & wished to see me. Settled […]
Share this page:
Monday 15 August 1836
Anniversary of passing of So Australian Bill. Light variable winds & fine. Laying about S.W. Noon. Do Wr. Saw Madeira ahead. Miles run, 1245 + 57 = 1302. P.M. Lat. 33E23′ No. Longe – . 6.30. Not being able to weather the West- -ern point of Madeira, & the wind falling very light, we attemp- […]
Share this page:
Sunday 14 August 1836
Light winds & fine. Several sail in sight. This day
I attained the age of 30 years: therefore cease to be a young man
an awful & painful reflection, being still a bachelor, & likely to con-
tinue so for some time. Prayers & sermon by the Revd C. Howard.
Noon. Do Wr. Lat. 34E24′ No. Longe 17E7′ Wt. Miles run 1186 + 59 = 1245′.
P.M. Do Wr. Passed all the emigrants in review for inspection.
Established classes for Sunday reading among their children.
Share this page:
Tuesday 15 August 1836
… 8 AM the John Pirie hove
in sight I took a boat and went on board and
piloted him and welcomed Captn Martin
crew and passengers to nepean bay …
Share this page:
Monday 15 August 1836
… This evening spent some time in conversation with two settlers, Bates and Nathaniel Thomas, who have a little place on the N.E. corner of the Island and who have appeared among us this afternoon for the first time. I made to Bates a proposal for his services for 3 months which he is to answer in the morning. These are the two men who were commissioned by the Governor of V.D.L. [Van Diemen’s Land] to take the natives who killed Captain Barker. All the settlers we have seen are free men. Most of them have native women with them who assist in catching game (which is now nearly destroyed here) and some of them have children by those women. I have to-day made several arrangements for the more effectual protection of ourselves and the Company’s property and have landed Miss Beare (my intended wife) to be near my tent, manage my domestic affairs and keep a sharp look out when I am away… Miss Beare and her brother’s children are sleeping under my tent and I shall mount guard till 2 a.m. then lay down in my boat cloak.
Share this page:
Sunday 14 August 1836
The stars also presented a splendid appearance, and we could now see the Southern Cross, that is, five stars in the form of our Saviour’s cross. This is only seen in the Southern Hemisphere. (The cross is assumed as the Australian arms and worn by the Government officers, the emblem being stamped on their buttons.) It likewise frequently happened that a beautiful rainbow was seen at sunrise, which, as it appeared on the edge of the water, was truly magnificent.
Share this page:
Thursday 18 August 1836
S.W ½ W Saw Strainge Sail a S. a head Set Lower Stunsell and fore top men Stuncell Running 7 Knots the wind on our starbord Qr
Share this page:
Friday 19 August 1836
Moderate & hazy wr. Wind N.E. Steering S.W. All sail set both sides. Plenty of flying-fish to be seen. Miles run, 140 + 1558 = 1728. Lat. 27E11′ No. Longe 20E2′ Wt. P.M. Fresh breezy & cloudy. 8. Do Wr. Going along quietly & steadily.
Share this page:
Sunday 14 August 1836
I took Miss Bear and the children on shore early
this morning and found Mr Stevens had
bing in trouble all night in the L M Pelhams crew
Share this page:
Sunday 14 August 1836
N – W but Very Light 4½ Knots we had Church Gave G. F. – Lon 32/ 40 Latd
Share this page:
Sunday 14 August 1836
A very good sermon today from
Mr Howard. A Sunday school established by him he has
asked one of the Miss Hindmarshes & Mr Wm Malcolm to
assist, and it is to be hoped that it will go on and prosper.
But what can fairly be expected from an hour’s
reading in a Sunday School! There are about 50 children
on board who run wild all the week. We would gladly
devote time daily to their instruction, but the chaplain
evidently considers this would be interfering with his
especial province. There seems no disposition on the part
of the Governor to promote any sort of education whatever
among them during the voyage. It is very grievous to
see all this, but we cannot remedy it. Broadbent
and Cock among the emigrants are not neglecting
their poor children, but their exemplary conduct has
not been generally followed, neither has it attracted
any attention or commendation from those quarters
where it ought to have found both.
Share this page:
Friday 19 August 1836
Friday Aug 19th 1834 [sic, 1836] W ½ W [sic] fair wind 4 Bells Squear Yards Running 4 Knots 606 Miles from Saint Jagus Passed tener Reef at Night about 100 miles from Land Rigged Mr finks Boat for Sailing Cutter fashon
Share this page:
Monday 15 August 1836
N,W ½ W Spoke to a french Bark
named the Velea 4 OClock
in the morning made the Isle
of Miderea on the Cost of Portugal
the weather fine But very Light
Winds Opened the fore Hole and
Got Out 100 Bags of Bread
One thousand and Twenty
Miles from London
Heat only 98
Share this page:
Thursday 18 August 1836
… During the night a slight change of wind occurred, affording us the prospect of relief from our lengthened imprisonment. This is doubly agreeable, as the Captain has more than once intimated his intention to go into the Island of Ascension instead of the Cape should this weather continue. We are near [? it] and the detention there while getting water would be much shorter than at the Cape. This is a great temptation, especially now that we have lost everyhope of making a quick passage; but it will be a source of great disappointment to me and most of the passengers, as we have prepared long lists of etceteras to be purchased at the Cape; besides which we have looked upon two or three days sojourn there as a holyday, which could hardly be enjoyed on a volcanic island where nothing can be had but water & turtle. Since the first of this month we have made no more southing than 390 miles.
Share this page:
Friday 19 August 1836
Signed Capn Ross receipt for stores and Cargo pr L.M.P. settled various matters with him & arranged that he should call on me in the morning to finish other business & take his leave. Spent the rest of the day on shore forwarding various concerns of moment.
Share this page:
Wednesday 17 August 1836
This [Amsterdam Island] 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 […]
Share this page:
Thursday 18 August 1836
This 24 hours calms and clear weather employd taring the riggin and watering I attended the watering party the seacond mate being some time sick In the everning had family prayer I felt it a blessing to draw nigh to god at a throne of grace and tell him all my cares and troubles
Share this page:
Sunday 14 August 1836
at 7 a.m. A boat (for the 2nd time) came ashore for the purpose of taking off the L.M.P. sailors and after a mixture of persuasions and threats they were prevailed upon to depart. During the previous evening while absent on duty at a little distance my tent had been entered and plundered of some private stores (Cheese Ham and Wine) … This morning I hoisted for the first time the British Admiralty Ensign and decorated with the Company’s flag and colours a booth which I had prepared for the performance of Divine Service. In the evening a man of the name of Cooper who has been residing on the Island for 7 years and who it appears has 3 acres of land under cultivation on the Western side of the Point Marsden came round to us and after having had some lengthy conversation with him I arranged with him for the service of himself and his boat so long as I might require it… If I can get a well of fresh water hereabouts I shall name this place Kingscote and it will be at no distant period a port and harbour of the very first class for ships under the burthen of 500 tons…
Share this page:
Saturday 20 August 1836
a.m. Fresh breezes and squally at half past one; tide commenced running to the N.W. about two and a half knots an hour; very squally, took in second reef, and prepared for slipping; at four, more moderate; at eight, moderate and fine; at half past nine, weighed and made sail for Nepean Bay, (wind W.S.W.); at noon, we observed a smoke on the coast, at Kangaroo Island; at four, came to an anchor in three fathoms, in the eastern part of Nepean Bay.
Share this page:
Monday 15 August 1836
At 11, O’Clock, on Friday Night, we had a dead Calm, that contd untill 6, A,M, of Saturday, when a gentle Breeze sprang up from the Southward, but did not remain long, and since which time, there has been nothing but Calm’s with occasional light and variable Wind’s, untill Yestdy at Noon, when a gentle […]
Share this page:
Saturday 20 August 1836
… I started after breakfast to explore it with my gun on my shoulder… The soil being very poor and sandy at the mouth of the river but gradually improved as I proceeded up so that we may expect better land in the interior. I have had tolerable sport with my gun shooting sufficient seafowl for the Mess Dinner tomorrow. Returned on board at 5 p.m. and having very satisfactorily appeased my appetite I shall now turn in.
Share this page:
Friday 19 August 1836
a.m. Fine weather, tacking to windward all the first part, the land being in sight from daylight; p.m. at four, light winds; Cape Willoughby S. By W. halfW., distant about three miles. At six, bore up for Antechamber Bay; at seven, wind dying away; half past seven, calm, and the vessel drifting near the rocky […]
Share this page:
Friday 19 August 1836
After a pleasant passage of three months
and 19 days from the time we left the city
canal anchored in Antechamber Bay, Kang-
-aroo island.
Share this page:
Thursday 18 August 1836
Called the hands as usual put them to work & then took my boat, & in Company with Capn Martin went to examine the Salt Lagoon (the one at the bottom of shoal bay) returned & dined on board the John Pirie having decided that for the sake of obtaining grass & fresh water it […]
Share this page:
Saturday 20 August 1836
This 24 hours fresh breeses and clear weather employd watering and cleaning the ship In the everning had family prayer we belive God heard and answered prayer
Share this page:
Thursday 18 August 1836
Moderate & hazy. East. Steering S.S.W. Set royals & studg sails. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run 1462 + 126 = 1588. Lat. 29E10′ Nt. Long. 19E00′ Wt. P.M. Mode & hazy, like a trade wind, N.E. All sail set before the wind, & going 8 knots. !!!!!!!!!!!
Share this page:
Thursday 18 August 1836
A curious creature was drawn up with a pail of water. It was called a glaucus, and was of a dark purple. When the sun shone on it a variety of colours was reflected. It had four appendages about an inch long, with shorter ones again branching from each in different directions. Its length was […]
Share this page:
Saturday 20 August 1836
Three birds called Cape pigeons have been flying about the vessel. This would seem a trifling occurrence except at sea, where a bird so far from land excites as much notice as any extraordinary animal in the street of London.
Share this page:
Friday 19 August 1836
at 7 p.m. we dropped anchor in 32 fathoms just inside the Western point of Antichamber [sic] Bay and rather closer to the shore than was pleasant…
Share this page:
Tuesday 16 August 1836
________ At 9, A,M, we rounded Point
Marsden, and had the pleasure of seeing two Barques
at Anchor in “Nepean Bay”, which proves to be
the “Duke of York”, and “Lady Mary Pelham’,
they had arrd about 3 Weeks before us ____
In the course of an Hour, we were visited by
Sml Stephens Esqr, C,M, [Company Manager] who was saluted with
three times three Cheer’s, and shortly afterwards a
Boat came from each of the Vessels, in one of
which was Capt Morgan of the “Duke of York”, who
undertook to be our Pilot, and at 3, P,M, we were
safely Anchor’d in a well shelter’d Roadstead, not
more than a Mile, distant from the Shore, and
right abreast, of the Company’s Tents, at the “New-
-Colony” of “South Australia” _____
Share this page:
Wednesday 17 August 1836
S,S,W Running 6½ Knots Miss Ketch Lave and her father was taken very Bad Saw fresh Sail on our Starbord Quarter one thousand one hundred and 13 miles
Share this page:
Wednesday 17 August 1836
At day light (having arranged with Captain Ross that if the sailors would not do their duty I should put hands aboard to take her to V.D.L. [Van Diemens’ Land] sailors and all), called all hands aft and finding that they would do their duty if one of her mates (Mr. Dawsea) were taken out of her, consulted with the Captain and officers on the subject and having arranged that it should be so…
Share this page:
Monday 15 August 1836
This 24 hours mostly increasing breeses employd as needfull I went with a crew to the well for water it yealds little returned with two casks In the everning had family prayer I found the throne of grace yeald more of the waters of eternal life than the well we where dipping at did yeald […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 17 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and clear weather employd mostly watering the ship a few taring five sick took 8 casks left 2 men all night to fill. In the everning had family prayer
Share this page:
Monday 15 August 1836
Madeira distant about 20 miles white cottages and green patches visible, the green supposed to be vineyards. Oh for a bunch or two of the fresh ripe grapes!
Share this page:
Wednesday 17 August 1836
The Rapid left the river Thames on 4 May, and arrived in Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island, on 19 August. The Cygnet left England on 24 March, 1836, with Messrs Kingston, Finniss, Symonds, Neale, Cannan, and Hardy, all of the Surveying Department. She touched at Rio, and did not reach Nepean Bay until 11 September. I […]
Share this page:
Saturday 20 August 1836
Next day weighed proceeded further westward anchored off Pt Morrison. __
Share this page:
Tuesday 16 August 1836
Light variable airs & fine wr. Found that owing to the variable airs, & perhaps a current, we had been losing ground during the night. Madeira bore S.E. 12 miles. 8. Tacked, & stood in. Noon. Do Wr. Lat. 32E44′ No. Long. 17E58′ Wt. Miles run, 1302 + 60 = 1362. P.M. Wind South. Tacked, […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 17 August 1836
12 oclock passed six miles to the South of Amsterdam. Saw 6 or 7 whalers lying to under the lea of the Island.
Share this page:
Saturday 20 August 1836
Saturday Aug 21th [sic, 20th] W and by S Capt Bromley was turnd [derel?] amoung the Gentlemen 8 Bells Running 7 Knots the wind halft Mrs Allen Commited her Selfe upon the Quarter deck Before the men of the watch and Mr W
Share this page:
Wednesday 17 August 1836
Moderate & fine wr. Wind S.E. Steering S.S.W. Set top- – mast & tgt studg sails. Passed a Hanoverian Ketch. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 1362 + 100 = 1462. Lat. 31E13′ No. Long. 18E 33′ Wt. P.M. Mode & fine. Saw the first shoal of flying-fish. Midnight. East & squall. In studg sails and […]
Share this page:
Friday 19 August 1836
After much deliberation it was formally
determined a few days ago to touch at St Jago, one of the
Canaries, but today the Captain has cooled upon it and
his firmly fixed intention has fairly evaporated – so it
happens every day. The poor man does not know his own
mind for two hours together. This is a sad failing for one
in authority to be overpowered with.
Share this page:
Friday 19 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and clear weather employd watering and other jobs as needfull after the employment of the day had family prayer and lay down tired and warey
Share this page:
Saturday 20 August 1836
Moderate & hazy wr. Wind N.N.E. Course, S.W. All sail set. Empd scrubbing clothes &c. Miles run, 747 + 1720 = 1875. Lat. 24E54′ No. Longe 21E18′ Wt. P.M. Fresh breezes & hazy. Wind North. 8. Do Wr. 10. In royals & topgt studg sails.
Share this page:
Tuesday 16 August 1836
Called the hands at ½ past 5 A.M. set them to work &c at ½ past 8 saw a sail rounding Point Marsden, on looking at her with my glass found her to be a Schooner, hoisted the Ensign (having first agreed with Bates for his services for 3 months) manned a boat belonging to […]
Share this page:
Thursday 18 August 1836
Made the land to the eastward of Encounter Bay; sandy shore, exactly as described by Flinders. At midnight, sounded in 35 fathoms.
Share this page:
Saturday 13 August 1836
Saturday 13th 1836 fair wind but Very Light hardly a nought to Carry Stuncells Broached 1 Sack of Oats for Sheep and fowles
Share this page:
Saturday 13 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and clear weather at half past 6 AM hove up the anchor and moved the ship but came to anchor again for want of water over the flats at 1 PM hove up again and moved to a more convenent place for wood and water we anchored in quater less […]
Share this page:
Friday 12 August 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the North employd shifting our dry provitions in a dry and safe place in the after hold I took three men with me to the well to git it cleard out and sink a cask to git our water it is about 5 miles from the ship or rather […]
Share this page:
Friday 12 August 1836
Friday, Augt 12. Moderate breezes & fine. Steering S.W. Wind N.N.E. A large Ship in Co. Fitted a private bathing place for the use of the children. Noon. Light winds. Late 36E57′ No. Long.15E52 Wt. Miles run, 990 + 120 = 1110. P.M. Wind N.N.W. Trimmed sails.
Share this page:
Friday 12 August 1836
Friday Augt 12 N W ½ W Saw 4 Sail Laying W and by West ½ West One of the Sheep Sick thomas not Very well/
Share this page:
Thursday 11 August 1836
This 24 hours fresh breeses from the NE employd clearing the decks. I took a boat and sounded the harbor In the everning had family prayer read the 4th chapt St Peter found the word profitable and powerfull to [h]eal the wounded soul in shore wher no eye seese nor ear [h]ears but our gods […]
Share this page:
Thursday 11 August 1836
Thursday, Augt 11. Fresh breezes and fine wr. Steering S.W. Wind N.E. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 822 + 168 = 990′. Lat. 38E57′ No. Longe 14E57′ Wt. P.M. The wind more moderate. Set the mainsail before the wind, having clewed up the foresail: found the Ship steer better. Evening. Wind N.b E. Set foresail, […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 10 August 1836
Most part of this 24 hours calms and light winds employed getting the companys things on short and stowing our own away In the everning had family prayer read the 3d chapt of St Peter I find it a good and plesent thing to love the Lord to be able to cast my care on […]
Share this page:
Wednesday 10 August 1836
Wednesday, Augt 10. Fresh breezes & fine. Cloudy occly. Set studg sails. Passed three vessels during the day; exchanged colours with an English schooner. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 651 + 171 = 822′. Lat. 41E37′ No. Longe 13E36′ Wt. Steering S.W. Wind N.E. P.M. Do Wr. Car- -ried away the starbd fore topmt studg […]
Share this page:
Tuesday 9 August 1836
Tuesday, August 9th, 1836. Fresh breezes & fine from N.E. Steering S.W.b W. Set lower topmast & tgt studg sails. A large Ship in sight. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 486 + 165 = 651. Lat. 44E15′ North. Longe 12E00′ West. P.M. Fresh breezes & fine. Shortened sail.
Share this page:
Tuesday 9 August 1836
Tuesday 9th Aug fair wind Mr J. White [Vr?] G, Whites Running 8½ Knotts Monday aug 9 Mr Walters took the Liberty of Drinking our mess warter He was Seen by Mr S, Blunden.
Share this page:
Sunday 7 August 1836
Sunday, Augt 7. Moderate winds & cloudy. All sail set before the wind. Steering W.S.W. 10. Mustered Ship’s company by Divisions, after which the Revd C. Howard read prayers & preached a very excellent, appropriate & feeling sermon. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run 269 + 107 = 376. Lat. 40E11′ No. Long. 8E14′ Wt. P.M. […]
Share this page:
Sunday 7 August 1836
Our Cook is quite recover’d again, and resumed his occu-
-pation on Friday ________ During his illness, the
Cooking has been done by Joseph Jones, who has been
very useful indeed, in many respects, since we left
Dartmouth, having fill’d, even the situation of a
Seaman, at two or three different times, for 10, or 12,
Days together, in the place of Sailors, that have been
unwell, and I understand, that Capt Martin, intends
to remunerate him, for his services ___ besides this
Young Man, I consider that, Halford, Chandler,
Powell, and Tindal, have been the most industrious
and willing, of all the Company’s servants, during
our Passage, that are on board, of this Vessel ____
Share this page:
Monday 8 August 1836
Monday, Augt 8. Fresh breezes & cloudy. Wind E.N.E. Steering W.S.W. All sail set. Saw Mother Carey’s chickens (Stormy Peterel) Noon. Do Wr. Going 7 knots. Miles run 376 + 110 = 486. Lat. 47E30′ No. Longe 9E59′ W. P.M. Fresh breezes & fine. 10. Shortened sail.
Share this page:
Monday 8 August 1836
Monday 8th 1836 E by W ½ W Running 8 Knots 2 OClock Opersite the Span Coast, the Ships Company Opened the main Hatch to Get Thomas Clarkes [B…..] [Mr?] Got his Onions and his Junk from him Pack Cheeas Bread and
Share this page:
Sunday 7 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds from the NWd we had three services this day one in the forenoon read with the church service a surmon from gens 6th chapt 17.18 verce taught the boys in the afternoon in the everning delive a surmon from 12th gen 4th verce I found it good to serve god […]
Share this page:
Sunday 7 August 1836
This day, being Sunday, and the weather being fine, though the wind was still contrary, we had Divine Service on deck. Three ships were seen in the distance, also two large birds, supposed to be the albatross. This I thought an extraordinary circumstance, as we were then three hundred miles from land, the nearest being the Gold Coast.
Share this page:
Monday 8 August 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the NW employd all day gitting the companys things on shore In the everning had family worship read part of the 3d chapt of St Johns gospel to as many as whould attend Mr Richards and myself prayed O how good to have the Father of our Lord Jesus […]
Share this page:
Sunday 7 August 1836
Sunday 7 1836 Fair Left the Bay S by W 6 Bells had Church the Doctor was Chaplin the Carpinter Reader and a Comence of Singing the Paslms Mr Walters was turned out of the Gentlemen’s Company off from the Poop the wind But Light 4 Knots
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:
Saturday 6 August 1836
S-W Cut out Lower
Stunsell Built 6 Houses for
Gogs 3 Oclock halfter noon
a General Dispute took Place
Betwean the Emegrants
and the Captain Respecting
the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”rations”] rashings [/tooltip] and the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Either specified areas on deck limiting access to different groups of passengers for walking, parading or promenading, or just limited space.”] delimeted Spaise [/tooltip]
of Deck for Praiding the
weather Very fine Running 6½ Knots
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
8 OClock unbent Cables 100 Miles Clear of Land Clerd up the Birth and Gave Thomas Some Soap the wind fair with one Lower and fore Top men Stunsells Set Main Top men Stunsells and Geallent Sunsells Set. running 6 knots a hower
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
N,W 4 OClock in the morning Shortened Sail 4 Bells the wind Blue full S. West 2 Bells We Stode the Slack of the Cable Below I Pur chased ½ lb Tobaco Sold ¼ 2s Sold ¼ of the same 2s Gave 1 Bottle of rum to the Sailors
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
D,W thomas washed a Shirt
Handkerchiefe and one
Pair Of stockings Mr
Fink Consented for the
Cheaf Mate to Sleep in
his Cabbin to make room
for one of the feamaile
Pasangers that was Sick
Mrs Stuckey
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
S,W the wind Blew of our Starbor d quarter from 7 OClock in the Evening we Set the fore top main Stunsell and our main te Galen Stuncell we run 7½ Knots untill 10 OClock on Wednesday Morning
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:
Monday 1 August 1836
Monday Aug 1, 1836 the Captain put me in Committian to take charge of the Poultry the wind was faint made but 7 Miles all day tacking about and all Paple Sick saw the Buffloe 3 OClock in the morning of our Lee Quar ter/ ¾ Beef due to me
Share this page:
Sunday 31 July 1836
Got on the way 8 OClock in the Morning the Pilot Came on Bord and Left us 4 OClock and took 3 Letters ashore for me the Buffloe Cept our Company that haffter noon Close in Shore with a 5 Knott Breeze fair we had fresh Provisions and All in Good Spirits
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:
Sunday 31 July 1836
Rose at ½ past 7a.m. much refreshed and after a bath and breakfast felt nothing the worse for the extraordinary exertion of yesterday. Capn. Ross and Mr. Birdseye came off from the L.M.P. to attend prayers on board our ship and I returned with them and took dinner. After which I was obliged to send […]
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:
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:
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
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
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
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:
This work is licenced under a Creative Commons
Recent Comments