Thursday, Septr 22. Moderate & fine. Out all reefs, set royals & tgt studg sails. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 134 + 5054 = 5188. Late 11E17′ So. Longe 26E26′ Wt. P.M. Do Wr. Wind S.E. Head S.W.b S.
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Thursday 22 September 1836
22 September-Rainy and foggy weather; having seen as much as I wished of this beautiful plain, at eleven a.m. I returned to the brig; the rest of the day employed in getting things on board.
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Wednesday 21 September 1836
Wednesday Sepr 21. A fine breeze from the South East, steering direct for Cape Frio,distant about 1100 miles. Our water will barely last us so far although there is an evident inclination on the part of the Governor to prefer the Cape. There is however no sufficient reason given for the preference, or for running […]
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Wednesday 21 September 1836
Sept 21st The Merino’s were found this Forenoon in the Woods, at a considerable distance from here, and on their arrival, were secured by Cords to Tethering Irons — At Noon the Boat arrd from the “John Pirie” with all my Traps, except 2 Casks of Iron &c, which are landed at Kingscote and in […]
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Wednesday 21 September 1836
Wednesday, Septr 21. Modte & squally. Found all the bees in the hive
dead. A bed of finely-powdered earth having been prepared
& manured in a box, was sown with peach, apricot, almond, &
grape seeds, some soaked & others not; some in the shell, & some
out of it: it was then closed up tight, light being admitted.
(they all failed.)
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Wednesday 21 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 21.-This day, Wednesday, about noon, we anchored in Simon’s Bay. A gentleman and lady in the cabin of the name of Hallett, with their family of three children and a servant, joined us in a boat, as they preferred going on shore with us rather than with the cabin party, on account of their family. Some black natives came alongside, and we engaged one of their boats. When we reached shallow water, there being no jetty, we were carried on shore in the arms of the men, to our no small amusement, and my daughter Mary was the first of our party to set foot on Africa.
There is a small town here, as they call it, which consisted entirely of one street, or, rather, of one row of houses at the base of tremendous hills and facing the water. The whole much resembled a newly-founded watering-place in England. The inhabitants were chiefly English, with some Dutch, but we saw a great many of the native Africans, quite black, with woolly hair. They took much notice of us, and seemed to be well a ware that we had just arrived from England.
We went to the Anchor Inn, kept by an Englishman; others to different inns and lodgings, of which there were several in the town. We partook of lunch as soon as we arrived, of bread and cheese and butter, with bottled ale, all of which were excellent. Never did I relish anything so much, after being so long confined to ship diet, and this seemed to be the case with everyone. We then took a walk, as the weather was very fine, and returned to dinner at 4 o’clock. This consisted of a boiled leg of mutton and rump steaks, with potatoes and cabbage, followed by a bread pudding and excellent pastry. Four bottles of Cape wine were also placed on the table, and everything seemed to be in a style which we did not expect from the appearance of the place, especially as the Anchor was not the principal inn, which was called the Clarence, and where we first went. Some of the cabin party having taken possession of the latter house, the landlady turned us out rather unceremoniously, at which we were not a little surprised, considering our number – fourteen in all. However, we immediately went to the Anchor, and there remained till Friday afternoon, and most likely were the better customers, as all the cabin party set off the same night for Cape Town, about twenty miles distant…
There was not much to he had at Simon’s Bay besides fruit as the shops, or stores, as they were called, contained but little stock…
A sort of caravan, resembling a London omnibus, drawn by six horses and driven by a Malay with a tremendously long whip, brought the captain and party from Cape Town. I heard one gentleman say that he rode in one drawn by fourteen horses, but they are invariably small, and would bear no comparison with those of England. We likewise saw a light wagon, to which were attached eighteen bullocks.
The oranges are very fine. I bought a hundred for three-and-sixpence, also a hundred of a smaller sort, called snatches, for a shilling. Mr. Thomas purchased a box of raisins, containing twenty-eight pounds, for four shillings. They were very sweet and without stalks. There was also a great quantity of dried fruit, such as apples, pears, and apricots, but we were too early for grapes and melons, as we arrived in the spring…
Mr. Thomas purchased some potatoes for seed, and a roll of canvas for a tent to supplement a large one which we had on board…I bought a quart bottle of genuine cayenne pepper for seven-and-sixpence, some of which I have to this day.
I mention these things to apprise those who may have forgotten to provide themselves with some such necessary articles, and are fortunate enough to put in at the Cape of Good Hope, that they may be obtained at Simon’s Bay on reasonable terms, and I believe still cheaper at Cape Town. No doubt, in the lapse of time since we were there (nearly twenty-eight years) everything has been greatly improved and the stores are supplied with a greater variety.
On the whole we enjoyed ourselves very much, and so well satisfied was our landlord that before we parted he insisted upon our partaking of a bottle of champagne, and wished us a good voyage and prosperity in our new settlement. We had some difficulty in making him understand where it was to be, for at first he imagined that we were bound for Van Diemen’s Land, South Australia being then a new name for the colony, and I believe not till we arrived at the Cape had the inhabitants heard of such an intended settlement.
I must here mention the wine called Constantia, which, as our landlord told us, can only be produced in two or three vineyards within a small district where the soil is favourable to the growth of a particular grape from which it is made. It is very rich in flavour, and was indeed a treat to us. It sold at two shillings per bottle. The ordinary Cape wine was sold at a penny per glass. Mr. Hallett’s and our men were on shore drinking it as they did beer in England. It got the better of them, and they continued drinking and smoking nearly all night, making such an intolerable noise that we could not sleep. However, they seemed to enjoy themselves, like their masters, and the next day we treated them to a good breakfast and dinner, with sufficient wine to make them comfortable without being tipsy. They returned to the ship highly gratified.
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Wednesday 21 September 1836
21 September-Very warm; out surveying. The flies this day for the first time appeared in swarms and were dreadfully annoying.
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Tuesday 20 September 1836
Sept 20th Chandler commenced erecting himself a Cottage, and
to Day was assisted by Powell, The Merino Sheep having
strayed away Yestdy Eveng, G. Bates and his two Women
have been employ’d seeking them all this Day, without success __
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Tuesday 20 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 20.-This morning the cliffs of Simon’s Bay were distinctly visible, and gradually increased on the sight. A lofty range of mountains stretched on each side of us, and formed a grand spectacle, and, of course, an agreeable one to all on board, it being exactly twelve weeks since we left London.
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Tuesday 20 September 1836
On the morning of the 20th the “Duke of York” & the “Lady Mary Pelham” sailed with a fair wind for Hobart Town – I parted as I had allways been, very friendly with them both – gave them such instructions, advice, & assistance as I was able – & to the Duke of York I fired a salute of 15 guns in ½ minute time – (I had but one cannon, but it was worked in excellent style) She hove to to receive my salute & returned 7 guns the other ships all hoisting their A flag or standard, especially a military or naval one, indicating nationality. A national flag. Ensigns to the The flag of the South Australian company, which was said to have a Union Jack in the top left corner and three red kangaroos on a blue background. Company’s Flag . Her parting signal which she hoisted when at a long distance was – “Peace be with you”. I answered it from my heart & I fervently pray God’s Blessing may rest upon our Colony. Captain Martin sails for Hobart Town in a day or two & I am busy preparing for him, besides all which I am going Deo Volente - God Willing (D.V.) to be married to morrow & have a few little arrangements to make for that Solemn Ceremony.
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Tuesday 20 September 1836
20 September-Out surveying, and walked up the valley; running in a south-easterly direction, between very high hills. I was enchanted with this spot, it put me in mind of some of the orchards in Devonshire, and I found it plentifully supplied with fresh water. From this valley we ascended the hills, crossed over to the seacoast, and returned to our tents; the whole distance fine soil.
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Tuesday 20 September 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the NE fine weather at 7 fired a gun a signal for sailing and hove in some cable at 9 hove the anchor off the ground but found the vessel canted the rong way gave the ship cable again and got out the cadge to cant the ship hove […]
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Tuesday 20 September 1836
20th Septr
…We had no shaving on crossing the line – We
passed it in the night at about 12 o’clock – Some of the most
learned affirm they felt the shiver on its entry to the Southern
Hemisphere. All the lights in the ship except the Ships were equipped with magnetic compasses that were kept on deck in a binnacle that could be illuminated at night by means of a lamp. Binnacle lamp ,
are all put out at ten o’clock at night…
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Tuesday 20 September 1836
Tuesday, Septr 20. Moderate, & squally occasionally. Busy A military exercise in rifle handling. drilling
the labouring emigrants in the use of the A muzzle-loaded, smooth bore long gun, fired from the shoulder. musket .
Noon. Fine weather. Miles run, 132 + 4788 = 4920. Lat. 7E48′ South
Longe 23E58′ Wt. P.M. Do Wr. Wind S.E. Ship’s head, S.W.b S.
Fine moonlight night. A dance performed by four couples. It became popular in England after 1813. Quadrilles & country dances on deck.
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Monday 19 September 1836
19th Septr Mr Slater, I have found him to be very kind to
me he has taught me many useful things – he and Mr Williams
I think are my greatest friends – he is so very much liked by our
cabin passengers that he sleeps and very often takes his meals in
our cabin – he is a very different kind of person to what he was
when I saw him at Gravesend, he has always a pleasant word for
everybody – I am invited every Thursday (by Captn Duff &
Wife) to dine in the 1 st cabin – an honour which very few are
allowed…
We manage to make bread now though we
have to make the yeast – there are several ways of making it;
but Mr Williams’ proves to be the best. We have five messes in
the second cabin for I am sorry to say they very much disagree.
Give my love to all dear friends – I should have written to Kate,
but I am pressed for time – how is she and how is the baby – has
it been christened yet – by the by there has been a child born
on board by a Mrs Parcel a steerage passenger. Mrs Brown was
proposing that something should be done for him and I think so
too…
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Sunday 18 September 1836
18 September-Sunday, calm and cloudy, employed all the early part in sending necessary things on shore; at half past ten, went myself; being Sunday, we worked only as absolutely necessary; rain all night.
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Monday 19 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 19.-A tremendous sea, though but little wind, which is usual in these parts. This evening there was a faint glimmering of the Cape of Good Hope. It appeared like a cloud at a great distance, and none but those who had been to sea before would have taken it for land.
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Sunday 18 September 1836
…in the forenoon
the The flag of the Bethel Union, a seaman’s missionary organisation with the word Bethel (House of God) blazened across a blue background with a star above and a dove with olive branch below. The flag was used by various organisations such as Angas' British and Foreign Sailors' Society to indicate that a church service was taking place aboard a ship in harbour. bethel (House of God) blazened across a blue background with a star above and a dove with olive branch below. The flag was used by various organisations such as Angas’ British and Foreign Sailors’ Society to indicate that a church service was taking place aboard a ship in harbour.”] bethel flag [/tooltip] being hoisted ceveral came on board with
which three females Mrs Bear who came out with us was
one being restored nearly to her right mind and to her children…
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Sunday 18 September 1836
The Sunday School again commenced, but there is
a luke warmness upon the subject which is truly lamentable.
It is however impossible to interfere. Education, and the
religious instruction of the young are unhappily not regarded
by those in the highest places as of paramount importance
to good government or the social well-being of our colonists.
Mr Fisher and I deriving some consolation from the reflection that
on the Legislative Council more than any one individual,
and on the right direction of public opinion by means of the
press, will depend the due developement of its energies and
the administration of impartial and well digested
laws. It would indeed be a matter of lasting regret if the good
intentions of the supporters of the Colony should either not have
fair play, or be thwarted by the wrong-sighted obstinacy
of Captain Hindmarsh, who, whatever may be the amount
of honest purpose in his profession, is, (I deeply regret to perceive
it, but the truth must be spoken) daily displaying capabilities
for any thing but the science of discreet government.
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Sunday 18 September 1836
We are now within 400 miles of the Cape of Good Hope, the
passengers are all expectation…
You ask me to describe my chum Mr Williams
– well then – he is middle sized – wears a black wig – has red
eye lashes – he is very kind to me indeed as well as to everybody
else – in the next cabin is Mr Thomas though a very goodnatured
man, is nevertheless very hot-tempered; though I have never felt
his wrath he does not appear to be liked very well by the Mediterranean
Passengers (as the steerage folks call us). Mr Everard and
family come next. Mr Everard is a very nice quiet man,- but his
wife just the contrary – the next is Mr and Mrs Lewis they are
very quiet, but Mrs Lewis does not appear to be very respectable
– the next is a Mr Ward and Mr Deacon – Mr Ward is a very
goodnatured, humorous man of about 30 years of age rather
corpulent – he is a lawyer – Mr Deacon is a rather old man very
changeable and fidgetty – Mr Nantes and Mr Skipper are the
next. Mr Nantes is a quiet young man – Mr Skipper is a person
I don’t know very much about on account of his taking his meals
in the 1 st Cabin.
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Monday 19 September 1836
Monday, Septr 19. Modte weather, squally at times. Rose at 5, & saw
the Southern Cross for the first time since 1824. Wind
S.E. Head S.W.b S. Noon. Moderate & fine. Miles run 125 + 4663
= 4788. Late obs. 5E50′ So. Longe 6E. A A dance performed by four couples. It became popular in England after 1813. quadrille on the The quarter deck was the deck between the main mast and the back of the ship. quarter deck .
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Monday 19 September 1836
Sept 19th The Men arrd here at Noon, and were accompd by
Powells Wife, and Chandlers Children, they were all employ’d the
remainder of the Day, getting up their Chests, Bedding &c, to this
Station from the Beach _______
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Sunday 18 September 1836
Sunday, Septr 18. Mode & squally. In tgt sails. Set Do. 10. Fine. Performed Divine Service. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 116 + 4547=4663. Lat. 4E00′ So. Longe 21E31′ Wt. P.M. Mode & drizzly occasionally. Saw a large shark. Sunset. In 2d reefs of topsls.
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Monday 19 September 1836
… I took a boat and
went to the new setlement wher the Cignet landed her
emegrants they have twelve military tents erected and
all the emegrants emplyd some building a store house
out of bussh and Captn Lipson building a bussh house
for part of his large family some cooking and so on
we dined with Dr Wright and family in his tent all
in this setlement seems to be carryed on with experdition
and order and serbordernation we returned to the other
setlement I found three of my crew drunken Clavil
Lidard and Spratly we had no disturbance with them
we had a meeting and conferance spoke mostly on
drunkeness I knew in one ship of three cases men loosing
thier lives through drunkeness
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Saturday 17 September 1836
17 September-Calm and fine; at nine, Messrs Pullen, Claughton, Jacob and Woodforde (surgeon) landed to walk to Yankalilla. I went in my gig to examine an inlet about two miles to the northward, where I appointed a meeting with these gentlemen, desiring Mr Field to get under way and proceed to Yankalilla as soon as he could. On landing at this little inlet, which I shall call Finniss Valley, I found a little cove fit to moor a vessel of 70 or 90 tons, in any weather, but there is only room for one; and there is a beautiful stream of fresh water running into the sea, where a boat may approach to within fifty yards of a good spot for filling water casks. On joining my shipmates on the rising ground above, we beheld a valley three times as extensive as the last, and equally rich in soil; there is abundance of wood all the way, yet not so thick but that agriculture might be pursued without the trouble of clearing. From this we walked to Yankalilla, over undulating ground of good quality, and wooded in the same manner as before mentioned; passing several little runs of water which are dry in summer, sometimes edging our way down to the sea-at others, bending inland, mounting and descending as the ground presented itself: but having just landed, we were all quite satisfied when the walk was over. At two p.m., I went on board and sent the tents on shore.
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Saturday 17 September 1836
Saturday, Septr 17. Moderate & rainy. 7. Wind S.E. Head S.W. 8. Mode & fine. Set ftmstudg sail, flyg jib & royals. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 111 + 4436 = 4547. Late 2E20′ So. Longe 20E20′ Wt. Wind S.E. b S. In ftmstudg sail. Sunset. In 2d reefs of topsails. Fair wind.
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Saturday 17 September 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the NWd AM prepared to git
under weigh at noon unmoored ship and got under weigh
came to anchor faceing the setlement in 4 A fathom is a measure of depth in the imperial system. One fathom is equal to six feet or 1.83 metres. fathoms water
cleared the decks down and prepaired for sabath…
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Saturday 17 September 1836
Sept 17th Bates & Chandler have been busy at my Cottage
since Tuesday last, and to Day were assisted by Powell, in
the Eveng they all went to Kingscote, leaving me again quite alone
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Saturday 17 September 1836
From Rapid Bay we proceeded to a spot about nine
miles to the Northwd (up the Gulf) where we remained 4 days the
native name was Yankalila which the Colonel retained.
We were equally pleased with this spot as Rapid Bay. The
country presenting a park like appearance in rather disorder
from want of attention many spots completely ready for any agri-
-cultural purpose. We remained here but a short time the Colonel
being anxious to complete his examination. The first anchorage
after Yankalila we were greatly deceived in the appearance of
the country on a close examination which gave rise to the name
it now retains (Deception Bay)…
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Saturday 17 September 1836
I have purposely avoided making a memorandum of the conveniences of our cabin until I should have had time to test them practically; it is now more than ten weeks since we came on board, and considering the time sufficient to enable me to ascertain their relative worth, with a view to the guidance of others who may follow my steps, I shall now describe them and the cabin itself. The cabin I occupy is the larboard stern cabin, besides the two stern windows, there is a ventilator on the deck about three feet in diameter which however is divided between mine and the adjacent cabin. Thus I have a sufficiency of air and light for all purposes. But there is an advantage in the possession of a stern cabin far beyond that of ventilation or even abundance of light: viz. the power of abstracting oneself from the company of the rest of the passengers. In our case, the companion ladder is between the stern cabin and the cuddy, so that when the door is shut, it is impossible to hear the never ceasing conversation in which some of the party are sure to be engaged. To be alone is the greatest luxury which we enjoy on board; were I the occupant of a cabin adjacent to the cuddy, I verily believe, that instead of passing my time agreeably, I should be suffering from a brain fever caused by the continual din and noise of my worthy fellow passengers…
In the list of ‘cabin comforts’ a filter stands preeminent. The water on board the Africaine is I should think as good as is generally found in ships; but I, who however am to a great extent a water drinker, should much feel the want of this little machine. Mine was purchased of James in the Poultry, and filters very brightly. By way of protection it is enclosed in the wickerwork.—I have two cabin lamps, and one candlestick: they are all useful. The candle is enclosed in the candlestick, and is forced up to the socket with a spring, and the whole has a universal joint to accommodate itself to the motion of the ship. By this I write andread. The night lanthorn was bought of Miller in Piccadilly, and is convertible into a variety of purposes: it is a dark lanthorn, a hand lanthorn, a chaise lamp, & a night lamp. The other is a nursery lamp upon Davy’s principle, with a kettle and saucepans to fix on the top: this afforded Harriet during her illness at the commencement of the voyage excessive comfort; by its means in about fifteen minutes I have been able to supply her in the course of the night with a cup of tea or arrow root, things which could not have been obtained by any other means… at all events I would recommend a few things to be procured for use in the cabin, amongst which I would name the following articles: — half a dozen bottles of brandy of the best quality in case of sickness; some dried fruits (such as figs, almonds & raisins, prunes) by way of dessert, a luxury which of course the ship does not provide, but which becomes almost a necessary to health if the voyage is undertaken at a time of the year when potatoes will not keep; some of Gamble’s preserved provisions, especially mutton broth and vegetables in the smallest canisters; some of [?Lemsan’s] biscuits in tins; and one each of sago, arrow root, and prepared groats for gruel…
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Friday 16 September 1836
Sept 16th Powell having been engaged at his own Cottage, all the Week, finished it this Eveng
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Friday 16 September 1836
Friday. Septr 16. Moderate & fine. At 3, a sailor heaving the lead in the main chains, fell overboard, & it was some time before he was missed; the ship was then hove to, & a boat lowered to look for him; but although a good swimmer, he could not be found: blue-lights & muskets […]
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Friday 16 September 1836
Friday Sepr 16 Gloom seems to be daily becoming more
the natural element of the Buffalo. In place of the
mirth which last evening promised us, a most a gloomy state of mind. melancholy
crossing the line we have had. One of the sailors a young
man named Story, the only support of a widowed mother,
fell overboard last night while heaving the lead, The action or process of measuring the depth of water with a sounding line, a line marked at intervals of fathoms and weighted at one end. A fathom is a unit of length equal to 6 feet (1.83 metres). sounding
for a shoal marked in the Admiralty Charts but which is in
fact generally believed not to exist. He was missed in a few
minutes after the accident had taken place, and a boat
was lowered, but he was lost. To add to the misery of his
fate the poor fellow was an excellent swimmer, and
most probably suffered a horrible & lingering death. It
seems astonishing that the readiest and most efficient
means of salvation in such cases should not have been thought
of, and that the life buoy was not let go: it is provided with
a light and he might have seen it and swam to it, while
he could not see the boat. Since this accident the Sentry on
the poop has received orders to slip the life buoy at the cry
of “a man overboard”, without waiting for orders from the
officer of the watch. This might have been done before,
it may however yet be useful.
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Friday 16 September 1836
16 September-We did not get all on board before two p.m., and from the variable winds and dark cloudy weather coming on, I did not think it right to get under way.
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Friday 16 September 1836
This 24 hours light winds and rain at times employd
prepairing for sea…
… bless the Lord O my soul may my beloved wife and children
be the care of the all wise all mercifull Creator Redeemer & santifier
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Thursday 15 September 1836
9 p.m. Thursday, 15th Sept.
After we had turned in last night Captain Martin came on board on his way to Kangaroo Island from his trip up the Gulf. He gave us a very favourable account of the country and the few natives he met with were peaceable – but as we are going the same road in a day or two we shall be able to judge for ourselves. After breakfast Martin, Hill and myself went on shore to the tents and had not long been there before our Sealer returned from Encounter Bay bringing with him eight of the natives who promised to take care of our garden. These men are much the same in appearance and belong to the same tribe as the two we saw on the Island. There were no women with them except those belonging to the Sealers. It appears that the small-pox commits great ravages against them as three of them were deeply pitted and one has lost an eye from the same disease. Two of them had congenital malformations – the most singular – of the arm, there being in the place of that useful member a shrivelled stump not more than ten inches in length with three small appendages the rudiments of fingers at the end of it. They are all more or less tattooed in a very rude way, the principal incisions being on the back and two very large ones of a similar shape over each blade-bone. Their faces are free from these mutilations which are made with pieces of flint. This tribe is a very small one – a great number being carried off yearly by disease and a still greater number being put to death shortly after their birth. They hold a …[pages torn from journal]
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Thursday 15 September 1836
At last Cooper returned with
about a dozen of the tribe some of them fine looking
fellows & made themselves very useful there was given
them biscuit & Soldiers old clothes of which they were very
proud & in the evening by way of expressing their joy
at the white mans arrival they danced a corrobory. __
Ye ladies could you see a corrobory you’d blush
but now in the colony it is gone out of fashion
So I shall imagine I’m speaking to the Colonial
Cadet & give a brief but imperfect sketch of
the above dance. The men some supplied with a
couple of sticks are ranged near a few small embers
which is sparingly fed by one of the women who are
seated on the ground with their legs tucked under them [something?]
All’a Tuck resting on their Knees a skin (of some sort
chiefly Kangaroo)which they beat with their hands. It commences
with a low monotonous chant beating the stick’s the
dancers at the same time moving in slow
& [keeping?] very regular time at last it becomes loud and furious
but with every regularity maintained The contortions
of the body are numerous and all being in Natures only
dress, with the dull blaze emitted from the few embers
the noise to a New comer it exites almost a degree of terror & might
imagine a few of the inhabitens of Pandemonium
had broken loose. In some case they work themselves
up to such a state of exitement that the countenance
is truly terrific, but yet how soon they calm down the
next moment you’d not imagine the being before
you was the same.
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Thursday 15 September 1836
Thursday, Septr 15th. Moderate & fine. Wind S.S.E. Head S.W. Miles run, 102 + 4228 = 4330. Noon. Do Wr. Lat. 0E21′ No. Longe 17E50′ Wt. 6. Quadrilles & country dances on the quarter-deck. At 7.30. The approach of Neptune being notified by the man look- -ing out on the forecastle, the mizen topsail was […]
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Thursday 15 September 1836
Thursday September 15. Crossed the line this afternoon
thermometer at 74. In the evening the ship was hailed
by Neptune, who announced his intention of paying us
a visit on the morrow. The Water sprite then burned his
blue light, sent up his rocket, and sailed gaily away in
his lighted car. Great preparations are making for the
Saturnalia, and amusing pictures are drawn by those
who have undergone the process of lathering shaving and
ducking for the comfort and edification of the uninitiated.
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Thursday 15 September 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the southd at day light sent two boats for water at 3 they returned with 9 casks got off two boat loads of wood carpenter repairing the spare boat the painter repareing the boats oars In the morning being foreward on deck in looking down the fore hatchway swareing […]
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Thursday 15 September 1836
15 September-Fine weather, employed in surveying. My servant, Cooper, who had volunteered to go to Encounter Bay, returned with a tribe of natives, who soon became intimate with our men. Having now spent as much time as I could well spare in this little paradise, I made preparations for returning on board; and at two p.m., sent the surveying instruments on board, and at four embarked myself, leaving Messrs Pullen, Claughton and Jacob, and the men on shore, to embark the following day with the tents, &c. The natives were engaged to remain and take care of our garden.
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Wednesday 14 September 1836
This 24 hours light winds and squally attended with calms employd cutting wood and doing other nessary work carpenter repareing the boats we found some fine chaulck and procured some for Ships use In the evening had family service read part of 16th chapt of St John with commentry
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Wednesday 14 September 1836
Wednesday 14th September.
This morning, the weather being beautiful, Field and I started after breakfast with our guns and penetrated nearly three miles into the interior which considering the height of the hills we found a very long and fatiguing walk. We met with no sport but the views from the top of the hills were beautiful. The soil in the valleys is excellent but that on the hills is shallow and mixed with rock and stones of many kinds, viz: lime-stone, coarse slate and an inferior kind of marble. We found some fine Cypress and Cedar trees, likewise daisies similar to those found in English meadows. Flinders mentions a peculiar feature of the country which we found very striking in today’s excursion. I allude to the combustion which a great part of the trees have undergone and which I can only attribute to the passage of the Electric fluid and not, as some have said, to the burning of the bush by the natives. My reasons for coming to this conclusion are first, that the same phenomenon exists in Kangaroo Is. Where there are no natives: and secondly, that the trees thus found are for the most part isolated, there being no traces of combustion around them – indeed I have in many instances found a large tree reduced almost to charcoal surrounded by and close to a cluster of others in a state of vigorous health. There are many speculations on this subject which will be, I doubt not, soon set at rest. If lightning had been the cause we shall most probably see its most recent effects in the summer and our intercourse with the natives will satisfy us as to its being their handywork or not. We dined at the tents and then came off.
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Wednesday 14 September 1836
Sept 14th Mr Stephens paid us a visit to Day, accompd by the Captain of the Cygnet, and left 2 She Goats, and 2 Sow’s belonging that Vessel, to recruit here a while _____
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Wednesday 14 September 1836
14 September-Light breezes and very cold.Employed in taking angles.
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Wednesday 14 September 1836
Wednesday Sept. 14. Today it was ordered by the Governor that
the Emigrants should be instructed in the manual exercise.
In order that no objection should be made, the Gentlemen
passengers were first asked to A military exercise in rifle handling. drill , and they agreed to
do so with great good nature. The Emigrants were then
paraded and went through their exercise very respectably
for a first attempt. They are to be A military exercise in rifle handling. drilled regularly by
the corporal of Marines until they are perfectly au fait.
That an armed body should exist for the enforcement of
the laws in the event of popular or individual resist-
-ance may perhaps be necessary, but the idea which
appears to exist in some quarters, that they are required
as a means of defence or aggression against the natives
cannot be too soon repudiated. A hostile shot shall never
be fired against them if I can help it either by pen
or print; the proper force after all, would be a small
body of regular soldiers say 25 or 30, to be paid by the
Colony, and liable to do the requisite duty.
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Wednesday 14 September 1836
Nepean Bay Kangaroo Island 14th Sepr, 1836 I am sure you will be pleased to hear that we arrived here safely the day before yesterday after a long but calm and pleasant passage. We got off the Western Coast of Kangaroo Island the beginning of last week after a favourable run from Rio, but had […]
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Wednesday 14 September 1836
Wednesday, Septr 14. Modte & fine wr. Wind S.S.E. Head S.W. Miles run, 92 + 4136 = 4228. Noon. Do Wr. P.M. Mode & fine. Late 1E40′ No. Longe 16E46′. Sunset. In 1st reefs of topsails. 10. Small rain.
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Tuesday 13 September 1836
September 13th I have been very unwell for three or four days – splitting headache & rheumatism. Today however being quite recovered, I wrote or rather finished a letter to my Mother. The wind has been still favorable, and we now confidently expect to spend next Sunday at the Cape. The number of persons on […]
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Tuesday 13 September 1836
Tuesday, Septr 13. Modte & fine. Head W.S.W. Wind South. Aired the bedding. The gentlemen emigrants were subjected to their first military training. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 108 + 4028 = 4136. Late 2E28′ No. Long 15E25′ Wt. Commenced to drill the emigrant labourers. 6. Quadrilles on the quarter-deck.
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Tuesday 13 September 1836
Sept 13th Chandler & Bates were engaged at my Cottage, and Powell at his own, the whole of this Day _______
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Tuesday 13 September 1836
13 September-Fresh breezes and squally, with hard rain; being anxious to get on with my work, Mr Pullen and I sallied forth, but the weather was so thick and boisterous we could do very little.
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Tuesday 13 September 1836
10 p.m. Tuesday, 13th September I have spent this day much in the same way as yesterday i.e., in the forenoon preparing fishing gear and the afternoon in making use of it and have been equally successful. “The Parrot-Fish” has been eaten by some of the crew and has proved wholesome.
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Tuesday 13 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 13.-Going at ten and a half knots an hour.
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Tuesday 13 September 1836
This 24 hours light wind and A squall is a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed. squalls with rain
employd cutting wood and other nessary work the carp
enter reparing the boats
In the everning had family worship read the word
of god with singing and prayer
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Tuesday 13 September 1836
Tuesday September 13. This morning the south east trade
wind reached us and we are now within 100 miles of the equator.
A conversation with the Governor, Mr Fisher, & Mr Jickling
to-day on the subject of the establishment of a Public
Library in the Colony, regarding which both Mr Fisher and
myself are exceedingly anxious. The governor is inclined
to throw cold water on our project. “It is of no use,” said he,
“what good will books do our Colony?” but I strongly
suspect neither Fisher nor myself will be deterred from
doing our conscientious duty by such an opinion. The
ship continues to be made a carpenter’s shop, – hot-houses
dog-houses and other sorts of houses for the Captain
are in progress, and there is from morning to night such a
complication of noises, hammering, sawing, planing,
that the Ladies & passengers and Emigrants generally
suffer dreadfully from these various annoyances.
Little regard indeed is paid to their comfort at any
time: poor Mrs Fisher has the carpenter’s shop precisely over
her bed, while that part of the 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 under which are the
cabins of the Governor’s family is carefully secured from
noise by being covered with trusses of hay. The Governor’s
dogs are allowed to run loose, bite, as they have done, the
Emigrants & crew at their pleasure, and to perform all
manner of beastlinesses where they have a mind; while
the dogs of the passengers are sedulously cooped up.
In a man-of-war it seems the Captain’s property and
chattels are always especially attended to; those belonging
to others must take their chance – that is the rule. It is
a pity Governor Hindmarsh should act upon it. Public
respect & popularity are not usually acquired by decided
acts of selfishness.
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Sunday 11 September 1836
Anchored in Nepean Bay 11th Sep. Kingston
received a letter from Coll Light acquainting
him that after forming his settlement and
landing the stores at Fresh water River, He
was to proceed in the Cygnet with the Surveyors
to Port Lincoln.
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Monday 12 September 1836
Sept 12th At Noon Bates & Powell came from Kingscote
having been there all Night, and were accompd by a Man named
Chandler, who came to fill the place of Mitchell, in the After-
-noon Powell was assisted by Chandler building his own Cottage
and Bates was engaged along with myself, looking for the
Merino Sheep, which had stray’d away, but found them again
before it was quite Dark _________
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Sunday 11 September 1836
Sunday, Septr 11. Modte & squally, rain at times. Head S.E. Wind S.S.W. The weather prevented the performance of Divine Service. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 80 +3829 = 3917. Late 2E49′ No. Longe 12E10′ Wt. P.M. Fresh breezes & cloudy. 5. Wore Ship. Head W.b N.
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Sunday 11 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 11.-For the last two days the wind has been blowing right astern, which, though it sent us on at a rapid rate, caused the vessel to rock from side to side in a manner that was very unpleasant.
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Monday 12 September 1836
12 September-Heavy rain with strong gusts of wind; could do nothing in the survey.
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Sunday 11 September 1836
8 p.m. Sunday, 11th September. Our Sealer and his women were dispatched this morning to Encounter Bay to endeavour to engage some of the natives to take care of the garden during our cruize. I have again remained at home all day. The weather is again fair, the wind having moderated.
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Sunday 11 September 1836
This 24 hours strong winds from the eastward I left the Cignet safe to anchor and returned on board found the officers and crew all well and was kindly received by them for which I decire to be gratefull. For Allmighty god and saviour and for keeping them and me and hope to be made […]
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Monday 12 September 1836
9 p.m. Monday, 12th September. This morning Field and I started with the jolly-boat after breakfast to try our luck with the hook and line and in the course of two hours we caught sufficient fish for all hands. Among them were the Bream, Cavaheros Rock-Cod and a very curious looking fish called by our […]
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Monday 12 September 1836
This 24 hours strong winds from the southd attended with rain employd wooding and other jobs as needfull carpenter fitting the boats In the evening had family worship read the 32d chapt of exidous with comment sung and found god to be Jehovah sung with melody in our hearts – I find to day that […]
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Monday 12 September 1836
Monday, Septr 12th. Moderate & cloudy wr. Head W.b N. Wind S.W.b S. Washed clothes. Miles run 111 +3917 = 4028. Lat. 2E40′ North. Longe 12E33′ Wt. P.M. Modte & cloudy. making very little progress.
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Saturday 10 September 1836
Saturday September 10th 1836 This 24 hours blowing hard from the SE I still keept on board of the Cignet we where beating towards the harbour and make ing but little way heareing the people giveing three chears foreward I in inquired and found it was on account of the birth of the before mentioned […]
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Saturday 10 September 1836
Remained on board all day as the weather was not tempting and I felt fatigued with yesterday’s ramble. The women returned this morning with a fine kangaroo part of which Hill and myself dined off. All the rest of the Officers dined on shore at the tents. They have been busy digging up a piece […]
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Saturday 10 September 1836
…Having found that there had been a good deal of petty thieving from the Company’s stores I to day dismissed the person (Neal) who had the charge (by night) of it and appointed Mr Shreyvogel to take his place.
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Saturday 10 September 1836
10 September-Fresh breezes and fine weather, very cold air. Employed all day examining the valley.
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Saturday 10 September 1836
Saturday, Septr 10. Modte & hazy wr. Head S.E. Wind S.S.W. Washed lower deck, & got up the emigrants’ luggage. Noon. Do Wr. No observation of the Sun. Miles run 73 + 3756 = 3829. Lat. D.R. 3E22′ N. Longe 13E40′ W. P.M. Moderate and hazy. Sunset. Mustered at Quarters, & in 1st & 2d […]
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Saturday 10 September 1836
10th at noon within 6 miles of point Marsden close hauled beating up with a strong tide carrying us bodily to leeward the moon was new at midnight the old moon having passed the Meridian at 20 to 12. At 2 oclock on the morning of the 10th the tide appeared to slacken for the […]
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Saturday 10 September 1836
Sept 10th During last Night, the other poor Merino Ram that came up from Kingscote in such a miserable condition died, his Loins were very much bruised, and Kidneys swell’d, which I have no doubt was caused by the rough usage he experienced in the Journey to this Station the 30th Ult
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Friday 9 September 1836
9th. Rose at 3 A.M. had a cup of tea and at a few minutes past 4 put off with Mr Dawsea & 5 hands for the well below Point Marsden taking a raft of casks in tow to fill with water. Landed at 15 minutes to 7 & soon after put off again with […]
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Friday 9 September 1836
9th Sep sailed up Investigators Strait with the
wind from the Southward. when about 14
miles from point Marsden we were board
by a boat which proved to be the
whale boat of the Duke of York whose
Captain was in her. He had come round
for vegetables which were grown in the
garden of a settler. He informed us that
the Duke of York had anchored 44 days
that the Lady Mary Pelham, the John
Pirie had also arrived as well as Coll
Light with the Rapid. We learnt also
that Coll Light having waited for a
a fortnight had left the Island to
proceed round the Gulph St Vincent
about 2 days ago.
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Friday 9 September 1836
Sept 9th Mr Stephens came up to this Station, he had a Lot of Tools in the boat for us, after remaining here a short time, he left, taking Mitchell along with him ________
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Friday 9 September 1836
9 September-Being so much pleased with my excursion yesterday, I determined on running the brig more in shore, and remaining here some days; we therefore got under way, and ran into seven fathoms water; at nine, sent four tents on shore, but it took us nearly till dark before we could land all that was […]
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Friday 9 September 1836
Friday September 9th 1836
This 24 hours strong winds at times at ½ past 5 in the mor
ning I left the ship with one boat to procure some vegatable
to one of the sealers farms we rowed about 13 miles and
landed at the farm a most miseryable place We began
to dig pertatoes and percured about half a sack we got a few
turnips and some cabages seeing a sail off the farm I went
on board and found it to be the Cignet with 99 men women
and Children on board and the 100th born while on board
which was a girl this ship was to be here as soon as ourselves
but is 45 days after so much for bosting they have all bing preserved in
health and safety but curseing swareing on board in abundance
the surveyors where thankfull for my little services in pointing out to
them the harbour for which they where extremely wellcome
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Friday 9 September 1836
Friday, Septr 9. Moderate breezes & fine. An American barque to leeward. Head S.E.b E. Wind S.b W. Miles run, 84 + 3672 = 3756. Late 3E50′ No. Longe […] One mile nearer the line than yesterday. P.M. Light winds & fine. In 2d reefs.
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Friday 9 September 1836
We weighed at daybreak and ran in a mile nearer the beach and after breakfast Hill and I with the jolly-boat’s crew took the seine and our guns on shore, but with both were equally unsuccessful. We however had more time for examining the country and the more we saw of it the more we […]
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Thursday 8 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 8.-A delightful morning and not so cold; very little wind ancl making slow progress.
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Thursday 8 September 1836
September 8th Margaret Clark is again in disgrace. Yesterday she bit her fellow servant’s arm so as to cause the blood to flow from each indentation of the teeth, and scratched her mercilessly. On the girl’s complaining to me I sent her to the captain and requested him to use his discretion about the punishment to be inflicted. Having heard both parties and finding Clark altogether to blame, he ordered the steward to cut off the hair from one side of her head which was immediately done; the culprit however seemed to treat the matter rather as a good joke, than as a punishment, laughing and talking with the people about her during the whole operation. I cannot but think the girl is deranged; if not, surely there never was so malicious and designing a little a derogatory term applied to women jade in human guise. It is our intention to leave her at the Cape under the protection of the Committee of the The Children’s Friend Society was one of a number of schemes designed to promote child migration as a means of improving public order. It was formed in 1830 as the ‘Society for the Suppression of Juvenile Vagrancy, through the reformation and emigration of children’ and by 1832 had sent children to the Cape of Good Hope and the Swan River Colony. Others were sent to Canada. Children’s Friend Society , in exchange for another girl if one can be procured. The other girl (Vincent) behaves with great propriety and is fast ingratiating herself into the esteem of her mistress.
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Thursday 8 September 1836
Before leaving [Kangaroo Island] the Colonel engaged a man by the name of Cooper
& his family, a sealer & had been about 7 years on the Island he was to
act as Pilot his wives (two native women) and Kangaroo dogs
were to supply us with fresh meat. When all ready started for Gulf
St Vincent the distance across from Nepean Bay to Cape Jervis
the East pt of the Gulf being about 25 miles we reached it that
evening. Many & various were the opinions given on the near
approach to the land, it was indeed beautiful presenting
more the appearance of a park than land that had
been for centuries trodden by uncultivated savages. How
anxious were we to get on shore, no sooner was the anchor down
& sails furled than off we started appearances had
not indeed deceived us we were delighted & many castles
built and conjectures on prosperity likely to arise
out of such a scene as was presented to us, Nothing
but luxuriant foliage & oh! a thick sward of many
and various flowers what was to expected from the
act of man when such was the state of the place while
in a Nature’s garden. Cooper was sent off with
his women to bring in the tribe of the place while we were
busily employed getting tents & provisions on shore for the
Colonel & surveying party it being the intention to remain
here a few days. A garden was made & stocked with seeds
we had brought with us The Bay and valley examined to
satisfaction & named after the brig being the first vessel
ever having anchored there
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Thursday 8 September 1836
Thursday Sept 8 due E went about fine G White apperd to Strike me and his brother made a List of names for Mr Nep.
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Thursday 8 September 1836
Thursday September 8th 1836 This 24 hours gentle breeses from the SE sent some water casks to the well some people wooding and some pain ting dried the sails carpenter employd fitting a boat and other work as needfull In the everning had family prayer read a lecture on the parable of the sower delivered […]
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Thursday 8 September 1836
Weighed at daybreak and after a very pleasant sail came to at 1 p.m. just under the western side of Cape Jervis in a Bay affording good shelter except for North-West winds. The land from the ship had a very promising appearance and when we landed, which a party of us did after dinner we […]
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Thursday 8 September 1836
Thursday, Septr 8. Modte & fine. Wind S.S.W. Tacked. Head S.E. Miles run, 97 + 3575 = 3672. Lat. 3E51′ No. Longe 16E28′ Wt. P.M. Do Wr. A dutch brig in Co. Also a Ship to leeward. Sunset. In 1st reefs of the topsails. Midnight. Light winds & fine.
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Thursday 8 September 1836
8th. A beautiful day & a happy one to me. We are all going along in excellent temper & good discipline my last rebel (Mr Schreyvogel) this morning came & asked my pardon & requested I would allow him to resume his duties. I did so immediately, & fancy that I shall not in a hurry have any of them attempt to play the same pranks. I have been severely tried for the last 6 weeks but thank God that I have been sustained & that I have good reason to suppose peace & good order is now permanently established…
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Thursday 8 September 1836
8 September-Very light airs; at six got under way, and stood for the N.W. bluff; at thirty minutes p.m. came to an anchor in ten fathoms, a beautiful little valley in view. At two, I went on shore, and was enchanted with the appearance of the whole. A fine stream of fresh water ran through the middle of the valley into the sea, and the soil was rich beyond expectation; my hopes were now raised to a pitch I cannot describe. I walked up one of the hills, and was delighted to find that as far as I could see, all around, there was an appearance of fertility, and a total absence of those wastes and barren spots, which the accounts I received in England had led me to expect.
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Wednesday 7 September 1836
Every [sic] this morning goes on pleasantly. Capn Martin with 3 of the Islanders, 2 sailors (found by me), 1 native man & 2 Women, Arms & provisions &c &c set out in my boat for the main intending however to sleep the 2 first nights on the Banks of the “Morgan” & at Kangaroo […]
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Wednesday 7 September 1836
We left Nepean Bay at 9 a.m. this morning to proceed to Gulf St. Vincent, but at 3 p.m. it fell so calm that we were obliged to drop anchor about halfway across the passage – There was a fine breeze all the morning but as it was not fair, which together with the tide […]
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Wednesday 7 September 1836
7 September-At half past eight, light airs and fine, got under way for Gulf St Vincent; at half past three, becalmed, with no prospect of a breeze; came to an anchor outside the shoal.
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Wednesday 7 September 1836
Wednsday Sept 7 S – E 2 points off her Course Running 7 Nots Qr W no B
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Wednesday 7 September 1836
Wednesday, Septr 7. Modte & fine. Wind S.W.b S. Head S.E.b S. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 104 + 3471 = 3575. Lat. 4E3′ No. Longe 15E. P.M. 2.30. Tacked, having fallen off to E.S.E. Passed a Dutch brig to leeward, which we passed to windward 5 or 6 days since. Head W.b S. Sunset. […]
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Wednesday 7 September 1836
Wedensday September 7th 1836 This 24 hours light wind and calms received on board 20 casks of water from the well and 6 casks of salt provitions for ships use got on board our boats from the beach carpenter employd fitting boats davids the Rapid saild out In the everning had family prayer read to […]
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Wednesday 7 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 7.-The weather still rough and wind contrary, sending us back towards London. Thermometer reduced to 61 degrees.
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Tuesday 6 September 1836
… We have hired one of the Sealers and his two native women to go to the Mainland the Main with us, and as they have capital dogs they will answer a double purpose, that of providing fresh food, and by means of the women conciliating the natives should they prove hostile. The Sealers living on Kangaroo Island are Englishmen – some of them having deserted their ships to settle here – and others being runaway convicts from Sydney. We were given to understand that they were little better than pirates, but were agreeably surprised to find them a civil set of men and they will be of much use in forming a colony here. For their honesty I cannot answer as we do not put temptation in their way. Some of these men have whale boats in which they frequently cross over to Cape Jervis from which place they have at different times stolen the women who now live with them. These women are very clever at snaring game and fish for their Keepers whilst the men remain at their little farms on the Island. One of these by the name of Walland has a farm about seven miles up the river which does him great credit as he has several acres of flourishing wheat and most of the English vegetables. He has been fourteen years on the Island and is called the “Governor” – he has two native wives.
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Tuesday 6 September 1836
6 September-Making arrangements for our departure from Nepean Bay, went on shore to engage one of the sealers.
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Tuesday 6 September 1836
6th The hands went to work this morning in good style under their respective officers. I lay in bed till after 6 & on rising most sincerely rendered thanks to Almighty God for the now really happy, orderly & industrious appearance of our settlement. A more marked change I never witnessed…
… James Jones came to day to solicit employment, and I allowed Mr Beare to engage him at 2/- per day his wages under the agreement he has violated were 15/- pr week with [illegible word] &c certain employment &c – so that besides making an example the Company are gainers by his rebellion
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Tuesday 6 September 1836
Tuesday Sept 6th 1836
W,S,W, Running 7 Knots
the trial of William Walters
Came on at 10 OClock he
was acquitted for the Want of
further Everdance
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Tuesday 6 September 1836
Teusday September 6th 1836 This 24 hours fine plesent weather with wind from the SEd sent 11 casks for water to the well received on board 10 casks of flower 4 beef 4 pork 60 gall treakle for the use of the crew some of the people empd painting the Ship ____ In the evening […]
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Tuesday 6 September 1836
Tuesday, Septr 6. Moderate & fine. A little rain occasionally. Wind S.W. Head S.S.E. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run 103 + 3368 = 3471. Late 5E00′ No. Longe 17E. P.M. Do Wr. Sunset. Beat to Quarters, & in 2d reefs of the topsails. Squally at times.
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Tuesday 6 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 6.-The rough weather still continued, and but few of the passengers ventured on deck, not liking to be so exposed to wind and water. Nevertheless, I preferred taking a view of the sea, of which I was always an enthusiastic admirer, and the sight, though awfully grand, was truly beautiful, and what made it […]
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Tuesday 6 September 1836
Sept 6th The Sheep sheds being finish’d at Noon, Powell assisted by Mitchell, commenc’d erecting himself a Cottage ___
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Monday 5 September 1836
Before breakfast I again visited my patients on board the “Duke of York” and at the tents on shore I have had the satisfaction of dismissing from the list two which I am endeavouring to get sent to the hospital at Hobart Town. One of these is suffering from a severe attack of rheumatism and […]
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Monday 5 September 1836
Sept 5th At Noon, Bates & Powell (who had gone to Kingscote on Saturday) arrd here, and as it Rain’d considerably in the Afternoon, very little Work was done ________
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Sunday 4 September 1836
… Harriet remains in excellent health and as she does not allow an hour to pass unemployed, she is in tolerably good spirits. It cannot be matter of surprize if she finds herself sometimes sighing after absent friends, more especially as she has failed to discern one among the passengers with whom she is likely to form a close intimacy. Her time is spent in needlework, and mine between reading to her, renewing my acquaintance with figures, and amusing myself with my goats. —
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Monday 5 September 1836
Monday, Septr 5. Modte & fine. Scrubbed hammocks & clothes.
Head S.b E. Wind S.W.b W. Out all reefs of the topsails.
Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 87 + 3281 = 3368. Late 6E27′ No. Longe 18E
29′ Wt. The dog “Lion” fell overboard from the forechains, and
was a long way astern before he was discovered: tacked to
pick him up; lowered a boat for the purpose: no worse.
P.M. Do Wr. 8. Modte & cloudy. Midnight. Do Wr.
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Monday 5 September 1836
5th Rose & set the hands to work &c as usual – at ½ past 9 Mr Birdseye made his first appearance & was asked by Capn Martin (who was ashore with me by 10 M. P. 6 A.M.) to go on board. About ½ past 10 the Capn, Mr Beare & Mr Birdseye Put off & I followed soon after. Capn Martin by his exceedingly judicious behaviour to day has indeed rendered valuable service to the Company. Both the officers agreed to return to their duty heartily. I shook hands with them in the Cabin. We all returned to the shore together & they took tea & supper with me. On our return I had all the men called together & with my officers (for the first time) by my side gave them a short address in reference both to the past & to the future, gave them my rules & intentions as to their future Discipline, time of labour, general behaviour &c & they all retired pleasantly. James & Joseph Jones came in to ask for employment again. I allowed Joseph to return to his duty under his former agreement but James being a worthless fellow & this being a fair opportunity of setting a wholesome example, I would not receive him. I told him that if Mr Beare wanted an extra hand for a few days at any time he was at liberty to engage him at reduced wages & I would recover his advance as I might be able.
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Sunday 4 September 1836
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4.-The thermometer was now lowered to 70 degrees, and we found it necessary to resume some of the clothing which we were glad to dispense with while passing through the tropics.
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Monday 5 September 1836
Monday September 5th 1836
This 24 hours light winds with passing showers of rain.
In the morning sent a boat to fetch our water from the well
and another for the doctor of the Rapid to tend the sick
which he kindly offers his services to. I took a boat and went
to the Pellam has we have had no communication since
she returned. I found Captn Ross in difficulties only himself
to carry on the dutys of the Ship with one mate and him
abed sick the widow of the late chief officer in her cabin sick
allso and no doctor to attend them the Captn dissatisfied
with all round him.
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Sunday 4 September 1836
Sunday, Septr 4. Modte & cloudy. 8. Tacked to the S.Ed. Wind S.S.W. Performed Divine Service, by Revd C. Howard. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 81 + 3200 = 3281. Lat. 7E33′ No. Longe 19E48′ Wst So that we lost 21 miles since Noon yesterday. P.M. Modte & fine. Head S.S.E. Wind S.W. 8. Do […]
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Monday 5 September 1836
Monday Sept 5. 1836 S W by S Very Squarley running 6 Nots Saw Straing Saile
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Sunday 4 September 1836
4th (Sunday) This day had been spent by us quietly & orderly but it has been a a gloomy state of mind Melancholy day to me. I cannot & will not endure this state of things it shall be mended by some means or other. I had no divine service to day. Capn Martin spent the afternoon with me ashore & we agreed as a last effort to establish order (by fair means) he should invite Mr Beare & Mr Birdseye to lunch on board the following morning & that I should follow in my boat & try whether face to face with them in his Cabin we could not all come to some better understanding.
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Monday 5 September 1836
Monday September 5. To-day the wind became more favorable, but for a few hours only, and our spirits have just been excited at the idea of making some progress to be depressed again at finding the ship tumbling about to its old tune. The weather is amazingly cool, since the beginning of the month the […]
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Sunday 4 September 1836
Sunday September 4th 1836 This 24 hours light wind from the SW attended with passing showers we held a prayermeeting in the cabin before breackfast and in the forenoon hoisted the bethel flag and some of the John Piries crew and some from the shore with our own crew and Mr Bears children attended with […]
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Monday 5 September 1836
5 September-The Duke of York being on the point of sailing, employed all day writing my reports to the Commissioners.
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Sunday 4 September 1836
This morning I heard that the “Duke of York” was to sail tomorrow for Van Diemen’s Land, consequently I have remained on board writing a letter (No. 1) to my mother.
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Monday 5 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 5.-This morning succeeded the roughest night we had yet experienced. Last evening, at about 6 o’clock. the wind, which had been brisk all day, began to increase. The sky darkened, and rain soon followed. All the passengers were instantly ordered below, at least, all the ladies, but some of the gentlemen chose to remain on deck. The ship, which for the last three weeks had been lying on the The starboard is the right side of a ship or a boat perceived by a person on board facing the bow (front). starboard side, on which our cabins were situated, was now shifted to the other, and leaned so much to 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 during the whole night that it was with difficulty we could keep ourselves in bed. So apprehensive was I that the children in the next cabin would fall out of their berths, as Mary and Helen slept in the upper one, that soon after midnight I got up and dressed myself to be in readiness if anything should occur to require my assistance. Fortunately, nothing of any consequence happened to them, but the doctor, whose cabin was opposite to ours, was called about 2 o’clock to a woman in the steerage, of the name of Paul, who had beena euphamism for childbirth taken ill . This had been expected for some time, and consequently all the men in that part of the vessel were instantly turned out of their berths and sent upon deck for two hours, which in the midst of a cold, dark, and stormy night could not be very agreeable. In the meantime, however, a new passenger made his appearance in the form of a male infant, thus bringing the total number of souls on board to exactly one hundred. The child was born amidst the roaring of the wind, the splashing of the waters, and the incessant rocking of the ship, and was afterwards named James Africaine, in memory of his having been born on that vessel.
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Sunday 4 September 1836
Sunday Sept 4 S.S.W Blowing fresh running 5 Knots Clark and my Selfe filled 2 Large Casks
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Saturday 3 September 1836
SEPTEMBER 3.-Several Cape pigeons flying about the vessel. We had now a fair wind, and were going at a good rate.
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Saturday 3 September 1836
… In the everning had family worship Mrs Bear is
much better and I had the pleasure of seeing her
children restored to her and she acknoledge them which
she has not lately, I believe this is an answer to prayers.
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Saturday 3 September 1836
3rd Called the hands at ½ past 5 A.M. & went on as before & often, very often, looked out in hopes of seeing the Emma that I might get one officer at last to stand by his post & assist me in the present emergency. I have still no communication from the L.M.P. At night paid the men & afterwards received a note from the two men (James & Joseph Jones) who deserted their duty last Monday begging that I would receive them again!!
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Saturday 3 September 1836
I have not left the vessel today as it has been blowing a gale and the weather has been in other respects as disagreeable as it was yesterday. Field, I am happy to say, is better. My occupations have been reading, mending old clothes and cleaning my gun.
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Saturday 3 September 1836
Saturday Sept 4 S.S.W Parker fell and Cut the Cap of his knee and the Boy Joe fell over Bord We was be Calmed 2 Nots
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Saturday 3 September 1836
Saturday, Sept 3. Modte & squally, rain at times. Wind SW, & Head W.N.W. Miles run, 89 + 3111 = 3200. Noon. Do Wr. Lat.7E12′ No. Long. 19E13′ Wt so that we had lost 20 miles during the 24 hours. P.M. Squally with rain. Four sail in sight on a wind.
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Friday 2 September 1836
Went on board the “Duke of York” and as Frill [Field?] was very ill remained on board all the rest of the day.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 ________
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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
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 […]
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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 “winds which frequently shift from one direction to another baffling winds ” 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 Sides of a ship raised above deck level to protect objects and crew. bulwarks 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 The quareterdeck was the deck between the main mast and the back of the ship. quarter-deck although the officers and passengers have the 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 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
A reference to the teachings of Greek philosopher Zeno. Zeno was never at sea in an Emigrant ship.
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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 […]
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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 __
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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.
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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 […]
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Wednesday 31 August 1836
Wensday Sept 1th W ½ W Evry one well Stunsells Lower and aloft – 2 fowls Left Belonging to our Mess
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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.
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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
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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 ——
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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.
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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. […]
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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
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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 […]
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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).
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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.
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 tuberculosis consumption. 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.
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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 ______
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Monday 29 August 1836
29 August-Fresh breezes and squally; went in the 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 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.
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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 […]
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 […]
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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.
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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
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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
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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 _________
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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.
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Sunday 28 August 1836
28th (Sunday). The wedding took place this morning with all becoming solemnity & all due honours.
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Sunday 28 August 1836
Sunday, Augt 28. Heavy rain, Wind West. Course South.
Mustered the crew & emigrants, & read the The regulations which govern the behaviour of members of the Royal Navy. Articles of war (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.
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Monday 22 August 1836
Nepean Bay. Here we found Mr S. Stevens Manager of
S.A. Company had taken up his quarters The people who had arrived
in the three vessels York, Pelham & Pirie were chiefly
officers & labourers of the said company all busy on shore getting
tents & huts erected and what had for centuries a
wilderness was now teeming with animation and life. The spot
chosen on was about one of the best, but bad is the best no water
to be had except at the well about 5 miles distant in
a Westerly direction near Pt Marsden, the soil very light
and sandy & country at the back of where the location
had been fixed on was densely covered with a species of
tree termed tea tree the decoction of which leaves make
a beverage not at all bad & a good substitute for tea
On the Island were several Sealers runaway Sailors
from the coasting vessels of the other colonies. They told us
there were several good spots on the Island where they
were established living on the produce of their gardens
and a native animal of the size of a rabbat called
waloby, in fact a miniture Kangaroo. These waloby
were caught by their wives (native women, who had
been brought from the Main land
some of them I believe by force, however they seemed to be
contented with their lonely life and from what
I could learn comfortably off as far as house and
provision went all from their own labour. __The Bay is
a fine and extensive anchorage well sheltered from the
severest Gales which generally commence at N.W. hauling
round to the S.S.W. by the Westward. They may be generally
expected at the change of moon. __ we remained here about a fortnight for
the purpose of making a few examinations of the bay and rig the
Hatch boat brought out on purpose for the Survey and placed under
my charge.
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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
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Wednesday 24 August 1836
Salt Lagoon Station,
Kangaroo Island, So Australia.
Augst 24th 1836, Four of the Companys Labourers and myself were
sent up to the Salt Lagoon, for the purpose of erecting Sheds
and making a Fence round two small plots of Ground, for the
live Stock, which have all to come up here, there being plenty
of both Water & Grass at present, and where it is intended to
establish a permanentThe South Australian Company's whaling station. Station _________
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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
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Thursday 25 August 1836
Thursday Aug 26 1836 S.S.W ½ W With all Stunsells Set Running 6 Knotts
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Thursday 25 August 1836
… I had the people
called aft to know if they where satisfied to have Mr
Dorey as third mate all was willing but Jones and
Jameson We had family prayers after the employ of the day
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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 […]
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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.
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Saturday 27 August 1836
27th Spent the day in making various arrangements ashore Received (pr Duke of York’s boats) a note from Capn Ross about the runaway sailors of the L.M.P. Got all the parties concerned to consent to the Marriage of Mary Ann Powell & Wm C. Staple the former a daughter of one of the emigrants the latter one of the “John Pirie’s” Sailors who wished to remain ashore. I had some little difficulty to contend with but am pleased to think that 2 persons who would otherwise have been a scandal to the settlement are now likely rather to be a credit to it. I have taken the necessary affidavits from them both & they are to be married to morrow morning by Capn Martin on board his Schooner.
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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 […]
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Tuesday 23 August 1836
This 24 hours strong gales from the NEd let go the seacond anchor in consequence of the first draging sent a boat to the north cape to fetch our two men that where filling water I went on the rapid to give honour due to whom it is dew saw cournal Light was received kindly […]
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Sunday 21 August 1836
This 24 hours fresh breeses and plesent weather in the morning fitted up the quater deck for publick worship at the usual time hoisted the bethel flag at the main and sent a boat to the John Perie and one on shore for the people to attend and being no minister and no church bell […]
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Thursday 25 August 1836
25th Last night was so tempestuous that I thought for some time both myself & my tent would have been carried away. This morning on rising at ¼ past 5 could not see the L.M.P. even with my glass & was fearful she had been obliged to slip & run to the E. during the […]
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Tuesday 23 August 1836
23. 11 oclock P.M – A great row in
the The galley or pantry of a small ship. Cuddy Kingston, the Captain and
Doctor.
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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.
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Monday 22 August 1836
… – It is painful to here of
the conduct of our colonial manager how he commits
himself where ever he goes drunkenness is his prevailing
sin and even leaves sailors to put him to bed
a man who has the care of thousands of pounds and
the wellfare of men whomen and children under
his direction the people on shore are like sheep going
astray drunkeness thieft & swareing are the prevailing
sins of this infant establishment and no one to say
and be faithfull that the land is poluted git thee
up hence – what will these poor degraded heathen
say see how these christains live how holy and
happy let me be a christain no no they cannot tell
the truth and say so – but still we hope thing may
have a turn they cannot last this way
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Sunday 21 August 1836
21 August -Early part, hoisting out the surveying boat; at half past eight, observed a boat coming from the westward; at ten, a whale-boat came along side, with Mr S. Stephens and Captain Martin of the John Pirie; at three p.m., sent the gig on shore with Mr Pullen and Mr Woodforde; some spots of […]
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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 […]
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