Tuesday August 30 Wind fair but the weather unsettled,
the atmosphere heavily charged with electricity. A poor
sailor died this afternoon of [tooltip color=”grey” text=”tuberculosis”] consumption[/tooltip]. He was perfectly
sensible to his latest hour, and spoke of his death with the
calmness and the hope of a Christian. He was ordered to
be buried in the evening, and accordingly by torch light
his body was committed to the deep. Mr Howard read the
prayers of the Church, the crew was silent and attentive, and
the poor fellow’s mess-mate who had nursed him throughout the
whole period of his illness, shewed by his sobbing and tears
that a sailor can feel like a man.
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Tuesday 30 August 1836
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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 [tooltip color=”grey” text=”A class of net fishing boats used on the Thames estuary. The Rapid’s boat was built specially for the Colonization Commissioners by W.T. Gulliver of Wapping”] hatch-boat [/tooltip] to examine the northern side of the bay, distant about four miles from Kingscote. There is a well of fresh water here, dug in the sand, close to high water mark, which supplies the settlers at Kingscote. The country here is low, and the soil appeared much better than that we had seen before; and altogether, it struck me that a settlement might be formed here at some future period, to great advantage.
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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 [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The regulations which govern the behaviour of members of the Royal Navy.”] Articles of war [/tooltip] (by the Governor). Lowered the topsails in squalls.
Took in one reef. Noon. Miles run 89 + 2697 = 2786.
Late 10E43′ No. Longe 25E. P.M. Modte with rain. People very
busy catching water in various vessels, water being
scarcer yesterday than brandy or wine: that is to
say that I could get brandy or wine to drink, easier than
water. In 2d reefs of topsails, down royal yards. Rainy.
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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 permanent[tooltip color=”grey” text=”The South Australian Company’s whaling station.”] Station [/tooltip] _________
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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
… 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 [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The galley or pantry of a small ship.”] Cuddy [/tooltip] 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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Monday 22 August 1836
Moderate breezes & hazy weather. Wind N.E. Course S.W.b W. All sail set. Scrubbed hammocks & washed clothes. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 135 + 2039 = 2174. Lat. 20E51′ No. Longe 24E3′ Wt. P.M. Mode & hazy wr. A flying-fish flew on board & was taken prisoner, & proved an acceptable meal to Mrs […]
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Wednesday 24 August 1836
Wednsday Aug 25
S.S.W ½ W Mr Allen and
Mrs Allen Got drunk and abused
the Captain by Cawling him a
Scoundral and a Blaguard Caught
one turtle [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Motionless for lack of wind.”] Beclmed [/tooltip] makeing
2½ Knots a hower
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Tuesday 23 August 1836
23rd Rose at ¼ past 5, being exceedingly wet and tempestuous could not set the hands to work. Finished my papers for the L.M.P. boarded her took my leave of Capn Ross & immediately after dinner returned & employed the hands at such work as the weather would permit.
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Sunday 21 August 1836
Next day Sunday Mr S. Stevens of S.A. Company and Captn Martin of John Pirie came on board from Nepean Bay. From them we learnt that three vessels had arrived all belonging to the S.A. Company
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Friday 26 August 1836
Modte & fine wr. Course South. Wind East. A Ship in Co. All sail set. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run 102 + 2490 = 2600. Lat. 13E43′ No. Longe 25E40′ W. P.M. Do Wr. Passed a Dutch barque.
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Monday 22 August 1836
22nd at 2 P.M. she anchored by the L.M.P. I immediately went ashore. Settled various matters with Capn Ross, arranged the work for the men, wrote to Mr Angas & retired to rest.
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Sunday 21 August 1836
Sunday Aug 22nd [sic, 21st] W.S.W fair wind we had Chapell I was Very un well Could Not attend Chapell Gave thomas Some Ink and G W Some Paper Mrs Ketchlove Better Running 6½ Knots
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Saturday 27 August 1836
27 August-Light rain most part of the day; went on shore and took some angles.
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Wednesday 24 August 1836
This 24 hours strong winds from the west sent two boats to fetch the water at 4 PM they returned with six casks the L M Pellam sailed to day and anchored out side the doctor of the Rapid visited our sick and gives little hopes of the young man Bachlor In the everning held […]
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Friday 26 August 1836
26th After rising at ¼ past 5, setting the hands to work breakfasting &c started at ¼ past 7 in my (hired) whale boat manned with 3 hands instead of 5 (I always steer myself) for the Salt Lagoon, distant about 8 miles. Arranged sundry matters there gave rough directions for various operations, roughly measured off 80 Acres of land for the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The South Australian Company”] Company [/tooltip](with frontage to the Salt Lagoon of 1760 Yards & depth of 220 Yards.) On my return found Coll Light & party dining (on their own provisions & at Miss Beare’s special invitation) under my office tent. Had conversation with him on sundry trivial matters. After I had dined Capn Martin came ashore & we had a long talk about his Carpenter & one of his sailors both of which I agreed to engage ashore. I was to day very much insulted & annoyed by Mr Birdseye who I am reluctantly obliged to consider as a person determined to make as much of & do as little for the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The South Australian Company”] Company [/tooltip] as he legally dare do. I am most awkwardly situated as to officers & though both by day & night I do more than ever I thought I could have performed I am grieved to see that business is not conducted by any means to my satisfaction.
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Tuesday 23 August 1836
Moderate wind & hazy wr. Wind East. Course S.W.b W. All sail set. Dried bedding. Caught another flying-fish, which was disposed of, in a similar manner to its predeces- -sor. Noon. Light winds. Miles run, 97 + 2174 = 2271. Lat. 19E 32′ No. Longe 25E15′ Wt. P.M. Modte & fine. Midt. Very fine.
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Wednesday 24 August 1836
I mentioned yesterday that our allowance of water had been reduced, but last night the surgeon, conceiving that it was a scheme to avoid, if possible, stopping at the Cape of Good Hope, which would have been a great disappointment to many of the passengers (ourselves among others, for we were not only desirous of seeing the Cape, but wished to purchase some articles there which might be useful to us), urged the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The area of between-decks occupied by steerage passengers, that is, those travelling at the cheapest rate.”] steerage passengers [/tooltip] to send a letter to Mr. Brown, who, being agent for the emigrants sent out by the Commissioners, was bound to see that the terms stipulated by them were strictly fulfilled. One of these was that each person should be supplied with three quarts of water [tooltip color=”grey” text=”per day”] per diem[/tooltip]. In consequence of this we again had our full quantity. In the state cabin, I believe, there was no restriction, but though all the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Cabins of lesser comfort than those occupied by privileged passengers and intermediate between them and the dormitory accommodation afforded the emigrants.”] intermediate passengers [/tooltip] paid handsomely for their passages, our own costing us nearly two hundred pounds, in respect to supplies of every description we were no better off than the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The area of between-decks occupied by steerage passengers, that is, those travelling at the cheapest rate.”] steerage passengers[/tooltip], and even they ought to have had better provisions than were often served to us.
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Wednesday 24 August 1836
— Yesterday an attempt was made by Captain Duff to decrease the allowance of water to every passenger throughout the ship with the obvious view of avoiding the necessity of putting in at the Cape; this however was resisted by all, and on Mr Brown representing to the Captain that as ‘Agent for Emigration’ he would consider the decrease of allowance of water as a breach of contract with the Commissioners, and would so prevent the payment of the passage money of the steerage passengers, the Captain countermanded his order and the usual allowance of water was today served out. The quantity allowed is six quarts a day for each adult (children have less in proportion to age) and when it is remembered that this is to suffice for washing, cooking, tea and all other uses, it cannot be said to be extravagant.–
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Sunday 21 August 1836
Entered the tropic of Cancer. A fine trade wind carrying us steadily onward. Service to-day. The Sermon, professing to prove the efficacy of faith and the inutility of good works to salvation, did neither. Our worthy Chaplain carefully eluded both points; and vapid common places were all we got on the occasion.
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Monday 22 August 1836
Monday Aug 23 1836 W ½ W 2 Lower Stuncells Set fore top men Stunsell Main top men St fore and main te Gallen St Young Phillips Bit by the Captains dog Ship running 6 Knots Saw Porpus
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Friday 26 August 1836
This 24 hours squally with rain we tracked our casks from the Island to the well and returned with 5 full employed otherwise as needfull In the everning had family prayer read the 3d chapt by Hebrews
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Sunday 21 August 1836
Moderate wind & hazy wr. Wind North. Steering
S.W.b W. All sail set. Divine Service – prayers, singing, &
a sermon by Revd C. Howard. Noon. Miles run 164 + 1875 = 2039.
P.M. [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Latitude is the distance of a point north or south of the equator as measured in degrees. The poles are at 90 degrees north and south.”] Lat. [/tooltip] 22E34′ No. [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Longitude is the distance, measured in degrees, of the meridian on which a point lies to the meridian of Greenwich. On the other side of the earth to Greenwich is a point with a longitude of both 180 degrees east and 180 degrees west.”] Longe [/tooltip] 22E45′ Wt. 8. Do Wr. {Sunday schools}
First issue of limejuice today, ½ oz. [tooltip color=”grey” text=”per person, per day”] per diem, per caput. [/tooltip]
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Tuesday 23 August 1836
Tuesday Aug 24 1836 S W and by So Be calmed and very hot Temperate heat 89 the Coast of affricca about 190 miles from Makeing about 2 miles in one hower
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Saturday 27 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and cloudy weather sent one boat to fetch the men from the watering place and employd clearing and cleaning the decks we sent a boat to the L M Pellam and received 5 oars In the everning had family prayer and prayed for a speritual sabath the doctor of the […]
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Saturday 27 August 1836
Modte & fine. Course South. Wind East. All sail set. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 97 + 2600 = 2697. Late 12E6′ No. Long. 25E16′. P.M. Do Wr. at 10, the wind drew round North, & at midnight N.W. with rain, trimd on starbd tack.
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Friday 26 August 1836
Friday Aug 27 S.S.W ½ W We made the Land 3 OClock in the morning Droped anchor at ½ pt 10 Went on Shore With Mrs J W and thomas a Very Barran Isle and a Very Little Live stock on the Land
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Friday 26 August 1836
Friday, 26th. August.
I again went on shore this morning with Jacob – a young surveyor – for the purpose of shooting at salt lagoon about eight miles along the shore and a more unpleasant and fatiguing walk I never remember. The heat was excessive and our pocket pistols were soon exhausted. We made a diligent but ineffectual search for fresh water, but I was determined to proceed to the lagoon which we reached about midday. Here we were very much disappointed finding instead a fine sheet of water covered with wild fowl, a miserable salt swamp – merely an inlet of the Bay – with nothing on it but screeching curlews and these so wary that we had no chance of killing any. The Island even at this Season swarms with mosquitoes and today they have bitten me so unmercifully, giving me rather an unpleasant idea of the pleasures of the summer season. On our return we penetrated a little way into the bush and here found the trees very similar to those at the Eastern side of the Bay. The Clematis grows in great abundance which together with a species of Mimosa, having very much the smell of May, imparts a delicious fragrance to the air. This, however, does not compensate for the want of water which is here very distressing. The wells that have been dug near the tents producing after much labour nothing but salt water. I hope to God we shall find better cheer when we visit the main – this is dreary enough and I begin to sigh for Old England with all her faults and all the dear Friends I have left there.
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Sunday 21 August 1836
21st (Sunday) Set off as arranged for the sail seen the previous evening & intended to return to prayers but was prevented doing so by the weather suddenly becoming too boisterous. The sail turned out to be the “Rapid”. All were well. Capn Martin next morning (for we had to remain on board) assisted to […]
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Monday 22 August 1836
22 August-At half past six, got under way with a light breeze from the westward; at two p.m., came to an anchor about two miles from the point chosen by Mr Stephens for the South Australian Company’s Stores. I went on shore at a little sandy bay, where Mr Beare and a few others had their tents pitched. The ground here was much covered by small trees, the soil moist, and many shrubs growing with great luxuriance, perhaps from the late rains; no fresh water was to be found here, and the settlers had to depend for their supply, I believe, on Mr Stephens, who had to send across the bay four miles for it.
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Saturday 27 August 1836
Saturday 27th August.
Some of the settlers came on board this morning bringing with them for sale two of a small species of opossum called by them “Wallobees”. These animals are anything but tempting to the sight having much the appearance of an enormous rat. They, like the opossum and kangaroo, are provided with a pouch for the reception of their young on the appearance of danger, and it is a curious fact that most of the quadrupeds of this country have the same appendage. Disgusting as these animals were to our eyes they were excessively grateful to the palate after having lived so long on ships’ fare. I breakfasted on board the “Duke of York” off hot rolls and ham so that I have come off sumptuously in the provider line today and stand well in the way of doing so tomorrow as Hill and myself with the boat’s crew have just caught two superb fish in the seine. There must have been a great mortality among the kangaroos on this island since Flinder’s time or he must have mistaken the walloby for them as we have not seen one and the Sealers say there are none
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Wednesday 24 August 1836
24th. Sent of a boat & 5 hands with tools & provisions to the Salt Lagoon to prepare a place for themselves & the stock &c under the Direction of Mr Brown. Spent an hour or two in shewing the Settlement & its vicinity to Coll Light, who took lunch under my tent. This afternoon the hands at the well came to water which sure enough turned out to be slightly Brackish, & thereupon (although we have an abundant supply from another source) I was once more prayed to abandon the place. It is not, however, my intention to act so stupidly, untill I can find a better & for all commercial purposes I am tolerably certain I cannot find a better on the Island. This morning at day light the L.M.P. got under weigh but owing to the wind shifting came to an anchor again a few miles further out. Finding that spite of all the precautions I had been able to take the small stock of ardent spirits in our store was improperly used, I ordered all that remained to be got ready in the morning for sending off to the John Pirie, Capn Martin kindly consenting to receive it. Had some conversation with Mr Birdseye about his very great inattention to his duty & hope in future he will take more interest in the Company’s service.
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Wednesday 24 August 1836
24 August-Went on shore with Mr Woodforde, and walked to Mr Stephens’s settlement; almost the whole distance thickly covered with small trees and scrub,the soil was moist, and looked in some parts tolerably good.
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Tuesday 16 August 1836
N.N.W Left the Land of Madera at 7 Bells the Carpenter was Reported Lowsey the Emegrants Was Mustered Broached a Blue [froek…?]
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Monday 15 August 1836
We had to bewail yesterday the death of one of my Cashmere kids, a beautiful female, and, as usual when a favorite dies, the prettiest of the flock. It had not grown much since its arrival & gradually became weaker until it died. The disease appeared on a post-mortem examination to be an inflammation of the [? intestine] occasioned most probably by confinement and change of food. Two others, a male kid and a young ewe seem also unwell, but as they have now the privilege of running up and down the deck in fine weather, it is possible they may yet survive the voyage.They are fed on grain, paddy, bran, and hay, instead of on oats & chaff as recommended by Mr Tower. We have now but four, 2 males & 2 females… Our other pets,the dog and the bird are well and contented.
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Tuesday 16 August 1836
A very curious fish of the class Cephalopoda flewor rather jumped on board today: it is nearly five inches long has two tentaclae about two inches long with which it adheres firmly to any substance offered it, and eight mandibles (for want of a better word) about 1 ½ inches long with which it seizes […]
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Monday 15 August 1836
Anniversary of passing of So Australian Bill. Light variable winds & fine. Laying about S.W. Noon. Do Wr. Saw Madeira ahead. Miles run, 1245 + 57 = 1302. P.M. Lat. 33E23′ No. Longe – . 6.30. Not being able to weather the West- -ern point of Madeira, & the wind falling very light, we attemp- […]
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Saturday 20 August 1836
Called the hands as usual & spent the greater part of the day in forwarding work on shore. Capn Martin took dinner with me under my Tent & soon afterwards the Mate of the L.M.P. came to inform me that Capn Ross was confined to his bed through illness & wished to see me. Settled […]
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Sunday 14 August 1836
Light winds & fine. Several sail in sight. This day
I attained the age of 30 years: therefore cease to be a young man
an awful & painful reflection, being still a bachelor, & likely to con-
tinue so for some time. Prayers & sermon by the Revd C. Howard.
Noon. Do Wr. Lat. 34E24′ No. Longe 17E7′ Wt. Miles run 1186 + 59 = 1245′.
P.M. Do Wr. Passed all the emigrants in review for inspection.
Established classes for Sunday reading among their children.
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Tuesday 15 August 1836
… 8 AM the John Pirie hove
in sight I took a boat and went on board and
piloted him and welcomed Captn Martin
crew and passengers to nepean bay …
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Sunday 14 August 1836
The stars also presented a splendid appearance, and we could now see the Southern Cross, that is, five stars in the form of our Saviour’s cross. This is only seen in the Southern Hemisphere. (The cross is assumed as the Australian arms and worn by the Government officers, the emblem being stamped on their buttons.) It likewise frequently happened that a beautiful rainbow was seen at sunrise, which, as it appeared on the edge of the water, was truly magnificent.
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Monday 15 August 1836
… This evening spent some time in conversation with two settlers, Bates and Nathaniel Thomas, who have a little place on the N.E. corner of the Island and who have appeared among us this afternoon for the first time. I made to Bates a proposal for his services for 3 months which he is to answer in the morning. These are the two men who were commissioned by the Governor of V.D.L. [Van Diemen’s Land] to take the natives who killed Captain Barker. All the settlers we have seen are free men. Most of them have native women with them who assist in catching game (which is now nearly destroyed here) and some of them have children by those women. I have to-day made several arrangements for the more effectual protection of ourselves and the Company’s property and have landed Miss Beare (my intended wife) to be near my tent, manage my domestic affairs and keep a sharp look out when I am away… Miss Beare and her brother’s children are sleeping under my tent and I shall mount guard till 2 a.m. then lay down in my boat cloak.
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Friday 19 August 1836
Moderate & hazy wr. Wind N.E. Steering S.W. All sail set both sides. Plenty of flying-fish to be seen. Miles run, 140 + 1558 = 1728. Lat. 27E11′ No. Longe 20E2′ Wt. P.M. Fresh breezy & cloudy. 8. Do Wr. Going along quietly & steadily.
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Thursday 18 August 1836
S.W ½ W Saw Strainge Sail a S. a head Set Lower Stunsell and fore top men Stuncell Running 7 Knots the wind on our starbord Qr
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Sunday 14 August 1836
I took Miss Bear and the children on shore early
this morning and found Mr Stevens had
bing in trouble all night in the L M Pelhams crew
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Sunday 14 August 1836
A very good sermon today from
Mr Howard. A Sunday school established by him he has
asked one of the Miss Hindmarshes & Mr Wm Malcolm to
assist, and it is to be hoped that it will go on and prosper.
But what can fairly be expected from an hour’s
reading in a Sunday School! There are about 50 children
on board who run wild all the week. We would gladly
devote time daily to their instruction, but the chaplain
evidently considers this would be interfering with his
especial province. There seems no disposition on the part
of the Governor to promote any sort of education whatever
among them during the voyage. It is very grievous to
see all this, but we cannot remedy it. Broadbent
and Cock among the emigrants are not neglecting
their poor children, but their exemplary conduct has
not been generally followed, neither has it attracted
any attention or commendation from those quarters
where it ought to have found both.
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Monday 15 August 1836
N,W ½ W Spoke to a french Bark
named the Velea 4 OClock
in the morning made the Isle
of Miderea on the Cost of Portugal
the weather fine But very Light
Winds Opened the fore Hole and
Got Out 100 Bags of Bread
One thousand and Twenty
Miles from London
Heat only 98
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Friday 19 August 1836
Friday Aug 19th 1834 [sic, 1836] W ½ W [sic] fair wind 4 Bells Squear Yards Running 4 Knots 606 Miles from Saint Jagus Passed tener Reef at Night about 100 miles from Land Rigged Mr finks Boat for Sailing Cutter fashon
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Thursday 18 August 1836
… During the night a slight change of wind occurred, affording us the prospect of relief from our lengthened imprisonment. This is doubly agreeable, as the Captain has more than once intimated his intention to go into the Island of Ascension instead of the Cape should this weather continue. We are near [? it] and the detention there while getting water would be much shorter than at the Cape. This is a great temptation, especially now that we have lost everyhope of making a quick passage; but it will be a source of great disappointment to me and most of the passengers, as we have prepared long lists of etceteras to be purchased at the Cape; besides which we have looked upon two or three days sojourn there as a holyday, which could hardly be enjoyed on a volcanic island where nothing can be had but water & turtle. Since the first of this month we have made no more southing than 390 miles.
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Friday 19 August 1836
Signed Capn Ross receipt for stores and Cargo pr L.M.P. settled various matters with him & arranged that he should call on me in the morning to finish other business & take his leave. Spent the rest of the day on shore forwarding various concerns of moment.
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Wednesday 17 August 1836
This [Amsterdam Island] was the last land we saw till Wednesday 17th. August when we made Kangaroo Island. It was very indistinct and the weather being thick and squally we again lost sight of it till the following day when at 8 a.m. we saw the whole of the South Side of the island. The […]
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Thursday 18 August 1836
This 24 hours calms and clear weather employd taring the riggin and watering I attended the watering party the seacond mate being some time sick In the everning had family prayer I felt it a blessing to draw nigh to god at a throne of grace and tell him all my cares and troubles
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Sunday 14 August 1836
at 7 a.m. A boat (for the 2nd time) came ashore for the purpose of taking off the L.M.P. sailors and after a mixture of persuasions and threats they were prevailed upon to depart. During the previous evening while absent on duty at a little distance my tent had been entered and plundered of some private stores (Cheese Ham and Wine) … This morning I hoisted for the first time the British Admiralty Ensign and decorated with the Company’s flag and colours a booth which I had prepared for the performance of Divine Service. In the evening a man of the name of Cooper who has been residing on the Island for 7 years and who it appears has 3 acres of land under cultivation on the Western side of the Point Marsden came round to us and after having had some lengthy conversation with him I arranged with him for the service of himself and his boat so long as I might require it… If I can get a well of fresh water hereabouts I shall name this place Kingscote and it will be at no distant period a port and harbour of the very first class for ships under the burthen of 500 tons…
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Monday 15 August 1836
At 11, O’Clock, on Friday Night, we had a dead Calm, that contd untill 6, A,M, of Saturday, when a gentle Breeze sprang up from the Southward, but did not remain long, and since which time, there has been nothing but Calm’s with occasional light and variable Wind’s, untill Yestdy at Noon, when a gentle […]
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Saturday 20 August 1836
a.m. Fresh breezes and squally at half past one; tide commenced running to the N.W. about two and a half knots an hour; very squally, took in second reef, and prepared for slipping; at four, more moderate; at eight, moderate and fine; at half past nine, weighed and made sail for Nepean Bay, (wind W.S.W.); at noon, we observed a smoke on the coast, at Kangaroo Island; at four, came to an anchor in three fathoms, in the eastern part of Nepean Bay.
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Saturday 20 August 1836
… I started after breakfast to explore it with my gun on my shoulder… The soil being very poor and sandy at the mouth of the river but gradually improved as I proceeded up so that we may expect better land in the interior. I have had tolerable sport with my gun shooting sufficient seafowl for the Mess Dinner tomorrow. Returned on board at 5 p.m. and having very satisfactorily appeased my appetite I shall now turn in.
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Friday 19 August 1836
After a pleasant passage of three months
and 19 days from the time we left the city
canal anchored in Antechamber Bay, Kang-
-aroo island.
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Friday 19 August 1836
a.m. Fine weather, tacking to windward all the first part, the land being in sight from daylight; p.m. at four, light winds; Cape Willoughby S. By W. halfW., distant about three miles. At six, bore up for Antechamber Bay; at seven, wind dying away; half past seven, calm, and the vessel drifting near the rocky […]
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Thursday 18 August 1836
Called the hands as usual put them to work & then took my boat, & in Company with Capn Martin went to examine the Salt Lagoon (the one at the bottom of shoal bay) returned & dined on board the John Pirie having decided that for the sake of obtaining grass & fresh water it […]
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Thursday 18 August 1836
A curious creature was drawn up with a pail of water. It was called a glaucus, and was of a dark purple. When the sun shone on it a variety of colours was reflected. It had four appendages about an inch long, with shorter ones again branching from each in different directions. Its length was […]
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Thursday 18 August 1836
Moderate & hazy. East. Steering S.S.W. Set royals & studg sails. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run 1462 + 126 = 1588. Lat. 29E10′ Nt. Long. 19E00′ Wt. P.M. Mode & hazy, like a trade wind, N.E. All sail set before the wind, & going 8 knots. !!!!!!!!!!!
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Saturday 20 August 1836
This 24 hours fresh breeses and clear weather employd watering and cleaning the ship In the everning had family prayer we belive God heard and answered prayer
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Saturday 20 August 1836
Three birds called Cape pigeons have been flying about the vessel. This would seem a trifling occurrence except at sea, where a bird so far from land excites as much notice as any extraordinary animal in the street of London.
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Tuesday 16 August 1836
________ At 9, A,M, we rounded Point
Marsden, and had the pleasure of seeing two Barques
at Anchor in “Nepean Bay”, which proves to be
the “Duke of York”, and “Lady Mary Pelham’,
they had arrd about 3 Weeks before us ____
In the course of an Hour, we were visited by
Sml Stephens Esqr, C,M, [Company Manager] who was saluted with
three times three Cheer’s, and shortly afterwards a
Boat came from each of the Vessels, in one of
which was Capt Morgan of the “Duke of York”, who
undertook to be our Pilot, and at 3, P,M, we were
safely Anchor’d in a well shelter’d Roadstead, not
more than a Mile, distant from the Shore, and
right abreast, of the Company’s Tents, at the “New-
-Colony” of “South Australia” _____
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Friday 19 August 1836
at 7 p.m. we dropped anchor in 32 fathoms just inside the Western point of Antichamber [sic] Bay and rather closer to the shore than was pleasant…
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Wednesday 17 August 1836
S,S,W Running 6½ Knots Miss Ketch Lave and her father was taken very Bad Saw fresh Sail on our Starbord Quarter one thousand one hundred and 13 miles
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Monday 15 August 1836
This 24 hours mostly increasing breeses employd as needfull I went with a crew to the well for water it yealds little returned with two casks In the everning had family prayer I found the throne of grace yeald more of the waters of eternal life than the well we where dipping at did yeald […]
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Wednesday 17 August 1836
At day light (having arranged with Captain Ross that if the sailors would not do their duty I should put hands aboard to take her to V.D.L. [Van Diemens’ Land] sailors and all), called all hands aft and finding that they would do their duty if one of her mates (Mr. Dawsea) were taken out of her, consulted with the Captain and officers on the subject and having arranged that it should be so…
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Monday 15 August 1836
Madeira distant about 20 miles white cottages and green patches visible, the green supposed to be vineyards. Oh for a bunch or two of the fresh ripe grapes!
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Wednesday 17 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and clear weather employd mostly watering the ship a few taring five sick took 8 casks left 2 men all night to fill. In the everning had family prayer
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Wednesday 17 August 1836
The Rapid left the river Thames on 4 May, and arrived in Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island, on 19 August. The Cygnet left England on 24 March, 1836, with Messrs Kingston, Finniss, Symonds, Neale, Cannan, and Hardy, all of the Surveying Department. She touched at Rio, and did not reach Nepean Bay until 11 September. I […]
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Wednesday 17 August 1836
12 oclock passed six miles to the South of Amsterdam. Saw 6 or 7 whalers lying to under the lea of the Island.
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Tuesday 16 August 1836
Light variable airs & fine wr. Found that owing to the variable airs, & perhaps a current, we had been losing ground during the night. Madeira bore S.E. 12 miles. 8. Tacked, & stood in. Noon. Do Wr. Lat. 32E44′ No. Long. 17E58′ Wt. Miles run, 1302 + 60 = 1362. P.M. Wind South. Tacked, […]
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Saturday 20 August 1836
Saturday Aug 21th [sic, 20th] W and by S Capt Bromley was turnd [derel?] amoung the Gentlemen 8 Bells Running 7 Knots the wind halft Mrs Allen Commited her Selfe upon the Quarter deck Before the men of the watch and Mr W
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Friday 19 August 1836
After much deliberation it was formally
determined a few days ago to touch at St Jago, one of the
Canaries, but today the Captain has cooled upon it and
his firmly fixed intention has fairly evaporated – so it
happens every day. The poor man does not know his own
mind for two hours together. This is a sad failing for one
in authority to be overpowered with.
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Wednesday 17 August 1836
Moderate & fine wr. Wind S.E. Steering S.S.W. Set top- – mast & tgt studg sails. Passed a Hanoverian Ketch. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 1362 + 100 = 1462. Lat. 31E13′ No. Long. 18E 33′ Wt. P.M. Mode & fine. Saw the first shoal of flying-fish. Midnight. East & squall. In studg sails and […]
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Saturday 20 August 1836
Moderate & hazy wr. Wind N.N.E. Course, S.W. All sail set. Empd scrubbing clothes &c. Miles run, 747 + 1720 = 1875. Lat. 24E54′ No. Longe 21E18′ Wt. P.M. Fresh breezes & hazy. Wind North. 8. Do Wr. 10. In royals & topgt studg sails.
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Friday 19 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and clear weather employd watering and other jobs as needfull after the employment of the day had family prayer and lay down tired and warey
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Tuesday 16 August 1836
Called the hands at ½ past 5 A.M. set them to work &c at ½ past 8 saw a sail rounding Point Marsden, on looking at her with my glass found her to be a Schooner, hoisted the Ensign (having first agreed with Bates for his services for 3 months) manned a boat belonging to […]
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Thursday 18 August 1836
Made the land to the eastward of Encounter Bay; sandy shore, exactly as described by Flinders. At midnight, sounded in 35 fathoms.
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Saturday 13 August 1836
Saturday 13th 1836 fair wind but Very Light hardly a nought to Carry Stuncells Broached 1 Sack of Oats for Sheep and fowles
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Saturday 13 August 1836
August 13 We spoke with a Dutch ship bound for Rio Janeiro. Wind still in the same quarter.
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Saturday 13 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and clear weather at half past 6 AM hove up the anchor and moved the ship but came to anchor again for want of water over the flats at 1 PM hove up again and moved to a more convenent place for wood and water we anchored in quater less […]
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Saturday 13 August 1836
Saturday August 13. Progressing for some days very steadily; about 200 miles from Madeira. Picked up a log of American pine which seemed to have been very long at sea from the immense number of Barnacles adhering to it, the wood however was perfectly sound. A visit from a shoal of dolphins to day, they […]
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Saturday 13 August 1836
Rose at ¼ to 6a.m. and finding no hands stirring sounded my morning call on my trumpet which soon brought all out. Set the men to work in various ways. At 7a.m. a boat from the L.M.P. with Mr. Edmonds (3rd Mate) and 1 watch reached the shore the men having had that day allowed them a ramble. Mr. Edmonds thinking that I had heard something to the disparagement of his character wished and received a private audience and retired as he said (and as he ought to be) perfectly satisfied. I took this opportunity of urging upon him the necessity of his giving his utmost support to the Captain (against whom I hear no complaints except from Mr. Birdseye) and particularly for the sake of his own and brother officers’ characters endeavouring to his utmost to prevent the purloining by the crew of the ships small stores, more especially ardent spirits. He received my observations as they were meant and we parted pleasantly. … In the evening settled with the men (having previously allowed them to buy from Mr. Birdseye at the store 1 pint of rum per man for their next week’s consumption – on condition that if I found the same improperly used I would allow it no more) and soon afterwards learned that the sailors on liberty from the L.M.P. were not gone aboard but were carousing with some of my men. On learning this and that they had (as was generally supposed) brought rum ashore with them endeavoured by various means to get them on board without effect. In a short time afterwards the conduct of the party became so outrageous as to warrant the supposition that an attack was meditated upon the store with a view of possessing themselves of a further supply of spirits. Quarrelling, fighting and obscene and blasphemous discourse and threatening language having proceeded to an alarming height and I being able to obtain the assistance of only 2 men on whom I could depend I armed myself and them and mounted guard till 7a.m. on the following morning (Sunday) being during the whole time in momentary expectation, spite of my exertions to prevent it, of being compelled to fire upon the poor depraved and deluded beings by which I was surrounded.
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Saturday 13 August 1836
Saturday, Augt 13. Light winds & fine. West. Close hauled. 3 Sail in sight.
Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 1110 + 76 = 1186. Late 35E33′ No. Longe 16E26′ W.
Hove to, to pick up a beam of deal, covered in barnacles. Having obtain-
-ed permission, I leaped overboard in my clothes, & swam toward
the boat: some of my companions called out that a shark was
following me, so I got astride of the log, where the fish follow-
-ed me, but proved to be a few dolphins, attracted by the le-
-pas on the wood: after scraping them off, it was hoisted in.
P.M. Fine weather & light winds. Steering S.W. People very merry.
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Friday 12 August 1836
We had light variable Airs, and Calm’s, all Tuesday Night, but on Wednesday Morng, a gentle Breeze, sprang up from N,N,E, which kept increasing untill the Eveng, and then blew very strong from N,E, causing a reef to be taken in the Sails at 6,P,M, ___ however at Noon of Yestdy it lower’d a little, […]
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Friday 12 August 1836
Our little community has been again shaken with intestine commotion. One of our servants (Margaret Clark) got into disgrace about the latter end of last month for lightness of conduct towards the sailors, and a few days afterwards, she put on the appearance of mental derangement; the surgeon and some others however attributed her conduct to the effect of spirituous liquors. In consequence of this report of the surgeon, of complaints having been made of the conduct of other females in the steerage arising from the same cause, and of grog having been given by the steerage passengers to the sailors whereby some of them were rendered unable to do their duty, Captain Duff having the opinion of Mr Brown & me, ordered that no spirits should be served out henceforth to the women and children, but that on arrival in the colony, either the quantity of rum which each individual wd have consumed on the voyage should be distributed, or its value given in money. This order occasioned no doubt dismay among the laboring emigrants, but finding the Captain immovable in his determination the malcontents were obliged to put up with their fate, though in some cases with a very bad grace. In particular, Mr Wickham, the person who we had made our drill sergeant, declared his intention of acquainting the Govt of the Cape of Good Hope with the conduct of the Captain, and of procuring redress by legal means. For a time his anger led him to refuse his own allowance of grog, though this had never been interdicted; he soon became tired of this ‘biting-of-his-nose-to-be-revenged-on-his-face’ system, but he has attempted to punish us by not having […] to drill! I was always averse to allowing laboring emigrants spirits on board ship, and am now more than ever convinced that the practice is most injudicious. Very few indeed ever think of helping the sailors by pulling at a rope or of rendering any other assistance; on the contrary, they are generally to be seen rolling on casks or hencoops, enjoying (a new thing for them) idleness with unusually full meals; thus they become unhealthy, & the allowance of spirits makes them vicious. The women, many of whom have perhaps very seldom tasted rum before, and if so in small quantities, now drinking largely, become quarrelsome and the causes of quarrels among the male emigrants. From these considerations, carried out practically as I have seen in several instances, I am thoroughly convinced that no ship containing a large number of poor persons can be other than an arena for discord while spirits are served out as an article of rations, or can be attainable except, in particular cases, by the authority of the Surgeon.
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Friday 12 August 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the North employd shifting our dry provitions in a dry and safe place in the after hold I took three men with me to the well to git it cleard out and sink a cask to git our water it is about 5 miles from the ship or rather […]
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Friday 12 August 1836
12th July [sic, August] steering East. after the cloth
was removed yesterday from the Dinner
table James Hoare came to the Cabin door
to say that two of the Sladdens were fighting
between decks. Upon this Kingston arose
and went to see what was the matter
there was an assemblage of persons
near the Main Mast: shortly after
Mr Morphett came to the door in a
hurried manner and said gentle
men your assistance is required one of the
steerage passengers has even threatened
to strike Mr Kingston. …
This morning I observed to Mr Gilbert
the impropriety of Mr Morphetts address
at the Cuddy table. I told him that
Kingston was less fitted to command
a body of men on such an expedition
as this than anyone of the Cabin
passengers. I told him we could not
complain of the language used by
Steerage passengers after what he
must have heard fall from the lips of
the cabin passengers, that he
could not be surprised at a man
being quarrelsome in liquor since
it was a failing common to our
own table; that I heard Kingston
and Sladden disputing about which
was the gentleman of the two: this
could not be wondered at when a cabin
passenger had previously taken the
trouble to tell the steerage passengers
they were all gentlemen.
I also touched upon the subject of
Mrs Paris saying that Kingston
ought to have attended to this
subject and ended by saying I
shuddered for the fate of
an expedition under such manage
ment –
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Friday 12 August 1836
Friday, Augt 12. Moderate breezes & fine. Steering S.W. Wind N.N.E. A large Ship in Co. Fitted a private bathing place for the use of the children. Noon. Light winds. Late 36E57′ No. Long.15E52 Wt. Miles run, 990 + 120 = 1110. P.M. Wind N.N.W. Trimmed sails.
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Friday 12 August 1836
Friday Augt 12 N W ½ W Saw 4 Sail Laying W and by West ½ West One of the Sheep Sick thomas not Very well/
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Friday 12 August 1836
12th Landed the remainder of Cargo Baggage &c from the Duke of York & took up my abode under my tent. Received remains of Cargo from L.M.P. with bill of Lading lists of stores &c to sign. Had a conversation with Capn Ross about his ship & candidly told him all that Chadwick had said […]
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Thursday 11 August 1836
S.S.W ½ Mr Juls fell down
the Hatch with his wifes Child
and Brake her harm Turn
Bull was found Guilty of
Steeling Parlhers 6 lb of Sugar
Mr W had words with Walters
upon Steeling our water
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Thursday 11 August 1836
August 11 We made signals to an American vessel bound for the South Sea fisheries.
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Thursday 11 August 1836
This 24 hours fresh breeses from the NE employd clearing the decks. I took a boat and sounded the harbor In the everning had family prayer read the 4th chapt St Peter found the word profitable and powerfull to [h]eal the wounded soul in shore wher no eye seese nor ear [h]ears but our gods […]
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Thursday 11 August 1836
Finished or nearly so, landing the cargoes. Allowed the men the day to make more comfortable places for themselves to sleep in. Had at his own request a long conversation with a Mr. Chadwick one of the L.M.P.’s sailors respecting the state of discipline &c. on board that ship, he attributes no blame to Captain Ross but says unless she have better subordinate officers she will be ruined and the voyage lost. Last night her crew were all drunkwith stolen (supposed so) liquor and behaved in the most disgraceful manner. … Some of the men belonging to the Duke of York being very dissatisfied and one of them (her Cooper) having told the Captain he was determined to leave her in the first port she made but would prefer being left with me if I would receive and employ him, and Captain Morgan having privately recommended me to do so if I thought the man likely to be useful I have agreed …
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Thursday 11 August 1836
Thursday, Augt 11. Fresh breezes and fine wr. Steering S.W. Wind N.E. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 822 + 168 = 990′. Lat. 38E57′ No. Longe 14E57′ Wt. P.M. The wind more moderate. Set the mainsail before the wind, having clewed up the foresail: found the Ship steer better. Evening. Wind N.b E. Set foresail, […]
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Wednesday 10 August 1836
Most part of this 24 hours calms and light winds employed getting the companys things on short and stowing our own away In the everning had family prayer read the 3d chapt of St Peter I find it a good and plesent thing to love the Lord to be able to cast my care on […]
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Wednesday 10 August 1836
10th Continued to employ the hands as yesterday. This morning was quite disgusted to hear Mr Birdseye & Capn Ross quarrelling & using oaths & low passionate language to each other on the beach & the sailors round them. By keeping cool & firm myself succeeding in quelling the disturbance. The Aggressor I considered to […]
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Wednesday 10 August 1836
Wednesday, Augt 10. Fresh breezes & fine. Cloudy occly. Set studg sails. Passed three vessels during the day; exchanged colours with an English schooner. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 651 + 171 = 822′. Lat. 41E37′ No. Longe 13E36′ Wt. Steering S.W. Wind N.E. P.M. Do Wr. Car- -ried away the starbd fore topmt studg […]
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Wednesday 10 August 1836
S – W Wednsday Aug 10, 1836
Spoke to a Brigg Bound
to portsmouth She promised
to Report us at Loyddes
Set our New Lower Stunsell
We than was makeing 196 Miles
in 24 howers
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Wednesday 10 August 1836
August 10 Contrary winds are still blowing, as sailors call it, ‘right in the teeth’, and the ship lurching so much in consequence as to make it exceedingly disagreeable. The sailors are uttering imprecations on the destroyer of the cat, and wishing all sorts of evil may befall him.
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Tuesday 9 August 1836
During all Sunday Night, the Wind kept veering round, and Yestdy Morng became due South, from which Art, we contd to have a clever Breeze, untill this Morng when it lower’d to a gentle Air, that remain’d untill 4, P,M, and then fell nearly a Calm _____________ Thos Waldron has been very ill indeed, of Dysentery, ever since […]
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Tuesday 9 August 1836
This 24 hours mostly strong winds from the SWd
employd getting the companys stores on shore and
received on board 13 casks of beef and pork three men refused duty today
In the evening had family prayer a few attended
read the 1st [?] chapt epist of St Peter.
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Tuesday 9 August 1836
Tuesday, August 9th, 1836. Fresh breezes & fine from N.E. Steering S.W.b W. Set lower topmast & tgt studg sails. A large Ship in sight. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run, 486 + 165 = 651. Lat. 44E15′ North. Longe 12E00′ West. P.M. Fresh breezes & fine. Shortened sail.
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Tuesday 9 August 1836
Tuesday 9th Aug fair wind Mr J. White [Vr?] G, Whites Running 8½ Knotts Monday aug 9 Mr Walters took the Liberty of Drinking our mess warter He was Seen by Mr S, Blunden.
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Sunday 7 August 1836
Our Cook is quite recover’d again, and resumed his occu-
-pation on Friday ________ During his illness, the
Cooking has been done by Joseph Jones, who has been
very useful indeed, in many respects, since we left
Dartmouth, having fill’d, even the situation of a
Seaman, at two or three different times, for 10, or 12,
Days together, in the place of Sailors, that have been
unwell, and I understand, that Capt Martin, intends
to remunerate him, for his services ___ besides this
Young Man, I consider that, Halford, Chandler,
Powell, and Tindal, have been the most industrious
and willing, of all the Company’s servants, during
our Passage, that are on board, of this Vessel ____
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Sunday 7 August 1836
Sunday, Augt 7. Moderate winds & cloudy. All sail set before the wind. Steering W.S.W. 10. Mustered Ship’s company by Divisions, after which the Revd C. Howard read prayers & preached a very excellent, appropriate & feeling sermon. Noon. Do Wr. Miles run 269 + 107 = 376. Lat. 40E11′ No. Long. 8E14′ Wt. P.M. […]
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Sunday 7 August 1836
Sunday August 7. Proceeding favorably; but a dreadful sea rolling for the last two days. This morning it abated sufficiently to enable us to have divine service performed for the first time. Mr Howard preached a somewhat appropriate discourse with great attention and decorum. The governor had a severe sprain of the Ancle to day. […]
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Monday 8 August 1836
Monday, Augt 8. Fresh breezes & cloudy. Wind E.N.E. Steering W.S.W. All sail set. Saw Mother Carey’s chickens (Stormy Peterel) Noon. Do Wr. Going 7 knots. Miles run 376 + 110 = 486. Lat. 47E30′ No. Longe 9E59′ W. P.M. Fresh breezes & fine. 10. Shortened sail.
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Monday 8 August 1836
8th. Continued landing cargo and lengthened store and commenced digging the well, offered to hire the boat from the Islanders to attend on us but as they were exhorbitant in their charge declined it. Most of the men are very troublesome, impertinent, idle and dissatisfied and it is all but impossible to keep them in anything like working trim. Mr. Beare is entirely occupied in attending on his wife who is quite deranged. Mr. Birdseye is consuming unnecessary time in making for himself a needlessly comfortable temporary dwelling. Mr. Shrevogel I am obliged to leave on board the Duke of York for sundry purposes. I have to bear up against all, and struggle with all both mentally and physically. I thank God however I feel cool, collected, determined and happy and doubt not we shall get all in good humour and better order before long. I receive considerable assistance from the Islander Mr. Wallan, who is really a worthy fellow.
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Sunday 7 August 1836
7th (Sunday) Went on shore in the morning & Performed Divine Service under one end of our Store, returned on board being sent for to see 3 Settlers who had come from another part of the Island (Near Kangaroo Head) went on board the Pellam to tea, to see Capn Ross about Mrs Thompson & […]
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Tuesday 9 August 1836
Captain Morgan landed before my store 28 (less 2 landed before) casks of Hamburgh Beef and Pork which he had brought in bond from London for this place. There is a good deal of quarrelling the ships and on shore and I have my hands full to overflowing! We continued to land and receive cargo as also private baggage for which I have erected a separate temporary store. The Rats, Ants and divers other rational and irrational beings are very troublesome.
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Monday 8 August 1836
Monday 8th 1836 E by W ½ W Running 8 Knots 2 OClock Opersite the Span Coast, the Ships Company Opened the main Hatch to Get Thomas Clarkes [B…..] [Mr?] Got his Onions and his Junk from him Pack Cheeas Bread and
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Sunday 7 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds from the NWd we had three services this day one in the forenoon read with the church service a surmon from gens 6th chapt 17.18 verce taught the boys in the afternoon in the everning delive a surmon from 12th gen 4th verce I found it good to serve god […]
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Sunday 7 August 1836
This day, being Sunday, and the weather being fine, though the wind was still contrary, we had Divine Service on deck. Three ships were seen in the distance, also two large birds, supposed to be the albatross. This I thought an extraordinary circumstance, as we were then three hundred miles from land, the nearest being the Gold Coast.
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Monday 8 August 1836
The party getting a little over
sea sickness and more at home with each other.
There is an indifferent piano in the after Cabin,
and this evening we had what was called a [tooltip color=”grey” text=”literally a musical evening or concert.”] soirée
musicale [/tooltip]. Somewhat of a punishment. We have
bid farewell to good music for sometime; and
besides there are certain airs associated with
being of so different a stamp from any we are
likely to meet again that it is painful to be obliged
to listen to them. The Ladies getting over the disagreeables
which tho’ unavoidable in any Ship have, it is to be
regretted, been very much & unnecessarily multiplied
in the Buffalo. It does require some physical strength
as well as moral courage to endure the annoyances in-
-separable from a sea voyage; and to the unaccustomed ears of
ladies who have never left the comforts of their own homes
the creaking bulkheads, slamming of doors, tumbling
and bumping of chairs and other moveables, to say
nothing of the compound of villainous sounds & smells
common to ship board, these inconveniences at first seem
insupportable. But a little time & patience and they
become less frequently thought of & less severely felt.
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Monday 8 August 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the NW employd all day gitting the companys things on shore In the everning had family worship read part of the 3d chapt of St Johns gospel to as many as whould attend Mr Richards and myself prayed O how good to have the Father of our Lord Jesus […]
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Sunday 7 August 1836
Sunday 7 1836 Fair Left the Bay S by W 6 Bells had Church the Doctor was Chaplin the Carpinter Reader and a Comence of Singing the Paslms Mr Walters was turned out of the Gentlemen’s Company off from the Poop the wind But Light 4 Knots
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Saturday 6 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and rain all hands employd gitting on shore the companys stores in the everning cleaned down the deck for sabath In the everning read the 33d chapt of Ezekiel to four souls I found it good to wate on god iniquity still abounds
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Saturday 6 August 1836
Light winds, North. Rather fine weather. Set lower studg sail. Noon. Lat. 49E27′ N. Long. 6E12′ Wt 69 miles run since Noon yesterday, which added to 200 miles run from Isle of Wight, makes 269. P.M. Cloudy, light winds from N.E. Spoke a Spanish brig. 10. Light winds and rainy.
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Saturday 6 August 1836
S-W Cut out Lower
Stunsell Built 6 Houses for
Gogs 3 Oclock halfter noon
a General Dispute took Place
Betwean the Emegrants
and the Captain Respecting
the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”rations”] rashings [/tooltip] and the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Either specified areas on deck limiting access to different groups of passengers for walking, parading or promenading, or just limited space.”] delimeted Spaise [/tooltip]
of Deck for Praiding the
weather Very fine Running 6½ Knots
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Friday 5 August 1836
A fine morning after a very rough night but the wind a little lower, though still against us, the sea swelling and foaming tremendously, and the ship leaning so much to leeward that it was almost impossible to stand. We had learned by this time, however, what it is to be at sea.
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Friday 5 August 1836
For the last three days the
Emigrants deck has been in a most offensive
state – so much so that it was impossible to
pass along without fingers to the nostril. To cleanse
it at last, became a matter of absolute necessity,
and this has accordingly been done to-day with
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”bleaching powder”] chloride of lime [/tooltip] and plenty of seawater. I had
some difficulty before leaving St Helen’s in procuring
a number of cats to be sent on shore. They were
very numerous and had crept under the berths
of the emigrants, which is the main cause of the
horrid effluvia now existing. Cats are probably
valuable in the colony, but whoever takes them
out should be obliged to keep them sweet and
clean and confined to a hutch during the
voyage.
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Friday 5 August 1836
Light airs & cloudy, N.E. All sail set. Shewed
our Number to the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The Channel Squadron of the Royal Navy was first stationed in the English Channel in 1690 to defend Britain against the French Navy. “] Channel Squadron [/tooltip] (6 sail of line)
Noon. Almost calm & fine. Aired the emigrants’ bedding &c.
& inspected them for [tooltip color=”grey” text=”This might refer to bed bugs, fleas, lice, or all three. Scabies was also often referred to as ‘the itch’, but the mites which cause it are microscopic and unlikely to be found by inspection of bedding.”] the itch [/tooltip] – a few cases only. P.M. A light
breeze from the Northward. Attended concert in the cabin.
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Friday 5 August 1836
8 OClock unbent Cables 100 Miles Clear of Land Clerd up the Birth and Gave Thomas Some Soap the wind fair with one Lower and fore Top men Stunsells Set Main Top men Stunsells and Geallent Sunsells Set. running 6 knots a hower
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Friday 5 August 1836
This 24 hours light winds and rain at times employd gitting the stores on shore In the everning had family prayers eleven attended the times are trying iniquity abounds curseing and swareing is where ever you are most of the L M Pelhams crew serve the prince of the power of the air and in […]
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Thursday 4 August 1836
The second No of the Buffalo Telegraph
today. A dead failure. Scarcely a redeeming point
of intelligence or wit. Scraps from young ladies’
[tooltip color=”grey” text=”Books of useful information or memorable sayings, compiled by individuals. They were often hand-written, but could also include pasted extracts – hence scrap books.”] common place books [/tooltip] do not become original by
being fairly copied into a sheet of foolscap
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Thursday 4 August 1836
Close hauled on larbd tack, wind W.b S. Saw the land at 8 on the lee beam. Drizzly occasionally Calm during the middle of the day, off the coast of Dorsetshire. About 7 P.M. a light air sprung up from the N.E. At 10, the light of Portland bore East, about 12 miles. Midt. Light […]
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Thursday 4 August 1836
N,W 4 OClock in the morning Shortened Sail 4 Bells the wind Blue full S. West 2 Bells We Stode the Slack of the Cable Below I Pur chased ½ lb Tobaco Sold ¼ 2s Sold ¼ of the same 2s Gave 1 Bottle of rum to the Sailors
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Thursday 4 August 1836
This 24 hours gentle breeses from the westward AM got under weigh and moved the ship where we intend to land the colonian stores came to anchor in about fathoms water with 18 fathoms cable made a raft and got it along side ready for discha rgeing in the everning had family prayer ten attended […]
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Thursday 4 August 1836
Augt. 4th, 5th and 6th. The ships commenced and continued to discharge cargo and so rapidly that it was with difficulty I could by any means manage to save the damageable parts from being seriously injured by the weather; succeeded however by the evening of the 6th in erecting by means of my tarpaulins (without […]
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Wednesday 3 August 1836
Left St Helen’s this morning once more, with a favorable breeze, which looks likely to take us clear of the Channel. A good deal of motion. The ladies and most of the gentlemen suffering from the mal de mer. The emigrants also in no very savoury condition, but bearing their lot upon the whole with […]
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Wednesday 3 August 1836
Moderate breezes & fine from S.E. At 5, we weighed & beat out of the roads of St Helen’s. At 10, having weathered St Catherine’s point, we kept away & set topmast & tgt studg sails. P.M. light winds & fine. Wind drew forward to Westly. Braced sharp up on larbd tack. 8. Tacked off […]
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Wednesday 3 August 1836
D,W thomas washed a Shirt
Handkerchiefe and one
Pair Of stockings Mr
Fink Consented for the
Cheaf Mate to Sleep in
his Cabbin to make room
for one of the feamaile
Pasangers that was Sick
Mrs Stuckey
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Wednesday 3 August 1836
This 24 hours mostly strong winds attended
with rain I had the people called on the quater
deck to know the reason they refused to land the
passengers things they sayd Mr Stevens had promiced
them fivety pounds and they whould not work till
he paid them so I let it stand till farther advice
the two men came from the farm Mr Stevens was
not on board but had bing makeing signals
on shore and no one preceived him
we had family prayer in the everning I went
to bed as usal and was disturbed some time after
by hereing Mr Stevens going on in a most unman
ly way it appears he was hurt in not being heard
when these men where on board for he wanted to
be on board to receive them I heard him say it
was an eternal disgrace to the captain an eternal
disgrace to the officers and crew and he should
write to the directors and inform them and he was
a magestrate and so on and said he should like
to see the captain but surposed I was asleep so I got
up and told him what I thought of his conduct
dureing the time I have had to be with him as to
his moral conduct I have known when we have
bing in our extrimities he has bing lost and as his
conduct towards Mr Bear and family has bing
such as no one but whould disapprove off he has
came into the cabin tore down the curtains got
a horse wip and thretned to horse wip Mrs Bear
and has told Mr Bear in the hereing of his wife
that he whould banish him and his family to
any part of the Island and cut off his supplys
the poor whoman is now raveing mad with four
helpless babes on board with the sister of Mr Bears
who is over come with the good qualities of Mr Stevens
at the age of fivety Mr B disapproves of such conduct
well god makes the ungodly his rod but either to
they can come and no farther Mr Stevens I under
stand has bing down where the people lives and
paid them fivety pounds – so ended this day
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Wednesday 3 August 1836
Spent the whole day in endeavouring to restore peace on board the ships. The grievance was the having to bring out and land passengers and cargo without some remuneration and both crews positively refused to lower another boat unless they first received the sum they wished. To the Pelham I sent £40 through their Captain to pay the remainder of the money promised them at Liverpool by consent of Mr. Hurry and I further consented to give them 1 [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Also known as a ‘piece of eight’, this large silver coin was minted in Spain from 1497. Widely used in the Americas, Europe and the Far East, it became a form of world currency and was widely used in trade, including within the British Empire, where there was often a shortage of coinage. It was the basis for the American dollar and equated to approximately one dollar in value. Pieces of eight were also associated in the popular imagination with piracy.”] Spanish dollar [/tooltip] per man for landing the cargo. To the crew of the Duke of York I gave £50 which I had partly promised in Torbay (England and for this sum they promised to land passengers and cargo in good order. Henry Wallan and John Day came to our ship today and brought the 2 pigs. I was ashore at the time and for 2 hours hailed the ship (and fired 7 shots to her) but could not get a boat put off for me although the Captain knew I had asked the settlers to dine with me and look at the act of Parliament and other Documents connected with the Colony. Captain Ross brought the men ashore, and I returned by his boat having first agreed with Henry Wallan to give me his service and advice in any way I wished for the space of 3 months from this day in consideration of the payment to him of £1:10:0 and his provisions. On reaching the ship spoke to Captain Morgan and Mate about what I considered the very uncourteous behaviour in not answering my hail. This was the first time since we left England that I had made the least complaint to captain Morgan ( though I ought to have done so more than once) and I was perfectly astonished to find him get so warm and use to me language so exceedingly disrespectful and unprovoked. Henry Wallan and John Day acknowledge me as Magistrate of the Island and on arrival of the Governor wish to retain their farm on payment of the purchase money.
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Tuesday 2 August 1836
Who killed my cat? Suppose I tell;
Unless deceived, I know full well;
But you, perhaps, may guess the plot
When I have told you who ‘twas not.
‘Twas not the captain nor the mate,
For they, I’m sure, had no such hate,
But both expressed their deep regret
That Puss with such a fate had met.
‘Twas not the steward; he desired
That she should every day be fed,
And said, ‘I tink dat man so bad
Who dared do wicked act so sad.’
‘Twas not the sailors; one and all
They would apprehend a squall,
And vow that man should drowned be
Who threw a cat into the sea.
‘Twas non who in the steerage dwelt,
For they had more humanely felt,
And all, with Nature’s truth inspired,
Her stripes and beauty much admired.
Who was it, then, who killed my cat?
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Tuesday 2 August 1836
S,W the wind Blew of our Starbor d quarter from 7 OClock in the Evening we Set the fore top main Stunsell and our main te Galen Stuncell we run 7½ Knots untill 10 OClock on Wednesday Morning
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Tuesday 2 August 1836
This 24 hours moderate breeses from the North
early this morning Mr Stevens Captn Ross and
myself went to the river in search of the boat
and if posable to git some whild foul in walking
along the side of the river on the oppersite side
I saw a man some what like when a boy I have
seen Robinson cruso with long hair and beard a
stick in his hand and verry little [tooltip color=”grey” text=”apparel/clothing”] apperil [/tooltip] I
put to him a few questions which he answered
said he had bing here since 1832 had a farm
by the side of the river with another man and
had come down in search of swans eggs by this
time Mr Stevens came up who was behind in
the boat the man turned back and we
accompanied him to his farm which was
closed in with piles drove in the ground conta
ining about five acres of weat some turnips
cabages onions and a few pertatoes they have
pigs and fouls a fine cat we where introduced to
the partner of our friend who appeared to be a
rough sailor though left of sea and had bing
on the island about years and had become
quite nativefied his voice appeard to have lost
his mother tongue as regards voice they said
they had two women lived with them which
they called [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Aboriginal women, from dyin in the langauge of the Sydney area, usually used perjoratively”] jins [/tooltip] and they where gone to catch
wallaby that is a small kind of Kangaroo
Mr Stevens invited them to come with thier wives
to see him on sunday and have a religious ser
vice but says the man to introduce our wives whould
be like introduceing a dog to you presence they
lived in small one story leve with the ground
houses had out houses for thier stock I promiced
to give them some [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Essay or pamphlet, generally on a religious topic.”] tracts [/tooltip] with a Bible each
in the everning returned on board with some
ducks and a swan and found my own crew and
the [tooltip color=”grey” text=”Lady Mary Pelham’s”] L M Pelhams [/tooltip] and the people on shore had re
fused duty I had prayers in the cabin with
the mate two foremast men and the two
apprentices and found Mrs Bear much worse
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Tuesday 2 August 1836
Having given Mr. Birdseye directions for the men during the day went on board the Pelham at ½ past 5a.m. to breakfast and at ½ past 6 in company with Captains Morgan and Ross put off in a boat in search of the one we had lost in the River Morgan. Shot a swan and some ducks on our way and when about 8 miles up the river fell in with John Day a resident on the Island, took him on board explained to him the reason of our coming to the Island and visited his residence. His partner Henry Wallan is the oldest resident on the Island having been here 18 years. They seem very industrious and steady people having a nice little farm of about 5 acres (two of which are under a fine crop of wheat) 8 or 10 pigs, some poultry and various vegetables, purchased two pigs for the ships brought away a bag of turnips and left two men and 1 boat to come down the following day with the pigs and settlers, reached the Pelham about 9p.m. and was not a little surprised to find that all my men and the crews of both vessels had struck work! Saw my men immediately and after some lengthy conversation was pleased to find them agree to return to their alleigance. Retired to bed on board the Duke of York at 2a.m.
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Tuesday 2 August 1836
Fresh breezes & fine. West. Recd fresh beef & provisions. The Water tank came. A party of us rowed the ladies in the cutter to the Isle of Wight. Took a walk, & afterwards (19 of us) took refreshment at the house of the brother of Mr Fisher (Col. Com.) then took another walk afterwards […]
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Monday 1 August 1836
Warmly did our hearts respond to those of our friends who on the 1st of this month would celebrate at Barkway the anniversary of Harriet’s birthday. How often did we talk over the events which were probably being enacted at the moment of our speaking! And herein we had an advantage over our Barkway friends for knowing the exact difference of time between our position on the globe and theirs, we were able to fix upon the precise moment for dinner, for the usual course of toasts and expressions of kindness & affection, and, last of all, for the striking of the hour of twelve, when we knew Caroline would in her own inimitable style give the crowning glass to the whole – at the same hour the time having been calculated to the minute, Harriet & I joined in ardently wishing every blessing to be the portion of each around her.
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Sunday 31 July 1836
Light winds & fine from N.W. to North. 11. The tide serving, we weighed anchor & stood out to sea; before we cleared the island, the wind became unfavorable, & increased in violence. The Tam o’Shanter being 1 mile on our weather beam. P.M. Fresh breezes & fine. 8. Tacked, about 1 mile from the […]
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Monday 1 August 1836
August 1. Fresh breezes & cloudy from West to S.W. Made no progress during the night, Tam o’Shanter in Co. P.M. Fresh breezes with rain. 2. Bore up for St Helen’s roads. 5. Saw the land. 7.30. Anchored in St Helen’s roads. Light airs.
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Monday 1 August 1836
Another heavy gale from the S.W. which forced us back a second time to St Helen’s, where we shall now probably remain till a decided change in the weather takes place.
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Monday 1 August 1836
Monday Aug 1, 1836 the Captain put me in Committian to take charge of the Poultry the wind was faint made but 7 Miles all day tacking about and all Paple Sick saw the Buffloe 3 OClock in the morning of our Lee Quar ter/ ¾ Beef due to me
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Sunday 31 July 1836
Got on the way 8 OClock in the Morning the Pilot Came on Bord and Left us 4 OClock and took 3 Letters ashore for me the Buffloe Cept our Company that haffter noon Close in Shore with a 5 Knott Breeze fair we had fresh Provisions and All in Good Spirits
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Sunday 31 July 1836
This 24 hours passing showers of rain in the fore
noon had prayers in the cabin with a surmon
13th chapt of Hebs 5th verce in the afternoon instruct
ed the children I was sent for by Mrs Bear one of
our passengers who is in a deranged state of mind
with four helpless babes to look to her as a mother
I think the means used for her is too hars not suited
to the case I read and reasoned with her but I
am afraid to little perpose in the everning
we had service on the quater deck read the 13th chapt
of epist of Hebs read a surmon and exhorted the people
we commenced and ended with prayer and sung allso
so concluded with this day the first in this port
Mr Stevens and Mr Bear on shore erecting a tent
for Mrs Bear with desire to git her on shore as soon
as posable beliveing it the best
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Sunday 31 July 1836
Rose at ½ past 7a.m. much refreshed and after a bath and breakfast felt nothing the worse for the extraordinary exertion of yesterday. Capn. Ross and Mr. Birdseye came off from the L.M.P. to attend prayers on board our ship and I returned with them and took dinner. After which I was obliged to send […]
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Monday 1 August 1836
Most part of this 24 hours light winds from the north employd gitting some of the pasengers things on shore Mrs Bear went on shore under verry trying circumstances and verry painfull – in the afternoon Mr Stevens and myself went to the east part of the bay of shoals we found a large well […]
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Monday 1 August 1836
Had Mrs. Beare taken on shore, then took two hands and the well borer and went once more in search of water and a suitable place to discharge the cargo. Succeeded better than I expected and fixed upon a spot which I think will be our first town, then went on board a boat with Captain Morgan and [tooltip color=”grey” text=”The action or process of measuring the depth of water with a sounding line, a line marked at intervals of fathoms and weighted at one end. A fathom is a unit of length equal to 6 feet (1.83 metres).”] sounded [/tooltip] the Bay nearly to Point Marsden. Returned to the ship at 8p.m. much exhausted having neither eaten nor drank anything since 5a.m.
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Wednesday 3 August 1836
On Saturday Night, the Wind increased to another heavy
Gale, from nearly due West, which contd without the
least abatement, accompd by Lightning, Hail, and
Rain, untill Yestdy Afternoon, before it moderated, and since
which time, has been shifting about, between S,S,W, and West,
while the Sea, is most terribly high and cross ________
This Eveng, we are by calculation in a Parallel of Long,
with “Cape Leuwen”, which lies in 115E6’ E, Long, and
34E20’ S, Lat, but we are over far off, to distinguish
it, being in 36E47’ S, Lat, ___________
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Saturday 6 August 1836
Again a rough head wind, which drove us every way but the right, everything and everybody tumbling about. Mr Thomas had hitherto boasted that he could stand upon his feet though others could not, but this day threw him flat on his back. The children had many falls, as did almost everyone. For myself, I […]
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Sunday 31 July 1836
Letter to George Fife Angas
H.M.S. Buffalo
St. Helen’s July 31 1836
My dear Sir,
….The Tam O’Shanter came in to these roads
shortly after us having been also driven back. The
Captain reports all his emigrants well, with the
exception of a Mrs Stuckey who is considered by the
surgeon to be rather in some danger. The Dr of the
Buffalo & I have considered his report in the
case and are of opinion it is not more than
a severe attack consequent on sea sickness.
…
Believe me always my dear Sir
with greatest esteem Yrs faithfully
Geo Stevenson
G.F. Angas Esq
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Saturday 30 July 1836
– W, Saturday 30 of July the Captan went on Shore and 11 of the Passengers we took in water the 2 piggs Dide 11 OClock the wind Changed W.N.W fair for our Corse
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Saturday 30 July 1836
Strong gales & cloudy, N.W. Mr Sadler, late Master of the Ship came on board. A lighter came alongside with provisions. Found the Tam o’Shanter, in which my stores were shipped, had been obliged to put in here. Several of her passengers came on board of us. Evening. Weather more modte.
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Saturday 30 July 1836
Most part of this 24 hours passing squalls of heavy rain in consequence of the trees falling over the river on each side we could not git the boat close to the bank and took some refreshment and left the boat to trace the river along but by trying to cut of some bush that […]
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Saturday 30 July 1836
to trace the River Bank, intending to return to our boat to breakfast, but at ½ past 3 finding that we had suddenly and most unexpectedly lost the river (by turning a little from the bank into a bed of small tall brushwood in order to avoid climbing over a quantity of log timber) and being unable to recover it for want of an elevated spot of land or a tree from which to get a look out, we judged it best to lay-to till day-light, so made a fire and sat round it wondering no less how we lost the river, than how we were to find it again. At 6a.m. having held a council as to what should be done and having found the bearings of the sea by a small chart and compass which most providentially I brought with me and without which we should most probably have been lost we decided it would be best to shape our course due N.N.E. in hope of gaining the shore as we had no chance of finding our way back to the river. The only provision we had was 3 biscuits amongst us all. After various perplexities such as it is impossible to describe we reached the sea at 5p.m. and made a fire to dry ourselves and cook a Crow which I had shot and which was the only living creature we had been able to get near. The Captain and myself divided a leg of this small bird between us and let the men have the rest. We had just day light enough to examine the shore and found by the chart and bearings that we were in Napean Bay 12 miles west of our ship and hid from the sight of her by a projecting point of land. At 6p.m. we started again and at ¼ to 10p.m. we reached our tents where our men got food water and fire and from which we hailed the ship and got a boat sent off for us. On our way to the tents we found fresh water in the well I had left the men digging and drank of it with avidity and now I found that our Barque, “Lady Mary Pelham”, had that morning arrived from Liverpool and was anchored in safety by the “Duke of York”.
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Saturday 30 July 1836
The Rain contd without the least intermission, all Thursday Night, but at 6, A,M, of Yestdy it clear’d up, Yet, still remains very unsettled, sometimes We have it fine, and pleasant, for an Hour, or two, together, then a black Cloud will come, sweeping over our Heads, in a violent Squall, from the Westward, pelting […]
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Saturday 30 July 1836
The winds are now, as Capn Duff foretold many days ago, very variable, & last night we experienced rather a severe squall. I was first apprized of it by Harriet’s awakening me in consequence, as she said, of the rain blowing in upon her (though swinging in the cot nine feet from the stern windows) […]
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Friday 29 July 1836
Fresh breezes with rain, S.W. Under double reefed topsails. Finding the ship was making no progress, while the wind increased in violence against us, we bore up for St Helen’s roads, where we arrived at 8 P.M. The wind increased to a gale from West. Down togt yards.
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Friday 29 July 1836
Most part of this 24 hours passing showers of rain employd gitting up casks for the raft Mr Stevens went on shore with four men to dig for water he gave them directions and we took a boat and went to the river morgan to seek for foul to refresh crew and passengers at midnight […]
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Friday 29 July 1836
passed the Cape in Latitude
37½. This day the Steerage passengers
refused to get a cask of biscuits from the hold
for themselves.
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[meteor_slideshow slideshow="sidebar-public" metadata="height: 177, width: 280"]
View journal extracts by ship:
View journal extracts by person:
Alexander Dawsey
Arthur William Gliddon
Boyle Travers Finniss
Captain Collet Barker
Captain George Martin
Captain John Finlay Duff
Captain John Jones
Captain John Nelson
Captain John Rolls
Captain Robert Morgan
Captain Robert Ross
Captain Whiteman Freeman
Charles Mann
Charles S Hare
Dr Charles Everard
Dr John Woodforde
Edward Gibbon Wakefield
George Fife Angas
George Glansford
George Kingston
George Stevenson
Governor Hindmarsh
Harriet Gouger
Henry Wallan
James Hurtle Fisher
John Brown
John Day
John Michael Skipper
John Morphett
John Pirie journal writer
John White
Joseph and James Jones
Mary Thomas
Robert Gouger
Robert Thomas
Robert Torrens
Rosina Ferguson
Samuel Stephens
The Beare family
The Chandler family
The Powell family
William Deacon
William Light
William Pullen
Young Bingham Hutchinson
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