NAMES OF PASSENGERS IN THE 1ST CLASS SALLOON
Rev Mr & Mrs Tucker and family of six childre &servant
Rev Mr & Mrs Shaw
Mr & Mrs Backhouse and family of five children & nurse
Mif(?) Parker *
Mr Burn *
Mr Koch *
Mr E G Lewis *
(* travelling in same party of four)
Mr James Lewis
Mr Charles Minton
Mr Charles Pringle
Mr & Mrs Jobson
Mr Fowler
Mr ?okins
Mr Bellchamber
Mr Hutton
Mr Kitton
Mr Reid
Mr Palfreyman
Dr Hunt (Surgeon to the ship)
Commander Captain Peterkin
Chief Officer Mr Harvey
(pages 2-4 blank, writing starts page 5)
On Board the Nimrod to sail for Sydney New
South Wales. Arrived from
2 Day 2.14 by Thursday
Got up about 8 o’clock. Walked about Deck till 9 o’clock breakfast. Steam tug alongside. Towed down the river to the north foreland intended moving early but four sailors had to be discharged for bad conduct. Luncheon at 12 o’clock dinner at 3 o’clock. Tea at 6 o’clock. All lights out at 10 o’clock anchored all night at north foreland.
3 Day 2.15 by Friday
Steam Tug alongside 8.30 towed to South foreland felt rather seasick..meals the same as the day before cast anchor for the night weather unsettled and rough went to bed at 9 o’clock.
4 Day 2.16 by Saturday
Got up at 8 o’clock anchor weighed at 7.30 wind against us and a little rain sea rough a great deal of seasickness on board of Deal change of Pilot. Anchored for the night.
5 Day 2.17 by Sunday
Weighed anchor early in the morning a fair
wind got into the
6 Day February 18th 1861 Monday
Weighed Anchor at 7.30. Wind against us and
a storm expected Deal Pilot sent on shore at 4.30 in case it might be to rough
to land him near
7 Day February 19th 1861 Tuesday
Got up at 8.30 Wind and Rain sea very rough seasick and could not eat anything.
8 Day Feb 20 1861 Wednesday
In bed till 11 o’clock sea very rough ship passing with mast broken.
9 Day Feb 21st 1861 Thursday
Got up at 9 o’clock. Wind against us stern boat washed astray during the night and sea very rough
10 Day Feb 22nd 1861 Friday
Still beating about the channel great difficulty to keep of sand near the lizard head were two very brilliant light houses are a place were ships keep a good look out for going up the channel.
11 Day Saturday 23
Still beating about the channel and the sea rough wind against us.
12 Day Feb 24th Sunday
Got up at 8.15 Quite recovered from
seasickness eat a harty breakfast. Things getting a little more straight. Prayers after breakfast every morning by the
Rev Mr Shaw or the Rev Mr
Tucker taken in turns and both passengers for
13 Day Feb 25th Monday
Got up at 8 o’clock walked about on deck till breakfast wind fair continued so all night.
14 Day Feb 26th Tuesday
Got up at 8 o’clock walked on deck till breakfast 9 o’clock for breakfast. Corn beef cold every morning Roast Beef Boiled Eggs Hot Bread in cobs cold Boiled Ham Hot cod Fish Pickes Biscuits Butter very good but salty for luncheon Biscuits & Cheese at 12 o’clock, for dinner. Boiled Fowl & Ham Boiled Beef and Roast Mutton Pie & Pudding every day. Cheese etc. Wines and spirits can be bought on board marmaled preserve etc at about 25 per cent higher than on shore. The Live stock on board are about 23 sheep 24 Pigs a goat and 17 or 18 fowls round the deck in pens & 9dz geese 8dz ducks and 1dz turkeys for the use of passengers on the journey. First class only. Tea Bread. Biscuits & Butter. Tea & Coffee to Breakfast.
15 Day Feb 27th Wednesday
Got up at 8 o’clock. Wind favourable sea calm had breadfast in the list of articles about I omitted Hot Potatoes to breakfast every day. For dinner to day. 1st Soup. Boiled leg mutton. Roast Beef. Cold corn Beef. Old English Plum Pudding & Rice Pudding. Cheese always after dinner
16 Day Feb 28 Thursday
Got up at 8 o’clock walked on deck till breakfast. Had a game at ? on deck. Weather much warmer sun shinning bright. But not much wind sea quite a calm at night a little Rain played a game at card went to bed at 9.30
17 Day March 1st Friday
Got up at 8.15 Took the ususal constitutional walk on deck before breakfast had a game at Quoits the Quoits are made by the sailors of rope we chalk a square on deck and put numbers ? four 11 four 2 and 1 three take 5 throws and the one that counts most wins the game at four ? a Small Whale made its appearance and followed the ship about a mile. Mr James Lewis one of the passengers got out his rifle to shoot it but it did not make its appearance again. Weather fine and a little more wind 8.0 those that felt disposed practiced hyms and chants for Sunday morning service.
18 Day March 2nd 1861 Saturday
Got up at 8.15 after Breadfast copied a Hymn for Sunday morning service nothing of any consequence occurred during the day the weather fine and no wind nearly at stand still all day played a hand at card and went to bed.
19 Day March 3rd Sunday
Got up at 8.30 after Breakfast. Prayers as usual service on deck 10.30. The Prayers and Littany read by the Rev Mr Shaw Sermon by the Rev. Mr Tucker one though short very intersting and was listened with great attention by every one present especially the sailors. The weather fine and more wind going about 7 knotts an hour, the text was take from the 8 chapter of Mattew 23 to 27 verse, the wind favourable all night and kept up to 8 knotts an hour all things going on well.
20 Day March 4th Monday
Got up at 8.30 felt rather unwell the large toe on the left foot swollen and a large blister raised could not put my boot on. Weather fine and wind right going about 9 knotts an hour the captain says we have gone over 200 miles in 24 hours this is the best run we have had yet.
21st Day March 5th Tuesday
Got up at 8.15 felt a little better the large toe not too much inflammed. Opposite to Madeira the wind faourable going about 9 knotts an hour a capital spree at 10.30 a large owl made its appearance in the rigging of the ship Mr James Lewis managed a shot at it but missed killing weather much warmer.
22nd Day March 6th Wednesday
Got up at 7.30 felt much better walked about deck till breakfast the ?ogg cast out going 8 knotts an hour weather fine and warm nothing of any notice during the day. The captains dog bit him on the elbow so to put an end all future bits he put the dog over board it seemed to give general satisfaction to the passengers as it was dangerous at times, after tea played a rubber at card.
23rd Day March 7th Thursday
Got up at 7.30 Very much better took the usual walk on deck till 9 o’clock the weather delightful sun rather warm. The sailors making ready for the tropics. A large awning is put over the deck to keep of the sun which makes it very pleasant after dinner, dessert Mr James P. Lewis offered me a Glass of Port wine which I accepted he is a very nice young man and sleeps in the next cabin to us we often have a game at card togerther with M? Parker and Couzin Lizzy (Suzzy) at 8.0 o’clock we had a dance on deck the music played by Mr Bellchamber on the concertina. Fair wind at night
24th Day March 8th Friday
Got up at 7. O. Walked about deck till
breakfast a beautiful morning but very warm.
The captain came out in white trousers and white
25 Day March 9th Saturday
Got up at 6.30 the sailors washing the deck all barefoot, some of the gentlemen get up at 6 and go to the bows of the ship to pump water over each other it serves for a shower bath. We have it still warm with a nice breeze which makes it very pleasant you might think it was July in England to Breakfast we had part of the dolphin which Mr Lewis caught yesterday it eats very nice and ? every one seemed to enjoy it and hope he might be as succesful today. Nothing of any importance took place during the day we had a dance after tea the wind is still in the right quarter and we make good progress.
26 Day March 10th Sunday
Got up at 7.30. Walked about deck till breakfast the weather sill continues to very fine the sun warm with a little wind going about 6 knotts an hour. Service on deck at 10.30 the Rev. Mr Tucker read the prayers and Rev Mr Shaw preached the sermon that was scarcely worht listening to. For dinner we had Roast turkey, Boiled leg mutton, Boiled Beef & Roast Goose. Mock Turtle Soup. Plum Pudding dessert nothing worth during the day.
27 Day March 11th Monday
Got up at 3.30 Walked about deck the weather still continues warm going along about 7 knotts. The passengers having missed several things from their cabins Mr Tucker spoke to the captain a Mr Volin missed his bed which was soon found he had never taken the trouble to ask for it. The two missionaries missed a portion of a bottle of wine and a few cigars but it was found they had used them al. Mrs Tucker missed a crop of her chain and a pair of scissors which have not come to light. They have been left about and lost the captain was much put about from different remarks that had been passed Some to the effect that they had been stolen which turned out not to be true nothing further worth took plce during the day.
28th Day March 12th Tuesday
Got up at 6.45 walked about deck the weather getting warmer every day a flying fish was found on deck Mr Lewis used it as a bait on his line but washed away we see. showls of them at different times flying on 7 yards them dip to wet there wings. After dinner we had a game at whist on deck then came a clam we felt the heat more and the wind dropped. Mr Lewis Mr Minton Mr Shaw had a game at leap frog round the deck then a stand jump in which I joined an must say thought myself quite equal to any of them. After jumping climbed a rope I went the highest in that. Then came hide & seek but it got so dark that we could not see each other we gave that up. And had a new game to me called ? fitting two parties sit down on the floor with their hands tied and a stick under there legs and over there arms then they try to tip each other up and which can get his feet under the other makes is opponent roll over on his back this counts one the game 5 wind quite still changed during the night.
29 Day March 13th Wednesday
Got up at 7 o’clock took a book on deck till breakfast during the morning the wind picked up and we are now going about 9 knotts I forgot to mention that M? Parker came out in a new ? which suits her very well. Yesterday it was a Blue light material very suitable for the tropics a fair wind but hot strong during the night.
30th Day March 14th Thursday
Got up at 6.30 nothing worth notice occurred during the day wind fair and weather warm
31st Day March 15th Friday
Got up at 6.45 walked about deck till breakfast saw a showl of Flying fish during the night one dropped on deck Mr5 Shaw had it to Breakfast it is a very nice kind of fish about the size of a herring with fins 5 or 6 inches long going from 6 to 8 knotts an hour wind fair during the night.
32nd Day March 16th Saturday
Got up at 7.0 Walked the deck and read a book till breakfast after the sailors o? the cabins we sleep with the port hole or window open all night and only the sheet for a covering some gentlemen sleep on deck all night. We have put up a whit Divinity? Curtain before the door and a covering so that it can be open all night to day we have been going from 4 knotts to 7 it is almost unbearable in the ? when the wind slackens.
33rd Day March 17th Sunday
Got up at 5.45 Had a bath, at the Bows of the ship we have a Pump and about 6 or 8 bathe one Pump for the other this the pleasant time of the day. After Breakfast Prayers a usual at 10.30 Divine Service prayers read by Rev. Mr Shaw he is a very bad reader. Mr Tucker preached the sermon but ? aunty could not attend. Marys nose began to bleed and did not stop till after it was over we had great difficulty to stop it and then it commenced again. Altogether it bled one hour and half of and on. During dinner we had the first of the tropic showers of rain it came down in drops as large a rifle of bullets for about half an hour. Nothing worth notice took place during the night.
34th Day Monday March 18th
Got up 5.45 Took a Bath which I enjoy more than anything on board this hot weather during the hard showers of rain and thurder, Lightening. At 12 o’clock we spoke with a vessel going to the cape of Good Hope this is done by Hoisting Flags of different kinds that ? as words. She had been 38 days on her voyage we left her behind during the night there were 7 ships in sight during the day several gentlemen slept on deck but were glad to come down it rained so heavy went to bed at 10 o'clock
35 Day Tuesday March 19th
Got up at 5.45 Took a Bath ? and walked about deck with M? Parker till Breakfast another showere all parties are anxious to catch rain water the Sailors stoped the hole a long the deck and sat down in it to wash all the dirty linen. And to see them hanging up to dry put me much in mind of the Edges in Herefordshire. In the afternoon Mr Koch Minton Fowler and myself played a Sunday Ribbon at Which Mr Koch and I came of Victorious. Form 10 to 11 o’clock great excitement on Board a sip supposed to be English and homeward bound came very near us all passengers that had letters written were in the highest glee to think they were going to send them when we put up our ensign the sign for speaking to each other it turned out to be a Bri?. I must say it was a great dissapointment to all after came a shower and many of the gentlemen got under the awning to catch the rain water when they caught what they required they striped of there coats and stood in the rain which is better than any shower bath. Played a rubber at Whist and beat our opponents. Walked about deck it was a beautiful moon light night went to bed at 10.o’clock
36 Day Wednesday March 20th
Got up at 5.45 Took a Bath this morning the pump was engaged so we jumped into the tub used by the sailors they put a bucked over board and 3 or so work the scrubbing brushed so we striped and through the water over us at 1.30 we spoke with a french vessel bound for Hong Kong She had been out 38 days. Then 7 vessels in sight all inter? Bound. We have been going about 3 to 5/2 Knotts during the day. After Tea played 2 ribbons of Whist won one and lost the other. Went on deck the moon shinning bright gave us an idea that it would be a sin to go to bed. So Ladies and Gentlemen formed and spent the night till 12 o’clock in singing songs it being quite a calm did not upset us.
37 Day Thursday March 21st
Got up at 5.45 Took a Bath under the pump we had to wait ¾ of an hour the sailors were washing the front part of the ship, the weather much warmer within 40 miles of the line and expect not to pass it before 12 tonight such is the state of the wind at present. There are 6 ships in sight this morning at noon we signal with a Dutch ship Bound for Batavia from Amsterdam after giving each others name they signal for time after complaining there was only a munite difference she had been out 38 days. After Dinner we asked the Captain to come and dine with us tomorrow. He with many thanks declined. The system of signaling is very simple every ship must have a book which contains sentences to each sentence are numbers when the number is hoisted compare it with the book there are 12 flags each as a numbers the evering and the morning up to 9 o’clock is the most pleasant part of the day at 7 o’clock M? Parker Lizz(or Sizz) Mr Fowler and ? played a game at whist by moon light on deck about 10.30 a squall came and rained very heavy for ¾ of an our it made us go to bed a little early than we intended.
38 Day March 22nd Friday
Got up at 5.40 Took a Bath which is very Refreshing. The dutch Ship is about 2 miles of on our sea side it being all ? a calm neither of us can go more than 2 or 3 knotts per hour at 12 o’clock to day we were 30 miles south of the line this side is considered to be warmer because the sun is on this side it was so hot that it melted the Pitch between the Board on deck at night. I go the children together to play the interesting game of kiss in the ring then try to get up a game for the adults but the Tuckers would not join so that game was given and we made up a card party and they were left alone to amuse themselves the best way they could. It Raining very fast all were obliged to keep downstairs for about an hour. The Rain over and the deck moped the moon shimmering bright M? Parker Lizzie Mrs Shaw sung what are the Wide Waves Saying and a few songs very nicely Mrs Shaw as a contralto voice not very powerful but rather musical. Went to bed at 10.15
39 Day March 23 Saturday
Got up at 5.45 Took a Bath in the Tub the pump being engaged this morning, we had a squall during the night with Heavy Rain. The Wind also freshened up making it very pleasant till 10 o’clock then we began to feel the heat. Lizzie got up this morning for the first time at 7 o’clock. Nothing worth notice occurred during the day after ten Mr Fowler and I got the children together and joined the very pleasing game of drop the glove it went on until all the young ladies and gentlemen belonging to the first class saloon took part we kept it up till 8.30 all seemed to enjoy themselves it being the first time. I suppose ? took greater interest 9 o’clock a Squall with Rain came on for ½ an hour the Wind freshened up we sailed well all night.
40 Day March 24th Sunday
Got up at 5.45 Took a Bath in the tub there was only Mr Lewis and I this morning the wind continued favourable during the day we have caught a good Trade wind which we expect to continue for some days. Service on deck Rev. Mr Tucker read the Prayers and one of the missionaries preached the sermon. Mr Reid text taken from Revelations there was a great ? in it but he promises to be a very able and ernest missionary. All our party seem to have got over all seasickness. I fell quite strong and getting stouter. Soon after the sermon Mrs Tucker bought around Religious Tracts offer them to the first class passengers only Mr Backhouse refused to take one Which gave such offence that this ? did not speak at dinner Mrs Tucker and I are on the best of terms we never take notice of each other. She and her family have few friends on board I expect we shall have a few engagements made before we arrive in Sydney a gentleman in the second class is I close conversation with a young widow with 3 children they are up till 11 o’clock some nights we had a good days sail it continued a fair wind during the night.
41st Day March 25th Monday
Got up at 5.40 Took a bath in the tub it being a beautiful morning a man? Of the passengers are up early Ladies are not allowed on deck till 7.30 this is the worst Rules in the ship. After Breakfast copied a few of Thomas Moores Poems after dinner played a Rubber of Whist after Tea a the childrens wish got them together to play drop the glove till 7.5 walked about deck till 8.0 play a rubber of whist the young ladies it was a beautiful night the noon shining tonight we did not go to bed till 10.30 o the wind is very favourable and hope to make a very good run to the Cape of Good Hope.
42nd Day March 26th Tuesday
Got up at 5.55 Took a Bath is the tub. The wind is favourable we are going from 6 knotts to 7 knotts per hour the weather is not so warm the Breeze makes it very pleasant we made a run yesterday of 168 miles. It is not a very great distance but is the best we have made Since we were of Madeira. Nothing particular occurred during the day. After Tea I got the children together to play at drop the glove, then Lizzie M? Parker The Doctor of the ship and I played a rubber at whist and then went on deck till 10 o’clock went to bed.
43 Day March 27th Wednesday
Got up at 6.10 Took a Bath at the Bows of the ship under the pump this morning the wind is favourable but not what the captain could wish at 12 o’clock to day we were only 75 miles of South America. The Lemon Ade Marmalade Ginger wine, Red currant & Black currant wines are all sold out I don’t know what some of the passengers will do except totally abstain from all drink the weather is not so warm this week. Last night. The moon being full we watched it rise it looked as though it were coming up from the sea the clouds around were compared to the accepted Bride and rejected one. After a few songs went to Bed and sleep well all night.
44 Day March 28th Thursday
Got up at 6 o’clock Took a Bath in the tub it made me shake this morning to water gets colder every day as we getmore to the south a steady wind kept up all day. After dinner we all joined the Nimrod volunteers Rifles mustered 5.30 for drill the number of the corps does not exceed 16 able bodied men & boys at present it afords us good exercise. Mr James P Lewis is drill Sargeant. I hope it will be continued through the journey after Tea we were obliged to go downstairs a squall expected but dissapointed us very much to our satisfaction we went on deck Sung Songs by the light of the moon till 11 o’clock.
45 Day March 29th Good Friday
Got up at 5.45 Took a bath in the tub. This is a part of the World were you see the sun rise and set to the best advantage this morning it was a right only to be seen at sea the reflection and the different shades of colour is realy beyond my description. At 10.30 we had Church of England Service on deck Prayers read by Mr Tucker Sermon preached by Mr Shaw or read for I don’t believe he could deliver a sermon without being written down we had Hot Cross buns to Breakfast. Nothing particular occurred during the day went to bed at 10.30
46 Day March 30th Saturday
Got up at 6 o’clock took a bath at the Bows this morning about 2.30 a squall came on suddenly and split 2 sails it rained very heavy for a short time and the ship pitched about as though she was going to plunge into the sea never to come up again from accounts I heard this morning it did not wake me. I shut the port side hole and went of to sleep again. Yesterday we sailed about 150 miles at 4.30 we muster for drill under Capt. Lewis at 5 o’clock a ship passed within 50 yards of us going in the opposite direction we spoke with her they came from Brazil after Tea we had a game at stove of repentance kept it up till 10.30 went to bed.
47 Day March 31st Sunday
Got up at 5.40 Took a Bath in the Tub at 10.30 service on deck Mr Shaw read the prayers. Mr Tucker preached the sermon it was a very good one but very pointed to some of the passengers he & his wife had had arguments with and they took it home we might be a village for the Scandal that is carried on I try and keep clear but sometimes it is almost impossible its amusing to see some little things done and said to annoy each other I must say Mrs Tucker is the Queen at marking bullets in that way those she can? shoot
Herself as a matter of course the Husband poor man as to do we. Had a very fine day and a beautiful sunset.
48th Day April 1st Monday
Got up at 5.40 Took a bath in the tub, the wind as not been favourable during the night this morning it is hot what we could wish for, it being the April fools day a great many fools were made at 4.30 we the Volunteer Rifles on board the Nimrod mustered for drill with muskets belonging to the ship. Capt J.P. Lewis put on his Bukskin V. R. ? when he came up we gave him a cheer. This is the best enjoyment we have, the ladies have some little amusement when some one not being accostomed to use a Rifle would put it on the wrong shoulder or drop it on his toes one next me couldn’t tell which was the top or bottom of a rifle, but when we left of Drill we were considered by the spectators to have gone through our manoevering very like soldiers so I pity any pirate that should make an attempt to Board this Ship it was a calm nearly all day it freshened up about 6 o’clock with a shower of rain and went from 8 to 9 knotts during the night.
49 Day April 2nd Tuesday
Got up at 6.0 Took a bath in the tub we have a good wind but rather to much at our heads or in the direction we want to go, Mr Winton made false whiskers for the children Mr Lewis made one for himself of horse hair and amused us by standing in different ways representing Shakespeares Plays to give justice to the characters he borrowed my hat which unfortunately blew over board. I cautioned him but to no purpose at 9 o’clock we played at stool of repentance kept it up till nearly 11 o’clock the sea was rough during the day we had a sail split in the front of the ship a wave came over the bow and the weight of water split it.
50 Day April 3rd Wednesday
Got up at 6.10 Took a bath at the bows it is a beautiful morning a ship in sight in front wind strong but not favourable we mustered for drill at ten.30 to make up for yesterday the weather being rough rendered marching impossible. At 11 o’clock we came up with a small vessel an american we were about 150 yards of each other she wanted our time which proved ten minutes difference between us we waved our flags and bid them adieu. At 4.30 we mustered for drill and went through our field exercise firing and etc with caps only one forgot to take the cork out of the muskets it blew toward the captain but being light did not harm any one we have had good days sail the sea is not quite so rough went to bed a 10 o’clock
51st Day April 4th Thursday
Got up at 6 o’clock Took a bath, a beautiful morning and the wind good after dinner played a Rubber at Whist till drill time mustered at 4.30 went through ? to resist cavalry and firing with caps only left of drill at 6 o’clock after Tea walked about deck played a Rubber at Whist and went to bed.
52nd Day April 5th Friday
Got up at 7 o’clock over slept myself this morning and missed my cold bath the wind is very light going about 5 knotts per hour about 12 o’clock we came up with a ship but could not mark out her name she was to much on our side at 4.30 mustered for drill went through prepare to resist cavalry and rifle firing we are much improved in marching. The wind kept light all day so we did not make much progress.
53rd Day April 6th Saturday
Got up at 7 o’clock the weather fine and a little more wind the ship is in sight that we saw yesterday drill at 4.30 as usual during the night the wind freshened up we went from 7 to 8 knotts
54 Day April 7th Sunday
Got up at 6 o’clock Took a bath a beautiful morning but not much wind during Breakfast we had an addition to the passengers it was done very quietly Aunt is taking the part of nurse and with the Doctor’s assistance presented Mr Backhouse with a very fine Boy. Mrs B is going on very well at present. Service on deck at 10.30 Mr Tucker read the prayers. Mr Shaw preached the Sermon it was not a very interesting one. I should like to hear a goood sermon after his. During the day we made little progress it was one of the beautiful sunsets last night beyond description.
55 Day April 8th Monday
Got up at 6 o’clock Took a Bath at the Bows under the pump this morning not much wind a beautiful sun rise. Drill at 4.30 one of the members Mr Hutton as tendered his resignation because a few on Sunday night teased him about kissing Mrs Backhouses servant. He is not a boy but a grown up man educated in London and lived there nearly all his life, but one of the greatest greenhorns I ever saw we had a heavy dew last night almost like rain our spreed during the day was from 4 to 7 knotts.
56 Day April 9th Tuesday
Got up at 6 o’clock Took a Bath in the Tub a beautiful morning and a good steady firm wind if I should be allowed to mention how many parties there are supposed to be engaged to each other and likely to be married when we get to Sydney it woud be every single young lady on board first and second class to day we had no drill the wind freshened up which makes the ship pitch more we are going from 7 to 9 knotts we had a little rain about 8 o’clock played a Rubber at Whist went to bed a 10 o’clock
57th Day April 10th Wednesday
Got up at 7 o’clock over slept myself and missed my Bath the weather is getting colder and a very heavy dew falls at night if often wets the mates through when on watch to day we are going from 8 to 10.5 knotts per hour from 12 o’clock yesterday to 12 o’clock to day we did 215 miles the best run we have had yet Mrs Backhouse is getting well and the Baby went to bed at 10 o’clock
58 Day April 11th Thursday
Got up at 7.30 The night was very rough we had a sail split this morning about 4 o’clock It did not wake me I sleep sound till 7 this morning we are going 10 knotts the sea is very rough obliged to have two men at the wheel play a rubber at whist at night wet to bed at 10 o’clock we made a run to day of 230 miles.
59 Day April 12th Friday
Got up at 7 o’clock the sea is not quite so rough change of wind for the better we are going in the tract after dinner. We saw a lot of sea Bird Mr Lewis shot several time with shot and missed he made a bet with Mr Fowler that he would not kill one bird out of two Mr Fowler killed the first and second the bet was a Bottle of port wine. I shot after and hit one it dropped but did not see weather it got up again the ship was going a good rate and we soon left it behind Several showers of rain during the day the wind kept up so they did not ast long.
60 Day April 13th Saturday
Got up at 7 o’clock went on deck there were 3 of the Brown Bird caught with a Hook and line with a bait of fat pork Mr Lewis caught one Mr Bellchamber one and one of the sailors the ? after Breakfast we caught an albatross it wings when open are about 14 ft long this is one of the finest sea bird I ever saw we are now come to quite a calm one of those afternoons came and nothing but Scandal all would not give any one the slightest pleasure to listen to it or read it if it were printed.
61st Day April 14th Sunday
Got up at 7.30 went on deck till breakfast the wind freshened up going about 6 knotts per hour. Service on deck at 10.30. Shaw read the prayers Mr Reid favoured us with an address not worth listening to after tea we had a few showers of rain they did not last long went to bed at 10 o’clock
62 Day April 15th Monday
Got up at 7.30 Walked about deck till Breakfast wind much stronger going about 8.5 knotts per hour after Breakfast took a spell at twisting a wheel to spin yarn for ? played at Whist after dinner, nothing occurred during the day worth notice we have had a good stiff breeze all day.
63 Day April 16th Tuesday
Got up at 8 o’clock wet on deck till sick breakfast the morning very damp and foggy going 9 knotts it cleared up a little about 12 o’clock
64 Day April 17th Wednesday
Got up at 7.30 nothing worth notice because during the day weather damp and foggy
65 Day April 18th Thursday
Got up at 7.45 walked about deck the weather damp two others fell down and hurt themselves we had very little wind a new moon at night.
66 Day April 19th Friday
Got up at 8 o’clock. The weather still damp and in thick fogg almost at a stand still the sails flapping up against the mast the new moon shinning bright for a short time enabled us to walk about the deck in the evening.
67 Day April 20th Saturday
Got up at 8.15. The weather very damp and no wind quite calm serveral of the passengers that had lines cast them out for albatross at 12 the weather cleared up. Mrs Backhouse came on deck for the first time since her confinement just before dinner we caught an albatross after a great deal of pulling we got him on deck cst out the line again and caught another the last measured across the wing 10ft ½ she the (?)feet if taken off before it gets cold make beautiful tabacco pouches. The weather was very fine in the evening we made the most of it.
68th Day April 21st Sunday
Got up at 8 o’clock walked about deck till breakfast the wind freshened up we are going about 9 knotts Service in the Salloon Mr Tucker officiated Mrs Backhouse caught a little cold was not able to get up to day, it Rained in the evening very heavy, at night we had a very heavy gale the strongest since we left the channel
69th Day April 22nd Monday
Got up at 7.45 went on deck very little wind the sea rough the waves were like mountains with white foam it is one of the most splendid sights sun at sea. During the morning we were obliged to take in all sails but two, the wind blew a very heavy gale for about two hours cleared up about 1 am. This being Mr Lewis birth day we had a sound game at cards at 8 o’clock the steward received Mr James order to bring in the punch bowl bottle of sherry & Port follwed by ? plates of plum cake and ? sweet biscuits the clergyman and there family did not join in the cards but as soon as the wine came Mr Shaw drank to Mr J Health helped his wife to a glass of wine and piece of Plum cake all the rest of the wine was demolished by Mr Tucker and the family such selfishness I never before witnessed they after stuffing themselves went to bed without wishing our guest good night we had two punch bowls at ten the light were put out Mr Lewis proposed by Mr Backhouse all retired.
70 Day April 23rd Tuesday
Got up 8.15 we had a very heavy gale during the night which ended in a dead calm leaving the sea rolling very high during the day Thrown Several Fishing for birds with a hook and bait of fat pork Mr Bellchamber hooked an albatross got it within an arms length the hook broke and he got away again after Tea played a rubber of Whist after went on deck till eleven o’clock the moon shone brightly made it very pleasant.
71st Day April 24th Wednesday
Got up at 8.30 the wind freshened up during the night it rained very heavy this stilled the waters and we are now going about 9.5 knotts per hour it cleared up about 12 o’clock a little rain at 9 went to bed at 10
72 Day April 25th Thursday
Got up at 8.30 a beautiful morning the breeze continued fair all night. I fell down this morning and hurt my back it is not serious although it pained me very much at the time. Aunt as her hands full Mrs Backhouse is quite unable to do anything she is suffering from the cold she caught when on deck and a gathered ??? breast we had a beautiful night the moon nearly at full.
73 Day April 26th Friday
A fine morning all most at a stand still when we were at Breakfast a message cme down from the captin for Mr Lewis & Mr Minton to take up their Rifles a showl of young fin back species of whale was passing the ship it was the best sport we have had since we have been a Board they shot through several the wind blew a little so we kept up with them for about an hour they ranged in size from 10 to 18 ft long they go up and down in the water same time the water looked quite Black in the afternoon the wind freshened up we wet along aobut 8.5 knotts at 5.30 Mr Koch caught an albatross a very fine young Bird . just before dinner we had a pitch battle between two little Boys Master Backhouse about 7 years old and Master Tucker about 7 it took place at the top of the salloon Mr Tucker hear the noise ? out of her cabin shook Master Backhouse by this time had given Master T a Bloody nose the affectionate Mrs T took her son and dressed his wound. Mr Jobson highly delighted with the victory Master Backhouse had achieved gave him a piece of candy ? and told him he was a good boy we ended the day by walking on deck for an hour before going to Bed the Moon shone beautiful and bright.
74th Day April 27th Saturday
The morning very damp, little wind going about 5 knotts during we had rain the wind freshened about 7 o’clock we had a good night sail but rather rough
75th Day April 28th Sunday
A clear morning the wind blowing quite a gale all day obliged take in sail at 10 o’clock the sea rolling very heavy all night with a great deal of rain we had service in the salloon Mr Shaw officiated.
76 Day April 29th Monday
The morning clear the sun shining but a very cold wind blowing a gale the sea very often comes over the deck.
77th Day April 30th Tuesday
The weather very cold very little wind during the day we had several Hail storms the waves are still rough with little wind makes the ship roll from one side to the other as if she was going to turn over.
78th Day May 1st Wednesday
Today we had a little more wind came up with a Yankee ship we ran up the ensign she hoisted hers we ran up our name but she would not answer this is nothing new for American Captains they will not signal at all if they can help it, at one it cme quite a calm several birds were caught 4 ? 2 cape pigeons and 1 albatross.
78th Day May 2nd Thursday
The weather hot to cold a beautiful morning we left the Yankee behind during the night we had sharp wind went along about 9 knotts.
80th Day May 3rd Friday
A beautiful morning almost at a stand still we only made 70 miles in 24 hours Friday is ? for a calm James lost his cap over board so I made one for myself out of the skirt of a ? Coat and flatter myself it is as well done as many made by professional cap makers
81st Day May 4th Saturday
This as been one of the most pleasant days we have had a nice breeze sprang up during the night we are going about 9 knotts per hour
82nd Day May 5th Sunday
A beautiful morning with a good wind we had service in the Salloon Mr Tucker read the prayers and preached the sermon Mr Shaw favoured the sailors with the same sermon he gave us in the Salloon this day week.
83rd Day May 6th Monday
This morning we had a beautiful sun rise it continued to be fine all day Mr Bud one of the second class passengers caught a bird with a line called the Northern Diver. Mr Tucker much pleased with the bird wished to know if he could have it he has bagged a albatross, ? and another bird name unknown. Mrs Backhouse made her appearance on deck the second time since her confinement she is improving since her last illness and takes up very little of Aunts time we had a very good days run 210 miles we expect to be in Sydney in about three weeks if we have good winds.
84th Day May 7th Tuesday
A very fine day going 10 knotts per hour. Yesterday from 12 o’clock to 12 to day we went the distance of 215 miles we have a very good wind to day and hope to best yesterday about 8 o’clock the it rained and the wind dropped.
85 Day May 8th Wednesday
Almost at a stand still the weather rather damp with rain at intervals cleared up about 2am during the morning some evil disposed person cut the foot of one of Mr Tucker Birds the Albatross the Scandal that was carried was passed all description the remarks that Mr Tucker passed was anything but gentlemanly or suited for a man in his position we generaly play a game at card in the evening and this ended the day.
86 Day May 9th Thursday
The morning fine and a little breeze springing up we are going from 6 to 7 knotts, on Tuesday night at 12 o’clock a new passenger made his appearance Mrs Bud one of the Second Class passengers she is doing as well as can be expected about 7 o’clock good wind sprung up we made from 8 to 10 knotts per hour during the afternoon a great discussion took place between Mr Backhouse and Mr Tucker about remark that had been made by Tuckers boy Horace sitting at our table when he only pays the same as the other children the only pay for 6/2 and get the same advantage as 7/2 would it came to high words and is not yet settled.
87 Day May 10th Friday
This morning we have a strong wind going from 9 to 10 knotts during the night the wind split one of the sails we are obliged ? Mizzon Royal and hawl up the main and top sails at present it as every appearance of a strong gale about 8 am a very heavy sea came over the deck the wind is more from behind which makes the ship roll.
88 Day May 11th Saturday
During the night we had rain the morning damp but cleared up at 9pm the wind changed to NW which makes it a great deal colder during the day several squalls.
89th May 12th Sunday
The morning very cold and damp with a very strong wind going about 8 to 9 knotts per hour we had service in the Salloon Mr Shaw officiated about 8 o’clock am a tremendous crash was heard on deck the wind had suddenly changed and turned the sp?? From one side to the other caught the wheel broke it and the Boom smashed all hands were called up to take in sail the spoke of wheel was completely ? up but the out side being bound with brass did not go we put planks and ?s which answers the purpose we were delayed about four hours some of the ladies were almost frightened into fainting, it was fortunate it did not take place ten minutes sooner because Aunty Lizzy the doctor of the ship myself and the mater were seated on the stern and must have been turned into the sea.
90 May 13th Monday
The morning fine but the wind very strong obliged to have two men at the wheel it rained bery heavy during the day. The waves came over the deck very often we had a very stormy night with gale wind.
91 May 14th Tuesday
the morning a little warmer but a strong wind the sea is very strong which makes the top of the ship very much from one side to the other we had a very shower of rain during the days and one of our heaviest hail storms. I have seen the wind tack about from one quarter to another it makes the sailor a great deal of extra work every night this week the watch as been up.
92 May 15th Wednesday
The morning very damp an cold with rain quite at a stand still the sea very rough from the heavy gales we are rolling about in the same place the wind freshened up during the evening at night the moon shinning for a short time.
93 May 16th Thursday
This morning we have the wind very strong obliged to take in sail during dinner we had or 3 tremendous rolls the hen ? came across the deck it startled some of the ladies I had a piece of Bacon roll on to my coat sleeve and some sail lashed to beams broke loose and smashed the base of the Hen carts we had a very rolling night many of the passengers did not sleep at all.
94th May 7th Friday
The morning much warmer the wind a little more north at 10 o’clock we had all sail out we could get about 4 the wind freshened up we went 10 and 11 knotts during the night.
95 May 18th Saturday
This morning the wind in the same quarter as last night going along 10 knotts and making for Bass Straight which will shorten our journey about 700 miles
96 Day May 19th Sunday
A beautiful morning the wind still NE which makes it warmer than the winds from the south because they cross the line Mrs Bud had her Baby christened to day Aunt and couzins were invited she requested Mr Shaw to officiate which offended Mrs Tucker because the thought her Husband being Senior ought to have bee chosen Aunt got the captain to let them have a fresh meat dinner the only one they have had since they left England
97 Day May 20th Monday
A very fine morning going along steadily 7 knotts the weather is very pleasant now neither to hot nor to cold we have about a thousand miles to go and hope to do it in about a week if we have fair winds I have been leading a sailors life this week or two giving a helping hand till I have blistered my hand with pulling the ropes.
98 day May 21st Tuesday
The morning fine but almost at a stand still with a little air during the day, about 5pm the wind freshened up from NE so went along about 8 knotts during the night we put up the new spanker boom which the carpenter made during the week
99 Day May 22 Wednesday
The morning rather dull over head going along 9 knotts we expect to reach the straits in about two days they are making preparations for sounding the depth and getting the anchors ready. They have been lashed on the deck since we left the channel up to the present time we have had a very good passage we have not been driven back since we left the channels of ? the English shore we have had strong winds but never unfavourable we had several gales about the latter? Of the cape of good hope the calms have been very few indeed altogether we have had a splendid passage not a quick one because the ship is not a clipper built but built strong and well fitted up it is a very good deck infact there are only about half a dozen ship built in the same way that is what sailors call a hurricane deck as regards the passengers on board there are some as nice people as ever I should wish to meet the only only disaggreeable parties are those that ought led a better example namely the Tuckers they come from Norwich in cheshire it is the opinion of all passengers that he is one of the worst men they have ever met with and the Wife is quite his equal they have been the most active in finding out everybody business what they are were they are going how much they have in money and likely to have in fact what they have not presumption to ask they get the children to pump other children we were becalmed for a few hours during the night ? was very smooth so we have not inconvenience made by the rolling.
100th Day May 23rd Thursday
This morning very wet and quite becalmed till 10 o’clock am the wind freshened up from SW and started us at a good 10 knotts per hour we are making fishing hooks to catch fish going through the straits they are very plentiful with this wind we hope to make them tomorrow night and go through on Saturday morning the day continued wet a few of the passengers are beginning to pack in our cabine we are just now in a fit state to begin a joining everything arranged so that when a sudden fish ??? it stops in its place I must say I feel benefited bby the joining of health and scandal
101st Day May 24th Friday
The SW wind continued last night about 8pm we had the misfortune to loose the Booms at the Bows called the Fib Boom all hands were call out and saved the sail and got in most of the broken booms it does not stop our progress much as with this wind they re not much used we had a good days sail but very rough night.
102nd Day May 25th Saturday
The morning very damp going about 9 knotts sighted land about 7 am 2 vessels in sight going the same way yesterday the sailors got the cable and put the anchors over the bows during the day we entered Bass Straits the sea looks quite green the atlantic ocean is quite a dark Blue or ink colour Mr Lewis caught a fish about 3 ft long call Barr conta in the afternoontwo others were caughts by a Mr Buds line the moon shinning bright made it a beautiful night.
103rd Day May 6th Sunday
This is one of the most beautiful mornings we have had since we left the Tropics got up at 7 o’clock in sight of the land Wilson Prometary and a number of rocks projecting from the sea one like the Pyramid in Egypt we are quite becalmed I saw the sun rise as it were quite behind the rocks which gave it a most beautiful effect the sky was all Blue and white in quite came up to a spring morning in England but this is supposed to be winter here we had the fish Mr Lewis caught yesterday for breakfast this morning I did not taste it but it served for about 24 some thought it very nice 3 others were caught this morning about 1pm the wind freshened up we went about for 2 hours 5 knotts at 3 the wind was stronger with a good showere of rain we hope to get to Sydney on Tuesday next we got out of Bass Straits during the night
104th Day May 27th Monday
The morning fine in sight of land called Cape Howe onn the East Coast of Australia a good wind continued all night.
105 May 8th Tuesday
The weather fine going about 5 to 7 knotts during the day the wind blowing of the coast we can see land like mountains without anything on them the sea is very smooth at present and we hope to get into Sydney tomorrow
106 Day May 29th Wednesday
A beautiful morning all excitement among passengers the light house could be seen at elven last night from the main top mast the wind was coming out of the Heads so we were obliged to tack about till daylight before we could see to signal for a Pilot the Pilot came about eleven o’clock and got to the Heads. The officers of customs and the medical officer came on board and then we signal A for a Tug which brought in the harbour by three o’clock and then dropped anchor and left the ship and trod our ? first Australian Soil – The harbour and the entrance is one of the most Picturesque Places I ever saw you might imagine it was laid out by hand. Here endeth the epistle of a long but good passage safe but difficultys most cleverly commanded by Captain Peterskin who we presented an address for his good generalship before we landed.