10^th June 1838. We were accompanied on board by our dear brother and sister Stephen and Maria, our dear brothers James and Charles, who have kindly given me a fest with some of our luggage. We had tea together and then took the last fond kiss. I must pass over our painful separation from our dear relations, leaving them to judge by their own feelings what ours must have been in entering the vessel which was to convey us from all we loved perhaps never to return again.

We were sorry to find so many people and children on board in the steerage. Also that we were to have so many inmates in our small cabin, Edward and Charlotte Coleman and their family consisting of five children. The eldest a very nice girl about 6 months older than our Ellen, their two boys, a lively little girl about 5 and a delicate infant of 9 months were already in the cabin. After our dear brother and sister left we had little arranged our beds for the night. My dear George read some very appropriate psalms and we retired to our small berths but not to rest for the continual crying of the children, the squeaking of the pigs, the cackling of the poultry, with the confined air of the cabin, left us a long solitary night to think of those dear ones we may never see again. Cousin Thomas Husnail came on board to see us, having gone up to London for the purpose. The evening came in wet and cold.

11^th June. Cousin Thomas came again for a few hours and we were busy putting our boxes in order. It was a very rough day and friends W. Prescott and family came on board and at 12 at night a steam packet towed us out to sea. We felt very little motion and in the morning we found ourselves in Margate Roads.

12^th June. It was pleasant once more to see the dear country of Kent. I saw Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Bigwell Bay. The dear children are very poorly, their stomach plasters occasioned so much irritation that Ellen and Margaret wished to have them taken off and they certainly suffered much more than Mary. As for myself I have great reason to think well of Robert’s plasters. I quite believe it was the cause of my escaping the sickness as I have not felt poorly since before I came on board. About 6 o’clock we came in sight of Dover and as soon as we hoisted up the pink, white and blue flag three boats were seen coming off to us. In one were our friends James Poulter and John May and Mr Prescott’s brothers. It was quite rough and J. P. was sick in coming. He brought us some bottled porter and ginger beer. Mrs May sent me a handsome present, a prayer book and proper lessons handsomely bound in two volumes contained in a Morocco case, a very acceptable token of love and kind remembrance. Oh how many thoughts were awakened by the sight of that lovely spot were I can truly say the happiest years of my life have been spent. How gladly could I have gone on shore and ran up to Charlton to take a peep at our beloved garden, but it could not be. A place that I have loved best is the last I have seen of dear dear England, as we were, on leaving Dover, too far from shore to see more than the distant outline of land which looked almost like clouds. Deeply did I regret not having letters to send from Dover. But the children being so ill it took all my attention and we fully depended on touching at Portsmouth but were much disappointed when the Captain said he should not call at any other place. How often so one thinks and talks of one’s dear mother and one’s good friends we have left behind who would gladly welcome a letter from us and yet perhaps it is as well for we cannot speak with any pleasure or even satisfaction of our dismal little den which for dirt and discomfort of every kind is far worse than even my imagination had pictured. I often think of Dame Hayles and her pigsty by the churchyard at Horsham where our dear Emma used to send for the pure and sparkling glass of water. Not that we have reason to complain of the quality or quantity of ours at present. Captain Reeves the agent for the ship as well as the broker assured George that we should find every thing comfortable. We only wish they were obliged to dine with us all the way. In the first place there is none appointed by the ship to do any one thing for the intermediate cabin. Therefore we find our William very useful in waiting upon us. Edward Coleman’s man is engaged by the other party, namely Mr Hunt and his wife from Prithum, and their two cousins, young men from Lancastle, two nice young men from Sheffield named Waterhouse, a young man from Dover named Levy under Mr Prescott’s care, and an unpleasant young man named Metcalf. These quite fill up the table so that Edward Coleman’s family and ourselves sit with our plates on our laps. We are furnished with two or three wooden bowls and tin cans. I think nothing else of what we brought with us, and the very sight of the pork, pudding etc is enough for me. When the flour, rice, sugar etc are weighed out, if you have nothing to put it in you may go without it. I have been obliged to convert pillowcases into flour bags etc. We have an abundant supply of the above-mentioned articles and the tea is excellent. We are worst off with respect to fresh provisions. One case of bouill soup weighing six pounds being served out for 20 people so that we get rather more than a teacupful each and this is all the fresh meat we are to have all the way. We are fortunate in having some milk as Mr Prescott has some goats. Mr Hunt has also a cow and a calf.

13^th June. We are proceeding slowly down the channel. The dear girls still keep very poorly and are without any appetite.

18^th June. Getting into the Bay of Biscay. The children have seen some of Mother Carey’s chickens. I am already quite tired of the sea and should be thankful to tread once more on the verge of the green earth, but Patience must have her perfect work.

20^th June. In the evening a brisk gale came and lasted all night. I felt very much distressed for the rolling and creaking of the vessel was frightful and we were glad of the morning light. I think we shall never forget the Bay of Biscay as long as we live. A whale was seen one day in the distance and one night I went up the top of the ladder to look at the sea when to my surprise and admiration it was luminous and the waves looked like hills of fire or lightning gleaming on the water. I returned into bed much pleased with the sight.

21^st June. We find ourselves beating back into the chop of the channel and how long we shall be before we get through this Bay is uncertain. The children are better and are beginning to enjoy looking at their treasures.

22^nd June. I begin to feel quite poorly for want of appetite, and proper nourishing food, added to our close and dirty cabin. The dear girls think with me that a humble little cottage on shore would be delightful after this rough night.

23^rd June. Towards evening a violent gale came up and lasted all night. I slept a short time but the confusion on deck was very great and everything came lumbering about the cabin floor. One of our young men who had stayed up all night came down about 4 and said the sea was tremendous. My head was extremely bad and so giddy that I seemed to be whirling about as fast as possible. In the morning I took some medicine but was not well enough to get up all day. I think the 24^th of this month will be put down as one of the most miserable in our lives. It was too rough for church. Neither Mary nor myself got up all day. It was too dark to read and we kept as still as the motion of the vessel would allow us.

25^th June. Got dressed after some effort having nearly fainted in making the attempt but I now feel better on deck. It is a calm sea and a fair view. We have seen a great number of porpoises sporting about. I saw one of Mother Carey’s chickens. The Captain has just lost his hat overboard. Mrs Prescott’s bonnet has just made its escape out of the cabin window. I am happy to find that we are nearly past the Bay of Biscay, about 42 miles north of Cape Finistiere. A little girl was born this morning in the steerage. The poor woman is much to be pitied amongst the midst of a press of about 50 people. I believe she and her infant are doing well. I have had some bread and cheese on deck for the smell of our dinner is disgusting to a sick stomach. Well might our dear Thomas exclaim that he should not like to put his Queen of home and beauty in such a place. May no friend or relation of mine be so unfortunate as to be an intermediate passenger on the Winchester. How often the children say "What would dear Grandmama, what would Aunt Emma say if they were to see us?" The soup at the other table was brought down in a wooden bucket by way of tureen, ours in a little tin baking dish we brought with us. We find our chairs and washing stand very useful and if permitted to arrive in safety at our far distant haven they will be quite a comfort in our little cottage. Captain Allen, a passenger who is going out to Kangaroo Island to take command of the of the company’s whaling establishment, struck an albacore with his harpoon, but as it did not take hold of a bone the fish swam considerably above the surface of the water and fell back spouting a stream of blood. I did not see the one that was struck though there were many sporting about aft of the vessel. We saw a bird called a Boatswain with large flapping wings of silvery brightness and a long tail. It flew around the ship several times. We afterwards saw some sea lions, large fishes that turn slowly over. It was a delightful evening and we remained on deck until nearly 10 o’clock.

27^th June. We have had a quiet night and yet have been briskly going on with a fair breeze. The sea this morning looks very fine, a dark blue colour with white curling waves. Yes we are now on the bosom of the broad Atlantic. In 39. degrees of latitude and within a few days if it continues like this we shall expect to see Madeira. We are to stay at St. Jago a day or two for fresh water and to tighten the rigging. I feel much better. The Captain has decided that all the goatsmilk should be taken into the cabin so that this comfort is denied us. We have been trying our skill at potted beef and find it palatable. It is fortunate that I brought my pestle and mortar. This day is fine but very cold wind N.E. and the sea rather rough. No fishes or birds to be seen. We must return to bed early.

28^th June. A most lovely morning, the wind is still in our favour. We began one of our dear Susan’s hams which is a good specimen of her skill in housewifery. The pickled walnuts are very nice. We regret not bringing a jar of mixed pickles, as we quite intended and a few relishing things as potted herrings and anchovies etc. When all privations and inconveniences of our voyage are happily over we shall perhaps look back at them as of things of little consequence. Though now it is no small mortification to see the many covered dishes and nice eatables going into the cabin when we have been sitting down to what we could not possibly eat. Our dear little Mary took cold yesterday on deck for she has this morning a return of her old complaint the erythema but being provided with suitable lotion and medicine I hope it will soon disappear. I have dear Emma’s letter in my pocket and quite long to break the seal but must wait for the appointed day. I doubt not but many of our relations and friends waited day after day in hopes of hearing from us, and I must soon begin a letter in readiness for any homewards vessel meeting us.

29^th June. A fine morning. We are now in the trade winds and proceeding steadily onwards. Mary is much better. About 2 o’clock we saw the distant land which the Captain informed us was the Island of Madeira. We are much interested in watching the gradual distinctness of the coast but surprised at it being so hilly. It was delightful indeed to see the green fields and white cottages. There is a nunnery on the side of the hill and some vineyards but most part of the island presented a coastline of nearly perpendicular rocks. The other side is by far the most beautiful. It has made a nice change for us and the afternoon has passed away pleasantly.

The wind seems now to freshen. We have taken leave of Europe and are now on the coast of Africa. I think I should have been very happy to have gone on shore if any snug little home had been in store for us for I am quite tired of the sea, but we have great reason to be thankful. Oh that we may go on our way in safety. What I most dread is rounding the Cape. Whilst we were at sea this afternoon there was a sad fight between Mr Metcalf and Mr Levy, the former being more than six feet high and the other a short slim youth. It was frightful to see them. I ran up to the Captain and he came down. They had been parted by some other persons. Metcalf was very abusive towards the Captain who told him if he had any more of such doings he would put him in irons and confine him to his cabin for the rest of the voyage. In the evening when he came on deck the Captain ordered him off the quarterdeck but on making an apology he was suffered to remain. Afterwards when the first Mate was on watch he desired him to go off but as he refused to do so he called some of his men to take him.

30^th June. We had a very squally night. I could not sleep until quite early in the morning, there was so much noise and confusion on board. The rudder was unshipped, it seems there is often a calm and squally weather near the island. We passed Madeira about 5 or 6 miles distant. The evenings are fine.

1^st day of First of the Seventh Month . We have long looked forward to this day with pleasure and as soon as the morning light allowed I broke the seal of our dear Emma’s letter and read her sweet lines. Doubtless she will think of us today and many more of our dear ones. This a most lovely day. The sea more calm than some preceding ones, though we were going on briskly all night. The dim outline of Palma, one of the Canary Islands, was just visible. The Surgeon read the church service with many of the steerage passengers being assembled on the quarterdeck. We have been much delighted in watching the flying fish sporting and skimming over the waves. They are considerably smaller than I expected. The Captain informs me that the largest are about St Helena. I think we have seen some hundreds and I observed part of a large fish at a distance, which we suppose might be a dolphin in pursuit of its prey. We may have also seen several curious creatures, which the sailors call "Portuguese Man of War", they are something like the Nautilus but of a pinkie colour.

5^th July. This has been a very pleasant week. We have been going on at a rate of 220 miles for the 24 hours. Fine weather every day and not so hot as we might have expected in the tropics. This morning we have passed Boa Vista, the largest of the Cape Verde Islands. It is barren but noted for salt. We are 60 miles from St Jago, which we hope to reach tomorrow. The sea life is a very idle unsettled one. It is either too hot or too windy to work on deck and if you have a book someone comes and sits by you to chat. We feel the heat more today than we have yet done. I must now prepare for the great heat of going on shore hoping not to be disappointed.

6^th July. Our vessel this morning when we woke was anchored off St Jago. We were quite delighted with the appearance of land. There was some cocopalms near the edge of the water but the lofty hills looked parched and barren. It was not long before we saw some boats coming off loaded with tropical fruit, rowed by black men and Portuguese. No one was supposed to come on board until the black doctor and some other official persons come to enquire into the health of the ship. After which the Captain and some of the passengers went onshore. Our boat was far too much loaded and when we got to the beach we found a very bad landing place. We however got safely on shore by scrambling over some rocks which had the appearance of volcanic ash hardened into stone. We were both amused and confused by the strange looking creatures who were squatting about, the children completely naked. Many of them had pleasing intelligent countenances, black eyes and ivory teeth. The town lies high at the top of a sandy hill and the houses are poor comfortless looking places. They are built of stone and tiled, some only covered with trees for a roof. The women have a shawl or apron around them and most wear a handkerchief around their heads. They decorate themselves with beads on their necks and wrists. Many of them were fine figures. We went into several houses. They were pleased to say "How do lady." One little boy looked at me and said "How do Sir". We were shown into a very large room and given some cool refreshing drink made from tamarinds, lemon juice and sugar. After walking about until we were hot and tired we went to the inn, the Master of which was a Portuguese. He could not speak English but his little boy interpreted for him. We expected to have had a better dinner than we had partaken of since we left dear England, but the fowls were very tough and the macaroni soup was anything but tempting. However we enjoyed it and afterwards took a walk in the beautiful garden where the tropical plants were growing in perfection. The coconuts were hanging in clusters on the trees. A native climbed up and pulled several down. They were not ripe but the water was refreshing. We bought some, which were riper and they proved excellent. There were tamarinds and bananas, the latter something like cucumbers with great numbers on one bunch. They taste like a mellow pear. The vines were trained all around the garden but the grapes were green. There were other plants and fruit but time would not allow us particularly to notice. The oranges principally came from Trinidad about 7 miles off. We bought a good many. They were quite green but came in most opportunely for the hot weather when we were constantly thirsty. I took the letter I had prepared and finished it at St Jago from whence it was sent with many others. The English Consul said they could reach England within 40 days. We sincerely hope such will be the case. Well after spending the most pleasant day after leaving England, that ever beloved country, we were glad to return to our floating home as the natives were not such a race as we wished to be with in the dark. We were not quite pleased with the boatman who brought us off for we had scarcely left the land when he looked at me and said "Give me some money or I will put you in the water." We promised him he should have it when we got to the ship but he several times repeated his demands in a very threatening manner. Most probably at some other time he had been deceived and defrauded which made him most suspicious of us.

7^th July. Many boats came alongside as of yesterday with pines, gourds, onions and the fruit before mentioned, and as there were many purchases our cabin looked like a fruit warehouse. We bought two beautiful pines for 6 pence each, which would no doubt have cost 16 shillings or more, or even a guinea in London.

10^th July. Not quite so hot as yesterday which was oppressively so. Ellen was feverish but is now better. The rain came on very heavy and we were in a wet and very dirty condition. The evenings are now getting long.

12^th July. This morning a child died and was buried in the deep deep sea. It was the poor little thing that was born in the steerage and its mother had not milk enough to nourish it. In about an hour afterwards another child died and was soon launched into the ocean. The surgeon reads prayers over them. This is a very fine morning but we have little wind and are proceeding slowly. It is a day or two since we saw thousands of fish swimming as fast or faster than the vessel. They were most brilliant in colour and about the size of a salmon, called bonito but we were going too fast to catch them. When we were at anchor George borrowed a line and a most excellent fish was caught which we thought equal to any which we had ever tasted. And my dear Mother’s lemon pickle was universally approved. The fish was called snubnose or rockfish. I took a sketch of it. It is exceedingly hot and we scarcely know what to do with ourselves. The cabin smells intolerably, both with bilge water and all sorts of disagreeable odours. Oh the misery of a long voyage.

13^th July. Another child died this morning and within about an hour it was consigned to a watery grave. It is a very affecting thing and makes us rather anxious on account of our dear girls and the health of the passengers generally. But most of the children have been exposed to too much of the sun. The Captain is very careful and frequently tells the mothers about it. One woman this morning, when he saw her exposing her child in the middle of the day, was reprimanded by him when she said if the child died she should only have one less to take care of. At 12 today we found that in the last 24 hours we had got on only 7 miles on the right course. This is indeed tedious work especially in these hot latitudes. In the evening a heavy shower came on and lashed all night and we were obliged to be shut down and I was very near fainting before George could open it. It was a most uncomfortable night.

14^th July. Very close. It rained very nearly all day so that we could not go up at all. I forgot to say that the Captain caught some porpoises, which were cut in slices and fried with onions. We just tasted them and the taste was like beefsteaks. The children however ate heartily and seemed to relish them. Sometime after the Captain caught a small shark and pulled a very large one out of the water. But like the albacore it tore the flesh and fell back into the sea. They supposed it near 20 feet long. I did not see it. We thought it was quite as well it was not taken as it might have contained some of the infants thrown overboard. A distressing thing it would have been for the parents if such had been the case. There are some more children very ill. The beef that was given out to us today was so bad that we did not even attempt to eat it. For my part I have not yet eaten any. We have frequently spoken about it but have got no redress. If we had not our own hams and cheese we should be almost starved before we reach Australia. The rain left off this evening and it was not quite so hot but damp and very uncomfortable.

15^th July. Another child died in the night and was committed to the waves this morning before breakfast making the fourth in a few days that have been released from the state of suffering. The surgeon read the church prayers on deck. Our dinner was very late and there was but a taste for each. I felt so hungry I should have been glad of a potato. I think a merchant vessel would have been far better to come out in than an emigration ship particular on account of the large number of children on board. We have had the measles and chicken pox on board in the steerage nearly all the way. Many of the people are very dirty and abusive and quarrelsome to each other. This evening we saw a vessel in the distance and we are in hopes that it is some homeward bound schooner, but directly the Captain saw her he said it was a slaver as she seemed to alter her course to come near without showing her flag. He hoisted the Union Jack but no flag was hoisted in answer. This was considered very suspicious and much was said about pirates. In deed all the arms were got ready in the Captain’s cabin, as it was held best to be ready, and there being a good deal of money on board we were some of us rather nervous. They talked of putting all the ladies down under the best cabin but I said I would rather borrow a cap and jacket etc than be suffocated down below. All the gentlemen would be required to assist on deck but it made quite a stir amongst us for some time. But although a good lookout was kept by the passengers and crew we had a quiet night. Dear little Mary had a sad fall backwards in the cabin and hit her head against a corner of a chest. A large lump instantly rose but with bathing after some time it went down. After she was in bed she soon fell asleep. Ah how little do our dear distant friends think of the anxiety we feel in this wide ocean. Oh that we were safely landed at our distant Port. The sea was luminous and we seemed to leave a track of light behind us. We have lost sight of the northern stars and we soon expect to see the beautiful Southern Cross.

16^th July. This morning we have been busy putting our cabin to rights. We had the misfortune to break a bottle of port wine we were given. This was indeed a serious loss though our dear Robert might think it quite as well for us but then we are so thirsty and the water requires something to flavour it. It is not in our power to partake of though we may say with our dear Emma :-

The formidable ship that gave us such concern last night has been again seen this morning. What her intentions may be I know not but we do not feel quite so uncomfortable about it today. There having been a general complaint about how our rations are served out by the mate, also the short allowance of soup. The second mate has been ordered to attend to that duty and we have an increase in quantity of soup so that we are able twice a week to have a good dinner what ever we may do the rest.

17^th July. The sea tonight is most beautifully luminous as far as the horizon. The Captain said he never saw it so much so before. It was a cloudy night yet we seemed in a flood of light.

18^th July. Last night it was very close and the smells so unpleasant I could scarcely sleep. Our William has become quite a famous hand at making puddings. The children enjoy them very much. We eat rice as a vegetable with pepper, salt and curry, neither of the latter articles are allowed by the ship. I often wish for a little clean salt but I remember being laughed at when we talked of bringing some with me. We should have been very glad of some spice such as nutmeg or cloves. We have one excellent thing however and that is a filter. It belongs to a gentleman on board who has two. We have the use of one in this cabin and the water is constantly sweet and good. The cook is by far the dirtiest man on the ship and it would be better for us as well as himself if he was a member of the Temperance Society. There have been several disturbances by him getting intoxicated. The sea tonight was most grand and the porpoise came gliding by which we could only tell by the streaks of light like comets shooting along with their long fiery tails.

Another poor infant was consigned to the deep tonight by lamplight which was only required for the Surgeon to read the prayers. It was an awful night. C. Coleman was much affected as her baby was rapidly declining and we thought it might be the next to follow. It makes me quite dull when I think of the number removed.

19^th July. We find it is only in the latitudes we have just passed the sea is so luminous or I should say brilliantly so.

20^th July. We have now got into the south- east trades and expect to lay on one tack for about 3 weeks. I have some difficulty in keeping in bed. I made a pudding, which the children like much. The cook is not very obliging in baking things for us. I long for the time when I shall be able to get my pies etc baked in an oven of my own and I sincerely hope we shall have one in our new home. Mr Prescott has the one James Poulter had. It was brought on board at Dover. The Captain gave us some salt fish which George and the children like very much.

22^nd July. A child died in the night and was buried before breakfast making the sixth in six weeks. C. Coleman, although almost a skeleton, seems rather better. This is a fine day and we have gone on better during the night and for some time past. We hope in a day or two to get to the line and cross into the southern-hemisphere. The Surgeon read the church prayers this morning. We saw some great fishes and a small kind of whale. At the same time a shoal of porpoises. How glad should I be would my dear Mother and indeed all who are thinking of us know how we are. We have certainly been highly favoured in the weather. I hope the dreaded Cape will not be so formidable as some of us have anticipated. It is six weeks since we come on board and I suppose we have 10 more to look forward to.

23^rd July. Today we are amused watching the water blob, or food for whales. They are of various shapes and are the cause of the luminous appearances of the sea. The nights are brilliant beyond what we remember in our own dear land. The new moon rises like a silken thread and we could see the dark circle very distinctly.

24^th July. Another fine day. We are now near the line, which we expect to pass about 1 in the morning. A large shark was seen but soon disappeared. A homeward bound vessel passed us but at a considerable distance. There seems no chance of sending letters to our far distant friends.

25^th July. We are now in the southern-hemisphere with a fine breeze at 1.15 South latitude. C. Coleman’s baby was on deck this morning but came down below at about 10 apparently in a dying state. We stood by it and a very affecting and awful sight it was to witness the changes in its poor little countenance. It appeared quite unconscious for some time. Its eyes, though wide open and staring, had no vision. After a time its breath came with more difficulty and a few spasms denoted its end was rapidly approaching. One little movement of its mouth and then all was still and the patient sufferer sunk into the arms of death and its spirit has doubtless entered into the mansions of rest. It died about 11 o’clock. I saw it layed out. Its remains were then put into a box with three 12 inch shot and at about 12 was launched into the Atlantic ocean. The prayers were read over it. C.C. bore it better than we anticipated though feeling it keenly. I stayed down with her while George went with her husband to see the last of the poor babe. C.C. having requested me to write her a few lines on the occasion, I have given her the following. It is called:-

26^th July. I felt quite poorly yesterday with a sick headache but went up on deck in the evening. Today we have little wind, watching a large flight of birds they call "Wide awakes". There was also a fine large bird called a gannet, which was cruising around the ship. Mr Collier fired but the vessel was in such motion he could not hit it. We are going steadily on with the south east trade winds.

27^th July. This morning I felt very poorly and the sea was quite rough. The ship laid over very much so that I could sit in our cabin and see the mighty ocean every now and then. I must confess I would rather be on land. I believe everyone on board is quite tired of the confinement and sameness of the voyage. The children seem to enjoy the waves washing on deck. Ellen Dellos has been dull and without energy or life for some time. She is now taking some quinine, which has already been beneficial. We retired early to bed and by clever contrivance of my dear George in making our bed differently we were able to sleep comfortably but the ship hung so much on one side it was no easy task to keep ourselves in bed. E. Coleman’s eldest son is very unwell and must be a cause of anxiety to his parents.

28^th July. We have had a rough night and it still continues very blowing. We are getting away from the hot weather but it still continues very close below. I have not been on deck either yesterday or today, but hope it will be more quiet tomorrow.

29^th July. Another child was committed to the briny waves. Our cabin is so dark that we can scarcely see to read. If we were all there, there is not enough room for all of us to sit around the table. We have been 52 days on board so I hope we have spent at least half of our time. It is very affecting having to record the death of so many children, another having been this day launched into eternity and sent over the ship’s side making the ninth since the 12^th of this 7^th month. We hope John Edward Coleman is better. The doctor had some fears of typhus fever which alarmed me for our dear children as there is no way of escaping contagion shut down as we are in this wretched hole. Our dear Meggie wrote a few lines on the baby’s death addressed to C. Coleman Jnr which I insert here:-

30^th July. It was most lovely on deck last night and after the cabin passengers went below George and I sang the Canadian Boat song. The Captain was soon up, and with some of the others were wishing me to go on, so just for the sake of good nature I gave them a few of our old favourites. It seemed to please them and make a little change. One evening I sung our Temperance songs in the cabin. Has dear Emma sent any more contributions to the intelligentsia? We have distributed some tracks on board. C. Coleman Jnr has written a nice little piece which must be introduced with the others.

8^th Month Another month commenced on board. It is a lovely day and I think one of the most beautiful sunsets I ever saw. The clouds are crimson on gold, the constellation of the Southern Cross is also very fine. We sat on deck this evening guessing the charades, enigmas etc.. It begins to get cold. We are frequently wishing for a leg of mutton and caper sauce. This poor living does not suit me at all.

3^rd August. We have had a rough night with a strong breeze aft. These are fine moonlight nights. My dear George slipped down on the deck and hurt his arm very much. We have bathed it and hope it will soon get better.

5^th August. A fine morning. The church prayers were read. Our soup today is excellent and our appetites good but it is coming on very rough this afternoon with the vessel pitching a great deal which brought on a sick headache. After I came on deck I was relieved by sickness, after which by the light of the moon I scribbled the following lines in my memorandum:-

6^th August. A rough night. I had a bad headache this morning and was on the bed most of the day. It being a fine evening went on deck for a short time. The children enjoy being up very much.

7^th August. It came on wet and strong with a gale of wind. We had a miserable night. The water came on both our beds and the children’s gave way, so that in the morning I could hardly find Margaret. The carpenter set us to rights.

8^th August. Our nice pewter hand wash-basin went overboard. The young man who took it out of George’s hands to empty it could scarcely save himself, the ship was so much on one side. Many gentlemen have lost their hats at one time or other, George among the rest. In the afternoon it cleared up and we went on deck and there was a great swell on the sea. The Captain gave Ellen and Margaret a nice walk. The cook got tipsy as he frequently does and we could not get our tea water until about eight, soon after which we went to bed and had a comfortable night.

9^th August. It was fine this morning but about dinner time it came on wet and whilst we were having our soup the hatchway was closed so that until the lamp was lighted we could not find the way to our mouths for fear of spilling it in our laps. All be it remembered we have no other table. Our vessel is surrounded with birds, the most numerous being the Cape Pigeon, white in the body with the wings and back beautifully variegated with black. There is a large bird called a Stinkpot, also some called Mammermauks and the Stormy Petrels of a dove colour with silver wings. Some gentlemen amuse themselves with shooting now and then but they have not killed a bird as yet with the motion of the vessel preventing a good aim. The Captain came to our cabin hatchway to call me to come and see some curious clouds. They are only seen in this part. They are called Magellan clouds named after the celebrated navigator. They consist of one small black and white cloud in the form of a triangle. They were near the Southern Cross. The stars were splendidly bright though it was a damp evening.

10^th August. A beautiful morning, we were on deck a good deal. The sea is very fine and in the evening a squall and gale of wind came on. The screaming and calling of the Captain always frightens me. I did not undress all night but laid down on my bed in my clothes and fell asleep. Soon after which Mary woke me saying the wet was dripping on her face. She was moved into our bed and there not being enough room for us comfortably I got up and had a nap in the chair, but as soon as the hatch was opened I went up the ladder. It was about three o’clock. It was still blowing and raining and the first mate was singing "Roystrife of Aldivalloch". The struggling moonbeams misty night was just appearing. When near morning I laid down but felt poorly and unrefreshed.

11^th August. To our great satisfaction we saw three sperm whales. I noticed the first spouting and when his head emerged from the waves the Captain thought we had gone over him. Soon after we saw another as close as the other side and about a half an hour afterwards the hunch and part of the back of the third. The Captain said we might come 20 times without seeing one as he had never done before on his voyages. It is now cold and wintry. We have come away from our dear delightful summer and we passed into the winter around the stormy Cape and such indeed it seems likely to be for in the evening about 8 another squall came on accompanied with vivid lightning and thunder. The ship rolled very much and it was rough all night. The wind was in our favour. In the afternoon I was on deck with many others looking at the majestic waves, when lo ! there came one which completely covered us and rolled from side to side so that we could not escape. I scrambled on the companion. The Captain who was at dinner came up to see who was caught. He shook me heartily by the hand and said he was glad I was christened "Winchester" and had a good laugh at my forlorn condition. Mary and I were obliged to come down and change our things. I had been saying in the morning I had neither a fall or a wetting. Ellen had a sad blow on her head by falling on the deck and we frequently hear a laugh when some unfortunate mite who is either down or washed by the waves.

12^th August. The sea is more grand than we ever saw it before. Such high hills and deep valleys. We sat some time on deck but soon after 12 it came on wet and squally. We have gone 235 miles since 12 yesterday and are now southward of the Cape. It will be about a week before we pass it. I find that we are likely to have this weather all the way. We are favoured to be in good health and I think when we arrive at our anticipated, and I hope, happy home we shall be able to put up with any inconveniences that in former, shall I say happier days, we should have felt very unwilling to be subjected to. The Captain tells me that I may feel as safe here as anywhere on land, but it is easier for him to say, than for me to think so. I always think of my dear relations and what a sad thing it would be for anything to happen to us and they never hear of our fates. But let me not give way to these dull feelings. Those who are fond of the sea may not partake them but I am not the only one on board who does. Several more children in the steerage are very ill. The doctor has a very poor supply of medicines and is without the most essential ones so that our valuable medicine chest is very often resorted to. One of our passengers is a chemist and we have more confidence in his opinion than the appointed Surgeon. In the evening my dear George read in the psalms. It is but seldom we can have a quiet opportunity without shutting ourselves in the sleeping berth which we can only now and then do when it is safe to burn a candle.

13^th August. The seas were very rough and the waves washed over the decks and came dropping on our heads , so that we could not have any comfortable sleep. It was out of the question. We thought the night very long and when 6 bells struck we mistook it for 6 instead of 3 o’clock and George got up and went on deck. Whilst he was gone up I got up and was surprised to find when he came down it was only 2 o’clock but it being a fine starlight and moonlight night we were soon on deck. C. Coleman went with us. One of our young men was up already. The Captain on hearing us came up the stairs to see what was the matter. He told me to put it down in my log. Mr Collier also came but being cold soon retired giving the gentlemen some cigars to warm on. The first mate wrapped C.C. and myself in his monkey jacket. It was quite worth coming up to see the stars in their brilliance. After staying about two hours we retired to our berths and shielding our heads with my plaid we fell into a comfortable sleep.

It was a fine morning. We saw some Stormy Petrels and Albatross, the former are beautiful little creatures, the size of a small pigeon of a silvery dove colour and forked tail. It made a peculiar cry and seemed chased by another bird called a Stinkpot. The albatross is a notable bird, we hope to see some larger yet. The evening was extremely cold, the children amused themselves with playing their historical cards. Our intermediate passengers are now all very comfortable together.

14^th August. Our vessel rolled very much in the night, and we could not sleep very well. There was a small schooner near us and soon after breakfast we came up with her. The Captain spoke with her. She was from Rio bound for Table Bay. He wished her to report to the Cape that she had spoken to the Winchester bound for South Australia. All well. It was a pretty sight to see her tossing up and down, the water washing over her decks. The Captain seemed a young man. We passed her in gallant style having plenty of canvas. Third day being the day for the weeks stores, my dear George just came up to look at the vessel, and then went below to finish his job of assisting to weigh out etc.

15^th August. We are now in the same longitude as London, our time of course is the same. We saw some fine large albatross near the vessel. I had a long walk on deck with the Captain which warmed my feet, the evenings are very cold. We sometimes play at draughts and the young men at cards.

16^th August. Was on deck most of the morning and part of the afternoon. We are going along at a famous rate, the ship is a good deal on one side, it sometimes seems that it will go over. The last two nights we have slept better. I am afraid this journal will seem a very dull one and yet I know it will be very interesting to most who read it. I wish I could make it more so but it is a monotonous kind of life and I have written this at times when we have been very rocked about, so that must be my excuse for untidy blots etc.

17^th August. This is my dear Mother’s birthday, and I do indeed wish her many happy returns, but I know too well that she will not be so till she hears from me that we have arrived safely in Adelaide and we are doing well. A child was born this morning in the steerage. It was such a lovely evening we were all assembled on deck, the stars were bright, we were near the Cape. Some of us sung. The doctor attempted to play on the flute, but his performance was not worthy of being called playing.

18^th August. A fine morning, was on deck some hours. The gentlemen amused themselves with shooting, they killed a very large white albatross. The death shot came from George’s gun, fired by Mr Prescott. George has killed some Cape Pigeons I will here introduce a few lines:-

In the evening there came on a brisk breeze and it kept increasing all night. I was very poorly with a sick headache. We could scarcely sleep. The wind was in our favour and we have been going on at a fine rate. The Cape is past and we are in the Indian Ocean.

19^th August. The sea is magnificently grand, such lovely hills and deep valleys, it excels all that we have hitherto seen. The Captain says he would like this breeze all the way but for my own part I would like quiet weather even if we are a week longer on the voyage. It is difficult to work, write or do anything comfortably whilst we rock about so. We were some of us on deck when a tremendous wave washed over the middle of the ship and went down into our cabin where it set all our boxes afloat and was for some time ankle deep, but nothing appears to have suffered. It only gave us some additional trouble and our cabin felt very cold and comfortless.

20^th August. It is a fine morning and the sea has gone down very much. Mary having taught Francis Hunt to play draughts it has now become quite the favourite game and is a great improvement to the cards which used frequently to occasion angry words. It was starlight and we were on deck in the evening.

21^st August. We had a very disturbed night and my head was very bad so that I did not get up till late and did not go on deck until afternoon, it was very fine. The wind rather more against us.

22^nd August. A calm morning, no wind, there is little swell but not a curling wave to be seem, how different from the first day, when they were rolling over like waterfalls and stood up behind the stern like lofty walls. Mr Prescott has this morning caught a Tarantula spider in his cabin, it is a very disagreeable looking insect. We have the pleasure of seeing another whale which came alongside close to the ship. Its head was quite out of the water. It is still calm. Another poor albatross was killed but we have not been fortunate enough to catch any. It seems such a cruel sport to shoot them without any chance of them falling on board. I have been quite busy this week making cakes. Our excellent box of biscuits is now quite disposed of. They have been quite a comfort to us and have been as good at last as at first. We have not fancied the ships biscuits at all but we must come to them now , but having plenty of flour, butter etc we can often make some cakes and they come in acceptably. There has been an immense number of small white birds flying about called whale birds. They move in one continuous stream and denote that the great leviathans are near.

24^th August. Another child departed this life and there is still much sickness on board. Edward Coleman’s face is in a deplorable state all covered in spots and their children have boils about them which is attributed to poorness of living.

25^th August. A fine blowing morning but in the afternoon it came on much rougher than suited me, and we rolled on one side more than was agreeable. We retreated below, it still kept on and it was indeed a rough night. We were on the larboard side, and therefore kept in bed, but the Coleman’s beds were a complete wreck. Mr & Mrs Coleman were thrown on the floor and Mrs Allen had a bad fall. The main top gallant yard arm was carried away and it was awful to be rocked from side to side, my head was extremely bad. As I mostly do every night I paid a visit to my dearly beloved relations in Stratford, Horsham, London, Callshall, with other places that need not be particularly named, never forgetting my dearly loved sister Caroline. How little would she know when putting up her partition on 1^st day the 26^th, for those who travelled by sea, that we were in such a comfortless state. It was extremely cold, no-one knew what to do with themselves. Indeed the hatchway was obliged to be closed as the waves washed over. My dear George and William were employed nearly all day in wiping and cleaning the water away. I was far too unwell to get up, the wind kept on with unabated violence and it was altogether a most miserable day. It was with great difficulty we managed to get our dinner which we did not relish. After George came to bed which he did without taking off his clothes, we dropped off to sleep, but woke up with the water splashing backwards and forwards in the cabin. George had to rise and see to some of the boxes that were most likely to be injured. The Captain came down and ordered the carpenter to cut a small hole in the floor under our bed to let down the water if it should pay us another visit. One of the young sailors having first taken up a bucket or two. The place was very wet and cold and I doubt not it gave us both cold. It was another rough night and we went so much on one side that once or twice we seemed we were going to the bottom.

27^th August. Was still squally and the sea looks tempestuous and stormy was not able to get up. We sent to the Captain’s table for some mutton but I could not eat one morsel.

28^th August. A fine quiet morning the rations were served out and there being no place to sit in I was compelled to lie in bed and think for I could not see to read. My appetite began to return but three days in bed were both a new and unpleasant confinement for me. In the afternoon the cabin being cleaned was wet and damp. George and the children came to bed early, my dear George having not felt well during the day.

29^th August. As soon as I was able I dressed and went on deck but was so fatigued and overdone I could not speak to anyone, and had not a few friendly dears come to my assistance think I should have fainted. After a while I went to Mrs Prescott’s cabin for about two hours. The Captain sent in a glass of porter for me and I had a piece of German sausage from the well known shop in Gracechurch, the which is very good now. I had afterwards a mutton chop from the Best cabin and I hope to be quite strong in a few days. Mr Metcalf’s two donkeys bought at St. Jago have not been able to bear this rough weather and have both departed. He paid 20 pounds for their passage, besides their original costs, with their provender so that it is a poor speculation for him. Our lamp is now put out at nine o’clock which gives us a long night. George read us this evening one of Walter Scott’s poems. All is calm and still, dear ones in the land I love so well, once more adieu.

30^th August. This morning is again fine, a large ship is near and we hope to speak to her. I am now much better and it is very pleasant on deck. I took my journal but could look at nothing but the vessel we were gradually approaching. It seemed quite delightful not to be quite alone on the ocean. We had seen one on the seventh day at a distance. Many were the surmises as to what vessel this was. At last was seen a boat coming off to us and about 6 gentlemen came on board. They were the Doctor and some of the passengers from the Coromandel bound for Sydney. They stayed for about an hour and mentioned having a great deal of sickness on board. They had lost 5 adults and 14 children. They were exceedingly crowded having upwards of 300 on board. The doctor went down into the steerage which he said was quite a luxury compared with theirs both as to ventilation and cleanliness. They left Plymouth 13^th June, not touching any other Port, so that as we sailed from Gravesend and were two days at St. Jago we have rather the advantage. It seemed equally pleasant for them and for us to exchange a few words. They again entered the boat and with cheers departed. The deck of the Coromandel was indeed crowded as indeed ours was and there was a general shout. I saw some genteelly dressed ladies. It was a beautiful sight to see the two vessels so close together running a race, sometimes one before the other, then abreast. At length, our rival being to windward, had her sails better filled and before morning she was out of sight.

31^st August. A calm beautiful day. We are not going quite so fast as we could but as usual on the 7^th day a breeze sprang up in the afternoon and we got on better in the night.

9^th month the 1^st. We have now commenced another month and hope before its close to be safely anchored at Port Adelaide. This is a lovely day, cold but clear and bright, with a fine sea and fair wind. The Surgeon read the prayers on deck and we saw some porpoises. Several persons are ill in the steerage where I am sorry to say the smallpox has made its appearance. We went on deck in the evening which is beautifully starlight.

2^nd September. Another fine day and we are going on to the promised land as comfortably as we could wish.

3^rd September. Still fine. Plenty of porpoises going about the vessel. It is still fine.

4^th September. A poor little boy about 4 years old died of the smallpox which seems gaining ground. There are two females in the steerage also very ill, one is Mrs Schroder, daughter of a Major in the army and wife of a respectable young man, son of a sugar broker. They have three young children, the eldest about four, the second about a year and a half, and the infant about six months. Mrs Prescott and I were sitting on deck on 7^th day last when Mrs S who was near us said "Oh my dear George, Je suis tres malade" Her husband came and led her off. She usually speaks French both to him and the children. It is her intention when she arrives in Adelaide to open a day school. She has been well educated and on 17^th, my dear Mother’s birthday, when we were on deck in the evening she sung "Those evening bells, those evening bells". Her husband intends beginning as an architect and builder.

5^th September. A blowing day. Our lamps being put out so early makes us have very long nights. This evening we, some of us, determined not to go to bed quite so soon and when we were sitting up talking the Captain came and looked down. George was gone to bed but C.C. and myself were sitting up so he wished us to go on deck and keep watch with him. We did and stayed about two hours. The ship was very much on one side and we were going at a rapid rate. I was in hopes of a good night after being in the air, but as soon as we came to bed the wind increased so much that there was much calling and noise on deck I could not sleep.

6^th September. This was a most comfortless day. In the evening we were much shocked and affected on hearing that poor Mrs Schroder was no more. She had been up to tea and went off suddenly at last, her remains were brought on deck whilst still warm for it is not safe for the rest that she should be long there. In about two hours after her death she was committed to the waves. During nearly the whole of her short illness she was quite insensible. The pox did not come out kindly and was a bad sort. How much her poor husband is to be felt for with his three little children. What a sad blight for his future prospects, how much this awful event damp his energies and cast a gloom over his once pleasant prospects. Oh may he find some faithful person who will take the charge of his infants and treat them with tenderness and love. One of the poor women suckles the baby and is very kind to it. Their poor mother seemed always quite anxious about them but she is gone and I shall never hear these lines without thinking of her "And so ‘twill be when I am gone, those tuneful bells will ring on." Our ship bells are not very melodious, but they bring to my mind, as it does when I say to my dear George, her usual manner of speaking to her husband. Poor man they say he was almost deranged at first but now appears to bear his loss with manly fortitude and resignation. We feel very anxious on account of our dear children. The Colemans have had them vaccinated again. We hope we will not be put in quarantine when we reach Port Adelaide but it is rather a matter of doubt. I have made some camphor bags for the children and William. We thought it best not for him to go into the steerage that night so his master lent him his greatcoat and he walked about on the deck part of the night and laid down in the intermediate cabin the rest of the night.

7^th September. One of the coldest and most miserable days since we came on board. I took some medicine and though I got up and dressed remained in the cabin and on the bed most of the day. The children were so cold it was with difficulty they could keep warm at all. Another poor woman, the wife of the assistant steward, who has had the smallpox extremely bad, departed this life and was interred very speedily. These are indeed awful times. In the midst of life we are in death. I cannot bring her to mind but my dear George says she was one of the most tidy little women on board. Her husband, who is quite an invalid, is affected with an asthma. We all got to bed in good time but it was a most uncomfortable night.

8^th September. The wind which was against us in the night shifted and this morning we found ourselves on the windward side, which is the highest, and we rather prefer it being under no apprehension from the water coming into our cabin. We have been busy today packing up some things in a cask. I have not been on deck for a day or two but must now have a little fresh air. We hope no other cases of smallpox will appear. Mrs Hunt, my next neighbour is very poorly today. I hope she will not have taken it (the pox). After dinner I went up but it was so exceedingly cold and blowing with every appearance of a gale of wind that we were glad to seek a shelter in our little cabin. It kept increasing all the evening and it was the most miserable night we have either of us experienced since we entered the Winchester. We were so rocked from side to side it was quite frightful, and as it always does , brought a frightful headache. We were indeed thankful to see the returning light of morning.

9^th September. Very unwell this morning. We were surprised to see it so fine as we passed such a poor night. The rain came down in torrents and there was a heavy rolling sea. It seems rather odd we so often have it bad weather on the 7^th and 1^st days It has been raining and looks very misty but is now fine again. We hope in about two weeks to be at the end of this voyage.

10^th September. A very fine day. I was busy with my boxes and did not go on deck. In the evening the Captain came down to see after me and would have me go on deck where I walked some time with C. Coleman who is mostly on deck. As it was soon tea time we had it with him and then walked again. We had a long conversation about him using such blustering language to the sailors but do not feel very sanguine about it doing any good. It was a fine starlight evening. When I came down I found George and the children very snugly shut up in our cabin. We have lost the nice hen Charles Ware gave us. She was the last survivor of the fowls on board except her widowed partner who still survives. We have brought him down and he is now an intermediate passenger and becoming tame. We have great hopes of saving him. Mr Hunt’s cow is very poorly. We have no more milk from her and it is rather doubtful whether she will survive the voyage. We will all be very sorry if she dies. It will be about 60 pounds expense to Mr Hunt besides the trouble and disappointment.

11^th September. Quite busy this morning disposing of some of my thimbles, net etc. C. Coleman also sold three cotton gown pieces. If I had a lot to sell I could have made a good thing of it.

12^th September. A fine day. I went up a short time in the morning and paid Mrs Prescott a visit who with myself and many more are very tired of the idle life and keep mostly below. The rest part of the day I work. C. C. Jnr came to tea with us in our little berth. The wind got up in the evening and it was as well as several others had preceded it a very rough night. We seem so unsettled now that I do not expect we shall sleep much until we have arrived at our long talked of home.

13^th September. A fine morning. We have had a very restless night but as my troublesome companion the headache has departed for the present I feel in much better spirits. Meggie and I went on deck and stayed up until it was quite a gale and we were glad to escape below without a wetting. We do not mind the spray. It kept on more and more until everything was prepared for an Equinoctial gale and we all expected "a very dirty night " as the sailors call it. But the wind went down and although we rolled very much we were able to sleep more comfortably than for a week before. But there was a great noise on deck with some of the sailors quarrelling . There was also now and then a heavy squall of rain and hail.

14^th September. A cold squally morning with more sea than we have yet had. The foretop sail was blown to slivers and another, so that it will probably not go up again. We had a heavy sea down in our cabin which made us miserably wet and uncomfortable. I went up the ladder to look at the grandeur of the mighty ocean and as a squall was just coming on the Captain wished me to go into the Cuddy, but after being there a few minutes I went up and said I would rather go back. The Captain asked why; because I replied I would like to all be together (the common phrase of his when speaking to the men) . Oh, he said, are you afraid of going to the bottom, have you bespoke your passage and I was obliged to go down again. The squall came on directly and after a short time they came down to lunch and I partook also. The weather kept very rough but happily the wind was in our favour. There is about seven and a half hours between us and England. Our time is faster so that when we are going to bed it is about dinner time in England and I think when I awake in the night my dear Father is perhaps smoking his pipe after dinner.

15^th September. The squalls kept on all night and it blew a strong gale. The hailstones were very large. The sea is higher than we have had it all the voyage and it is a very stormy miserable day. It kept on blowing more and more and towards night the sea was tremendous. We rolled in a frightful manner every now and then. I thought of sitting up all night but my dear George persuaded me to go to bed and I had some comfortable sleep though sometimes suddenly awoke by the rolling. Once in particular it seemed that we would go to the bottom. I think everyone in the vessel must have woke up by the shock. Mr Bain the Chief Mate had a narrow escape of going overboard. Indeed, if the Captain’s boat had not been by the side he must have been lost. I trust that we shall not have such another night that we are out.

16^th September. My dear Father’s birthday and I wish him many happy returns of the day. The first part of the morning has been beautifully fine and we are on deck. But now we have dined and it has come on wet. We are within a weeks sail of Adelaide if this wind holds. I asked what I was to put down in my log about the weather and was told to say we have had a strong gale with heavy squalls of wind and hail. We are about 960 miles from our Port, 260 from land. There was a fight this morning on deck between one of the steerage people and the carpenter who is a very low abusive type of man. Another child about two years old died and was buried last night without our knowing anything of it until this morning. It is 14 weeks today since we came on board and there has been 15 deaths during that time. The sea is still rough but we hope the squalls are over. We were able to sit in our little cabin and read comfortably. William being with us. He has been very steady and attentive to us all the way. There are so many bad examples amongst so many persons but we have kept him as much as we could in the intermediate cabin. He has been quite well all the voyage. After being in bed a short while the mate called out to me to come up and see the Aurora Australis, but as I was slipping on my clothes, one of our party told me it was not worth going up for so I returned quietly into bed. But now I wish I had gone up because it is very rarely seen.

17^th September. My beloved sister Caroline’s birthday. May she have many happier ones than this will be. Dear girl, how often do I think of her. We have been busy packing up all day as we do not seem to like the idea of being down here when land is in sight. It is very fine and starlight with every prospect of a quiet night.

18^th September. Another most lovely day. Mr Hunt’s cow died. We were all very sorry about it. He bears his loss with fortitude. I was on deck a good deal but felt very low and weak. It is well there is a prospect of us soon going on shore for I do not know how much longer I could stand this poor living. The dear children are quite well and relish the nice puddings they have.

19^th September. A splendid day, I made a pie. George packed up some more things. We are not going on very fast. Everyone seems in good humour. The Invalides are nicely recovering. Two of Mr Prescott’s sons have the smallpox, favourably it is nearly gone.

20^th September. A fine breeze this morning hastening us on at 10 miles an hour. The anchors are being put over the vessel and tomorrow the chain cable will be taken out of the hole. This is indeed fine Australian weather, the sky without a cloud, the atmosphere beautifully clear and quite warm and pleasant. The Invalides from the steerage all on deck.

21^st September. A sweet morning. We are now very near and have the inexpressible pleasure of seeing land, both Kangaroo Island and the mainland with Neptune Island. We were obliged to slacken our pace as we could not come near the land at night. There was one great wave that came over the ship that startled us very much for it shook us as though we were stuck on some bank. One young man was jumping up in haste and I was going to follow when I heard what it was.

22^nd September. We arose early this morning to see the Australian shore which is still well wooded and we are much pleased with the appearance of it. We spoke with the "David " (proceeding from Adelaide to Hobart town) by which we find the Governor has not arrived. We have also got before the "Surrey ". They are daily expected. A pilot came to us in Holdfast Bay from the "Henry Porcher" which he had brought from Adelaide. The Captain and two other gentlemen came on board by whom we learnt that the situation of the town was beautiful beyond what we could anticipate but that everything was very dear and labour high and that the publicans were making rapid fortunes which speaks badly for the Temperance Society. We were happy to be piloted safely into the River where we cast anchor. It was a lovely evening. The birds were singing on the shore and a joyful sound it was though not so melodious as we have been accustomed to hear from sweet warblers of our Native Groves. We go to bed with easy minds and I trust hearts grateful for the many mercies that have been granted to us both in being preserved from the dangers of the mighty ocean and the sickness which has so generally prevailed on board.

23^rd September. What an enchanting prospect greeted our eyes this morning as we rose early to witness the final anchorage which after a few miles of delightful scenery on each bank was completed about half a mile from Port Adelaide where we can discern a few huts and houses. The blue mountains look very fine in the distance. After breakfast the Captain took Mr Prescott and George in his boat and a large party went in the pilot’s boat. The children and myself have been most of the day in Mrs Prescott’s cabin. It is too hot to be on deck. We are anxious to hear the account our husbands will bring of this fair city. We saw some eagles, one was sitting on his nest. There were also some white crows with black on their wings.

26^th September This morning Mr Prescott and George have gone to Adelaide. The Governor for the present, an agreeable young man, has been on board today with the medical gentleman to inspect the health of the passengers. Some of the steerage people having gone on shore and got tipsy, had mentioned the complaints that had been in the ship and now it seems likely that we shall be detained. We were informed this morning that we must leave tomorrow. Now there is a policeman on board to prevent any communication with the shore. George did not intend coming back tonight and I hope he will not come to be cooped up.

Having now come to the conclusion of my Journal I must now bid

27^th September. This morning to our great joy we left the "floating home" in which we have been so long confined and met with a very kind welcome on shore. We came to a cottage of cousin Hacks in which we remained some time and I must now prepare this journal to send to my dear relations in England.

16^th December. That so long a time has elapsed since we arrived without sending this is indeed a subject of much regret. We were to have been informed when the Goshawk sailed but unfortunately we only knew the vessel had come to the Port about 10 minutes before it was time to send the letters so save the mail and I know not how this was to go. We find it must be conveyed through the post. I am therefore afraid it will hardly be worth the postage. The city is rapidly improving, houses building everywhere and it is very extensive. The dust is a great annoyance, it rises in whirlwinds and goes up like columns until it appears like clouds. This day, two weeks, there was quite a hurricane for about an hour and a half when the city was enveloped in a cloud of dust and we could scarcely see 20 yards from the window although the park was between us and South Adelaide. It is without a question a very beautiful country and I believe we shall have no reason to regret coming, always excepting the trial of leaving our dear friends and Native land. We have kind friends here and when we get our house up and things a little comfortable about us we shall begin to feel at home.