The “Rumbelow” Diary

A journals kept of the 1854 emigrant voyage on Pestonjee Bomajee under Captain Edward Montgomery paint a vivid picture of the magnitude of the experience. 

Malen Rumbelow was initially identified as the author of a journal, but throughout the entire journal, the author never refers to his wife Alice or their nine children (six girls and three boys) who were on the boat. In addition, research of records suggest Malen was unable to write, having signed his name with a cross when he married. 

Careful reading of the diary suggests that either Mr Mackrill, a schoolmaster or an unnamed shoemaker were the authors.  

The diary is reproduced in its entirety below.  The entries have been copied from a yellowed typed copy and the grammar and spelling have not been altered. How much is from the original, and how much resulted from changes made when the original was converted to a typed copy, is not known.

Diary's Vivid Story Of 1854 

Mary Broughton's Pages - For Women Readers The Chronice, April 18 1968

DEAR CHRONICLE READERS, 

In my letter on the Rumbelow family I made a passing reference to the diary which the grandfather of Mrs. G. E. Buck (nee Grace Rumbelow) kept while on his voyage from England to SA in 1854. Mrs. Buck has since lent me a copy, and what a story it tells! 

Here on board ship we see the whole span of human existence - people are born, they suffer and they die. No art, I think, could speak more effectively than the simple statements of truth from the pen of Malen Rumbelow, and it is for this reason that they appear on this page in his own words. 

Of the man himself we hear but little, yet, as we read, we are aware of his sympathetic concern for all that makes up the life of the ship. He appears to me as methodical, practical, observant and humane. But these are merely my impressions, and you must judge for yourselves as you read my necessarily abridged account.

This man who left with his family from Suffolk, prefaces his journal with the number of people on board the Pestonjee Bomanjee, to wit, one captain, one doctor, three mates, one steward, one cook, 10 sea- men, 20 Lascars, one carpenter, 73 married couples, 53 single women, 14 single men (I am sorry for the women) and 93 children when they left Southampton. In all 344 souls, all set for a voyage of 112 days to the remote ends of the earth. 

On Tuesday, June 13, 1854, Malen Rumbelow left home at six o'clock in the evening for the immigrants' depot at Nine Elms. A momentous hour. All goodbyes said, old faces and familiar landmarks never to be seen again. 

Remember David Copperfield's departure for London? "See how our house and church are lessening in the distance; how the grave beneath the tree is blotted out by intervening objects; how the spire points upward from my old playground no more and the sky is empty." 

Though we cannot read his thoughts, we can at least follow his steps. 

June 14. This morning I went into the town,to buy goods, the train leaving about five minutes before my return, causing me to have to pay my fare (12/) to Southamp- ton where I arrived at 7 o'clock in the evening. 

June 15. We had our goods examined and received table furniture consisting of pannikins, plates, large knives, forks, mugs and spoons for each adult, with small ones for children, four good canvas bags for linen, one flock mattress and pillow, one rug and two good blankets for each berth, beside some farewell presents of books from the tract society. 

June 16. In the afternoon went on board the ship, 704 tons, Capt. Montgomery, and hauled out of the dock, when we received our mess utensils, which consisted of two teapots, two coffee pots and baking tin, one butter tin, one mustard tin, one pepper and salt tin, two hand bowls, one bucket, one coffee mill, one water keg (g), holding 12 quarts, one biscuit basket, one tin and one coffee canister for each mess, and proceeded down the river and dropped anchor at 9 o'clock in the evening. 

June 17. Weighed anchor in the morn- ing amidst much confusion and bustle among the people, and went on to Spithead, receiving a Bible and Prayer Book from the minister, and an address from Mrs. Smith, the Emigrant Inspector Southampton, and all answered our names where myself and six others were appointed constables. Dropped anchor at 10 o'clock, myself and the Constables keeping watch at night. 

Sunday June 18. Weighed and proceeded to sea, with fine weather and a strong head wind. The people begin to feel themselves at sea as sickness is fast approaching. A child is born. Six of the people were selected to watch at night, and to be taken in turn continually. Pilot left at 5 o'clock, taking letters. 

June 19. Fine weather, strong head wind, continually putting the ship about. The people very sick and bad throughout the vessel. 

June 20. People much better, a child died by drinking wine, aged 4 years. 

June 21. Dull and heavy. Child buried. A woman, Mrs. Walton, hurt by a piece of wood falling on her head from the Main- top. 

(Schooling began on June 23 and on Sunday the schoolmaster Mr. Mackrill read the church service. The ship was then in the Bay of Biscay and pannikins were tumbling about in all directions.) 

July 4. Fine weather, wind fair, a lad washed his shorts and lost them overboard in hanging them to dry. 

July 5. Surgeon and Capt. visiting all round the ship at noon, to see all was clean and everything in its place, and again at 10 o'clock at night to see the lights all out. 

July 9. Two flying fish flew on board many thousands more to be seen. 

July 10. Cooked the flying fish for Alfred's breakfast, got all the boxes on deck. Very busy day. A ship in sight. 

July 11. Much pleasantness in the evening when there is singing and dancing. 

July 13. As yesterday, the people hard- ly know how to contain themselves and lay naked at night. Some take their beds on deck to sleep. 

July 14. Had oz. of lime-juice served to each adult. Some of them even went into the sea to bathe. 

July 15. The suckling women are allowed pint of porter occasionally, 

July 22. Woman delivered of a child to save her life. 

July 23. Saw several ships, spoke to "Fanny" of Swansea bound to Coquimbo. 

July 24. Began repairing shoes. 

July 25. Served tobacco 2/ per lb. 

July 30. Still very fine. A young woman lost 16/ in the night, and it was found in the bag of one of the others by the Matron. 

August 1. About 2 o'clock in the morning nearly struck by another ship, there had been no look out.

August 2. An American ship hove in sight. sent a boat on board of us with 120 an officer and 12 men. She proved to be a Man o' War, the Saratoga of 26 guns, crew 224 but were about 50 short who had died of dysentery. She was from China where she had been 4 years, but bound to Boston. Her officer stayed an hour and took with him several letters from the passengers promising to report us on his arrival in Boston. 

Sunday, June 18. Weighed and proceed- ed to sea, with fine weather and a strong head wind. The people begin to feel themselves at sea as sickness is fast approaching. A child born. 

August 6. Many dolphins to be seen of a most splendid color, the heads appearing of an ultramarine blue, their backs brown and their tails yellow. Prayers read twice. 

August 10. Two Grampafs seen under our bows. 

August 11. Passed Tropic of Capricorn, the some Cape pigeons to be seen near ship. 

August 12. Killed sheep for cabin. 

August 13. People all answered their names before the surgeon on deck for the first time at sea and was all well except 3 or 4. 

August 15. Got up half the luggage for the people to obtain clean clothes, many of which were injured by water having been spilt on them. 

August 16. Many people have colds owing to the sudden change from heat to cold. 

August 19. Wea- ther full and chilly, the people now have their warm clothing on and blankets in great demand. Spoke to ship from Liverpool, bound to Port Macquarie with emigrants. She had been out 53 days. 

August 21. Blew a perfect gale, the sea dashing over the ship and down the hatch- ways, rendering it very difficult for any- thing to be cooked, the women and children all in bed. . . sea running mountain high. 

August 22. Another boisterous day. The child Frederick very ill with thrush. No one could go on deck without the risk of being wet through, no breakfast until 10 o'clock, no dinner at all.. the sea pouring down the hatchways in pailfuls. One of the crew had his fingers very much hurt by another letting go a rope. 

At 10 o'clock at night there was a pretty sight, pots, pannikins, tins, spoons, knives, forks, rice, coffee, pepper, biscuits, oatmeal, baskets, shoes, boxes and salt- water with sundry other things all jumbled together and flying to and fro the ship. 

August 23. Became alarmed for the child, and called the doctor, who ordered him to ho put into warm bath, and gave him a little brandy and water. 

August 24. One of the constables thrown down and his head cut by rolling of the ship, she pitching and rolling fearfully. People all below. Worsted stockings, overcoats, serge shirts and other warm clothing in great demand. 

August 26. Child about the same. Gave him port wine and arrowroot, also cough mixture. August 27. Sudden squalls, the baker scarcely able to keep anything in oven, the ship lying over so much. 

August 28. Much discontent arising about the meat being short weight, some messes having to go without. The diarrhoea has shown itself in many slight cases, and a few serious ones. Our child attracted to it.

August 29. Rigged a complete suit of new sails, served tobacco, many birds seen. 

August 30. Caught an albatross measuring nine feet across the wings. 

August 31. Much sport occasioned by catching birds. Many of the people ill of diarrhoea, myself included. Put sea water into the empty casks for ballast. Fiddling and dancing in the evening. 

September 3. This is Christmas Day with the Lascars who are all dressed in their best and look very clean. At nine o'clock this morning child died aged 16 months. another had a narrow escape of being smothered, by being rolled up in bed by mistake, child mending. All the people that was able answered to their names in presence of surgeon. The above child was buried at sunset. Three ships in sight. 

September 4. The mother that lost her child yesterday confined of another at one o'clock in the morning. The provisions getting bad, biscuits mould, butter rank, eggs rotten. 

September 12. Snowing and hailing at intervals throughout the day, the Lascars can scarcely do anything owing to the severity of the weather. 

September 13. Ship rolling her bulwarks under water, people tumbling about and  themselves hurting much, several still ill. 

(How true the words of Job as he cries out: "Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards," and how the people themselves must have often cried from the depth of their hearts, "We found trouble and heavi-ness; we were even at death's door. The proud waters had well-night gone over us.") 

September 14. The birds our companions still. Among them are whale birds and mother careys chicken. We now have 3,400 miles to go, and if this wind continues we expect to finish the passage in about 18 to 20 days. 

September 15. Hail rattles like marbles on deck. September 18. The female hospital is full of patients, many of the Lascars feet are much swollen owing to the past weather cold. 

September 24. At 9 o'clock at night the deck of bakehouse on fire. September 25. The baker displaced owing to the accident last night. A child died aged 5 months. Killed a pig for cabin. 

Lat. 43 degrees 6 S. Long 101 degrees 15 E going 9 or 10 knots. 

September 26. Violent squalls of rain, hail and sleet. The above child buried at 10 o'clock. A married woman died of fever, leaving a husband and one child 15 months old. 

September 27. Buried the above woman at 10 o'clock, the wind increasing with the day. At 2 o'clock in the morning about two tons of water came down hatchway completely drenching four families in their beds so that their beds and bedding were wet through and carrying every movable before it. Many of us got up and took up the water which occupied us two hours. September 29. A married woman died at 5 in the morning in the hospital of fever and was buried at 12 leaving husband and two children. one of which was born board, aged 9 weeks. In the afternoon a child died in a fit aged 2 years. The baker re-instated. 3 persons having failed to supply his place.

At this point they had 1,000 miles to go. He does say, though, that all were becoming very impatient for the end of their voyage and also very tired of hard biscuits and salt meat and were looking forward to vegetables. 

They were, too, speculating on arrival time and "bets went free." Land was sighted on October 5 at 3 in the afternoon just as a child of 8 months died and was buried while friends sang a hymn. On October 6 Port Adelaide was observed about 15 miles away, and people were all anxiously looking out and straining their eyes to the utmost and looking through telescopes. 

On October 7 the mailboat came alongside at 6 a.m. to take letters ashore and then the pilot came aboard. At 4 p.m. a tug took them over the bar to within a couple of miles of the port. 

Here is the scene as Malen describes it. 

"Lying at Port Adelaide the people receiving their friends, some bringing green peas, lettuces, spring onions, & drinking and making merry the whole of the day. Some of the crew obtain leave to go ashore, but none of the people owing to our not having been mustered by the doctor from the shore. The day was spent in the utmost confusion, the police on board to preserve order and protect the people. No prayers read today.

On October 9 the pen writes: "Thus ended our passage of 112 days from London to Adelaide." 

What were his thoughts and feelings when Malen Rumbelow made his final entry? We can never know, but we can be sure that the hand that held the pen was the hand of a man of action who would face the circumstances of life undismayed. As we know, he set out by bullock wag- gon with his wife and nine children, around the coast to Encounter Bay. Here in January, 1855, within the sound of the sea, he made his stand, the father of the found- ing family who, 

High upon his shoulders rears the fame and fates of unborn years. 

And now I must step across 114 of those then-unborn years to say goodbye until next week. 

Mary Broughton

Journal of the Passage to Adelaide, SA

By Mr Mackrill, June 13th to October 13th, 1854

June 13 1854

I left home at 6 o’clock in the evening for the Immigrants Depot at Nine Elms.

June 14 

This morning I went into the town to buy goods, the train leaving about 5 minutes before my return causing me to pay my fare (12/-) to Southampton where I arrived at 7 o’clock in the evening at the depot.

June 15 

We had our goods examined, and receiving table furniture consisting of pannikins, plates, large knives, forks, mugs and spoons for each adult, with small ones for children, 4 good canvas bags for linen, 1 flock mattress and pillow, 1 rug and 2 good blankets for each berth, besides some farewell presents of books from the Tract Society.

June 16

Boarded the Pestonjee Bomanjee, 704 tons under Captain Montgomery and hauled out of the dock, when we received our mess utensils, which consisted of 2 teapots, 2 coffee pots, baking tin, butter tin, mustard tin, pepper & salt tin, 2 hand bowls, a bucket, coffee mill, water keg (holding 12 quarts), biscuit basket, and a tea and coffee canister for each mess. Then proceeded down the river and dropped anchor at 9 o’clock in the evening.

June 17 

Weighed anchor in the morning amid much confusion and bustle among the people. Went to Spithead, receiving a bible and prayer book from the minister and an address from Mr Smith, the Emigrant Inspector at Southampton. All answered their names and six others and I were appointed constables. We dropped anchor at 10.o’clock with me and the other constables keeping watch.

June 18 

Weighed anchor and proceeded to sea with fine weather and a strong head wind. The people begin to feel themselves at sea with sickness fast approaching. A child is born, six of the people were selected to watch at night, the pilot left at 5 o’clock taking letters.

June 19 

Fine weather, strong head wind, continually putting the ship about, the people very sick and bad throughout the vessel.

June 20

A death: Emma Fullstone (child)

The weather was fine with light breeze, people much better, a child died by drinking wine, aged four years.

June 21 

Dull and heavy, child buried, a woman Mrs Walton hurt by a piece of wood falling on her head from the maintop.

June 22 

Fine but still head wind, cleared the channel, had tobacco served out at 2/- per lb by Capt.

June 23 

Dull and cold, the sea rolling heavy, began schooling on board.

June 24 

Weather as yesterday, sea running heavy, the people below.

June 25 

Rain in the morning, church service read by schoolmaster, Mr Mackrill, the wind blew very heavy, ship in the Bay of Biscay, people very sick and bad, the sea washing over us and the pannikins tumbling about in all directions.

June 26 

Rain, still blowing hard, and in a contrary direction.

June 27 

Rain, stormy and cold, the sea dashing over us, ship pitching and rolling very heavy, the cook much scolded.

June 28 

Strong wind and heavy sea, got through the Bay of Biscay.

June 29 

Wind more moderate and fair, the people much better, schooling on deck, our rations pretty good and plenty, the people in good spirits with but little sickness.

June 30 

Fair wind, weather fine, ship going beautifully 8 knots.

July 1 

Weather fine, saw three ships, people got their beds on deck and ordered to be continued on all fine days.

July 2 

Fine and warm, rigged awning over poop, prayers read twice, people all clean and on deck, no seasickness.

July 3 

Fine and very warm, sighted Madeira at 4 in morning.

July 4 

Fine weather, wind fair, a lad washed his short and lost them overboard in handing them to dry.

July 5

Weather as yesterday, people all well, surgeon and captain visiting all round the ship at noon to see all was clean and everything in its place, and again at 10 o’clock at night to see all lights out.

July 6 

As yesterday, hundreds of flying fish to be seen

July 7 

A death: Lascar sailor

Still fine and very hot. A lascar sailor died about noon and was buried at 5 o’clock. We are now directly under the sun which sets at 7 o’clock.

July 8

A little rain today, ship going very steady 4 knots. Now in the northeast trades, singing and dancing in the evening.

July 9

Fine with fair wind, a child born, 2 flying fish flew on board which the Serang gave to Alfred and many thousands more to be seen. Passed the Cape de Verd Islands, church service read twice, ship going 8 knots.

July 10

Fine and warm, cooked the flying fish for Alfred’s breakfast, got all the boxes on deck. A ship in sight.

July 11

As yesterday, the people all on deck, much pleasantness in the evening when there is singing and dancing.

July 12 

The weather is now becoming very hot, the people scarcely wear any clothes, we are nearly becalmed, scarcely moving.

July 13 

As yesterday, the people hardly know how to contain themselves some take their bed on deck to sleep naked at night.

July 14 

Fine but intensely hot, had ½ an ounce of lime juice served to each adult, some going to the sea to bathe.

July 15

Weather as yesterday, the suckling women are allowed ½ pint of porter occasionally.

July 16

Rain and very hot, prayers read below, wind ahead.

July 17

Location: Spithead, outside Portsmouth, eastern part of the channel between Hampshire, England, and the Isle of Wight.

Fine but hot, saw hundreds of porpoises, wind ahead.

July 18 

A birth

Little cooler on deck, but sultry below, strong head wind.

July 19 

Fine with fair wind, the people all well, water bad.

July 20 

Heavy rain all day, more rain this than any other day, much came down the hatchways, a ship in sight.

July 21

Strong head wind, a child born, sea very rough, had lime juice served out, the ship still in sight.

July 22 

A death: stillbirth

Windy and wet, a woman delivered of a child to save her life.

July 23 

Fine weather, saw several ships, spoke to the “Fanny” of Swansea bound to Coquimbo. In the evening showed a blue light to a ship, also a white light to another.

July 24

Weather as yesterday, now in the southeast trades. Myself began repairing shoes, two ships in sight.

July 25

Fine weather, strong wind, people well, served tobacco 2 shillings per lb.

July 26 Fine with light wind, crossed the line at 5 o’clock.

July 27 

A birth

As yesterday, a child born, singing and dancing in evening.

July 28 

As yesterday, had limejuice served out.

July 29 

Very fine, sighted the island of Fernandez Novantia on the coast of Brazil, saw many flying fish, going five knots.

July 30 

Still very fine, prayers read twice, a ship in sight. A young woman lost 16 shillings in the night that was found in the bag of another by the matron.

July 31

Fine weather but head wind, ship pitching much.

August 1 

Fine with steady breezes, at about 2 o’clock in the morning were nearly struck by another ship there being no lookout.

August 2

Weather as yesterday, about 9 o’clock an American ship hove in sight. We being 11 degrees south of the line at 12 o’clock. She hove to and sent a boat on board of us with an officer and 12 men, she proved to be a man of war, the Saratoga of 26 guns and 224 crew but were 50 short who had died of dysentery. She was from China where she had been for four years and bound for Boston. Her officer stayed an hour and took with him several letters from the passengers promising to report us on his arrival in Boston.

August 3 

Very hot, ship going very slow, nearly a calm all day, saw a ship.

August 4

Fine with light wind, the people all well, myself at shoe-making.

August 5

As yesterday, many porpoises and flying fish to be seen.

August 6

Very pleasant, many dolphins to be seen of a splendid colour, their heads appearing of an ultramarine blue, their tails yellow. Prayers read twice.

August 7 

Fine weather, people well, except a few colds.

August 8 

As yesterday light winds all day.

August 9 

Still fine but getting colder as we proceed to the south.

August 10 

Weather as yesterday, two grampafs seen under our bows.

August 11

Fine with light wind and fair, ship going slowly, passed the Tropic of Capricorn, some cape pigeons to be seen nearby.

August 12 

Fair wind, had lime juice served out, killed a sheep for cabin.

August 13 

Fine, prayers read twice, the people all answered their names before the surgeon on deck for the first time at sea and all was well except 3 or 4.

August 14 

Weather fine but much colder, sun set at ¼ past 5 o’clock.

August 15 

Strong head wind, got up half the luggage for the people to obtain clean clothes, many of which were much injured by water having been spilt on them, towards night it blew very hard the ship pitching very heavy.

August 16 

Wind more moderate, but dull and chilly, many people having colds owing to the sudden change from heat to cold.

August 17 

Very fine with steady breeze, got up the rest of the luggage.

August 18

A dead calm all day, not a ripple on the water, at night a light fair wind, myself and the other constables had an interview with the surgeon and captain on the subject of the water.

August 19 

Weather full and chilly, the people have now their warm clothing on and blankets are in great demand at night. Spoke to a large ship from Liverpool bound to Port Macquarie with emigrants, she had been out 53 days.

August 20

Fine with splendid fair wind, prayers read twice, at 12 o’clock all answered to our names except a few that are ill. Saw a fin whale come up and blow then disappear again. Several birds to be seen of various species, some large ones.

August 21 

This morning it blew very heavy, so much so that one could hardly stand on deck or below as the day advanced so the wind increased, until it blew a perfect gale, the sea dashing over the ship, and down the hatchways, rendering it very difficult for anything to be cooked, the women and children all in bed. At night we could only carry our two top-sails close reefed, and fore top mast stay sail, the sea running mountains high, giving us a specimen of rounding the Cape of Good Hope and blowing all night most tremendous, frightening of women very much by the rolling of the ship.

August 22 

This was another boisterous day, the sea washing over us so that no one could go on deck without the risk of being wet through. No breakfast until 10 o’clock, no dinner at all, and but half the quantity of water for tea, the sea pouring down the hatchways by pailfuls, women and children all in bed, one of the crew had his fingers much hurt by another letting go a rope. Ship going 7 or 8 knotts under a fair wind, which died away at night, leaving a heavy swell which caused the ship to roll most frightfully, removing everything that was not made fast, and at 10 o’clock at night there was a pretty sight, pots, pannikins, tins, spoons, knives and forks, rice, coffee, pepper, biscuits, oatmeal, baskets, shoes, boxes and salt water, with sundry other things all jumbled together and flying to and fro the ship, many of the people much frightened, the child Fredk. very ill with thrush.

August 23 

Very fine, wind moderate and fair, the people all employed with collecting the articles and taking up the water, running here for this thing and there for that, many of which was lost. At 5 o’clock became alarmed for the child and called the Doctor, who ordered him to be put in a warm bath and gave him a little brandy and water. He seemed very low which rather survived him, ship going 5 or 6 knots.

August 24 

Fine morning, wind very strong but fair. At noon it freshened and close reefed the top sails, a little thunder and lightning, towards night it blew a gale, one of the constables was thrown down and his head cut by the rolling of the ship, she pitching and rolling fearfully, the child about the same, gave him 3 powders, killed another sheep for cabin use.

August 25 

Fine weather, the wind more moderate, but attended with sudden violent squalls of rain, hail, thunder etc. several birds about the ship, the people all below, worsted stockings, over coats, stockings, serge shirts and other warm clothing in great demand. Saw a large ship about 10 or 12 miles distant, child rather better given him port wine.

August 26 

Fine but cold, ship rolling much, child about the same. Gave him port wine and arrowroot, also cough mixture. Lat 30 long 0

August 27 

Weather as yesterday with sudden squalls. The baker hardly able to keep anything in his oven, the ship lying over so much. One of the watchmen had his head cut by a block falling on it in the middle of the night. Child improving.

August 28 

Fine day, wind moderate and all going on well. Much discontent arising about the meat being short weight, some messes having to go without. The diorrhea has shown itself in many slight cases and a few serious ones.

August 29 

As yesterday with light winds, rigged a complete suit of new sails, served tobacco and many birds to be seen.

August 30 

Fine and warm, nearly a calm, caught an albatross measuring 9 feet across the wings, and several gulls and cape pigeons. The child still bad with diorrhea.

August 31

As yesterday, much sport occasioned by catching birds, many of the people ill with diorrhea, myself included. Put sea water into the empty casks for ballast, fiddling and dancing in the evening.

September 1

As yesterday and very warm, put more water in the casks, put another child into a warm bath, killed a pig for cabin.

September 2 

Still a calm, many of the people very ill, the surgeon much engaged in attending to them, again put the same child in a bath it being extremely low, gave it brandy and water.

September 3

A death: CLARA BRAND daughter of Ebenezer & Maria

Fine with light winds, this is Christmas day with the lascars who are all dressed in their best and look very clean. Prayers read twice, at 9 o’clock this morning the child that was bathed yesterday died aged 16 months. Another had a narrow escape of being smothered by being rolled up in a bed by mistake. Child mending and all the people that were able answered to their names in presence of the surgeon. The child was buried at sunset, 3 ships in sight.

September 4 

A birth: Anne Brand

Weather fine with light contrary wind, the mother that lost her child yesterday was confined of another at 1 o’clock in the morning. The provisions are getting bad, biscuits mould, butter rank, eggs rotten.

September 5

Fine weather with strong fair wind. Many birds hovering around the ship anxiously watching for anything that is thrown from the ship. A man aged 60 years admitted into the hospital he being ill of diorrhea, the child much better. Wife ordered ½ pint of porter daily and a glass of port wine occasionally.

September 6

As yesterday, the wind increasing as the day advanced, one of the lascars had his finger hurt by a rope slipping. Going 10 knotts.

September 7 

Nearly a calm in the morning but a breeze soon sprung up and at night it blew strong. Lat. 42 degrees 43 south, long. 30 degrees 18 east.

September 8 

Fine with light wind, many of the people still ill.

September 9 

Very light winds, some cape pigeons caught by the people, the man who was removed to the hospital on Tuesday last, died at 12 o’clock of diorrhea, although the surgeon was unremitting in his attentions.

September 10 

Dull and chilly with strong wind, the man buried at 12 o’clock, some of the people recovered and others taken ill. Church prayers read twice, ship going 10 knots.

September 11 

Weather very cold with strong wind attended by squalls of hail and snow, ship rolling very heavy, many of the women and children in bed, a single man went in hospital.

September 12

As yesterday but intensely cold, snowing and hailing at intervals throughout the day. The lascars can scarcely do anything owing to the severity of the weather, ship going 10 knots. Lat. 43 degrees 48 south, long. 50 degrees 46 east.

September 13 Cloudy and very cold, a strong wind with a tremendous sea running occasionally breaking over the ship drenching all on deck and pouring down the hatchways. Ship rolling her bulwarks under water, people tumbling about and hurting themselves much, several still ill.

September 14

Weather as yesterday, wind more moderate but still blowing strong. The birds are our companions still, amongst them are whale birds and mother careys chicken. We have now 3400 miles to go and if this wind continues expect to finish the passage in about 18 or 20 days. A ship in sight, killed sheep.

September 15 

Fine but very cold, the lascars stowed away in their berths. Wind fair and plenty, the sea running very high and continually breaking over the ship, drenching all in its way. At night violent squalls of hail which rattled like marbles on deck. Ship going 10 or 11 knotts. Lat 43 degrees 22 south, Long.66 degrees 10 east.

September 16 

Dull and cloudy, wind moderate, ship going very well.

September 17 

This was a splendid fine day, winds very light, many people on deck, it being quite warm compared with the past week. Prayers read twice below many people ill.

September 18 

Another fine day and very mild with light winds myself at work. The female hospital full of patients, many of the lascars feet are much swollen owing to the past cold weather.

September 19

Location: mid Indian Ocean

As yesterday, we are now abreast of the islands of St Pauls and Amsterdam distant about 300 miles. Ship going about 4 knots.

September 20 

As yesterday with light winds, several albatross about the ship.

September 21

Dull and cloudy with strong wind, but much more mild. the lascars are again able to resume their work, people still very ill of fever and diorrhea.

September 22 Rain all day, weather very cold with strong wind, the sea breaking over the ship and running through her seams and down the hatchway, rendering our lower deck very wet, cold and comfortless.

September 23

Fine weather, strong wind our deck not so wet today.

September 24 

As yesterday, a married man removed to the male hospital has been very ill of fever and diorrhea, many more still ill, going 8 knots, prayers read twice, at 9 o’clock at night the deck of bakehouse on fire.

September 25

Fine but cold with strong wind, the baker displaced owing to the accident last night. A child died aged 5 months, killed a pig for cabin. Lat. 43 degrees 6 south, Long. 101 degrees 15 east. Going 9 or 10 knots.

September 26 

A death: Mrs Ann Morgan

Very dull cold and squally, the wind blowing very unevenly, sometimes scarcely any, and the next hour blowing almost enough to tear the masts out of the ship with violent squalls of rain, hail and sleet. The child buried at 10 o’clock. A married woman died of fever leaving a husband and a child of 15 months.

September 27

Fine with strong wind, at 10 o’clock buried the above woman, the wind increasing with the day, until at night we could carry only our two topsails close reefed, the sea breaking over us the whole day and in the night it almost blew a hurricane, the sea breaking over us and down the main hatchway with great violence, and at 2 o’clock in the morning about two tons of water came down the hatchway completely drenching four families in their beds so that their beds and bedding were wet through and carrying every moveable thing before it. Many of us got up and took up the water that took us two hours, the sea stoving in the pig-pen, and doing other damage. Ship going 11 or 12 knots, Lat. 34 degrees 22, Long. 109 degrees 18.

September 28

A death: Lascar sailor

Very fine, wind much down and going very comfortable, people employed in drying the decks, a Lascar sailor died aged 60 in the morning and was buried at 5 o’clock.

September 29

2 deaths – Mrs Elizabeth Wiltshire & child, Arthur Tubb

Fine with light wind but increased at night and blew very strong, a married woman died at five in the morning in the hospital of fever and was buried at 12 leaving a husband and two children one of which was born on board aged 9 weeks. In the afternoon a child died in a fit aged 2 years, the baker reinstated after three persons having failed to supply his place, many of the people still ill of fever, and all becoming very impatient for the termination of our passage which we expect in 5 or 6 days as we have about 1000 miles more to go. In the evening the wind rose almost to an hurricane accompanied by vivid flashes of lightning. Lat. 42 degrees 10 south, Long. 106 degrees 22 east.

September 30 

Dull weather with strong wind and violent squalls of rain, hail and sleet, several large birds of the albatross species about the ship going 7 or 8 knots.

October 1

Very fine with moderate head wind, prayers read twice below.

October 2

Fine with light winds, much speculation and talk about the time of our arrival, which is looks for about the end of the week, we are all becoming tired of hard biscuits and salt meat and much require some vegetables, many people still ill.

October 3

As yesterday the crew and people got up part of the chain cables which gave a fresh start to speculators and bets went free.

October 4 

Fine, wind fair and strong, ship under very little sail, another married man admitted in the hospital, the people employed in cleaning throughout the ship, crew got the anchors over bows and made the cables fast.

October 5 

A death: William Tardiff (child)

As yesterday, a child died aged 8 months, the people are now most anxiously looking out for land, which is first seen at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. At 4, the above child buried, the friends singing a hymn, the crew employed in getting ready the rest of the cables, people still ill.

October 6 

Splendid warm weather, giving us a specimen of Australian spring wind very variable an hour or two in our favour then an hour or two against us. In the afternoon a dead calm. Port Adelaide observed in the distance about 15 miles, people all anxiously looking out and straining their eyes to their utmost. Telescopes are in constant demand.

October 7

Weather as yesterday, at 6 o’clock this morning the mail boat came alongside to take letters ashore and shortly after the pilot came on board. About 11 o’clock a steam tug came to solicit to tow us in but was rejected, then another came which which towed us up staying by us until 4 o’clock so as to enabled to take us over the bar and to within 2 or 3 miles of the port where we dropped anchor at 5 o’clock. the tug leaving us to fetch fresh provisions for the cabin use returning at 7 o’clock and taking us to the port at 8 o’clock.

October 8 

Lying at Port Adelaide the people receiving their friends some bringing green peas, lettuces, spring onions, etc. drinking and making merry the whole of the day, some of the crew obtain leave to go on shore but none of the people owing to our not having been mustered by the Doctor from the shore. The day spent in utmost confusion, the police on board to preserve order and protect the people, no prayers read today.

October 9 ,  1854

At 10 we were mustered by Dr Duncan the immigrant agent who interrogated us as to our treatment etc. on the passage and if we were satisfactory we were then liberated to go on shore and thus ended our passage of 112 days from London to Adelaide.”

The Whicker Journal: Passage to South Australia

Journal of Eliza Whicker, June 12th to October 13th, 1854

James Whicker—agricultural labourer from Guernsey—age 44 years.

Eliza Whicker—his wife—age 39 years.

Adolphus Whicker—son—12 years.

James Whicker—single—tailor—age 16 years.

Selina Whicker—dairy maid—17 years.

Eliza Whicker—dressmaker—18 years.

SHIP PESTONJEE BOMANJEE

740 burthen will carry 1,000

Captain – Montgomery

Doctor – Motherde

Chief Mate – Mr Fothergill

Second Mate – Mr Benjamin

Third Mate – Mr Rustin

June 13

Left Guernsey at 9 o’clock in the morning by the Mail Boat Dispatch, we were all rather sick, arriving at Southampton at ¼ to 9 o’clock in the evening, took tea at Normans Hotel at 6d each the Misses Tostevin took tea with us, went to the depot to sleep, paid for lodging and breakfast next morning 9½ each, begun on the depot for dinner on Tuesday, very good food allowed, the sleeping Department not comfortable to those who have been used to good homes the people of the house do all they can to make us happy — went to the custom house this morning to clear the boxes — this afternoon went to the shed to have them examined by the commissioner at the shed — found all right, went to the fair in the evening. 

June 14 

Were examined by the commifsioner at the Depot in the morning, found correct in our statements. Not allowed out for the day, about 250 persons came down from London by the train, great confusion with so many persons, no such thing as being able to write so as to put your thoughts in order. 

June 15 

Went to see the town High Street etc and the works at the Docks, we have singing and prayer morning and evening since we are at the Depot.

June 16

Got our bags & tin, & packed up to go on board; went on board at 2 o’clock, we were hurried away from the Depot to let in a fresh lot of emigrants – We left the dock and sailed down the river, had a sermon on board by a clergyman in the evening on the words “Be ye also ready”.

June 17 

Were addressed by Mr Smith one of the Commissioners who bade us farewell and wished us worldly prosperity, also by the Srine Clergyman who also bid us farewell in a Christian advice for our spiritual welfare, we then set sail, but the wind not being fair we only proceeded a little way down the river.

June 18 

Left Spithead with wind still contrary, a girl born at 8 o’clock in the morning, the people on board generally sick, strong breeze, no service today – but prayer and singing below decks in the evening – a boat had come alongside with provisions for sale.

June 19 

Sea sicknefs general scarce any one able to come to get their rations when served out as I was not sick, I helped as many as I could.

June 20

A death: Emma Fullstone (child)

Wind still against us a child of 4 years old died today owing to having some wine with opium in it, unknown to it’s parents, it fell asleep and never woke again.

June 21 

Wind blowing strong and hazy rain, the child was committed to the waves this morning, at about 10 o’clock a wedge fell from the rigging on the head of a woman, she fell senseless in the arms of a man her head was cut severely, she had it dressed in the hospital.

June 22 

Wind as before mist on the sea, People still sick, ship going only 3 knots an hour, children’s names taken so as to put things in order to begin school tomorrow singing and prayer this evening, the Lord was present with us.

June 23 

Wind as before, school duties begun, for boys and girls, they are taught reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic, many people still sick a small boat in sight, but past without speaking,

June 24 

Wind fair – ship keeping her course many people yet sick expect to be out of channel today

June 25 

Wind still fair, a top mast and bowsprit passed us between 5 and 6 o’clock this morning, we are sailing on the Bay of Biscay, prayers read morning & afternoon between decks, raining heavily all day, a heavy sea out and ship rolling very much very little rest all night – and sickness very general on.

June 26 

Weather pretty fine with occasionally a shower, sea washing overboard, a barque close to us this morning keeping the same course a schooner past acrofs us, two more constables placed today.

June 27 

The young women had been left with less restraint than was intended at first on account of sea sickness were now put to order two constables were put to fetch their food from the cook or baker, fill their water kegs, & the young women only to go on deck between meals & by order of the matron, they being always passing in & out at meal times on pretenses of going to their parents, when they would slip up on deck to enjoy a chat with the sailors, the constables were therefore to prevent their passing out till the meals were over – several went back on being told to do so, but two more bold than the rest determined to force their way through, & when told to go back would not go, when she took hold of the chains the constable (Tardiff) took her by the shoulders and pushed her back to her quarters, which so mortified herself & companion, that when let out again, she went crying to her father, & said she had been struck, which exasperated the father at such a rate that he threatened to strike the constable & made such a stir that the Doctor & Captain were obliged to interfere when the girls were found in fault, the constables told to go on in their duty for the future.

June 28 

The ship rolled so much & the things fell off the shelves, a hook pot cut Selina on the head. The wind pretty fair ship going 8 knots an hour, one of the yards broke in the night, porpoises on the bow, a Danish brig in sight in the afternoon she being heavily laden we left her far behind, another affray with another girl, the matron & constables, bad language on the girl’s part and threats – no prayer these few evenings on account of the ship rolling & seasicknefs.

June 29 

First fine warm day since we left Guernsey making a fair wind most of the people on deck today. Several vefsels in sight.

June 30 

Wind still fair, we had plenty of canvas up, about a dozen vessels about us, one of them came near enough to show her name the GLORIA MARIA of Austria quite light. Mrs De Garris’ baby poorly several days much worse today.

July 1 

Weather fine & warm, wind still fair, 5 vessels in sight, plenty of porpoises about us, Selina De Garis much the same went to sleep about 3 o’clock this afternoon and did not wake until 7 next morning, awoke much better on Sunday 2nd 

July 2 

An awning on the poop to shelter the people from the heat, service on deck at 10 in the morning & 4 afternoon. Weather fine ship keeping her course, prayer meeting between decks in the evening, two friends from another part of the ship prayed with us in English (ours being in French) the Lord was present with us.

July 3 

Saw land at 5 o’clock this morning (Madeira) a woman in hysterics all this morning a vessel crossed the bows of our ship this afternoon, two more seen in the evening, after tea the Captain allowed dancing for the young women while the fiddle played on the poop—the men & boys jumped & played on the main deck several of them had falls, one boy hurt his arm, one of the young women had hysterics this evening, the matron fainted prayer as usual amongst us.

July 4 

Weather fine & warm in the trade winds since yesterday – people washing on deck, after tea dancing on the poop, a young woman was poorly all the evening but about 8 o’clock was obliged to call the Doctor so great was the pain in her chest, she had violent spasms which continued unabated in spite of every afsistance for several hours, she had draughts castor oil etc none of which she could keep on her stomach, externals were also applied for a long time with very little effect, about midnight symptoms of inflammation appeared when the Doctor thought proper to cup her on the side, after which a blister was applied & a powder administered when she seemed relieved of her pain and fell asleep the matron a few others including myself remained up to render her every assistance.

July 5

The young woman is awake but in great pain through the irritation of the blister which does not rise it was drefsed at 11 has not risen at all she is in great pain all day, she has been taken to the hospital, two young women to take turns with her tonight. A child with the chicken pox prayer meeting at 8 o’clock went on deck until past 10 beautiful weather all day & evening ship going finely seven & half knots an hour – My husband & Adolphus have had sore eyes but are better now.

July 6 

Weather very fine and warm, all beds on deck & berths scrubbed out. Lucy has had a good night and is much better. Emigrants Cook put to work, Mr Doyle put in his place, singing and prayer in the evening, went on deck to take the air, went to the hospital with the matron for an hour. Lucy much better. Captain &Doctor visit between decks every evening at ten.

July 7 

A death: Lascar sailor

At ½ past 3 o’clock this morning, a cry of “Watchman! Watchman!” and no watchman to be seen or heard, the lights were out and one of the watchmen gone to bed, there was a woman ill and her husband had to go to the hospital to get a light, an enquiry is to be made about this neglect. Lucy brought down below as she was unwilling to remain there while they brought in a woman in labour. One of the negroes died today he was committed to the waves at ½ past 5 o’clock singing & prayer in the evening went on deck till after 10 saw the moon and stars through the mates quadrant -

July 8

Weather fine, wind as before, we have averages 7–8 knots an hour for the last week, Lucy much better woman not confined yet—another unpleasant affair took place in the young woman’s room, an elderly female who has shown a very cross & peevish temper ever since she has been in the ship, and who has scarce let a day pass without venting her spite on some of her messmates, could not endure anything belonging to her bed fellow either in or near the berth, nor let the girl quiet in her bed, the girl asked permission of the matron to put her bed on the seat that she might sleep there away from her, & obtained it. Mary was so vexed at it that she abused every body about her, the matron interfered and told her to go quietly to bed after a while being on deck we were startled at having the most frightful screams below, people ran in consternation to learn the cause when we heard that Mary unable to govern her rage, had gone into violent hysterics threatening to kill everyone and said if she was on deck she would throw herself overboard, the Doctor interfered & the Captain ordered the hatch to be opened to put her in for the night which she certainly would have been had she not been quiet at once, but so very frightened were all the girls they would not go to bed; there was a vessel in sight at ½ past nine this evening.

July 9

Weather fine. Mrs Tubbs was confined this morning of a little girl service on the quarter deck today, Cape de Verde Islands [Cape Verde Islands] in sight ½ past eleven, many flying fish & bonetas about the vessel this morning, too flying fish jumped on the deck – singing & prayer this evening below. A blessed day to our souls.

July 10

Wind fair – vefsel going on finely.

July 11

Wind variable weather warm, going six knots an hour, saw a vefsel in the distance in the evening steering the same course.

July 12 

Vessel still in sight after a very rainy night in which we have not made much way, weather exceedingly warm, people very languid, myself very poorly obliged to keep my cabin in the afternoon much better went up on deck& in the evening had a conversation with the Captain & Doctor about the climate, produce and inhabitants of the Channel Islands, the ship’s course etc went 60 moles in 24 hours a beautiful starlight night.

July 13 

Weather fine & warm a calm, two vessels in sight. Mr William Tardiff 28 years old today & Miss Ellen Mackerel 23 years old this afternoon a vessel past us at ½ past five, the ships exchanged signals, it was a Brazillian Barque from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon, we have a calm, only 25 knots in 24 hours at ten o’clock a fresh breeze sprung up going seven knots an hour a fine night, staid on deck till near eleven talking with the Captain & Doctor, Captain lent me an Illustrated London News of June 9th 1854.

July 14 

Weather fine & warm a vefsel in the distance.

July 15

Weather fine, went on deck in the evening & were called by the Captain to go to the stern, to see the phosphoric lights in the ship’s track, the watery element was illuminated for a great distance, while thousands of imaginary stars studded the silvery way, like as many spangles, it was a splendid sight. I could have watched it all the night. Truly the works of God are great. The wind variable, pouring rain today, the Captain sent me a bottle of strengthening medicine for Eliza her chest being very weak.

July 16

Showers of rain night & day, they come down with violence, service as usual singing & prayer below.

July 17

Wind still variable & contrary – rain weather very warm mess shared flour etc.

July 18 

A birth

& following day weather much the same.

July 20 

Continual pouring rain all day no going on deck at all, great trouble to get dinners, Mrs Taskes taken to the hospital in labour at 4 o’clock this morning myself very poorly these last few days suffering much with the heat -

July 21

A fine morning but wind still ahead, Mrs Tas not confined yet but very ill. Mrs Wiltshire taken up this morning and confined ½ an hour of a boy, rainy afternoon.

July 22 

A death: stillbirth

Weather showery & close, very little wind but more favourable. Mrs Taskes confined at 3 this morning of a fine boy, stillborn, she is in a very critical situation.

July 23 

Weather fine & clear sun shining beautifully, Mrs Taskes still in danger, 3 vessels before us, wind rather more in our favour, about 3 o’clock overtook a fast sailing brig deep laden, we exchanged signals, she is the “FANNY” from Swansea for Coquimbo, after several questions & answers we wished them a good voyage they returned the compliment, we thanked them & pafsed on, service as usual singing with the violin & prayer at ½ past nine we were gaining fast on a vefsel on the lee bow, at a little after 10 we passed her, a blue light was let on our quarter deck, she appeared very beautiful from our midships she was a barque with all sails up, we left her astern she only answered us with a lamp a few minutes after another vessel to windward showed us a light which we returned three more vessels in sight.

July 24

Weather fine wind not fair, Vefsels in sight the Capt told us this evening that we had made 80 miles headway today, he hopes to pafs the Brazils on this track, when he expects to meet with other trade winds to be able to proceed better on the voyage in the right course, Eliza very weak ever since she is on board, at first we expected it would pafs off with the sea sickness, but it keeps on her & not likely to leave her as she eats nothing at all & drinks only cold water, Capt. promised to send her dinner from the cabin, sent her soup & currant pudding.

July 25

Fine breeze & fair weather; at noon we had yet 3 deg about 80 to get to the Equator

July 26 

Fine weather & fresh breeze ship going finely, & rather more to her course crossed the line at 5 o’clock,  Adolphus fell in the hatchway this morning he wrenched his wrist & bulged his head, went on deck till near ten o’clock. Soup & tart 

July 27 

A birth

Very little wind Mrs Donovan had a little girl this morning, a vessel in sight passed on without signal, supposed to be a whaler. Eliza’s dinner soup & rhubarb tart.

July 28 

Weather fine & warm not much wind, vefsel makes no headway, saw a Nautilus this morning, the Boys brought before the Doctor & Capt. for not fetching up the coal, could not while pumping, Capt. said they had too much to do, married men must pump in future, soup & jelly tart the Doctor has given her pills & steel medicine this week past which he wishes to continue for 2 or 3 months -

July 29 

We pafsed the Island of Fernando Noronka [Fernando de Noronha], thirty miles in the distance (a Brazilian couris place) a family of Irish people were obliged to be cropped & washed in the bath from head to foot, their beds & bedding thrown overboard, & themselves removed to a different part of the ship, having infested their neighbours with vermin, vefsel going slowly.

July 30 

Weather warm, fine breeze service as usual, James W went on the quarterdeck with his violin, a vefsel in sight in the evening.

July 31

Squally weather – a French vessel in sight, no water up in time for breakfast, had nothing till dinner at 2 o’clock, heavy rain about twelve, after dinner saw an outward bound also a blue nosed booby, a shark & a whale were seen this morning. Eliza had macaroni soup & jelly pudding for dinner, in the evening strong breeze against us, very near the coast of Brazil abreast of Pernambuco [Recife], about 8 days south, a strong current, talked awhile to the Capt. & Doctor who are kind enough to give every information in their power, indeed we experience every kindness from them, the Doctor tries all in his power to bring Eliza strong again, he wishes to persevere in the steel medicine, but has been obliged to lessen the dose till her frame is used to it, so very weak is she that she can hardly bear a child’s dose.

August 1 

Weather squally the ship put about three times since dusk last evening (there was a purse taken in the night from one of the young women’s pockets containing 16/- it was discovered early this morning their door was immediately closed, in order to detain them till it was enquired into, the culprit was discovered with it in her bag she denied having put it there, but after much persuasion she owned to it and was forgiven for this time, but several thing having been mifsed and that one having been suspected she was told the next thing that would be mifsed she would be taken for it & punished if guilty, wind rather better.

August 2

Beautiful weather fine breeze, 2 vefsels in sight this morning, about noon one came near to us, and asked us to wait while she sent a boat alongside she was the SARATOGA American sloop of war, bound to Boston she was the first homeward bound of a fleet of 14 ships on an expedition to Japan, she had been out nearly 4 years, she carried 14 guns, was 900 tons burden, had 224 men on board, had lost 53 since out the boat was manned by 14 men & cockswain & brought the first Lieutenant on board of us they knew our ship directly they saw her, having met last year at Macao in China they were 80 days out from Japan 52 days from the Friendly Islands 28 days from thence round the Cape to Rio de Janeiro.

August 3 

Calm

August 4

Friday a breeze

August 5

Fine breeze beautiful weather, 13 degrees south, off the coast of Bahia (Salvador), expect to find the wind more fair when we get more south.

August 6

Fine weather service as usual, saw a fine lot of dolphins this morning, the third mate took tea with us this afternoon, prayer meetings discontinued below, on account of inconsistencies among some of the members which caused scandal.

August 7 

Fine weather. Eliza still gets her dinner from the cabin, she is rather better.

August 8 

Weather fine, wind sprung up in the evening & more fair, vefsel going finely in the trade winds, we have been all these days along the Brazillian bank, but going now more to the course.

August 9 

Wind variable, weather fine, matron very ill this afternoon 19 deg 27 miles south.

August 10 

Studding sails, brought out this morning, saw a booby & some cape pigeons, calm this afternoon the Matron better.

August 11

Wind still fair but light. The Capt. told me this morning that we had passed the tropic of Capricorn today, & we have 120 miles these 24 hours.

August 12 

Fine breeze, fair weather. Mefs shared the meat etc, we are 23 deg 35 miles south, 33 west 

August 13 

Weather fine, Adolphus 13 years old & Selina De Garis one year old today, Matron very poorly had a blister on her chest, my head very bad today, expect I have taken cold these last nights have been so damp everything wet below.

August 14 

Weather dull, but wind fair, going 9 knots an hour, Matron still ill, my husband not well my cold much worse.

August 15 

Luggage day, I am so poorly I would have remained several days under the hatch, were they were drawing up the water in the morning, we had entreated the mate who had the charge of the hold, to let us remove it but he would not, when we opened the box the things in it were quite wet & several things spoiled.

August 16 

Contrary winds, dull weather, Louisa & Harriet Guilbert have made themselves very disagreeable all the voyage, they have received a letter from some of the sailors, through the medium of the boys, throw out insinuations on different parties, they are so jealous about Eliza getting dinner from the cabin, plenty of cape pigeons.

August 17 

Another luggage day no wind, 2 pidgeons caught today 1 by the Capt. and 1 by the 3rd mate an interview with the Matron & the Guilberts, they in the wrong. 

August 20

Wind fair, weather still in the morning, sun shone out in the afternoon, towards evening the wind arose, the sky was lowering, during the night the ship rolled heavily everything rolled about, the rain poured in torrents – 

August 21 

The weather dreadful many of the people obliged to remain in their berths through the roughnefs of the weather and rolling of the sea – in the afternoon the wind increased to a gale, the sails close reefed, sea tremendous; the night was awfully rough, the sea washing over the ship & falling through the hatchways, washing between decks over the shoe.

August 22 

After a very rough night the rain still pours in torrents, the wind blowing a complete gale from the S.E. a tremendous sea, the ship rolling over from side to side, pafsed the island of Tristan da Cunha – My husband very poorly with lumbago Eliza does not gain much strength she still gets dinner from the cabin my cold very bad, kept worse by damp. 

August 23 

Weather fine the sun out very little wind, but a heavy sea out the cannon rolling about the deck. 

August 24 

Rain all day and blowing hard, ship going fast much noise & confusion between decks no one being able to go on deck; about half past 8 o’clock the ship gave a most tremendous lurch, she could hardly get right again, the sea left her as she lay on her side, everything going to pieces down below. Mary Tostevin very ill.

August 25 

A fine day, ship going finely, a hail storm during the evening, the wind increasing took down the top gallant sails, we are at the Meridian of London today Mary taken to the hospital.

August 26 

Dreamt about Elizabeth, had a rough night, a rough & rainy morning, very stormy all day, sea like mountains several hailstorms – several falls Mary in strong fever.

August 27 

Same kind of weather service between decks, went to see Mary in the hospital found her very feverish, in coming back a sea washed over the side, I caught a rope but it was a loose one and gave way so I had to slide down by the cannon the water coming over me, was not hurt, only wet, another slide between decks everything slippery.

August 28 

Same kind of weather service between decks, went to see Mary in the hospital found her very feverish, in coming back a sea washed over the side, I caught a rope but it was a loose one and gave way so I had to slide down by the cannon the water coming over me, was not hurt, only wet, another slide between decks everything slippery.

August 29 

A fine day, very little wind, Charlotte Le Sauvage 13 years old today – a great many people on the poop at work, Mary no better. 

August 30 

A beautiful day, but calm several pidgeons caught; also a fine albatrofs, it measured from wing to wing 9 feet 6 inches, Mary just the same, I am going to stay the night at the hospital, Lydia Lockwood very ill. 

August 31

Mary has had a restlefs night, but is not quite so feverish today weather very fine but no wind Lydia taken to the hospital, Mary in much pain, a mustard plaster on her side.

September 1

Weather beautiful wind fair, Mary is better, Lydia is worse, pafsed the night at the hospital. 

September 2 

Weather fine, Mary still better & I hope out of danger, Lydia still very feverish, met a homeward bound ship. 

September 3

A death: CLARA BRAND daughter of Ebenezer & Maria

A child of Mr Brand died this morning & was committed to the waves at sunset, Lydia had a blister on her neck this evening the disorder laying more in the head service as usual. 

September 4 

A birth: Anne Brand

2 ships in sight – Mrs Brand confined during the night of a girl, Mary & Lydia better. 

September 5

Weather fine, sick girls much the same Mr Bronard very poorly. 

September 6

Weather fine, many people ill with diarrhoea I pafsed last night at the hospital. 

September 7 

Weather fine but very little wind. 

September 8 

Weather fine but very little wind. 

September 9 

A death: George Prior

A fine day but cold Mr Prior died about noon aged 62 years, will be kept till tomorrow. 

September 10 

A very boisterous night rain, wind, thunder & lightening. I passed the night at the hospital. Mr Prior was committed to the waves at noon, hymn was sung – Thee we adore Eternal name – Latitude 44

September 11 

Weather very cold showers of hail & snow, a rough wind & heavy sea. 

September 12

Bitter cold weather frost & snow, & heavy rain. Latitude 43-48 averaging 12 knots these 24 hours. 

September 13 

Wind fair, with showers of snow, making fine way. 

September 14

Very rough weather frost.

September 15 

Wind still strong but fair, sea tremendous, ship rolling from side to side, Selina ill.

September 16 

Weather fine, not much wind. Selina no better, James fell against the stuncheon this evening his head is severely bruised, he was so stunned by the blow, that he could not stand for some minutes.

September 17 

Weather fine. Clement De Garis 3 years old today, Selina is very ill, it is the same fever that Mary & Lydia have had.

September 18 

A fine day, Selina no better, Mary Tostevin brought down from the hospital, to take up Mrs Tardiff

September 19

Location: mid Indian Ocean

Beautiful weather. Mrs Tardiff delirious, Mary much better, Selina very ill.

September 20 

Weather as yesterday I have staid all night at the hospital Mrs Tardiff not quite so feverish Mary better, Selina just the same six days since she has ate anything but she constantly drinks.

September 21

Very rough weather, rain. Mrs Morgan raving very much, Selina just the same, Mrs Tardiff better.

September 22 

Weather still very rough Selina still very ill, I have passed the night in the hospital.

September 23

Weather as before, wind fair, Selina rather better, she may have a little wine today, she eats nothing yet.

September 24 

Weather still rough service between decks, Selina much the same, Mrs Tardiff is better, the fever has left her, and she is extremely weak – between 8 & 9 o’clock this evening it was discovered that the platform under the bake-house was burning, the fire was soon extinguished, by removing the bake-house and throwing water about it is very lucky it was seen before night, it is the third time –

September 25

Beautiful weather this morning, wind fair, plenty sail up, Selina very weak, but not quite so feverish, a little wine this morning and afternoon was allowed her, the Capt told me to fetch a bottle of Sherry from the cabin – a child died this morning (Ellis). A very stormy evening.

September 26 

A death: Mrs Ann Morgan

A cold rough morning snow & hail, after a stormy night. Selina has had a restlefs night. Mrs Morgan died at noon.

September 27

A very rough & stormy day the sea like mountains, Selina rather better, the Capt gage a little raspberry jam for her, Mrs Morgan committed to the waves this morning the wind contrary this evening and tremendously strong, the sea broke the tarpaulin, swamped down the hatches, & washed the deck, like the waves of the sea the water being more than a foot high & everything that could float was swimming about. Long 109-18 Lat 43

September 28

A death: Lascar sailor

The sea still very rough after the awful night we have had. I have pafsed it in the hospital alone with the sick, I was every moment in danger of dashing against the bedsteads with a child in my arms, tremendous showers of hail this morning but the wind fair – one of the blacks died this morning & was put to the water afternoon – a fine evening –

September 29

2 deaths – Mrs Elizabeth Wiltshire & child, Arthur Tubb

A beautiful day, Mrs Wiltshire died this morning at 6 and was put to the waves at 11. Mr Tubbs’ child died at noon of apoplectic fit no breakfast today on account of no water being drawn –

September 30 

Squally weather with rain Selina and another girl taken to the hospital; the Capt sent for me in the afternoon to the cabin, to know if I had any objection to her going there, as in her weak state they thought she would be better attended to with comforts – I pafsed the night at the hospital.

October 1

A fine day wind fair in the morning, Selina very feverish after a very restlefs night, other patients very restlefs also – wind not fair in the evening – I pafsed the night at the hospital, Saturday & Sunday night.

October 2

A beautiful day, wind fair, Selina rather better, but very weak. Fanny Booth taken to the hospital, she is the seventh there, several ill about different parts of the ship, and many cases of diarrhea besides. The fever is what is commonly called ship fever. Pafsed the night at the hospital.

October 3

A fine day, chains are being taken up this morning we are in hopes of seeing Kangaroo Island today – but the wind is not very fair & is blowing strong pafsed the night at hospital.

October 4 

Fine weather. 

October 5 

A death: William Tardiff (child)

Beautiful day, Selina not very much better. Made Kangaroo island today, I stayed all day at the hospital and am going to stay all the night, the sick there require a deal of attention, child Tardiff died.

October 6 

Fine weather, made main land this morning, I have stayed at the hospital all day & am going to stay till one tonight; this afternoon we are sailing along the coast, it appears a beautiful country, the wind has dropped towards evening and we cannot go round the point today, saw the town of Glenelg.

October 7

We have received a pilot on board this morning but we cannot go in this tide – we have gone on up the river & are anchored off a large vefsel that rides quarantine awaiting orders to go on, we are tugged in by a steamer, we got into port about 8 o’clock this evening, the shops are lighted, & reflection on the water looks beautiful, the gum trees growing in the water for miles on both sides of the river, pafsed the night at the hospital.

October 8 

Splendid weather, we are hauled up along-side of a large barque & before us is a man of war we heard that the ADEONA Capt Noel of Guernsey is here, we hear also that there is another Emigrant ship come in the river today – we have had 2 Doctors to visit us this morning we expect a clergyman, a great many persons have come from the shore, among them several Guernsey people, a young man is already engaged at £5-5-0 per week with rations – the prospect is delightful Selina is very weak she has been brought out on deck today, a little while.

October 9 ,  1854

The commissioners have visited us today and now we are free to go on shore when we like though we are allowed to remain on board 14 days free of expenses; the young women are taken to the Depot today, that is those who have no parents on board, for those who have remain with them. Lydia Lockwood was taken with the others to the Depot but did not remain long there for the Captain sent for her and put her in lodgings, he intends to marry her.

October 10 ,  1854

The Guernsey men went all together ashore and went to town to seek for lodgings & work, some got some and others were not successful, when they returned the women were getting up the water which they had been left without all day the men going ashore in the morning before the water was served out.

October 11,  1854

My husband & myself went ashore today with Mr & Mrs De Garis they found work at the port, and we took lodgings there so as to get Selina on shore as quick as possible by the Doctor’s recommendation for change of air & food.

October 12,  1854

Took our luggage on shore to a house for which we pay 12/- a week it is neither wind nor water tight James W has got a sprained foot and does not feel at all well, this evening when we were getting tea, the kettle upset on the foot which was near the fire and scalded it severely he is now lame with both feet. 

October 13,  1854

James W not able to get up he has got the fever like the rest so to begin with we have two most likely children laid up with fever, Selina is better but she cannot walk alone and I fear she will be an idiot.