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The Journal of Captain Mason

Part One

                                                                         Friday - 25th

Embarked on board the convict ship Jane Capt. Baigrie with 1 Officer Ensign Campbell 1 Sergeant and 28 Rank and File at Deptford                        March 25th 1831

Sunday 27th

Dropped down the River as far as Blackwall, and lashed along side an old Hulk. Bother for the Captain about taking on Board Tobacco Soap and Obliged to go up to the Custom House again having before cleared out

Monday 28th

Went on Board in the evening and Slept there after taking leave of all friends

Tuesday 29th

Unlashed from Hulk and towed down the river as far as Gravesend.  Captain Baigrie came on board with his wife

Wednesday 30th

Towed at day break by the Steamer a little past the Nore and afterwards waited

for the tide and beat up about a couple of miles further.  Albion Steamer.  Wind very high right a head

Thursday 31st

The wind still blowing very hard in out teeth.  Lay at anchor along side the Proteus all this morning, weighed anchor in the afternoon in order to get quite clear of the Proteus and cast again in her Stern

Friday 1st April

Wind still blowing very hard, a head

Saturday 2nd April

Weighed anchor at 3 a.m. and fetched thro the flats.  Cast anchor and weighed again with the evening tide and made the Downs at 12 o'clock night, when the Pilot left us.  a bluff old fellow named Johnstone.  Took a very pretty whale boat on board.  Weather beautiful, with a strong breeze from the East

Easter Sunday 3rd April

Wind still blowing steadily from the East.  Nothing remarkable

Monday 4th April

Becalmed off Plymouth, in the afternoon A light breeze sprung up about 8 oclock in the evening.  Fishing boat came along side, when the Captain Baigrie made a bargain for all the boats stock for 6 shillings

Tuesday April 5th

Wind shifted round to N.E.  Good steady light breeze all day and very fine

Wednesday 6th

Wind still blowing steady but more favorable for our course In the evening viewed the lands end and Scilly Light House, which we made at 12 oclock at night the wind blowing very hard and Squally from the Western of South

Thursday, 7th

Wind still blowing very hard and the sea running pretty high, owing to which we roll very much, the wind being right aft, carried away our upper Studding sail boom & stays Came in sight of land before dark, and at night beat about at the entrance of the harbour

Friday 8th

Picked up a Paddy Pilot and xxxxxxx in the stern of the Guard Ship made fast to a buoy.  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Despatches to be sent to the Aj  Adjutant General & Quarter Master General, Cork, of the state of the detachment

Saturday 9th

Lovely weather.  Captain & Mrs Baigrie went on shore.  Sent one man of each mess with Corporal Hendy on shore to provide things for the men.  They came back after time, and rather groggy, tho pretty steady on their pins

Sunday 10th

Weather very fine but showery. received letter from Irving, A.A. General & Steam Packet Office.  Campbell and Mr. Sutherland with two of the men went to Spike Island in the Whale Boat to pick up Shell Fish

Monday 11th

Went in the boat to Spike Island saw one or two of the 36th Ld G. Nervey came on board in his boat afterwards, on his way up to Passage.  Captain and Doctor Spraul went up to Cork

Tuesday 12th

Went up in the Whale boat to look for a boat.  Saw one on the stocks for £16 which I think will suit.  Campbell engaged to dine with the 36th but did not go.  Letter from Emily;  Bad News

Wednesday 13th

Went up to Passage in the boat with Captain & Mrs. Baigrie and looked at Michael Hennessy's boat.  Mrs Baigrie & the Captain went on in a car to Cork, and Campbell and myself returned in the Whale gig to the Jane

Thursday 14th

Went up to Cork by land in a our Dingy with Mr & Mrs Thompson Called on the General Sir G Byngham who asked me to dine the next day, which I refused on account of a slight cold.  Went up to the 69th Barracks and lunched there.  Returned to Cove in the Steamer.  Scenery on the banks of the River very beautiful

Ball to be given at Cork on the 27th

Friday 15th

Went over to Spike Island After dinner to call on the 36th Harvey was not at home.  Met an Officer of the Regiment walking with his wife, a very pretty person.  He showed us his quarters which were the best I ever have seen in Barracks.  Campbell and myself afterwards walked over the fort, part of which was very perfect but part of it unfinished.  We afterwards got into the boat and went across to Cove and took a walk up the hill a short way, the view from whence over the Town and bay is very beautiful We afterwards went down to the town, made a few purchases, and met the Captain and his wife.  Drunk tea with them at the Old Quay.  Miss O chants very well.  Shot one of the large seal gulls measuring 4 feet & ½ from tip of wing to wing.  Rake went on shore with us and was admitted to the tea party

Saturday 16th

The linen man who had the trotting mare at Dublin came on board Mrs. Baigrie bought 11 yards of very fine Irish linen from him for £1 2s.  Got a letter from Henry enclosing one from Tom with two letters of introduction from Capt. Payton.  Went on shore in the cutter in the evening, and called at the Post Office for letters

Sunday 17th

Went to the English Chapel in the morning, where we heard a capital Sermon.  Mr. Whitland & family with Mr. Parker and a nephew of Macready's came on board, and dined.  We afterwards had a capital race between the Captain's whale boat and one from Cove pulled by Cove men, one of whom pulled in the match against the Guards at Lisbon.  The Cove boat won the race by about one boat length.  No letters

Monday 18th 

Was under the disagreeable necessity of breaking Corporal Hunter for disobedience of orders in leaving the ship and going on Shore at 10 oclock on Sunday and not returning till past 7 oclock.  Major and the Miss Armstrongs and Mrs Price came on board and lunched, and afterwards inspected the Prison and Barracks.  They gave us all a very pressing invitation to go and see them on shore.  Went on shore in the evening and took a walk with Miss O. and the Ship's party to Miss Richardson's the Quaker's Cottage.  Afterwards went and took a cup of tea with Governor O. and forgot to take old Rake on board with me.  received a letter from old Faunce.

Tuesday 19th 

Went up to Cork by the Lee Steamer; called on Revnd. G. Burrows, son of the Dean's, and left Brooke's letter of introduction.  Had 12s. returned to me by Miss O Hara, who had cheated me when I went up last.  Returned in the Steamer and afterwards dined with the Old one.  The Captain of the Marines on board the Windsor Castle (Captain Fleming) came in the evening.  Danced a Quadrille with a very pretty woman Mrs Barry   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Played at Pope Joan and went halves with Mrs B. who cheated most terribly.  Won 6d and came on board and had a song or two and went to bed.

Letter from Finch and T. Faunce.      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wednesday 20th

Felt very much out of sorts from the effects of the old ones Port wine, which was not over excellent.  Revnd. G. Burrows called in the morning and caught me in bed.  Gave Campbell and myself a very pressing invitation to go and see him.  Bought a watch yesterday for £7 which strikes the Quarters very correctly.  Do to amuse the

natives at Botany Bay but not the hours.  Got up to dinner, and stayed quietly on board all day.  Captain and his wife went up to Cork in the Steamer to 'dine with Mr. Whitland.  Doctor Campbell and myself could not go.  Mr. Betty, the keeper of the Hulk came on board a little after 9 oclock in the evening and brought the news that Dr. Trevor was arrived and expected to get the convicts on board next day.  Captain & Mrs. B. returned from Cork by way of Passage.  Wind blowing very hard.  No Post from London.  letter from Michell

Thursday 21st

Captain and Doctor Sproul went on shore immediately after breakfast to see Dr. Trevor.  Convicts came on board about 5oclock when Doctor Trevor gave us our sailing warrant and the Agent Mr. Lewis our sailing orders.  The Convicts came in chains in number 130 and a most miserable looking set of fellows they were.  The Captain, Doctor and Campbell went up to Passage to dine with Alderman Parker and returned very late.  Letter from Emily

Friday 22nd

Went up to Cork via Passage in the Steamer, made a bargain with Michael Hennessey for the small gig for £13 and then took a dingy and went up to Cork.  Went to the Imperial and had some lunch.  Called at Dean Burrowes and saw his two grand daughters, one of whom was rather pretty.  Went to Perratts and bought Thompson a portable forge for 10 Guineas.  The 27th marched into Cork which prevented my dining with the 69th as I did not feel up to so large a party.  Took an affectionate leave of Miss O Hara, got with a dingy with two women and a man went to Passage, crossed the ferry and went on in another dingy to Cove, had a cup of tea with the Old ones and saw the pretty Mrs. Barry.  Called for letters at the Post Office and went on board.  No letters.  Was to have dined with the 36th but sent an excuse

Saturday 23rd

Went on shore with the Doctor and Campbell to make some purchases Took a dingy and went to Passage.  Called on the Alderman and saw three of his daughters and a son, all rather vulgar, and very anxious to volunteer for Australia.  Took them all down in my gig and gave them a feed on board.  Went on shore in the evening for

letters and then took the ladies down in the Cutter to Passage, had a little dancing xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   Returned about 3 oclock in the morning in a shore boat which the Custom House officer got for us at Passage.  Letter from Mary

Sunday 24th

Went on shore to Church in the morning.  Called at Major Armstrongs afterwards and made our excuses for not drinking tea with them the night before.  Went down into the Town and did a little shopping, and then went on board to dinner.  Found Mr.Whitland on board with his son and Mr. McCready.  Mr. and Mrs. Skerry of the 36th came on board just as we had finished dinner, with their little girl who took a little wine which made her a little funny.  She afterwards went up to the Mizen top with Sutherland.  Went on shore in the evening and called at Major Armstrongs.  Were to have sailed at Flood tide but the wind was so foul we could not get out.  Letter from Mrs. Caldwell.  Lost my heart to Miss Hargreaves

Monday 25th

Wind still foul, and no chance of getting out today.  Dissolution of Parliament, intended Reform bill being thrown out by a Majority of 8 Parliament adjourned.  Stayed on board all the day.  No letters.

Tuesday 26th

Made all sail at about 10 oclock the wind being very steady in our favor, and the day beautiful.  Mrs. Baigrie left us in the Pilot boat and took a letter to Emily and Henry for me.

Wednesday 27th

N50  .  9  .  26  W

Wind changed round to the Eastern by South and from that to East blowing very hard, which there being a very nasty swell made us roll most properly.  Men all ill from the Stink kicked up by the Convicts xxxxxxxx  xx  xxx in the prison; the smell of the dead animals being very offensive.  Rake admitted to the Cuddie to make room for the Goats.  Long boat broke away from its lashing on the Quarter Deck.  Wind very high with a very heavy roll; in the evening died away very much, weather looking very dirty.  Spoke an English Merchant Vessel of about 600 tons.  Rake forced an entry into the Doctors cabin

Thursday 28th

12 oclock   49.46N   9.10  W

Weather very fine but a nasty cross sea with almost a calm till towards the evening, when a pretty fresh breeze sprung up.  Rained very hard during the night, and very squally, the Ship rolling most tremendously.  The wind being very unsteady, and shifting very much during the 24 hours

Friday 29th

48.59  N    10.15  W 

A beautiful day, tho the wind was very changeable.  Making our course during most part of the day to W by S.  Night not very clear but quiet

Saturday 30th

47.  35  N   11. 9  W

Weather very fine, wind moderate but not very favorable.  Spoke a brig homeward bound.

Sunday May 1st

46.  33  N   13. 37  W

Weather in the morning very rainy.  Cleared up before 12 oclock and became very fine.  No prayers on account of the rain.  Stayed in my bed till three oclock on account of my sprain, when I got up and dressed for dinner

Monday May 2nd

46.34  N   14  .  8  W 

Calm all the morning with the heavy swell of the Bay.  Breeze sprung up in the afternoon about 3 which gradually increased and during the night blew very fresh

Tuesday May 3rd

44  .  50  N   15  .  8  W

Ship rolled a good deal during the last night.  Wind still favorable.  Weather uncertain there being heavy showers of rain.  Two of the prisoners pugnacious,             put into the black hole

Wednesday May 4th

42  .  8  N  16  .  24  W

Weather very fine

Thursday May 5th

39  .  58  N  16  .  55  W

Beautiful Day, wind still favourable 

Friday May 6th

38  .  7  N  17  .  7  W

Wind veered round to the N W  weather very fine

Saturday May 7th

35  .  57  N  17  .  15  W

Raining very hard during the morning.  About 12 oclock wind came directly aft, blowing fresh.  Hair cut by Thompson

Sunday May 8th

33  .  26  N  19  .  12  W

Fine morning with a steady breeze.  Doctor Sproul read prayer to the Convicts

Monday May 9th

Rake early about 5 oclock went on deck and saw Porto Santo on Starboard, and the most westerley of the Deserta's on our Starboard bow.  Came up to Maderia about breakfast time with a fine fresh breeze which we lost getting under the high lands.  The Town of Funchal looking beautiful, in the centre of the bay, and very enticing but did not like to leave the rascals to themselves, in case they might take it into their heads to assume the command during my absence.  Wrote to Emily but could not get the letter sent.  The Captain found that we were about 5 degrees out in our dead reckoning, being much too far to the East (crude sketch of Porto Santo, Monday 5 a.m.  May 9th  1831)

Tuesday May 10th

30  .  1  N  18  .  25  W

A most beautiful day, but very light wind.  Not making above 2 knots an hour.  Inspected the mens new clothing and hung it up to air.  Wrote to Emily yesterday, but could not get the letter on shore.  Tore it and put another on the stocks

Wednesday May 11th

xxxxxx  N  18  .  4  W

Came in sight of Palma about 10 oclock which was not very interesting, especially as we were becalmed under the land in two minutes after going at the rate of 8 & ½ knots.  Viewed the peak of Teneriffe in the afternoon which had a very curious

appearance, the base of the mountain being entirely hid by clouds, and nothing seen but the summit partially covered with snow

Thursday May 12th

28  .  12  N  18  .  14  W

Wind being right against us we were obliged to beat, making a long leg to Western by North.  In the evening the wind shifted a little and we stood on the other tack making Southern by West which lasted all night, the wind blowing very hard at times

Friday May 13th

26  .  43  N  18  .  2  W

Still making about S by W from that to SW by S  wind blowing pretty strong.  Wind died away towards evening which made us roll a good deal during the night.  Weather beginning to get very warm

Saturday May 14th

25  .  9  N  16  .  55  W

Light breeze, still rolling a good deal and making very little way to the SW by S which continued all the evening.  During the night the wind shifted round a little more to the North.

Sunday May 15th

24  .  27  N  18  .  48  W


Very little wind it having shifted round to North East.  Suppose we have got into the trades.  Prayers read by the Doctor at 10 oclock.  Enter the tropics

Monday May 16th

22  .  9  N  19  .  20  W

Wind freshened up in the morning, blowing from the North East.  Blew very hard during the whole night

Tuesday May 17th

20  .  14  N  21  .  26  W

Wind still very strong from the North East.  Rolling very much owing to the wind being right aft.  The first day the lime juice has been served out to the men, who did not like the Doctors plan of mixing it with their grog

Wednesday May 18th

18  12  N  24  .  20  W

Wind blowing very strong still from North East, which continued all night and made the Jane roll a good deal.  The heat during the night was very  ppressive

Thursday May 19th

16  .  34  N  25  .  56  W

Made St. Antonio one of the Cape de Verds about 8 oclock in the morning, and were becalmed off the land for about an hour, when we got the N E Trade again and crammed all the canvas on her again.  Gave orders for my blankets to be taken off

Friday May 20th

14  .  12  N  26  .  46  W

Wind blowing pretty fresh and going at about 7 knots in pretty smooth water, the greater part of the day.  Did not see Togo in the morning as we expected as we passed too much to the westward of it.  Got out my harness box, which was left by Richard in a terrible pickle.  Give my bits to Mr. Molineux one of the Convicts to clean.  Think of taking him for a groom when I get to Sydney An old Enniskillen

Saturday May 21st

12  .  20  N

A very fine day but very warm.  Very nice steady wind most part of the day

Sunday May 22nd

11  .  10  N  21  .  58  W

The Doctor read prayer to the men.  Afterwards looked at mens pouches, which were all pretty good order except the Turkey & horses which were beginning to experience the effects of a sea voyage.  Saw a fine shark and threw out a bait for him, but he would not be had.  The Convicts sent a curious petition to Dr.Sproul & c & c & c to let them have their wine

Monday May 23rd

9  .  44  N  20  .  35  W

A very beautiful day with a light breeze.  Making our course SE by S steadily.  Areel by Mills, Thompson and Mr. Gregg in the evening 

Tuesday May 24th

8  .  31  N  18  .  57  W

Still beautiful clear weather tho very hot.  Mounted my canvas shoes without stockings.  Court of enquiry on Mrs. Harringtons concerns, which being given against the complainant, she made a fainting scene.  A little dancing and singing in the evening among the first a strolling player (one of the convicts) conspicuous with Mills dressed in one of Mrs. Thompson's gowns who puzzled the Captain very much

Wednesday May 25th

6  .  57N  18  .  56  W

A very hot sultry day till about 10 oclock, when there came on a squall, with very heavy rain when Po de chambre and all kinds of vessels came into play and the men caught a good supply of water.  Took off my shoes, and padelled about the decks bare.  The Captain caught a shark, which being slightly hooked fell off the hook in pulling him up.  Mrs.Cave taken very poorly, and expecting a premature accouchement

Thursday May 26th

6  .  4  N  19  .  5  W

A very wet morning, on which account the men spliced the mainbrace Saw a very curious African bird but cold not catch him.  A slight kick up among the Convicts last evening, one barber wanting to cut the others throat with a razor

Friday May 27th

5  .  54  N  19  .  14  W

Caught the bird which we found to be an African, something of the diver species, with a long beak.  Put him into a cage, but were obliged to let him go again, as we could get nothing he could feed upon.  Very showery, but fine clear evening.  Rather bilious from the heat 

Saturday May 28th

5  .  30  N  18  .  3  W

Fine morning tho still showery, almost a calm all day

Sunday May 29th

5  .  24  N  18  .  15  W

Still fine but with very little wind.  Caught two sharks, one quite young, the other a very fine one.  Eat some of the young one for dinner, which tasted very like an eel.  Prayers read by the Doctor

Monday May 30th

5  .  9  N  18  .  12  W

Still a very light breeze.  The Doctors head man McMahon reduced for having spoken disrespectfully of his superiors.  Mollyneaux appointed Premier.  The Captain lowering the boat for a little hog which had fallen over board, Giles got his leg very much xxxxxxx jammed between the ropes of the tackling

Tuesday 31st

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

4  .  4  N  18  .  17  W

A dead calm all yesterday evening till about 11 oclock this morning when there sprung up a very light breeze from the East Captain had out the boats at 5 oclock in the morning by which the whale boat was partly stove in and my boat got the hook of the main tackles thro her bows.  Caught a Guard Fish which was very good

Wednesday June 1st

4  .  40  N  18  .  8  W

The wind yesterday being very light did us very little good and in the evening shifted round so that we could not make our course at all.  This morning it is raining in torrents, with very little wind

Thursday June 2nd

4  .  38  N  18  .  7  W

Becalmed all day with plenty of rain.

Friday June 3rd

4  .  34  N  19  .  13  W

A very light breeze in the morning, which did us little good, and died away entirely about 12 oclock.  An American Schooner hove in sight in the morning, which when we hoisted our ensign, bore down to us.  Campbell and Mr. Sutherland went on board, and got some cigars and Negro Head; kept company with her all day till about 4 oclock it being nearly a calm.  Went on board with Sutherland after dinner who bought some cigars on spec., and I bought a cheese for the Captain, and Niggers Head for the men.  A fine breeze sprung up in the evening, which freshened up very much about 11 oclock at night; we very nearly run down the Yankee about ½ past 11 as the night being very dark, he run right athwart our bows, and it was as much as we could do to keep clear of him, he being on the larboard and we on the Starboard tack.  She was a very pretty, rakish looking vessel, and had very much the cut of a Pirate, had she not been too low in the water.  Name, Flight, New York, Captain Homes, bound for Rio Grande.  Put a letter on board for Henry & Finch.  Established the American cheese under my chair by way of a cool place.  Caught two sharks.

Saturday June 4th

4  .  34  N  19  .  13  W

Calm almost the whole day; a very light breeze sprung up at night which enabled us to steer S.E.  Slept on the poop till 4 oclock Strong current from the South driving us back to Cove

Sunday June 5th

4.  26  N  10  .  19  W

Prayers read by the Doctor.  Cave taken rather ill, fear a fever.  Nice breeze sprung up in the evening, and think it may be the beginning of the S.E. trades

Monday June 6th

3  .  57  N  20  .  5  W

Nice fresh breeze, tho we are making rather more westing than we could wish, but any thing is better than boxing about as we have been for the last fortnight 

Tuesday June 7th

3  N  19  .  26  W

Getting on swimmingly with a beautiful fresh breeze.  Making about S.W by S. all day

Wednesday June 8th

1  .  57  N  20  .  37  W

Almost calm during the day and a light breeze during the night which shifted about a good deal.  The old Sow increased our live stock on board, having 9 very fine little squeakers.  Made Pat Nealan sit up to attend her during the night

Thursday June 9th

1  .  4  N  22  .  35  W

Sprung up a very nice breeze in the morning, which sent us at the rate of about 4 knots to the S.W.

Friday June 10th

0  .  16  S  24  .  11  W

Crossed the line with a nice steady breeze blowing from the S.S.E.  Viewed a vessel on our lee bow but very distant.  Mr Neptune came on board and asked permission to pay us a visit in the morning, gave a shower from the fore top, and departed in a flaming tar barrell

Saturday June 11th

1  .  25  S  25  .  30  W

Neptune and his Wife came in his Car, and afterwards commenced the immersion of the Young Ones, which was altogether a good scene, and went off very quietly.  The Brig we saw yesterday to our Leeward appeared this morning about 20 Miles to Windward

Sunday June 12th

2  .  16  S  26  .  48  W

Weather very fine with a pretty good breeze.  Prayers read by the Doctor which I did not attend being very bilious

Monday June 13th

3  .  9  S  27  .  10  W

Found myself considerably better for the Doctor's Pill.  Went on deck before breakfast, and found it blowing very strong.  Saw a sun Gall, which had much the appearance of a rainbow, cut shorter and spread out

Tuesday June 14th

3  .  54  S  29  .  18  W

Blowing pretty strong all day, but could not get the old tub to lay higher than W.S.W.  Saw an English Brig homeward bound, tried to speak to her but she would not lay to for us

Wednesday June 15th

5  .  11  S  29  .  55  W

Still blowing very strong, and obliged to make the same course as yesterday.  Had my harness on the poop to look it over and found the old gig harness in a terrible pickle, having been shamefully packed by Peat.  Molyneaux taken ill from the effects of a glass of Brandy I gave him for cleaning my harness

Thursday June 16th

6  .  25  S  31  .  35  W

Still blowing pretty fresh, with occasional squalls towards the evening, however, we got the wind rather more favourable, making steadily to the S.S.W. before night.  Mrs Harrington not able to live with the King's own

Friday June 17th

7  .  20  S  33  .  18  W

Wind still blowing very strong, and, there being a heavy sea running, we rolled about most properly, having come round another point to our course

Saturday June 18th

7  S  34  .  2  W

The Ship broke off in the evening and we were obliged to go on the Starboard Larboard tack making about E. by S. which we continued all night, the wind blowing very hard indeed.  The Stay Sail was blown to rags at about  ½ past 11 p.m. last night.  Blew pretty strong all day till about 3 oclock when it moderated and we came in sight of the land between Cape St. Roque & Parnubuco; which appeared very flat with plenty of Cocoa Nut teees.  Went pretty close to the land, on the Larboard Starboard tack, and then stood out about 6 oclock on the Starboard Larboard tack.  Saw a Brig close to the land on our Starboard Bow

Sunday June 19th

6  .  20  S  33  .  24  W

Prayers read by the Doctor, assisted by Captain B.  Saw a brig on our Starboard Quarter homeward bound.  Weather rather damp and squally

Monday June 20th

6  .  37  S  32  .  56  W

Very squally and rainy during the night, on which account I gave the Guard a splice of the main brace.  Nasty damp morning and squally all day

Tuesday June 21st

6  .  31  S  33  .  12  W

Fine morning, tho rather squally with a strong breeze.  Came in sight of the land about 30 miles to the north of where we made before.  Stood out on the other tack about 4 oclock p.m.

Wednesday June 22nd

6  .  19  S  32  .  14  W

Very rainy and squally all day and night.  Could not make any Southing

Thursday June 23rd

6  .  5  S  31  .  20  W

Still the same terrible weather raining in torrents almost all day, and doing no good at all, on which account we were all very grumpy

Friday June 24th

5  .  1  S  31  .  24  W

Very fine looking morning but about 10 oclock a rattling shower came down, which routed the Fustians, but it soon cleared up again and became very fine.  Gave Mrs. T. some of my shirts &c to wash, but could not get them dried as it came on to rain and blow again as usual in the evening

Saturday June 25th

6  .  20  S  32  .  5  W

Still blowing hard with constant rain.  Garry reported that some of the rascals in the Prison were presuming to think of seizing the Guards arms.  Captain sickly and grumpy

Sunday June 26th

5  .  50  S  32  .  18  W

Rather Showery in the morning but the wind shifted last night which enabled us to lay our course for the first time for nearly a fortnight, having been humbugged off and on the American coast, losing ground at every tack.  Could not have a Church Parade owing to the rain

Monday June 27th

5  .  46  S  32  .  50  W

We were becalmed almost all day and fell in with an English Merchant brig, the Jane of Stockton, from Porumbuco, bound for Trieste, to touch at Gibralter.  Could not persuade the Captain to give us a boat to go on board till after dinner, when Sutherland and myself started, and after a pretty good pull, the Merchant not bringing to for us, we got along side of him, when the Captn called out to tell us that he wished to have no communication with us whatever, however we went along side, and had a little small talk with him, when he gave us plenty of oranges, and we shoved off and got back to the Jane, when the Captain was very happy to see us, as he began to be in a funck that we should lose the ship, by the fog

Tuesday June 28th

5  .  19  S  32  .  54  W

Were employed all the morning in investigating a plot laid by about half a dozen of the Fustians for siezing the ship, and taking it to the Coast of America which we found to have been pretty well formed.  They were to have siezed the ship on Sunday and made all the officers walk a plank blind fold, the Captain was to be gutted and dried on a board, and the Second Mate was to be kept to navigate the Ship, and one of the men to steer her.  they had also appointed their officers & c & c

Wednesday June 29th

5  .  2  S  32  .  50  W

Sentenced six of the Fustians to receive corporal punishment which was inflicted, and some few of the others were put in irons till further orders.  Showery all day

Thursday June 30th

3  .  46  S  32  .  24  W

The first fine day we have had for a long time.  Made Fernando rronha on our weather Lee bow, steering N.E. a fine steady breeze Had a little kick up, some of the men reporting Sutherland

The Journal has been divided into a number of parts:

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Sketches

 

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