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The Journal of Captain Mason Part Two Friday July 1st 2 . 11 S 31 . 48 W A beautiful day, with a fine steady breeze, tho not very favourable. Had another bit of a shindyirmish with the first Mate. Mrs. Cave also very refractory; was obliged to give her a little wholesome advice, and threatened to leave her with the 75th at the Cape Saturday July 2nd 0 . 8 N 31 . 33 W A very beautiful day, making about Northern by East, with a fine steady breeze. All rather in a state of ferment with the first mate, and Mrs. Cave, chose to crop her hair, I suppose to make her head lighter Sunday July 3rd 1 . 52 N 31 . 13 W Had Divine Service with all the Fustians present; a beautiful day with fine steady breeze making about E. by N. with Royals set Monday July 4th 2 . 28 N 30 . 16 W Weather still very fine, and a good steady breeze. Making about E. by S. a great part of the day. Broke into the hold for provisions. Took Calomel last night to get rid of my bile, which I think I got by eating the sour oranges Tuesday July 5th 2 . 25 N 29 . 14 W Still beautiful weather and making a very good course for getting out of this hole, lying about E. by S. with a steady breeze. Found that we had one pair of Regimental overalls more than our allowance in the bale Wednesday July 6th 3 . 9 N 28 . 16 W A beautiful day and fine steady breeze, but, owing to the strong current running from the South, we did not make so good a course as we had expected Thursday July 7th Latitude uncertain as the sun was not out at 12 oclock, but we had been going with a good steady breeze about S.E. by E. all the 24 hours. Bought a seal of the Doctor for Burley for 3 Dollars. The cutter which was broken in lowering down to catch the hog was put on the Poop to be repaired Friday July 8th 3 . 31 N 25 . 51 W Almost a calm all night, with very heavy rain, but in the morning a fine breeze sprung up about 10 oclock, which cleared away the rain, and enabled us to steer about E by South Saturday July 9th 3 . 37 N 24 . 6 W A very fine day but hazy in the morning, and during the night there was a little lightning which played about the chains, and afterwards a good deal of rain Sunday July 10th 4 . 2 N 2 . 16 W A beautiful day with good steady Breeze. Ship making about E by South. Doctor read prayers to the Convicts & c & c Monday July 11th 4 . 26 N 20 . 50 An English vessel hove in sight which I boarded, and got some tobacco for my men. She was from Calcutta bound to London. Ship Mellish, Captn Cowley; sent a letter to Emily, Tom and Irving paid £6 too much which the Steward was honest enough to return to me when he came on board for the 3rd Mate, who was on board of us. Captain and passengers on board could not make me out at all till I told them that I was the officer of the Guard, and that shaving was out of fashion, razors being rusty and elbow room scarce. Tuesday July 12th 4 . 41 N 18 . 55 W A piping hot day but nice steady breeze. Issued out the baccy to the men, which run about 15 sticks to the lb. Wednesday July 13th 4 . 7 N 17 . 17 W Fine day, and smooth water. Nothing particular happened except Lyndsays breaking the Doctors window in heaving the log Thursday July 14th 3 . 37 N 16 . 15 W Rather Gloomy day. All very grumpy. Viewed a brig standing to the Westward. She went about at 11 oclock, and stood on the same tack as ourselves. Mrs. Harrington kicking up another shindy row which made my head ache worse than it did before. Could not amuse myself in any way owing to the bustle and noise in the cabin Friday July 15th 3 . 35 N 14 . 50 W Very high wind in the morning; put about on the other tack, but could not make higher than W.S.W. and S.W. by W. which would not do us much good, as we make a great deal of Lee way. Having nothing better to do I am just going to lay down a plan of the life lead on board the Jane, in the tropics. Six oclock a.m. Awoke from a delightful sleep, by the grinding and knocking of holy stones over my head, (the (Poop not being about 2 inches thick) which is varied by an occasional plash of water thrown on the deck. About half an hour after this enter 3 or 4 young Convict boys, in the clothes which nature gave them, and commence rubbing and hollystoning the whole cuddy, which obliges me to shut my sliding door, and open xxxxxxx blinds. This ended out comes the Captain in his flannel wrapper and drawers, singing out "you boys you rascals, are the gentlemen getting up". He then generally retired for half an hour shutting all my giaulousies blinds with his prominent posterior as he passes, and after having dressed, comes out again, with his sextant under his arm, and generally disturbs your meditations with "Look out there" which is answered by the shrill voice of one of the cabin boys singing out "All ready Sir", which is repeated question and answer once or twice, when there comes a tremendous stamp (if you are lucky) right over your head), accompanied with H - p. which is repeated three times Then the Governor generally stalks down, again shutting my blinds with his posterior as he asks of the boys whether they have called the Gentlemen. Then the Doctor emerges from his state room, and afterwards Campbell and myself, all looking rather as if we could not help it, and each as he enters taking an anxious glance at the compass over head. Breakfast finished, generally with small appetites, and still smallertalk, the table is cleared, and all betake themselves to reading, writing, physicking, and Parading till 12 oclock, when the Officers of the Ship are all looking out for the Sun, and we are all anxiously waiting to know whether we have lost or gained ground during the last 24 hours, as the former has been rather the most common occurrence of late. Just as I had got this far we shipped a sea which ducked the Doctor very prettily and gave the Campbells cabin a little sprinkling, (but to return to my Diary) After the latitude has been ascertained, down we go to the Cuddy to Lunch, which generally consists of a leg and arm of a duck or fowl or a bit of salt beef. After this is finished having discussed the chance of our getting a fair wind for crossing the line for the third time, we all betake ourselves to our different modes of killing time, (deep study being quite out of the Question, the various noises of Womens tongues, Cooks pounding Cocoa, Sheep Pigs, Geese, Ducks, and all the rest of the live stock striving to drown the notes of a little Mule bird in the Cuddy, putting all serious reflection quite out of the power of man), till three oclock, or six bells strike, when, if the Captain happens to be awake, dinner is brought aft, if not, I generally have to tell the boys half a dozen times before either will dare to rouse the angry lion in his den. When the dinner is on the table, the word call the Gentlemen is given, which is generally the signal for beginning, which we generally do with bad appetites and worse tempers, all complaining either at the wind, or heat, and now and then a hearty curse at the boy, for some beastly trick or other. After dinner is over, we generally take a few glasses of hot wine and then go out on the Poop or perhaps look at the Convicts drinking their wine. Lounge about the Poop till about 7 oclock when there begins a regular course of comic songs, by some of the favored Convicts, and some of the soldiers, Paddy Nealan bearing a promising part, and generally closing the evenings amusements at 8 oclock with the much admired comic song of "For the jingling of glasses" after which we generally retire to the Cuddy and commence a rubber of whist, which generally puts us half asleep, and by the time the first rubber is ended we all are unanimous in wishing for our downy beds and then, calculating on the chances of getting a ducking, and arranging the mattrass according to the particular tack we may be on, we forget all out sorrows in sleep, and now and then during the night awake in any thing but a gentle perspiration, and catch a dilightful odour of the lamp just going out, sometimes refined with a pleasant breeze from Rake who generally sleeps under my birth Saturday July 16th 2 . 6 N 16 . 28 W A beautiful day with fine steady breeze, carrying us at the rate of 5 knots pr hour. Fell in with an amazing number of Flying fish, which flew in large shoals every minute from the side of the vessel Sunday July 17th 0 . 19 N 18 . 16 W Still beautiful weather with a strong steady breeze from the S.E. which we are in hopes will carry us across the line about 4 oclock. Doctor read Divine Service to the Fustians &c Still a great quantity of the Flying Fish playing about the vessel. Crossed the line for the third time about 4 in the evening Monday July 18th 1 . 0 S 19 . 6 W A beautiful day with fine steady breeze making about S.W. by South at the rate of 4½ knots. Plenty of flying fish playing about Tuesday July 19th 2 . 31 S 20 . 30 W Rather a dull morning, and very squally during the night, blowing at times very hard. Cleared up about 11 a.m. and became very fine, with a good steady breeze Wednesday July 20th 4 . 10 S 21 . 19 W A beautiful day with fine steady breeze. Making about S.W. Course at the rate of 5 knots Thursday July 21st 5 . 40 S 22 . 32 W Still beautiful weather with fine steady breeze tho rather light, and the sun very powerful. Played a game at whist last night, and put the Governor in a terrible rage, by telling him that the Cuddy was the most dirty part of the Ship Friday July 22nd 6 . 37 S 23 . 58 W A beautiful piping hot day, but almost calm, wherefore we were obliged to kill time by fishing. Caught one very good sized shark, but could not manage to hook any of the Dolphin, of which there were a good many about the Ship Saturday July 23rd 6 . 49 S 24 . 1 . W A terribly hot blazing day when we were becalmed all the morning. Could not get on at all. Had a bit of a turn up between Gibs and Gregg, which was shamefully conducted, being altogether a very unfair concern Sunday July 24th 8 . 11 S 24 . 46 W A very squally looking day, and rather showery, but a beautiful stiff breeze. The Doctor read prayers to the people in spite of the weather. I worked the longitude for the Captain after lunch!!! Knew as much about it as before I began. Monday July 25th 10 . 0 S 25 . 27 W A very beautiful day with plenty of wind, but rather squally. Making about S.S.W. all day Tuesday July 26th 12 . 32 S 276 . 14 W A beautiful day with fine steady breeze, making about S. by W. course. Mrs McCarter came up in the evening like a little fury to report that her husband had been chastising her. Settled amicably after a little wholesome advic Wednesday July 27th 14 . 39 S 27 . 17 W A beautiful day with nice steady breeze, and very little sea running. Weather getting much more cool and comfortable Thursday July 28th 16 . 46 S 28 . 8 W A beautiful morning with fine steady breeze, which died away a good deal about mid day. I saw a whale playing, and blowing about in the water. A vessel hove in sight about 12 oclock on our Lea beam Friday July 29th 17 . 19 S 28 . 57 W A beautiful day, with good steady breeze, but not blowing quite so much from the Eastward as we could wish. Saw the brig, some distance from us, on our Starboard Quarter Saturday July 30th 18 . 24 S 30 . 38 W A very fine day with strong breeze which took us about 7 knots per hour. The first Cape Pidgeons made their appearance which were very beautiful birds Sunday July 31st 20 . 13 S 32 . 24 W Divine service read to the people by the Doctor. Blowing very strong. The Captains mind changed with the wind, and instead of going in to Rio as he had intended he announced his intention to go on to the Cape, as we would not give him any advice on the subject. A great number of Cape Pidgeons flying about the stern all day Monday August 1st 22 . 44 S 32 . 18 W A beautiful day with light breeze but very steady. Tried taking a lunar but failed. A bit of a breeze between some of the Convicts the barber, Douley, going to stick Molyneaux with a knife Tuesday August 2nd 24 . 33 S 31 . 54 W A beautiful day with nice steady breeze and no seas running which enabled us to steer a capital course Wednesday August 3rd 25 . 58 S 30 . 20 W A beautiful day with good steady breeze tho rather light. Made an inspection of a cask of Pork which was condemned Thursday August 4th 26 . 24 S 28 . 55 W A very nasty wet morning, with a heavy sea running, which made the Jumping Jenny kick most properly. Were obliged to put about at 12 oclock, as we could not get her to lay higher than N.E. by N. Friday August 5th 28 . 3 S 29 . 17 W Blew very hard during the whole night with a heavy sea running which made the Jenny pitch about very much. Could not make better than a S.S.W. course. Captain making a terrible noise in the Cuddy hammering up a shelf for the boy. Mem: Never go to sea with a mechanic Saturday August 6th 30 . 4 S 30 . 22 W Caught a Cape Pigeon yesterday evening with a baited hook from the Stern. Blew very hard during the night, got up about ½ past 7 to have a little fishing, but did not succeed. Weather cleared up towards the middle of the day and became very fine, with a nice cool breeze Sunday August 7th 31 . 17 S 29 . 5 W A fine day tho there was not much sun. Prayers read by the Doctor. Good steady breeze sprung up about 12 oclock, which enabled us to steer about S.E. Caught another Cape Pidgeon Monday August 8th 32 . 4 S 27 . 17 W A beautiful day with fine steady breeze which enables us to lay about E. by S. Olfactory nerves very much disturbed about 11 oclock by a cask of Irish Tripe which made the Captain cast up his breakfast account. A report was circulated that Mrs. sent down to the Hospital for some stuff to Poison her husban Tuesday August 9th 32 . 29 S 24 . 31 W A very fine day with fine steady breeze right aft, making an Easterly course, with Studding sails set. Saw an Albatross, which I had one or two shots at, but could not manage to hit him Wednesday August 10th 32 . 28 S 20 . 29 A fine day, with beautiful steady breeze making, about E. by N. with Studding sails set. Spoke a French vessel from Nantes in 64 days bound for Sumatra. Could not make her name out correctly but thought the letters were Malayo. Thursday August 11th 31 . 41 S 18 .50 W A lovely morning but almost calm in the middle of the day. Obliged to take to drinking punch and grog at dinner having got thro all the wine. Made a great mistake in not getting some from the Frenchman Friday August 12th 32 . 2 S 16 . 6 W A most lovely morning, with fine steady breeze, which made one envy the gentlemen sportsmen in the Highlands, very much. My man Molyneaux who I intended to take for a servant in disgrace Saturday August 13th 32 . 32 S 12 . 58 W A most beautiful day tho rather hazy in the morning, which cleared off towards the middle of the day. A very strong wind blowing all last night and today, but the Skipper kept all the 'claith' on her and she made about 8 knots per hour. Hope to see England about next Tuesday week, if we are at all lucky. Amused myself in the morning with stitching a canvas cover over my Army lists. How easily Officers are amused on board the Jumping Jenny Sunday August 134th 33 . 33 S 9 . 22 W A very fine morning, and during the night it blew very hard. Making an E.S.E. course most part of the night. The Doctor could not read prayers on deck as the sea was breaking over every instant. Cave and McIntosh having a bit of a turn up, the former I think getting jealous and touchy Monday August 15th 33 . 56 S 6 . 11 W Wind very high all night, and at times blowing very hard indeed which, with a heavy sea made us roll very much, and caused a good deal of destruction in the Cuddy, thro the carelessness of the boy Henry. Nasty gloomy wet morning, with only an occasional gleam of sunshine, so that we are rather in the dark as to Longde and Latde being obliged to trust to the dead reckoning. Sea gone down very much leaving a nasty swell, with very light wind, and drizzly rain Tuesday August 16th 33 . 58 S 3. 14 W A fine morning with good fresh breeze from the West, but rather squally and rainy during the night Wednesday August 17th 33 . 31 S 0 . 7 E A lovely morning with fine bracing wind blowing very strong, with a heavy sea making from the West. Was very boisterous and squally during the night. Carried away a Studding Sail boom about 10 oclock Thursday August 18th 33 . 0 S 3 . 9 E A most lovely day, with fine bracing wind from the S.W. Viewed a grampus blowing in the water after break-fast Friday August 19th 33 . 33 S 6 . 35 E A most lovely day with rather light winds. Amused myself with shooting Pidgeons. Neither Campbell or myself could shoot a bit owing I suppose to the rolling of the vessel. Saw some beautiful little birds which the doctor called Snow Pettrells Saturday August 20th 33 . 19 S 9 . 4 E A lovely day for any body not in a hurry, but being only about 3 or 4 days sail from the Cape, it is rather annoying to find the wind inclined to head us, and having steered to the S E by E. for the last 24 hours to find ourselves 14 miles more to the North, than we were yesterday at 12, which is I suppose owing to the current which runs round the Cape. Amused myself with fishing for an Albatross almost the whole of the morning Sunday August 21st 34 . 4 S 11 . 23 E A most beautiful morning. the British Ensign hoisted in honor of his Majestys Birthday. Made the watch which was relieved at 12 fire a Feu de joie on a small scale Monday August 22nd 34 . 11 S 14 . 58 E A beautiful day but with very light wind. Had a specch from Neale yesterday evening in honor of the Kings and his Captains Birthday. Some of the men rather royal from an extra glass of grog given for the Kings Birthday. Skipper very groggy last night. Never was more glad in my life of a day being passed. Set up till half past 2 to see all regular, and then turned in Tuesday August 23rd 33 . 44 S 16 . 37 E A most beautiful day but with scarcely any wind all day. Skipper hardly recovered from the effects of Sundays liquor. Told us in the evening that the water we were drinking was put on board when the Ship was high and dry, in Ryddels yards but a leathern hawse from the India Dock Yard, a distance of upwards of a quarter of a mile Wednesday August 24th 33 . 24 S Amused myself almost all day yesterday with shooting Cape Pidgeons Albatross & c. Killed one large albatross which measured 6 feet 3 Inches from tip of one wing to the other. Almost a calm the greater part of the day, which made us drift a way with the current some distance to the Northward, but a breeze sprung up from the North West about midnight, which did us a little good. A most lovely morning but the wind very light and shy. We found there was an error in the Chronometer, as the longitude would have put us on land. Thursday August 25th 33 . 26 S wrong L Wind blew exceedingly hard during all the night, and at last came round from the Southward, which was rather a nuisance. Came in sight of an Island a little after 12 oclock, which was supposed to be Dassen Island from its bearings. Captain thinks it is Robbens Island, why or wherefore nobody knew Friday August 26th 33 . 3 S on the coast The land we observed first yesterday turned out to be the main land just to the Southward of Saldanha Bay. The Jumping Jenny always seems to poke her nose into an unlucky hole for after trying her at beating for a short time, we found the Current so strong against her that we lost ground at every tack, so put her head round to the Westward once more after making Antatiwa Bay to make a cast for some better breeze, the wind being still very steady from the Southward. Doctor beginning to get in a great fright about his rascals Saturday August 27th 33 . 16 S 15 . 54 E A beautiful day but the wind very steady from the South still. All the Quadrants were in requisition at 12 oclock, when we were very glad to find that we had made 3 miles of Southing. Wind seemed inclined to fly round to the West about 12 oclock, but afterwards settled again in the South Sunday August 28th 33 . 13 S 15 . 8 E A beautiful day but quite calm, as yet, however we hope to have better luck soon, as it looks pretty black to the Westward. Very disgusting to find that we had made 3 miles of Northing last night. Poor Lacy the Steward died last night of consumption. It was perhaps a happy release, as he had been lingering on unable to move from his bed for some time. The Doctor read the Burial Service and he was launched into the deep. One of the Convicts died this morning, supposed from fright. Just as I wrote this a slight breeze sprung up which enabled us to steer S by E. A Shark was seen this morning and last night about the ship, which the Skipper said was often remarked when any death took place, tho very extraordinary in our present part of the World, at this Season Monday August 29th 33 . 46 S 15 . 4 E Very fine clear day but very nearly calm, tho the sky promises a very blowing night. The Convict was buried yesterday evening after dinner by the Doctor Tuesday August 30th 34 . 6 S 15 . 25 E Did not have so much wind as we expected last night, but this morning it blew very fresh indeed, and still from the South. We were all very much delighted at 12 oclock to find that we had made 20 miles of Southing, instead of being drifted to be Northward as we rather expected. Mem: Never sail in a vessel again that has carried mules as its last cargo, for, the spirit of the animals clings to her timbers, and she will have her own way in spite of wind and sail Wednesday August 31st 34 . 24 S 14 . 23 E A very fine clear day with good strong breeze, but still from the South, but, as we have been making southing for the last few days we hope at any rate to fetch Table Bay, should we miss the Cape Point Thursday September 1st 34 . 36 S 15 . 25 Blew a strong gale last night with a very heavy sea running which made the Jumping Jenny kick up her heels, very much to the annoyance of her inhabitants. One of the men was thrown over the wheel but luckily did not hurt himself much. One of the Convicts who was employed in holy stoning the Cuddy in the morning, was pitched over by a lurch of the vessel and broke his arm Friday September 2nd 34 . 47 S 15 . 5 W A very thick dew falling all last night, and this morning was very foggy with a complete calm ever since ten oclock last night. Went out on the poop at 11 oclock to see the Magelline Lights which were very plain. Supposed to be two bunches of stars, tho none are visible in the light Saturday September 3rd 34 . 45 S 16 . 23 E A lovely morning with fine steady breeze which sprung up at about 6 this morning. A brig hove in sight yesterday evening, a long way astern, which was seen again this morning for a short time a long distance on outr Starboard Quarter. Obliged to set to at the Salt Tank, & Pork today all the stock being consumed except one pet Sheep, in fact we shall be in a nice way altogether if we do not make the Cape soon, as all tumblers most of the wine Glasses & c & c have been smashed for some time, by a careless rascal of a Cabin Boy Sunday September 4th Blew a tremendous gale last night, indeed all yesterday it was blowing very hard. Came in sight of land at about 6 oclock in the morning, and were very nearly running our noses against it, but, fortunately the Skipper went on deck just in the nick of time, and found both the Chief Mate & man on the look out asleep. Slipped in to the bay steering clear of the Billows and moil at about 8 oclock the wind blowing very hard, but as we were in smooth water directly on getting between the Cape Point and we managed to beat close to the entrance on Simons Bay by Sunset and then not knowing our steerage very well into the harbour we dropped our Anchor, and really to us the sound of the chain cable was delightful music after having been 19 weeks at sea. The scenery on entering the outer Bay was very curious and striking. On one side you saw the divers shooting into the water from a height of 20 or 30 feet. On the other you saw a black Whale blowing close to the side of the ship. There were two other vessels beating in with us, which made the scene altogether very interesting, especially as we had almost every variety of weather, being at one second in a heavy squall with rain, the next perhaps the sun shining and sails flapping and to make it quite complete we just came in for the remains of a very slight thunder storm. The evening turned out very fine, but we were too far out to get on shore that night Monday September 5th The harbour master came on board at about 8 oclock this morning when he began to get the anchor up, and we slipped into Simons Bay and let go the anchor a short distance on the outside of the Guard Ship. Went on shore with Campbell and at last managed to get a hack to ride up to Cape Town, where we arrived after a very pretty but, owing to the brute I rode, rather tedious ride of about 3 hours. Found the Colonel and Harry England both just going to dress for dinner at the Governors, however H.E. gave me over in charge of Major Hammond with whom I went to Mess, and soon made myself perfectly at home, especially as I now considered myself entitled to spin them some long yarns, having doubled the Cape. England came in from the Governor's very early, but as my seat did not feel very soft after my ride I was glad to get into Hales bed, in whose Quarters I was established he being on detachment at Simons Town. Campbell went to his Grandpapa Cloetes Tuesday September 6th Got up rather stiff in the morning, and breakfasted at the Mess, and in the middle of the day rode the Harbour Masters pony down to Simons Town. Saw a vessel beating in to the Bay which looked very like a Convict Ship, but as she would take an hour or two before she could possibly cast anchor, did not like to wait. Rode down and went on board at night where I found Captain Galloway a jolly Marine belonging to the Maidstone Wednesday September 7th Slept on board last night and after calling at Commodore Schomhergs who was not at home I drove up in one of the Dixons Curricles to Cape Town, taking the Doctor part of the way with me. Found the ship I had seen coming into the Bay was the Glen Anderson with a detachment of the King's Own on board, under Breton and Brooke. Went on board and caught Brooke just sitting down to dinner. Their accommodations were far superior to ours having plenty of room to stand up, and move about in their cabins, and a very good sized Cuddy, luxuries not know on board the Jumping Jenny. Went on shore after taking a peep at Ikey Solomans, and run up to Georges Hotel, and found Bob Breton just going to dine with the 72nd Mess. Then up to the 75th and in my way dropped two letters out of my pocket. Hope they will prove amusing to some lucky fellow. Capital fire in Town which we all turned out to see. Thursday September 8th Did a little shopping in Town and was obliged to xxxx xx draw a Bill which I got cashed by some Merchants in Town. Took a quiet dinner with Col & Mrs. England and met Brooke there. Afterwards went to a Ball at Mrs. Ebders given in honor of her daughters marriage with one of the 72nd. Did not fall desperately in love with any of the Cape ladies, tho, that seems to be the fashion with the 75th, but we had a great deal of waltzing and some very pretty looking girls were there tho nothing very striking Friday September 9th Got up very much tired with my dancing last night and rode out with England to Green Point. Came back and dined with the 75th. Breton was also there as also old Proctor a noted Character at the Cape Saturday September 10th Did a little shopping with Brooke in the morning and dined with Sr Lowry Cole in the evening, and walked back with Col. England to my Quarters in the Castle Sunday September 11th Rode Moultries pony out to Camps Bay to see Campbells sister, who we found at home. Brooke also rode one of the Uncles horses with us. The scenery very grand on the road round the Cluef, but the road itself very bad. Returned over the mountain which was a very rough way and only possible for horses. Went to the parade in the evening to hear the Bands play. Dined afterwards with Grandpapa Cloete who gave Brooke, Campbell and myself a very good feed
Monday September 12th Drove down to Simons Town to look after the rascals, as I heard the Cape Brandy had been rather too potent for their weak heads. Found that they had all come to time, so, after shewing Brooke our superior accommodations drove him back to Georges where we both dressed and then went to dine with Col: Munro of the Artillery, brother of Mrs Kirsopps a very fine gentlemanly fellow in my eyes. Had a small hop in the evening which was rather slow as the rooms were very small and all the women engaged under sentence for life. Returned with Brooke to Georges not thinking it correct to turn but Captn Hale a second time out of his Quarters Tuesday September 13th Brooke borrowed the Doctor of the 75th pony being a Fermanagh Man, and we cantered together down to Costantia but as we were rather pressed for time we could not wait to taste the wine, tho the beauty of the scenery fully repaid us. Returned by Col: Englands Quarters close to Wine Burgh a very prettyly situtated little cottage which he has just rented for two or three years, tho the grounds seem rather overgrown with weeds, however Harry and some of the other Officers of the 75 were hard at work digging and weeding. Picked up Hale just riding in from Simons Town and rode in with him but a different and prettier road. Brooke dined with the 75 and I fed with Uncle Cloete afterwards dressed at Georges and they called for me and took me in their carriage to the Ball at Government House, for which of course all the King's Own had cards. The Ball room was beautiful tho not very well filled. Some of the Girls were passable, tho none remarkably striking
Wednesday September 14th After nearly ruining myself with shopping and taking leave of England and Campbells briends he and myself started in a four in hand cart to Simons Town. Took the ribbands a little way but found I was seated too low, and the ship was too clumsy to make it pleasant so gave them up. Got down in time for dinner xx fed at the Inn. Campbell went on board at night. Thursday September 15th Went on board early and was happy to find that all the men had come to time, tho I had to pay 6s 9d Barrack damages for one of them. Found we were not to sail so soon as we expected owing to the Skippers having drowned his horse in driving down from Cape Town, which bit him in the hand when I was trying to pull him out of the water. Went on shore and got a hack, when, after calling on the Commodore and Hale who were both out I started for Cape Town and after three hours and a half good whipping and spurring I did at length manage to get him up to Town, much to my astonishment when on entering the Town I met Dixon who told me that by way of consolation that the pony was not yet used to hacking. Was just in time for the 75 Mess where I dined, and in the evening retired to Georges Friday September 16th After making various purchases, and also making a bold push to get introduced to some young ladies who came out on their way to India in the L'Orient by name Valpy, I again went to take leave of Campbells relatives and sent a chair home which Mrs Gordon was kind enough to take charge of. Tried another hack from Dixons but found he was as bad as the last, so grew desperate when I had whipped and spurred him in a canter on his three legs for about a mile, turned his head homewards, gave Dixon a rowing and took a curricle. Rain began to come down in torrents when I got about a mile from The Town. Called at Mrs. Menzies where Mrs. Oliphant was staying on the road. Not asked in to lunch as expected, suppose owing to the Judge being away. Got a complete soaking and get down just as it grew dark. Dined at the Inn with Campbell Saturday September 17th Dawdled about Simons Town all day, and wrote a letter to Finch. Dined with Hale of the 75 in the evening who gave us a capital feed. Sr. G. Walker late Governor in India arrived at the Clarence with his wife and daughter and a few very fine looking little children. Miss W. not very pretty to my mind tho considered so generally perhaps on account of her many golden charms. Lady W. a very nice pleasing looking person, sporting a bow window. Slept at the Clarence. Awoke in the night by some confused noise of a quarrel between the servant maid and her husband owing to some gentleman having mistaken their bed room for his own Sunday September 18th Went to the English Chapel and had a very good Sermon from the Parson of the parish which I hope did me a great deal of good. Afterwards was introduced to the Miss Deckers coming out of Church with whom Campbell and myself walked up to King Osbornes, who was civil enough to give us lunch, and a walk in his garden. Afterwards called on Hale who repeated the dose. Found he was a cousin of Francis Fords. Dined at the Clarence with Campbell. Miss D. turned out to be an old playmate of his younger days Monday September 19 Lost Rake yesterday who was luckily picked up by Hale who very kindly brought him to me at the Clarence. He I suppose was affronted at my turning him back from Church, and followed a party of ladies and gentlemen who were riding as far as the Gentle Shepherd's, where Hale found him. Took a ride out to call on the Deckers, but found the Doctor of one of the Men of war there before us, who was determined to outsit us, so we found it a bore and got on our horses, caught a complete ducking on the road, and dined quietly. Afterwards had a game or two at Pool with some of the reefers Tuesday September 20th Captains hand being much better he determined to sail, and about two oclock we managed to get under way. Took Hale on board just to take a look at our luxuries. Never saw a mans face so completely denote disgust. Some of the Royals on board the Success pleased to say they never saw such watchful sentries as the Kings Own in similar situations. I was very happy to hear it after the funk the rascals had put me in when on shore. Had a beautiful breeze out of the harbour, never making a tack. Campbell left his Carpet Bag at the Hotel. I for a wonder forgot nothing, tho the things I had ordered from Kiener were not complete. My net I found in capital order Wednesday September 21st Found myself very unsteady on my legs after being so long on shore. Wind blowing very hard from N.W. and a heavy sea running which made the old lady roll very much, however we have made a capital offing Thursday September 22nd 30.18S 22 . 39 E Wind still very strong, but the weather very fine. Could not get out of the Cuddy most part of the day, as there was no such thing as standing on the Poop. Find our New Steward a great acquisition as we have things a little more cleanly and regular now Friday September 23rd 36 . 21 S 26 . 10 E Wind lighter but weather very fine Saturday September 24th 36 . 14 . S 28 . 5 E Almost a calm the whole of the day. Looking out anxiously for the Glen Anderson, but could see no signs of her Sunday September 25th 36 . 53 S 29 . 21 E Prayers read by the Doctor in the morning. Almost a calm all day tho there was a little breeze sprung up at night. Viewed a vessel standing to the Eastward but did not get near enough to distinguish what she was Monday September 26th 37 . 7 S 30 . 21 E Quite calm in the morning but about the middle of the day a beautiful breeze sprung up, and before night set in very strong from the N.W. The Vessels seen one the same as yesterday, but she caught the breeze before we did and was out of sight at sunset Tuesday September 27th 37 . 58 S 34 . 24 E A beautiful wind still blowing strong from the N.W. sending us along at about 8 Knots. Rolling a good deal with a heavy sea running Wednesday September 28th 37 . 21 S 37 . 22 E Wind changed a round this morning to the Eastward so we were obliged to commence beating but hope it will not last long. One of the Convicts died last night after a very long illness Thursday September 29th Blew very hard last night but very much against us as we hardly could make a due South course. Continued to blow all this morning with a heavy rain. We had one puff of wind which snapped the lower Studding Sail Boom right in two, and tore a large piece out of the deck, where the main tack sheets are fixed. Another time we heard the wheel of the rudder go round by the run and all expected that the man had been thrown over the wheel but found it was the chain which had come undone Friday September 30th 30 . 44 S 40 . 38 E Wind pretty fresh but a beautiful day. Taken aback about 11 oclock by the wind shifting suddenly round to the South. Wind became much colder and stronger. Going 9 Knots & ½ clear off the reel about 2 oclock The Journal has been divided into a number of parts:
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