Diary of Edward Oscar Amoore October 1870

SUNDAY 23rd

We were towed from Gravesend by Uncle Sam and anchored at Sheerness. Had boiled beef, potatoes and biscuit. It blows hard and we shall have to wait here till the wind shifts.

MONDAY 24th

Head wind, are still at Sheerness, had cold beef, potatoes and boiled rice for dinner, the mate says we might stay here for two or three weeks or we might set sails tomorrow if the wind shifts. Saw a splendid Aurora Borealis at 8.30 pm.

TUESDAY 25th

Weighed anchor from Sheerness at 7.30 am. One of my mates made two meat pies for dinner, we are six in our cabin, all jolly fellows, are now off Ramsgate.

WEDNESDAY 26th

Anchored at Deal last night. Head winds still continue, shall be glad when the wind shifts. Had for dinner, pea soup, boiled beef and plum duff.

THURSDAY 27th

Are still off Deal head winds still continue. Had for dinner bouille soup, cold beef and potatoes and the remains of the cold plum duff. One of my mates is going to make some bread today for a treat and then we shall be able to have a jolly feed.

FRIDAY 28th

We sailed from Deal this morning, the wind is very strong and the sea is very rough and we are off Beachy Head. I saw the town of Hastings as we passed. The ship is heaving very much so that 1 can hardly write. Sea sickness appeared today for the first time. One of our chums was ill and several passengers. I have not had a touch of it yet, though my head feels rather queer. We had for dinner boiled beef, potatoes and plum pudding; the bread of yesterdays baking is awfully heavy and worse than the biscuits. I sent a letter home to Mother this morning by the pilot. A starling settled on the rigging but soon made tracks again for the land.

SATURDAY DAY 29th

Very windy reefed sails once more and are now off Devon. Had for dinner cold beef, potatoes and duff, but I could only manage two potatoes for I feel queer though I have not been sick.

SUNDAY 30th

Beautiful morning fair wind. Had for dinner bouille with potatoes, cold duff warmed up. I am much better though I have not been sick, some of the passengers are very ill. Betsy says so.

MONDAY 31st

Last night it was fearfully windy and all day today. Had the foresail carried away. Had for dinner hot boiled beef and plain pudding but I could not eat anything. Towards evening the wind changed in our favour and we unfurled sails.

TUESDAY NOV. 1st. 1870

We had a fine night and put the pilot on shore this morning, a beautiful day with scarce any wind. Had for dinner, cold beef, potatoes and rice. We are off the Lizard at 7 pm.

WEDNESDAY 2nd

Fine morning going about 9 knots an hour. Said farewell to old England yesterday. Had for dinner bouille, rice with raisins. Several small birds settled on the rigging also a wood pigeon. There were a lot of porpoises playing about the ship today. The cook killed a sheep today, but I guess we shan't have any. We are now in the Bay of Biscay with a fair wind and all sails set. If the wind continues favourable we shall be out of it tomorrow. Please the pigs.

THURSDAY 3rd

Fair winds. Pulled down the main royal yard which was split and put up a new one, they also put up skysails, a heavy sea shook the ship but did no damage. A woman fell on her back and hurt her spine. Had for dinner, fat pork, which you could have spread on your biscuit and would have answered the purpose of butter. One of the men caught a snipe and stuffed it. Sighted a homeward bound ship but did not speak to her.

FRIDAY 4th

Fine weather still, 10 knots an hour. There are a lot of porpoises playing about the ship. The boatswain rigged out a harpoon for the purpose of catching some, he is going to show me how to catch some smaller fish. I am going on the forecastle to see if I can see some, if there any porpoises the boatswain and I are going to harpoon some. Sighted a homeward bound ship. One of our chums washed a couple of shirts. Had for dinner, boiled beef, potatoes and rice. An old lady fell down the stairs leading to her cabin, was severely shaken but no bones broken.

SATURDAY 5th

Almost becalmed. Had a general wash out, took out all the boxes and scrubbed the floor down. Sighted several ships and saw “Mother Careys Chickens” for the first time, have not seen any more porpoises yet. Had for dinner boiled pork, potatoes and plum duff. One of my chums is tuning his violin and making a most harmonious tune. Have been reading all day.

SUNDAY 6th

Had a quiet day. Read a little and admired the beautiful scenery lots of water and the 'City of Dunedin'. Had for dinner cold beef and potatoes.

MONDAY 7th

Saw a lot of porpoises, prepared to give them a warm reception they fought shy. Had a sudden squall about 10am and also at 8pm. Had to reef skysails, one of my chums and me put on our coats and went to help pull the ropes, and as we were going round the deck I fell down the lee scupper and my chum fell down just behind me, the decks being so wet, the rain coming down by the buckets full "as the saying is". On arising I took hold of a black sailor who did not seem to like it at all but I took no notice of him and bolted. Had for dinner hot boiled beef, potatoes and rice. The waiter forgot to bring the ale so we were contented to do without. We are going to try a set of quadrilles tomorrow and I have the honour to be bandmaster.

TUESDAY 8th

We had a fair wind all night and are now off the Western Isles. It begins to get warmer. Had for dinner pork and potatoes and for tea baked plum duff. Bread turns out a regular failure and does not deserve its proper name. We also spoilt the looks of my dutch cheese. Two of the crew are ill but not seriously. Saw the sun set, it was magnificent, the like of it is not seen in England. In the evening we had a set of quadrilles. Acted as bandmaster "ahem" figures were as follows 1st - Pop goes the Weasel, 2nd - King of the Cannibal Islands, 3rd. - Won't go Home till Morning, 4th - Goodbye Blue, 5th - Tommy Dodd, Schottisches, Up in a Balloon and There is no Luck about the House. Polka, My Mother Said. After a few gymnastics, the evening terminated and we each sought our respective domiciles and having tired ourselves with spinning yarns we closed our eyes in sweet repose.

WEDNESDAY 9th

Beautiful day with a good wind. One of my mates and 1 have been quoting Shakespeare, the former is very fond of it though I cannot say as much. We had for dinner bouille, pea soup, pork, potatoes and rice.

THURSDAY 10th

Finer day but not much windy we passed Madeira. Had for dinner hot beef and pork with potatoes and plum duff. One of our messmates made some yeast and made some bread which I hope will turn out better. The setting sun was one of the most splendid panoramas which is only to be seen in these climes, as we passed through the horizontal sheets of vapour, fringed their narrow edges with a blaze of glory, strongly in contrast with the deep blue of the zenith reflected by the still wave in every quarter except where the descending orb poured down his volume of rays, which changed the sea into an element of molten gold the 'City of Dunedin' laying motionless her sails occasionally disturbed by gentle puffs of the balmy breeze. Hang it, I was getting quite poetical and would not have been disturbed for a trifle when one hollos Amoore, Amoore. A quadrille finished the day with a few speeches etc and recitals, also the mate let off two blue lights.

FRIDAY 11th

We sighted an Island today, 1 pm, we are in latitude 30 degrees 15 degrees longitude, and got into the trade winds which will send us along, before the wind and shall soon be able to catch some fish. I saw two birds and one of our mates saw a turtle, or a tortoise. Had for dinner cold meat, potatoes and rice, the bread turned out very well.

SATURDAY 12th

We spoke to the “Celano”, 4 pm, bound for Wellington N.Z. The Captain asked if we had any more news of the war. He also asked us when we left, we told him that we put the pilot on shore Nov. 1st, he said he did, although he started 17 days before we did, he said he saw the “Queen Bee” and the “Colleen Bawn”. He said that he should not go down Channel any more as he had got tired of it. After cheering us which we returned and exchanging a few words we parted very reluctantly, we might see her a good many times yet. Saw one of the Canary Islands, rising majestically out of the sea. A long voyage is anticipated. Had for dinner hot pie and preserved potatoes. We amused the sailors in the evening, an address and a few tunes and songs.

SUNDAY 13th

I got up and had a bath, the sailors threw water over me while they were cleaning the decks. I mean to keep it up while the weather lasts. Had for dinner hot beef, potatoes and plum duff. In the evening the children sang some hymns. There is no service at all on Sundays.

MONDAY 14th

Rather dull today. We sighted Cape de Verde Island. Had for dinner boiled pork, potatoes and soup. We are not yet in the trade winds as I stated on the 11th. We are allowed lime juice now. I had some of Kate’s wedding cake today that I had by me.

TUESDAY 15th

Fine day but scarcely any wind. Had for dinner hot beef, potatoes and rice. Saw several flying fish and several ships. A set of quadrilles Sir Rodger de Coverley in the evening and one of our chums dressed up in female attire and blacked his face which caused a great deal of merriment.

WEDNESDAY 16th

Saw a whale close to us, and passed several ships, shall be in the tropics tomorrow night. We have all sails set, they say I shall be a sailor before I get out there. Had for dinner pea soup, pork and plum duff. Had dancing in the evenings and songs, it is getting oppressingly hot.

THURSDAY 17th

We are in the tropics and it is very hot. Pickles are now served out and one of the Irish men, not knowing what they were for asked the purser, the latter being in a hurry simply said "oh put them in a pie if you like". Pat took him at his word, and made the pastry and put the pickles in, behold the wry faces we made after the pie was baked and also we anticipated a delicious morsel. Had for dinner cold beef, pea soup and rice. Our bread turned out first rate. Dancing in the evening and Irish jigs.

FRIDAY 18th

Saw a shark today, which caused great consternation among the passengers, also the boatswain caught a beneeta (bonito), shoals of flying fish are seen now. I made a pudding today for the first time in my life, was as hard as a brickbat, but otherwise palatable, which with bouille and potatoes went very well. Dancing in the evenings.

SATURDAY 19th

Fine day with a fair wind, we are now in N.E. trade winds, had for dinner bouille with potatoes and rice, we see plenty of flying fish are going about 10½ knots an hour. Dancing in the evening.

SUNDAY 20th

I saw a beautiful rainbow before breakfast. I have my bath every morning. Had for dinner boiled beef and duff with potatoes and soft tack. Spoke to the ship “Tweed” bound for Bombay and asked her where she had been to and she signalled and told she had been to Portsmouth. She passed us while we were at anchor in the downs and was behind us till yesterday which our Captain knew was a lie so he told them that we had been to Plymouth which was still more absurd.

MONDAY 21st

The wind still continues favourable, we broke the stunsail boom today, squaring the yards. Had for dinner beef and plum duff. Dancing in the evening. I went up to the cross trees and read today.

TUESDAY 22nd

Rather squally, we are now at the end of the trade winds in latitude 7-34, it is the first time since we left London that we have not seen a ship. Had for dinner pork and potatoes.

WEDNESDAY 23rd

Very squally, we have had the rain come down by the bucket fulls. I have had a general wash, all my dirty clothes. In one of the squalls the sailors stopped up the scupper holes and threw water over each other and anybody that came in their way, they had no respect for persons, which caused great laughter among us. Had for dinner beef, potatoes and plum duff. I don't feel very well. We had another very heavy squall, which carried away our topmost staysail and the gallant staysail, blowing them to atoms and also carrying away the flying jib.

THURSDAY 24th

We are about 180 miles from the line but have the S.E. trades so it is not so hot as might be expected, it is only at certain times of the year that they blow here and we happen to be just lucky and the Captain thinks they will take us right across the line. Had for dinner hot preserved mutton, potatoes and rice. We had some rare fun in the evening, by blacking your hands and putting them over a persons eyes to prevent him from seeing and leading him up to a mark which he has to see before you cover his eyes, he of course not knowing that your hands are blacked.

FRIDAY 25th

Sighted a homeward bound ship before breakfast. Had for dinner the same as yesterday.

SATURDAY 26th

Saw a barque outward bound, that we overhauled in the night, we crossed the line today at 12m. The Irishmen saw it through the glass. Had for dinner potatoes and rice. The Captain would not allow the sailors to play tricks as is usual on the line but gave them some grog in the evening.

SUNDAY 27th

Fair wind still continues, had a very quiet day with nothing particular. Had for dinner bouille and plum duff. I am not very well.

MONDAY 28th

Fine clay they have been pumping up water from the after hatch into one of the cisterns that they emptied yesterday. Had for dinner bouille and rice. Dancing in the evening.

TUESDAY 29th

Fair winds, although we have passed the line it is getting hotter, we are about 12 degrees south, latitude about 20. Had for dinner pork, potatoes and plum duff. Saw several birds; dancing in the evening.

WEDNESDAY 30th

The wind got more on the quarter this morning and now it has dropped and the sun is pouring down enough to melt anybody, we set shinsails this afternoon. I am messman today, my turn coming every sixth day, there being six of us in our berth and enough heat to melt anybody, you lay at night and hear one of the culprits give a most doleful groan and another twisting as if in agony while another will give a puff p'weu and another tormented by the cockroaches which come from the galley and think they have a right in here not being averse to cannibalism. We had for dinner pea soup, beef and rice.

DECEMBER 1st

We are in about 17 south and it is awfully hot, had for dinner beef and rice.

FRIDAY 2nd

We are now becalmed and the sun pouring down upon us. One of the deer, (of which there are 9 on board) is not expected to live, they are taking them out for the Acclimatization Society, very rare specimens from the Zoological Gardens, London. Had for dinner pea soup, pork and rice.

SATURDAY 3rd

It has been squally all day but no settled wind, it's coming by squalls of rain which is always welcome and the sailors run about with buckets to catch the water for washing. One of the sailors made a rope fast and got over the side and had a wash, he was only a little fellow and would not have been much for a shark, but the latter gentleman never appeared. Had for dinner pork, beef and potatoes.

SUNDAY 4th

Fair windy are going about 8 knots, we had a heavy squall early this morning. Sighted a ship but too far off to say who she was. While we were having the service, which is carried on by one of the passengers in our mess, there was an awful row as if some lunatic had broken loose from Bedlam, it was two Irishmen fighting but were soon stopped. Had for dinner pork and plum duff.

MONDAY 5th

Fair wind, and plenty of it. Are going 10 knots and have been keeping it up all day. We have passed the sun today which is 21 degrees south. We passed the Island of Trinadad last night about 10 pm. Saw several birds mollyhawkes. Had for dinner pork and rice, (everlasting).

TUESDAY 6th

Nothing passing worthy of note today. A few passing showers. Pork and duff everlasting for dinner.

WEDNESDAY 7th

The wind has dropped we are about 26 degrees south. There was a row last night between the 2nd mate and one of the crew, the mate struck the man and the latter returned the blow but it did not last long as the sailors would have put the whole ships Company in consternation. Dancing in the evening. Had for dinner the same as yesterday.

THURSDAY 8th

Sighted a ship on the starboard side this morning, we are becalmed and the ship is rolling about as if it were drunk and the sun is pouring down enough to melt you. Had for dinner beef and rice with spuds.

FRIDAY 9th

We are still becalmed and have the ship still in sight, it is awfully hot. The Captain put a piece of pork on a hook and put it over the stern for a shark but as yet no shark has appeared. In the evening we saw some dolphin and tried to catch some but did not succeed. Dancing in the evening. Had for dinner bouille with murphys.

SATURDAY 10th

A slight breeze sprung up last night and continued all day today. Saw an albatross for the first time. We are about 31 south. Made some soft tack, which proves A1. We have nearly the same to eat every day so shall not repeat what we have unless it is something extra. Great excitement was caused by the cry of 'a whale, a whale' all the passengers came rushing out of course one over the other, bruising their shins and bumping their heads to get to the side of the ship to see the whale, when lo and behold it was only a harress cask they had thrown over.

SUNDAY 11th

A fair wind still continues, but it is getting much colder. It was after dinner when all was quiet one of the Irish fellows gave a most frightful yell. I describe him as follows. He is about six foot high, his eyes are something like dropsical oysters, his hair red and standing way like a field of insane flax. A mouth, oh dear, with a curl in it like the slit in the side of a fiddle. He was standing on the forecastle expanding his lungs by these terrific yells, he was attracting the people to come and look at a black fish that was swimming by. I don't know whether he thought it was his sable majesty or not. We saw the Southern Cross last night.

MONDAY 12th

Very foggy this morning, it has been warmer today. Saw an albatross and some mollyhawkes, also some Mother Careys Chickens. Fair winds still continue. An apprentice nearly cut the mates finger off cutting a piece of rope which each held in their hand, also a passenger stuck his knife through his hand ten minutes after.

TUESDAY 13th

Whales were seen before breakfast but I did not see any. We are becalmed and a heavy swell on, the ship rolling from side to side as you lay in your bunk sometimes you are on your feet and sometimes on your head. One of our messmates sung a song in character in the evening, it caused a good deal of merriment it was, "Have you seen my Missus".

WEDNESDAY 14th

A breeze sprung up in the night and has continued all day, we are still on our course. Another of the deer is dead. Dancing in the evening.

THURSDAY 15th

We were becalme d all day with a thick fog which is real Cape weather. Betsy says so too.

FRIDAY 16th

No wind and very foggy, petty feuds in the house among the natives which is nearly an every day occurrence, but it always ends well. Dancing in evening, songs etc.

SATURDAY 17th

A fresh breeze sprung up this morning and has continued all day. We are going 9 knots. We sighted a whaler this afternoon but were not near enough to speak to her, can see plenty of birds such as albatrosses and Cape pigeons. We are a little below the latitude of the Cape. There was a half model of a fully rigged ship raffled for today made by the boatswain, sixpence per member, but I did not win it though I raffled for it. There were 36 members.

SUNDAY 18th

A fine breeze sprung up in the night, and has kept up all night. When the log was thrown we were going 12 knots. We saw some birds today, they were white and had swallowtails, we also saw a whale. The fellow are arguing on N.Z. and kicking up such a row I can't write anymore.

MONDAY 19th

Fair wind still continues, we went 262 miles in 24 hours up till 12 yesterday and we have been going as fast these last 24 hours. The wind has dropped, now 5m. We had a heavy squall today, at 12, reefed fore topmast staysail and skysail. They killed a pig today. I had some of it, but not any of its prime joints. They changed the deer today from midships to the poop in case of heavy weather. It is raining like Jemeny Cracks. Betsy says so too.

TUESDAY 20th

A stiff breeze still continues, she has been going 12 knots all night. It has been raining nearly all day and blowing real Cape weather. The sailors have to stand by so never mind. One of our chums was describing Dunedin, supposing a billy to be the sea, a fork to represent Port Charmers and a few bits of biscuits for Islands round the Coast then knives for streets in Dunedin to bring up the rear. I made some bread today and it has turned out AI. The decks are wet and slippery. It is very laughable to see the fellows fall down, though it is not a pleasant sensation when you go down for the planks are not like feather beds. We had some carrots for dinner with balt junk which vent very well. Rice of course.

WEDNESDAY 21st

It has been raining all night, and very squally. Today we have had some very heavy seas. The ship would lay in between two large waves and the wind blew over the tops of the masts and then presently the wave would lift her stern out of the water and so on. The Captain hardly knows where we are, for we have not seen the sun this four days, we are South of the Cape.

THURSDAY 22nd

Very rough with a cross sea which is breaking over the ship. Had the flying jib carried away, also the upper fore topsail and the upper main topsail torn in ribbons. We are on the weather side and have to keep our door shut.

FRIDAY 23rd

The wind sunk this morning and we put up some more sails. I went aloft to help bend her foresail. We had our provisions served out today, and had a little more on account of it being Christmas Day on Sunday, to make a pudding. Wind, N by W. Lat. 38.42, Long. 21.30E. Steering S.E. half S. They killed a sheep and a pig but I guess we shan't have any of them.

SATURDAY 24th

Fair wind still continues, the oldest man in the ship has never seen such fine weather since he has been to sea in these parts. We had a nice piece of fresh pork for Christmas dinner, which the steward served out to all the passengers. I made the Christmas pudding today by myself. Steering S.E. by S.

CHRISTMAS DAY 25th

I dreamt about the folks at home, and thought I was with them, but when I awoke I found out my mistake. The sailors had some fresh pork and a rice pudding. The pudding turned out first rate. Wind N and it is quite warm. We all drank the healths of our relations.

MONDAY 26th

Fine weather still nothing of any note until the evening when we had some dancing and a few songs.

TUESDAY 27th

Almost becalmed this morning, a breeze sprung up this afternoon and has continued.

WEDNESDAY 28th

A fine breeze today, it is getting much colder. We were all weighed today, your humble servant weighs 10 stone 12 lbs. of the girls on board weighs 13 stone. No wind tonight. Steering S.E. Dancing in the evening.

THURSDAY 29th

Very wet and cold, not much wind. See lots of birds, such as albatrosses, molyhawkes, stormy petrels etc. Men are on watch both day and night for icebergs, we are about 43 lat. S. Steering S.E. by S.

FRIDAY 30th

Still cold but no wind, the air is dry today your bunk is the best place now, had some games on deck such as quoits, leapfrog, rounda, eggcap etc. Dancing in the evening.

SATURDAY 31st

Fair wind, going about 6 knots, the last day of the old year. Tried to harpoon some porpoises but lost the harpoon overboard. One of the tanks leaked and took 25 days allowance of water. We were aroused in the night at 12 o'clock by the most frightful row and ringing of both bells, fore and aft. It was the sailors and the passengers welcoming the new year in. Our cabin was soon emptied, each one catching hold of a missile such as a pannikin, a can or anything that helped to make a noise. It was like bedlam that had broken loose, what with yelling like mad man, a dozen spoons rattling inside a tin pot, hammering of boards etc so I leave you to guess what it was like, the results were pots without handles, cans without bottoms and the fellows just able to speak above a whisper. Fireworks were let off by the mate.

NEW YEARS DAY JAN 1st

Lovely day only cold, going about 8 knots. Are about 44 degrees lat. and 50 long. Saw a ship today. She passed our stern, steering S.E. half S.

MONDAY JAN. 2nd

Stiff breeze which still continues and a heavy rolling sea. This evening had to take in flying jib, skysail and all royals, we shipped several seas, which made her tremble very much. We made 280 miles in the last 24 hours. Lat. 45 degrees, long 60 degrees E.

TUESDAY 3rd

The wind has sunk a little, but not much, bent on a new fore royal this morning, the old one was carried away last night. I made some bread today. Steering S.E. Took down the fine weather mainsail and bent on a stronger one.

WEDNESDAY 4th

We hardly know what to do with ourselves, the decks are wet so that we can't walk without getting wet feet and it is frightfully cold on the forecastle, the wind is N.W. It is rather laughable to see one fellow hanging onto the lamp to keep it steady, (which is hung from the ceiling by a piece of string), so that he can read and four of us sliding up and down with the motion of the vessel playing cards and draughts, instead of moving to one check, a sudden lurch of the ship makes him move across five or six and knock several draughts off the board. Made 292 miles, today. Latitude 45 degrees. Longitude 77.43.

THURSDAY 5th

The wind has sunk slightly and it is now W.N.W. Steering S.E. I made a pudding today. One of the crew, an old man is very ill. Had a game of hunt the slipper in the evening.

FRIDAY 6th

Fine day but very cold.

SATURDAY 7th

A good breeze sprung up, we are 46 degrees latitude and 88.33 longitude about 3500 miles from N.Z. and all longing to get there.

SUNDAY 8th

We are steering E by E, the wind has got aft and has dropped but it has been a beautiful day.

MONDAY 9th

Very foggy, going about 7 knots. Did some washing today. 7 pm, saw a lot of grampus, whole schools of them which came within 6 yards of the ship, they were fine creatures. Had some dancing. Made some bread today.

TUESDAY 10th

Very foggy still, men are on the lookout all day. They are getting the anchor tackle ready. Steering S.E. by E.

WEDNESDAY 11th

A good breeze sprung up last night and has continued all day, which has cleared the fog away, going about 10 knots. We are longitude 107.43. 1 made a duff today.

THURSDAY 12th

Very cloudy, breeze still continues, had to take in the staysail and flying jib, skysail and royals. We are longitude 114 degrees. Steering E.S.E.

FRIDAY 13th

Put up stunsails this morning or rather studding sails, are going 10 knots, we made 270 miles since yesterday and are now S of Australia. She ships seas now, we had one in our cabin, (the door being open), which nearly swamped us, but luckily the water did not reach the beds.

SATURDAY 14th

Not much wind, steering E.S.E. Dancing in the evening. 240 miles.

SUNDAY 15th

Smooth sea but a little more wind made 185 miles today. Steering E. Longitude 130 degrees. The water we have to drink is very bad now the colour of ditch water.

MONDAY 16th

Almost becalmed, Longitude 135 degrees. The men are scraping down the masts and jib boom and holystaining the decks and scrubbing the paint, tarring the rattling etc, to make the ship look smart when she gets into port. It is very warm today.

TUESDAY 17th

A nice day but scarcely any wind. Steering E half N.

WEDNESDAY 18th

A breeze is freshening, and getting more forward, this evening the wind is strong, they reefed skysail and royals also the flying jib staysails.

THURSDAY 19th

Stiff breeze still continues and a cross sea, her jib boom goes under water and the forepart of the ship. This afternoon the wind shifted and they unfurled the sails, we are longitude 146 degrees E Latitude 48 degrees.

FRIDAY 20th

The wind has got more aft and dropped, there is a heavy swell on and she rolls most frightfully, the studding sail boom nearly dips, and we have to be very careful in balancing ourselves. But having described it before and think it not worth while to do it again. Longitude 122.14 Latitude 40.

SATURDAY 21st

A light breeze sprung up, but has got more forward. Longitude 154. We made 133 miles up till 12 today.

SUNDAY 22nd

The breeze has got more aft, we put up stunsails, Longitude 159.11 Latitude 47 degrees. 300 miles from Stewart Island. Saw a lot of porpoises this evening. One of our fellows made a large pudding, It was about 3 feet long took two to bring from galley and lasted 6 of us two days. Saw some whales.

MONDAY 23rd

A nice breeze sprung up and still continues, we expect to sight Stewart Island tomorrow, the wind is shifting to the E. and they have taken down the studding sails.

TUESDAY 24th

Sighted an Island this morning at 8 o'clock it is Stewart Island and we are now about 4 miles from it. It is very mountainous and covered with small scrub, but there is no sign of anything alive with the exception of a few birds. We are becalmed off the Island now.

WEDNESDAY 25th

Still becalmed off the Island this morning. At 4 pm a stiff breeze sprung up but it is a head wind, we are about 24 hours sail from Dunedin but we shall have to keep tacking, and it might take a week, we are now tacked out to sea.

THURSDAY 26th

We tacked again last night at 12 and came within 4 miles of the land, the Middle Island. Saw a Melbourne steamer, and a barque at 4 o'clock this morning, went out to sea again and tacked again at 9 am and sighted land at 12 and went out to sea again at 2 pm. Saw also a vessel but it is a long way off.

FRIDAY 27th

A fair wind but very light, the Pilot came on board this afternoon, and we were towed into Port Chalmers where we anchored and stopped all night.

SATURDAY 28th

The Steamer came for us this morning. We went ashore at Port Chalmers for a few minutes and then steamed off for Dunedin, and went ashore at ½ past 11. To the Red Lion Hotel.