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Mother, Fanny and I left East India docks at 1 o'clock. Willie, Philp, Lizzie and Mrs Oxford came with us to Gravesend. Mrs. Brook, Ellen and Carry came on board at the docks for half an hour. Very bright all day, rain at night.
We received a visit from Emma, I went ashore and bought a few necessary articles. We started for Plymouth about 3 o'clock, rugged by a steamer until 10pm, when our ship cast anchor.
Still anchored off Deal. Miss Hagg, an old Bolham pupil is on board. She is very sick, in bed all day. Fan and Mother rather queer. Wind against the ship. Lovely weather, but no progress.
Rough - ship rolling very much, many of the passengers very sick, Mother and Fan amongst them. On deck all day, ship tacking, hardly any progress. Beginning to make acquaintance with my neighbours. Miss H still very unwell.
Passed Isle of Wight, Portland Point, no service as yet till passed Plymouth. Still tacking.
Still tacking. Miss H. better.
Got into Plymouth this morning at 7am. About 10am I went on land with Mrs. Hernes' son. I called to see Mr. Philp, did some shopping and dined. Walked up to the Citadel.
Left our dear old England. May all our dear friends left behind be blessed, and may we reach our journey's end in safety.
Making about 8 knots an hour. A young married couple two doors off from us have been unwell. Both come from our part Hackney. I think we shall be friendly.
Very stormy all night, making very little progress. Ship rolling very much. Near the Bay of Biscay. Lat. 48.8 Long. 9.11. Knots 20.
Making very little progress, only 90 miles since 12 o'clock yesterday,
We had a divine service today, conducted by Captain Skinner and the-Doctor. In the afternoon we had a nice service in the second cabin, started by a missionary. Today we spoke with a ship homeward bound. Lat.45. Long. 10.22. Distance 88 knots.
We are only making slow progress, 115 knots, since yesterday. Head wind. Still headwind, 125 knots off Cape Finisterre. We had a curious fall today of walnuts, Brazil and hazelnuts from above by a friendly hand. We have Whist every evening. There is some talk of Penny Readings. We have been asked to sing. No doubt we may.
75 Knots, very little progress. How I long to reach our new home. The time seems very heavy.
Lat. 41.38 Long. 18.38.130 Knots. Weather better today. Very rough all night. I was not at all well. We shipped a heavy sea today, all 2"' class. We were sitting on the weather side. Fresh breeze, cooler. No fresh news.
We had a grand rehearsal today ready for Monday. Distance 83 knots. Lat. 40.30. Long. 19.51. Getting very slowly. In the evening we practice for the Sunday service.
Better wind - 120 knots. The passengers seem to be getting on now. We are to have the use of a harmonium tomorrow for our hymns etc. The readings will come off for the first on Monday 11th. The Captain will superintend the arrangements. One of the 2nd cabin passengers seems very agreeable. Miss Blade (her mother is with her), she is very sensible and always seems the same.
Lovely day, service morning and afternoon with singing.
The reading came off well, at 8 we began the entertainment, lasted till about 10 past 10, there was one failure. Fan and I got on pretty well for the first time. After services and etc. we had a dance and walk. Wind pretty fair.
Headwind, very little progress. Out nearly all day. Two cabin quarrels today. Bread question and dinner grievance result. The passengers formed into messes. All very cross and unsettled. Rain and rough towards night.
Distance 70 miles, very hot during the day. Cool and pleasant on the forecastle in the evening. Whist in the evening.
We had a fine dance last night. The moon shining brightly. Partners, Mr Hewitt, Mr Patterson George. Waltz, Polka, 2 Quadrilles. Meeting for readings. We are now formed into messes, ours only consists of Mr and Mrs Blade and ourselves. 26 miles.
160 miles, very hot, water looking like a pond, almost dead calm. I worked on deck at my silk dress, after dinner read, tea, practice for church service for an hour, then a lovely walk on the forecastle with Mr P. Dancing on the quarterdeck. Fan and I did not wish to. Retired about half past ten, the moon very bright, slight breeze springing up. We are making very slow progress. George dressed up as a woman causing great laughter.
We spoke with a ship today. Little breeze. We had service on the poop, singing better, great want of interest in the cabin. There seems nobody willing to form amusement for the voyage. Our committee is broken up, only myself sticking to the cause. Still increasing heat, very little air.
Lat. 26.44 Long. 23.56.131 knots. In the morning busy pie making. We really fare well now. Yesterday we had salmon and mock turtle, Lincolnshire pie, cheese and wine.
24 knots. Yesterday we had a good game at cards with Mr Strawn, Mr Burwl and Pr Paffison. Today we have entered the tropics. We saw many shoals of flying fish. Our ship is lying over a good deal. Rolling very much, several of the passengers sick, we spent the evening as usual on the fire deck. The sea very rough. A most beautiful meteor flashed across, the first I have seen. We spend the days all very much alike. Breakfast at half past eight, prepare dinner, work, read, dinner, read, talk on deck-, tea at 5, on deck till 9. Whist or game of some sort, bed. Flying fish appeared today in large shoals.
Distance 150 knots. Lovely day. Mrs Blackford, a 3rd passenger has been very ill, the Doctor hardly thinks she will last the trip. We called a ship "The Almira” on her outward course. We are now nearing the line, the heat increases but as we have a good breeze we do not find it too hot on deck, but our cabin is oppressive.
A lovely day, we are now going 10 knots, but this morning a calm, so we have not done so much as yesterday, 198 knots. We have not yet been passed by any ship. The awning is now used every day, covering part of the quarterdeck. The Champion runners are on board with us, 3 are going out to compete with the colonials. They exercise every morning for two hours, first walking, then gradually faster and after putting on a great trot, they run hard until perspiration covers them, 1 believe they then take a bath.
A lovely day, this day is a grand scene for the sailors, for the last month they have had payment in advance, which of course they spent before coming aboard. They make a dead horse and drag it round the deck, and throw it overboard. Payment commences again after this day. In the evening we had a good entertainment, consisting of Christy's songs, both sentimental and comic. There were eleven performers. After the singing a collection was made for the sailors (two pounds and seven shillings). This is one of our 2nd class passenger's birthday. So I went to "Stakers Crowd" to tea, as George calls it. Among other wonders I observed a slop basin which article I have not seen here since leaving England. We drank Mrs Staker's health after the concert.
Very fine. Going very slowly, only 70 knots. Practiced as usual.
Service at half past ten, singing improved.
Very dull and rainy. Lat. 8.8. Long. 25.2 64 knots. Wrote letters for Mrs. Carby and Emma. We had a sad quarrel in the 2nd class. Very hot.
Very pleasant on deck, nice breeze, making very little progress, tacking. I feel the heat very much.
This day we spoke with a homeward bound vessel. I wrote to E.S., Mrs. C.E. Mother wrote to Mrs. Wilson, and Fan wrote to Uncle Hughes. The ship was bound for Western Isles from Rio. The ship will arrive at the Western Isles in about a fortnight or 3 weeks and then the letters will get to England about two weeks later. So they may get the letters about the beginning of December. We have been nearly becalmed all day.
We crossed the line today. The morning was passed busily in writing etc. About 2pm the fun began. We first watched the men trying for money in a tub filled with water, they had to fish it out with their mouths, their hands being tied behind. After this “John the Baptist” climbed the greasy pole and obtained a bag of money. He was followed by another. While we were watching we had the hose played over us, then the fun began in real ernest (sic). We scampered, Fanny fell down the accommodation ladder, I got under the wind sail, and all were rushing all ways. This was followed by tarring faces and douching the people with flour and water. The day ended with a concert and farce (Slim Jim), latter very good. Songs rather flat. Walk with D.M. also Mr Carr and Graham.
Lovely day, going well. I hope we might reach our new home before Xmas.
211 knots, going well. Mr Carr lent me "Lewis Arundell". Whist in the evening with Mr Westaway, Miss Blade, Mr Carr and myself. Not quite so warm, very busy day taking stores and clearing cabin. We are greatly troubled with "Gentry" (bedbugs). I get no rest, and really feel the need of sleep very much. Mrs. Blackford's cough very bad. Another 3rd class passenger is also very ill. We are about 250 miles off South America.
Lovely day. Distance about 211 knots.
We have not done so much today. We still have a good wind, we have today done 195 knots, not so much as the last two days. I had a lovely chat with one of the middies last night. He is the grandson of the celebrated singer Braham. He is the last of the family, and has a very good voice for singing and at our concert he sang "The Croaskin Lawn". We have today practised in the cuddy with the first class. We were led by a musical instrument, very clear and good. We are to go in again tomorrow, so our companions hope for something grand on Sunday. The music is a great help and support.
Lat. 19.52. Long. 31.33. 127 knots. God's blessing be on the dear land of my birth, The brightest and fairest green spot on the earth, The hearts of thy children are clinging to thee, In fond recollection - wherever they be. What beauty there is in the blue of the skies, On the tips of the hills that so gracefully rise, In the fields and the meadows and streamlets that glide, The tint of the sunset - the swell of the tide. And thou hast much much wealth in thy noble soul, Who labor all evil to stem and control, Who are willing to die for the weal of the land, And loving, prayerful glorious thou stand. Oh England, God bless thee and make to shine, This fairest of earth with these blessings of thine, And still may thy children wherever they roam, Keep warm 'm their hearts this affection for home.
Lat. 22.6 Long. 31.18. 135 knots. The weather much cooler today, and we may expect it to gradually get cold now. We have just passed Trinidad, we stand just about the same as Henry did two years ago, although we started some days before he did. I hope the remainder of our voyage will be more speedy than that which is passed. Last night there was a disturbance in our 2nd cabin owing to a mischievous joke, played upon Mr Hugelow and Mr Hall. Mr Hugelow was nailed into his cabin, Mr Hall was lashed into his. There was a terrible scrimmage which was reported to the Captain by Mr H. The Captain told them to settle quietly, he could to nothing as it was the passengers. He will come down late tonight and see that we have only our own people down here.
Lat 24.46 Long. 29.38 239 knots. This morning at 4 o'clock a gentleman named Jackson died, poor fellow he came –aboard hoping to get health in a warmer climate. He had no relations onboard, he left all in England and came on a fruitless errand. He is to be buried at sunset this evening. How solemn it seems to commit his body to the deep. May the warning keep us ready. 3pm. The good wind seems to be going down, but it may spring up again. At half past five the funeral took place. All the sailors attended bareheaded and very quiet. Mother, Fan and I stayed up on deck. It seemed so sad for him to have no relations to shed a tear for him. In the evening Mr Picton, a third class passenger, read us a good sermon subject. Whence camest thou, whither art thou going? We had two hymns, and altogether the day passed off quietly, as it should do under such circumstances.
Very fine and warm, hardly doing anything, distance only 90. We went into the cuddy today to practice for Sunday, we got on pretty well. We are to have another on Saturday. There are two people in the third class who are very ill, one is suffering from tumor or cancer. The other is a rapid consumption, poor things, both longing to reach earthly home if only for a short time. Had a long talk with Mr Mason, he improves on acquaintance. His brother Jack reminds me so of Henry, as he walks about in a pea-jacket, hands in his pockets, like in figure only, what our dear boy used to be. I am terribly troubled with toothache at night, but hope when once more on shore to forget all our past troubles.
Lat. 29.50. Long. 26.51. knots 202. The weather is much colder, we must get out some warmer clothes and see if we can keep ourselves warmed.
Very cold, we are now doing well and have only Longitude to make up for now. The waves are grand. I had a game of Whist as usual last night, Mr Carr, Mr Westaway, Miss Blade and myself. This cold weather has affected the people with sore throats. I have had neuralgia very badly. Last night I had a very pleasant chat with Mr M. We, Fan and I, had a walk yesterday and both had a tumble. Mother fell down the ladder and bruised her hands very much. The people fall about in all directions. We shall soon pass the Cape, and then the time will pass over quickly.
Very rough all day. Sadly troubled with face ache all day, no rest last night, through it. I had a game with Mr W, Mr C and Miss B, our side winning. A talk with Mr Carr and a walk with Mr M. and Miss B., later in the evening.
Still doing well. Distance 217 knots. We are fast reducing the Longitude of the Cape. The 1st class have been shooting birds, a wanton sport, as they fall in the sea, struggling perhaps to. linger for hours. Our Singing in the cuddy has come to a close owing to Mr Mayall's want of politeness. We mean to continue our singing down here in the 2nd cabin, independent of the 1st. We had a good walk (Fan and I), but we were stopped rather too soon by some mischievous young lads, who amused themselves by putting a string across the path to overthrow us.
The wind is almost too fair, we are not doing very much. We passed the Island of Tristan da Cunha two days ago. The weather is very cold, ship rolling very much. We have been busy cooking, ready for Sunday, as Saturday is scrubbing day. The people on the quarterdeck amuse themselves by cricket, quoits, jumping and running and get so noisy, there is no quiet all day and very little at night. Mr M made a small bet that we shall arrive at our destination by the 1 8'h of December. We all say next Monday four weeks, this is Friday.
A lovely day, fair wind.
Very rough. The doctor read service in the cuddy, no singing owing to the division. About half past ten, the royal topsail was carried away. A good dinner of pork today. After dinner Miss Blade and I went on the forecastle, we could hardly stand but the sight was most grand, we were going quite 12 knots. The rainbow reflections were so bright. The ship pitching and rolling, seeming as if we could never come right again. We attended Service in the 3rd class at 3 o'clock and heard a good sermon from Mr Picton, tea and service in the 2nd class ended the day.
The Cape is now being rounded, we had a very rough night, hardly anyone sleeping at all. Distance 233 knots, since yesterday. One of the stewards fell down this afternoon, and cut his head badly behind the ear. A goose was stolen by one of the steerage passengers, and put into a pie, by the sweet smell it was detected and the contents taken out, the crust and dish left to be owned, but no one claimed it and so the case stands in a very unpleasant state.
Still a good wind, very rough. We are laying over very much, it is quite a joke to get our meals. I had a very hot cup of tea spill into my lap, which slightly warmed me. The mizzen topsail is now being unfurled. It is with the greatest trouble I have provided for this day's wants. The messes have various names.
This is George's arrangement of the tables. The said George Willets is the oddest character on board. He is working his passage out, his wife and family reside somewhere in the Colonies. He is a monied man 'never carrying coppers' and is in fact a man who carries weight. Knots 240. About 2 o'clock a heavy breeze came on. We shipped heavy seas in our cabin, & great was the confusion, all the evening things and people were going in all directions. We had nothing broken, but had a basin of water over our cabin, and various things robing over.
Still rough, no one got much rest last night. Consequently nearly all sleeping in their cabins, Fan amongst them. We had a dangerous breakfast, our tables being 'athwarts ship', instead of 'fore and aft' (as the sailors term it). I went on deck for about half an hour last evening, while up there the scene was glorious, such heavy seas.
Weather lovely, very cold, very bright, heavy seas. Spent the afternoon on deck. Only 4130 miles to go now. Near Prince Edward Island. 2nd cabin over-flowing with water, people busy baling up water. I have never seen such a glorious sight as I saw tonight. We have no meals in peace. Each one has enough to do to see to their own cup and plate. I can only manage to write by doing so in this curious way. Miss B. took a swim this afternoon, which frightened her and also made her rather damp, otherwise not hurt. 239 knots. We shall have a good log up tomorrow. Some say 15 days more, others 20. Even if we are not there till the 18"' December, we may be happy.
We had a very stormy night, about 3am we shipped three terrific seas, which shook the vessel so much, that she was quite still for some seconds after. Several of the passengers thought we were sinking. Our second cabin was swamped and amid Fan's terror the water rushed into our cabin. My boots swam across the floor and various articles floated. The people rushed out to see as far as they could what the matter was. I looked out from my 'attic' window. The sailors were baling out as fast as they could and the confusion was very great. At length George advised all to retire to their 'virtuous' bunks, and some kind of peace was restored. My machine, I'm glad to say, I had put into my bunk, so it was dry. I have worked it once or twice on board just to keep it right. We took our breakfasts in our cabin. Miss Blade feels rather stiff after yesterdays adventures, otherwise I hope not hurt. I have finished working a mat for mother, as it is her birthday tomorrow. The 1st mate has been suspended for three days owing to an unpleasant affair with the Captain. they have not been on good terms during the voyage and a hasty word from the 1st mate bought matters to a crisis, and the Captain ordered him to his cabin. He has had his meals there and walks up and down the poop, but issues no orders. We practiced singing this afternoon. Whist last evening with Mr Westaway, Mr Carr, Janie and myself.
Mother's 59th birthday. We drank our dear English friend's health in the afternoon. We had a service in the cuddy in the morning and had singing as well the best we have had yet, conducted by Mr Staker. In the afternoon we attended service in the 3rd class and heard a good sermon from Mr Picton. Weather very rough, passed the Crozet Islands yesterday. The sea is very green and constantly washing over the sides of the quarter deck. The weather is a shade warmer today. In the evening we had service in the 2nd cabin. After service I went on deck a little. Mr Cart showed me his album and drank Mother’s health, also Mr Mason. Distance 260 knots.
Not so stormy, rain and rather warmer. 209 knots. Very bad headache, rumours that I have lock-jaw.
We are now going on well. The night has been rough, but all have the wish uppermost in their minds to get their journeys end, so we can put up with our cups rolling into our laps etc. Fanny and I went to the forecastle for a short time, but a squall coming on, we came down a little quicker than we ascended. Whist as usual in the evening. I must not forget to mention that last evening Mr Carr gave us the pleasure of some old English songs, which carried me to the Philps and caused me to make two revokes (we were playing at Whist). He is a very nice man and exceedingly droll. The 1st mate is on duty again, after being set aside fora week. We hope for only one more stocktaking after today, the 1" of December, yesterday we did 246 knows. This morning we are not making such good progress. Still we are hoing for us to spend Christmas day together after having been separated for two long sing years. 1 intend to begin writing letters ready to post on our arrival at Melbourne.
Still very cold, we have been doing well over 200 knots, every day for nearly three weeks. We have had all of the seasons during the last three months. The weather has been bitterly cold during the last three weeks. We had our practice this afternoon ready for Sunday.
Very bad headache all day, lying in Mother's bunk. I had a bottle of soda water which did me good. Distance 283 knots.
Sunday service in the cuddy, in the morning with singing. In the afternoon we attended service in the 3rd class and heard Mr Picton. There was a very unpleasant dispute headed by Mr Staker in the afternoon. The cause was that two or three of the second class passengers objected to Mr Uglo preaching every Sunday evening in our cabin and wished for Mr Picton. Mr Uglo kept his temper in a most wonderful manner. He urged that Mr Picton would not preach down here and also after all that had passed he would conduct no more services while on board. I may add here that during the whole of the voyage, this person has been the subject of petty persecutions in a manner most unworthy of Englishmen. Distance 196 knots. After tea we had a walk on deck, after which we had some singing down here for about an hour, after which we went up on deck.
Very fine day, but very rough night, distance 235 knots. We had a dead reckoning for the last three or four days so possibly we may find that we have done more when the Captain can again properly take the sun.
We are still going well. Distance 280 knots, wind and sea high.
Very strong fair wind, 300 miles. Lat. 43.12. Long. 105.43 Everything has a great desire to roll in a most unpleasant style. The days are not quite so cold. Peoples tempers are improving owing no doubt to the prospect of soon parting to meet no more. The head steward Dixon says we shall arrive at the Heads this day Wednesday week. The smear is in loving remembrance of a tremendous lunch. Bugs are appearing in numbers again. Great scarcity of meat and soup, only Hotch-Potch and Bullie to live on for the remainder of the voyage.
Still doing well. Ship laying over a good deal. In the longitude of Cape Leeuwin (West Australia).
Lovely day, good wind, 27 - knots.
Wind not quite so favourable, 236 knots.
Sunday service in the morning on the poop, or rather in the cuddy. Mutton for dinner, preserved potatoes and pie composed of currants and plums. Afternoon, Mr Picton preached a farewell sermon. In the evening Mr Uglo gave a very nice address. Stayed on deck till 10. Lat. 42.12. Long. 126.26. 177 knots. We are not 860 knots from Cape Otway.
Lat. 41.48. Long. 130.40. 239 knots, Otway 621. All very cheerful at the thought of soon landing.
Lat. 41.19 1,ong. 133.42. Only 135 knots from Otway.
A lovely day, I slept rather late, got up and washed my head then took the stores. We were rather surprised to have a week's provision given us, but of course I did not grumble. I was told what we did not require, we were to give back. Yesterday everybody seemed dull, owing to our want of good wind, tempers decidedly improved. Drawing up the anchor chains, what a welcome sound. I still say the 18th for getting into Melbourne.
A beautiful day, making good progress. In 'the evening we went up onto the forecastle and waited until we saw the OTWAY lights, Fanny went early to bed and so missed a sight never to be forgotten, everyone straining their eyes in expectation of seeing a tiny light which had been reported by the man aloft. Many were out in the bowsprit. the ship rose bravely over the waves, as she went down, at last we saw a glimmer, such shouts, such joyful hurrahs I never heard before. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and sailors all assembled tightly packed. We stayed until we saw the outline of the land and at twelve went to our cabins. I only took down my hair and laid down intending to get up at daybreak.
Mother and I went on deck about 5 o'clock am and stayed until nearly 6. Mother then laid down and had a sleep. I made a bonnet, had breakfast. We expect to see the heads about 10 or 11. We entered the bay by 7 o'clock, boats were coming fast, the Medical Officer came on first in the afternoon from Queenscliff, and how anxiously we watched each boat for our dear boy's face. We had nearly given him up, when about 1/28 after watching one little boat as far as we could see it, he climbed up the side and was once more with us. We stayed up late talking. Henry slept on board. The following day, the 18th , a steamer tugged us into Sandridge Pier, from which we came by rail to Richmond and in our present comfort forget the past and only remember our Heavenly Father's great mercies.
Harriett Margaretta Rendall married Albert Hastings Amoore (teacher) in Ballarat in 1871 - she was 24 years old. According to her death certificate they had nine children (six sons and three daughters), the eldest being Henry Hastings Amoore, the father of Reginald Henry and Albert Harvey Amoore. Harriett died on 29 October 1919 at 100 St Leonards Road, Ascot Vale, City of Essendon, County of Bourke, aged 70 years. She was buried on 30 October 1919 in the New Melbourne General Cemetery.
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