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Journal of a Voyage to

New Zealand [on the Katherine Stewart Forbes]

[By Doctor  LUBATH.]

Embarked at Gravesend on board the Katherine Stewart Forbes, Friday 

17th October 1851. Inspected by the government officer the next day and the ship pronounced ready for sea 

18th Captain came on board on the afternoon of Saturday. Weighed anchor at about ½ past 5 on Sunday morning and proceeded, with light breeze, down the river. Went along very quietly as far as the North Foreland, when we were obliged to anchor, the wind being contrary.

19th Dropped down anchor at ½ past 1pm about a mile astern of the “William Hyde”, which ship left Gravesend at the same time and also bound for New Zealand. The Captain and Chaplain came on board in the afternoon to exchange civilities with our Captain.

Up anchor at 10am on the 20th and proceeded to beat through the Gull Stream into the Downs, where we again came to anchor, and landed our Pilot. 

Weighed anchor at 5 am on the morning of the 21st. Came on deck and found we were gliding through the water very comfortably. Some of the passengers began to feel queer. Got as far as Beachy Head. 

22nd.  Light wind, fine day. Reached as far as St. Katherine’s Point, Isle of Wight.

23rd.  Fine weather, light wind. Run along the coast of Dorset shore, passed the Bell of Portland at about ½ 11am and

 Torbay at 5pm. Fine night, strong breeze.

24th.  Wind E.S.E. delightful weather.

Boarded by a Plymouth fisherman who sold us some fish and took our letters, the last in all probability we shall send for some time. Passed the Lizard. All assembled to take the last look at Old England

25th.  Wind E.S.E.  Passed a brig standing to the Northward.

26th Sunday.  Fine day,  with strong breeze from the South East. Very small muster for dinner today, the majority of the

 passengers casting up their accounts.

Lat.46º 14 N   Long 10º 41W.

27th.Beautiful warm day, wind continued from the S.E. Saw a great many Porpoises. Endeavored to shoot them but did not succeed.

28th. Very wet and strong wind from E.S.E. running across the Bay of Biscay. Passed a Prussian Brig rolling heavily.

29th. Fine, warm morning, sea smooth as glass. Breeze sprung up in the afternoon and very wet.

30th Fine wind all day, but showery.

Lat.38º 31    Long.14º 51W.

31st. Splendid weather, fine breeze from the S.E. Brig in sight, showing Dutch colors.

1st Nov. Beautiful weather. Sighted Porto Santo and spoke the Dutch ship “Catherine”, 13 days from Liverpool bound to Rio Janeiro. All Well.
Lat.33
º 41N    Long 16º  49 W.

Passed Madeira in the night.

2nd. Sunday. Fine weather, good breeze. 

Lat.32º N.   Long.17º  49W. Divine  Service performed twice this day by the Captain.

3rd Fine wind from S.E. Spoke the Brig “Tartur” From London bound to Buenos Ayres. All well.

4th Fine, wind variable, afternoon almost a calm. Danced on deck in the evening.

5th  Fine, light wind. Thermometer  at breakfast 77.

Noon Lat.26º    45N.   Long.20ºW.

Spoke a Portuguese Barque 12 days out from Sparta, bound  to Rio Janeiro, 74 passengers on board. A boat came from the Barque when we rated his Chronometer the same having run down 7 days before. Two of the passengers came on board and brought some grapes, we in return giving them Cigars and tobacco.

On our Captain’s birthday, he invited us all to dinner. Spent a very pleasant afternoon and finished up the evening with dancing and other amusements.

6th. Wind S.S.W.

 Lat 26º 44    Long.19º  52 west.

7th Fine. Nothing worth noting this day.

8th. Light wind from S.W. Cloudy.

9th Sunday. Saw a whale rise, several tons, quite close to the ship. The last three days we have made little progress.

Thermometer at breakfast 77º in the Saloon. 

10th. Very dull day. Our Weekly Paper made its first appearance this morning, called “Punch on the Atlantic.”

11th. Entered into the Tropic of Cancer. Very warm day but fine breeze.

12th. Very warm. Light wind from the east. Saw a great many flying fish.

13th. Passed a Brig showing Dutch Colors.

Lat.18º  50 N.   Long.24º 46 W.

14th. Sighted the island of St. Antonio, one of the Great Verdi groups.
Wind E.S.E. Several vessels in sight.
Lat.17º  20 N.    Long.24º  24W.
Spoke the American ship “Pioneer” 22 days out from Newport, bound to Ceylon.
We tried to get into St. Antonio, to procure fruit and vegetables, but becalmed about 5 miles from the land, the appearance of which was very grand, the mountains rising several thousand feet almost perpendicular out of the sea presenting a very rugged face. Temperature 85º in the shade.
 
15th.  Fine breeze this morning from the S.E.
Signaled the French barque “Adela” standing northward.
Calm again in the afternoon, breeze sprung up in the night.

16th. And in the morning we sighted the islands of Hugo and Bravo. Ran close into the island of Bravo within 2 miles of the land, we wishing to procure some fruit, but here too we were disappointed not a house being visible. The island presented much the same appearance as St. Antonio, they being all volcanic formation. We saw 3 blacks in a boat, spearing fish, but they would not come on board.

 Here we remained becalmed fro 3 or 4 hours and amused ourselves by fishing for sharks, several of them being quite close to the ship, but did not succeed in hooking one. We got the wind in the evening and steered on our course, the Captain not being willing to waste any more time.

17th. Splendid weather. Strong breeze, from the S.E. 
 
18th. Fine day. Wind E.by N.
Lat.10º  22    Long.23º 6W.  
19th. Very warm. Not much wind.
 In the afternoon almost calm.  
 
20th. Fine morning, light wind.
Spoke a French barque, from the coast of Africa, bound for Bordeaux. Asked her to report us, which she promised to do.
4pm. Looked rather squally. Took in Studding sails and Royals and made preparation for a storm, which came on about 6. Rain came down in a perfect deluge, accompanied with a great deal of thunder and lightening. Squally, but not much sea.
The decks in the evening presented a curious appearance, passengers, trousers tucked up, without either shoes or stockings, running here and there to catch the rain water to wash with. The night was dark as pitch, excepting when lighted up by the vivid glare of the lightening. The rain continued to fall during the night.

21st. Fine morning, light wind.

Lat.5º  55N.    Long. 21º 26W.

Noon: Squally with heavy rain. Cleared up again in the afternoon. In the evening squally, with heavy rain throughout the night.

22nd. Very hot day. Wind contrary. Tacked to the eastward but made very little progress.

10pm. Heavy squall with tremendous storm of rain which lasted ‘til midnight

23rd. Sunday, fine day with strong breeze from S.E. A rolling sea, which made several of the passengers feel rather uncomfortable. Divine Service performed as usual in the morning, but not in the evening, the Captain fearing a squall.

24th. Fine. Strong wind from the S.E. Commenced a French class.

Lat.3º  41N.  Long.22º  41W.

25th. Fine weather. Steady breeze from S.E. Made all sail.

Lat.2º  33N.  Long.25º  13W. Spoke a Brig and exchanged Longitudes.

26th. Very warm Thermometer at breakfast 83º. Noon this day 56 miles north of the Equator.

Long. 25º 31W. Wind S.S.E. Steady breeze.

27th. Crossed the Line this morning, ¼ past 7. Light Trade winds.

Noon Lat.2 º  21S  Long.36º  52W. Mr. JACKSON held his birthday this day, each of the Cabin passengers celebrating one in turn 

28th. Steady wind from S.E. Noon Lat.2º  25S.  Long.27º  42W. Thermometer at noon 85º

29th. Fine. Schooner in sight. Nothing worth noting.

Lat.4º  57S.   Long.28º  52W.

30th. Sunday. Delightful weather. Passed on American Whaler.

Lat.7º  10S.  Long.30º  10W.

1st. December. Wind E.S.E. Steady Trade wind. Thermometer at breakfast 83º

Noon Lat.9º  52S.  Long.30º  34W.

2nd. Fine weather, easterly wind. Lat.12º  17S.   Long.30º  14W.

Midnight: Light wind E.N.E. Cloudy.

3rd. Wind N.E. Passed 2 Barque steering same course. Lat.14º 10S.  Long.43º  13W.

McDONALD’s birthday passed off exceedingly well. Altogether the best one we have had yet.

4th. Steady, westerly wind. Cloudy. Noon Lat.15º  13S.   Long.27º  51W.

Afternoon: Heavy rain. Midnight: Variable winds with thick weather.

5th. Fine weather. Lat.16º  11S.  Long.26º  27W.

6th. Wind east. Splendid weather. Noon Lat.15º  42S.  Long.25º  27W.

7th. Very wet, miserable day. Confined to Cabin all day. Divine Service performed in Cabin, assisted as usual, by the Doctor.

Noon Lat.17º  36S.  Long.26º  6W.

In the evening squally, with heavy rain through the night.

8th. Wind E.S.E. with heavy head sea.

Lat.21º  15S.  Long.25º   7W. 

9th. Steady breeze from the east. Fine weather.

Lat.22º  16S.  Long.24º  51W.

10th. Steady breeze E.N.E. Hazy weather.

Lat.25º  7S.  Long.24º  46W.

11th. Moderate breeze. Made all sail.

Lat.25º  39S.  Long.23º  27W.

12th. Light breeze E.S.E. Cloudy.

Lat.26º  1S.  Long.22º  46W.

13th. Steady breeze from the N.E. Clear weather. Passenger’s boxes had up on deck.

Noon Lat.27º  10S.  Long.21º  57W.

Heavy rain in the evening.

14th. Sunday. Another wretched wet day. Continued the whole day. Divine Service performed in Cabin by Doctor.

Lat.27º  52S.  Long.20º  53W.

15th. Tacked to eastward. Moderate breeze. Heavy rain.

Noon Lat.27º  63S.  Long.20º  53W. 4pm. Tacked to the southward.

16th. Wind S.S.E. 8am. Tacked to the eastward. Noon: Tacked to the southward.

Lat.27º  49S.  Long.21º  19W.  

17th. Wind E. Course S.S.E. Light airs and cloudy weather.

Lat.29º 20S.  Long.21º 13W.

6pm. Heavy squall with rain. In all Studdingsails, Royal and Top Gallants. At 7 tacked to the westward.

19th. Wind S.E. Course S.S.W. Weather more moderate. Set Top Gallant sails. Noon: fresh breeze, clear weather.

Lat.30º  28S.  Long.21º 13W. 4pm. Wind E.S.E. Course south.

Midnight: Steady breeze, clear weather.

20th. Fine day, strong breeze E.S.E. Weather getting much colder. Thermometer this morning 65º. Saw several albatrosses flying close to the ship but could not succeed in hooking one.

Lat.32º  25S.  Long.21º  6W.

5pm. Wind east, course S.S.E. Moderate breeze, gloomy weather.

21st. Sunday. Strong breeze E.N.E. Course S.E. by S.

Saw several whales spouting but they did not come near us. Weather getting much cooler. Put on great coat. “tho we complain of the cold, it is as warm now as it usually is at summer at home, glass standing 66º and 68º all day.

Divine Service performed in Cabin by Doctor LUBATH.

Noon Lat.34º 9S.  Long.20º  12W.

We are now in the same latitude as the Cape of Good Hope.

22nd. Beautiful fresh morning. Thermometer 8am. 65º.

 Strong breeze N.N.E. Course E.S.E.

Noon Lat.31º  22S.  Long.16º  31W.

Evening: Fresh, steady breeze. Cloudy weather. Set all possible sail.

23rd. Splendid weather. Strong breeze from the N.E. Course E.S.E.

8am. Sighted a full rigged ship, steering S.E. by E.

The last 2 days we have been getting on gloriously, an improvement very much needed as we had made but little progress the week previous.

Noon Lat.35º 50S.   Long.12º  52W.

Passed a full rigged Brig at 4pm. Steering the same course. Evening squall with rain.

24th. Very wet day. Moderate breeze from the north. Course E.S.E.

Noon Lat.37º  6S.  Long.9º  30W. 2pm. Wind shifted to the S.E. In all Studding sails. Light, variable winds.

25th. Xmas day. Splendid weather. Wind North. Course S.E. by E. Light wind.

Lat.36º  17S.  Long.6º  11W.

In the afternoon the passengers formed themselves into small parties to drink etc. but I, fearing some disturbance would take place, did not join in either. Things went on pleasantly enough until about 10 at night, when one of the passengers, having taken a little too much wine, commenced quarrelling with the Captain because he had promised to take wine with them had failed to do so. After a good deal of abuse, the Captain went on the Poop deck to take the Watch, the 1st Mate being confined to his berth with a bad arm. Mr. W. immediately followed and recommenced the quarrel. After a few minutes they were scuffling together when Mr. W. knocked the Captain down. The Captain immediately rose and seized a chair with which he knocked his opponent down, with a blow on the head, at the same time calling loudly for the Watch. By this time, several of the passengers had assembled and got between them to prevent further violence. The Captain immediately ordered him to be seized and confined to his Cabin, which was accordingly done. I was then engaged in addressing the Captain’s leg which had been injured by his falling on the corner of the Hen Coop, when struck on the Poop, and afterwards in attending to the arm of Mr. W. which was also slightly grazed, when he suddenly made a rush out of the Cabin and struck him over the forehead with a life preserver, which brought him on his knees. He was then taken back to his Cabin and the straight waistcoat put on, after which his head was dressed, the Cabin door locked and a Watch put at his door. The Captain after ordered the ship’s course to be altered, having made up his mind to take him to the Cape of Good Hope and have the case tried there.

26th. Very wet all day.  Passengers very seedy.

Wind North. Course E. by N.  Strong breeze. Lat.35º  49S.  Long.3º  11W.

Captain confined to his Cabin with his leg. Mr. W. also quite quiet today. He is now entirely under my charge.

27th. Strong, steady breeze, gloomy weather.

Lat.34º  34S.  Long. 9E.

28th. Wind in W. Steady breeze, cloudy weather.
Lat.34
º 9S.  Long.2º  54E.

The Straight waistcoat removed today at my request and handcuffs substituted, which, after remaining on a few hours, were also removed on my interceding with the Captain, he being now perfectly quiet.

29th. Wind variable.

Lat.34º  21S.  Long.4º 40E.

30th. Wind N.W. course E.S.E. Light steady breeze.

Lat 40º  20S.  Long.6º 31E.

31st. Wind N.N.W. noon Lat. 34  5S.  Long. 8  30E.

3pm heavy squall from Southward split the fore and main topsail. Unbent and bent new ones.

1st January 1852

1st. Wind S.S.W. course S.E. by E. Strong breeze, heavy swell.

Lat.34º 50S.  Long.11º 33 E.

Midnight: Squall with heavy rain.

2nd. Variable wind, cloudy weather.

Lat.34º 14S.   Long.14º  14E.

2pm. Bent chains and got the Anchor over the bows.

3rd. Wind S. Light wind and clear weather.

Lat.33º  52S.  Long. 16º  33E.

4th. Sunday. Sighted the Table Mountains of the Cape.

At ½ past 8 came to anchor about 2 miles from the shore. The appearance is very beautiful being almost surrounded by Mountains which rise about a thousand feet behind the town. The Lion Rock is a remarkable object, so called from its resemblance to a Lion couchant.

5th. The appearance of the town with the sun shining on the white houses is very pretty.
Before the anchor was dropped we were inspected by the officer of health and upon my report of all well, were immediately passed, a flag being hoisted at the main to signify that boats might come off to us. In a very short time we were surrounded with them and in which Natives brought fruit, vegetables, bread, meat, fish etc etc.

6th. Immediately after breakfast we landed to inspect the town, the appearance of which with its long straight streets and white houses has a very clean and pleasing appearance. None of the houses appear more than two storeys high. About one half the population are English and Dutch, the remainder of every imaginable shade of color and cast of feature, which presents a very remarkable appearance. We were not a little surprised to see the Police with his white Trousers and Blue coats, precisely the same as in London. They are in fact the same, being volunteers from the different divisions. In the afternoon we took a walk in the Government Gardens, which consists of a long Avenue of trees about a mile and a half in extent, and forming a very nice shady promenade. Here, also, is the Governor’s House and opposite is the Botanical Gardens possessing a fine collection of Tropical plants. After wandering about until we were tired, we returned to our Hotel to tea.

8pm I went on board for the night.

7th. Splendid weather. Amused ourselves fishing for Caw-fish of which we caught a great many. The taste is not unlike lobster. Three of the Crew   refused to work in consequence of not being allowed to go on Shore. They were taken before a Magistrate and two of them committed for 6 weeks. The other, on the plea of ill health, was remanded until next day with the option of returning to his duty. He returned the next morning. I examined him and found his heart diseased. I therefore advised the Captain to Land him, and through the interest of some friends I had formed at the Cape, procured his admission to the Hospital.

8th. Shipped five fresh hands.

About 3pm we found the ship was drifting. Let go some more chain, but as she still continued to drift, let go the other Anchor and hove upon the first Chain, when we   found both flukes had parted from the Stock.

9th. The glass stood higher today than any day since we left England, being in the sun 125* and in the shade 98*

At noon shipped a new Anchor and made ready for sea. At 6pm weighed Anchor and proceeded to sea with strong, westerly swell.

Wind  S.E.  Course N.N.W.

10th. 4am tacked to Eastward, at 8 tacked again Westward. Breeze increased in the Top Gallants and one reef in the Topsails.

8pm. Tacked to the eastward.

11th. Sunday.

4am. Split 4 Main Topsails and Mainsail. Wore ship to westward and bent new Fore Topsail set with a double reef.

Lat.33º 47S.   Long.17º  21E.

8pm. Tacked to eastward. No Service performed this day.

12th. Wind S.S.W. Course W. by S. Weather more moderate.

Set Jib and Mizzen. 8am. Set Top Gallants and bent a new Mainsail.

Lat.33º 26S.  Long. Not given.

13th. Wind S.S.W. Course W. by S. Moderate weather.
Set all sail. Bent a new Foresail.

Lat.34º 40S.  Long.15º  30W.

8pm. Calm, cloudy weather. 

14th. Wind W.N.W. Course S.S.E.

4am. In Royal and Flying Jib. 6am. In Gaff and Topsails. 10am. In Top Gallant. Blowing strong.

Noon Lat.35º  39S.  Long.16º  27E.

Shipping a great many seas. 8pm. Reefed Fore and Main Topsails.

15th. Wind west. Course S.S.E. Squally weather.

Lat.33º  23S.  Long.19º  43E.

Afternoon: Strong wind from N.W. Fine clear weather.

16th. Wind N.W. Heavy cross seas.

Noon: Barque in sight showing British colors.

Lat.38º  33S.  Long.22º  26E.

Afternoon: Strong breeze and showery.

17th. Wind N.W. Course S.E. by S. Steady breeze and showery.

Noon Lat. 39º  30S.  Long.  25º 20E.

Afternoon: Very heavy rain.

18th. Sunday. Wind S. Course E.S.E. Fine day, steady breeze. Set all sail.

Lat.39º  42S.  Long.28º  5E.

In the afternoon heavy, strong swells.

19th.Wind N.N.W. Strong breeze with heavy rain.

Lat.40º  29S.  Long.31º  11E.

Heavy westerly swell. Shipped several seas, which afforded a good deal of amusement.

20th. Wind W. by S. Course S.E. by E. Breeze decreasing. Dark, heavy weather.

Lat.40º  55S.   Long.35º  6E.

We are now getting into colder weather. The last three days temperature 58*.

21st.  Wind N.N.E. Steady breeze, clear weather.

Lat.41º  32S.  Long.37º  45E.

22nd. Variable wind. Caught an Albatross this morning with a hook and line, the first we have taken. Measured from tip to tip 10 feet 6 inches across.

Lat.42º  4S.  Long.41º 26E.

Midnight: Light winds and variable.

23rd. Light wind and hazy weather.

Lat.43º  20S.  Long.43º  12E.

Afternoon: Wind N. Course S.S.E. Steady, moderate breeze. Heavy swell from westward.

24th. Wind W. moderate breeze, very cold, but fine.

Lat.45º  4.S.   Long.47º  11E.

Afternoon fine weather.

25th. Sunday.

Strong breeze, cloudy weather.

Lat.46º  40S.  Long.49º  53E.

Afternoon heavy head sea. Divine Service performed by self. 8pm. Breeze increased. Double reefed Topsails. Brisk gale, heavy rain.

26th.  Weather more moderate. Made sail.

Noon Lat.46º  23S.  Long.50º  15E.

Passed the  Isles of which we had a good view passing quite close. Breeze increasing. Dark, cloudy weather. Had some fine sport today hooking Albatross, of which we caught several. 

27th. Moderate breeze, clear weather. Wind W. by S.

Lat.45º  4S.  Long.52º  4E.

Breeze decreasing. Cloudy weather 

28th. Light breeze. Set all sails. Noon much rain..

Lat??     Long???

Afternoon: brisk, steady breeze, gloomy. 8pm. Showers of hail and sleet, very cold 

29th. Steady breeze from the N.W. Showery.

Lat.46º  2S.  Long.61º  11E.

6pm. More hail and sleet. If this is a specimen of summer in this part of the globe, I should not be very anxious to remain in the winter.

30th. Squally with heavy showers of sleet.

Lat.46º  18S.  Long.66º  54E.

Strong breeze N.N.W. and strong, westerly swell.

31st. Steady, moderate breeze. S.W. Showery.

Lat.46º  2S.  Long.71º  1E.

Evening squally. In Royals, Foretop Gallants and Gaff Topsails.

1st. [February] Brisk, steady wind. S.S.W.

Lat.46º  4S.  Long.75º  43E.

Brisk, steady breeze. Set all sail. Evening: Showery.

2nd. Variable wind and dense fog

Lat.44º  6S.  Long.75º  38E.

Afternoon: Moderate breeze and fine rain. Midnight: Dense fog.

3rd. Gloomy. Thick fog.

Lat.46º  8S.  Long.82º  16E.

Afternoon: Showery. Evening: Stiff breeze and thick foggy weather.

4th. Moderate breeze. Hazy.

Noon Lat.46º  52S.  Long.87º  24E.

Afternoon: Breeze increased, steady rain. Midnight: Strong breeze with rain. In all Studdingsails.

5th. 4am. Strong breeze. In Royal and Top Gallants. One reef in Topsails.

Lat.46º  56S.  Long.92º  1E.

3pm. Steady, moderate breeze and hazy.

6th. Wind W.N.W. Gloomy weather.

Noon Lat.46º  50S.  Long.96º  53E.

Moderate breeze.

7th. Lat.46º  57S.  Long.100º  14E.

Moderate breeze. Wind W.by N. Course E.by S.

8th. Sunday.

Light breeze, steady rain.

Lat 46º  28S.  Long.103º  1E.

3pm. Light breeze, steady rain. Wind W by N. Divine Service performed this day by Doctor.

9th. W.N.W. Moderate, steady breeze.

Lat.46º  34S.  Long.106º  50E.

5pm. Steady breeze and cloudy.

10th. Wind west. Course E. by S.

Lat.46º  36S.  Long.111º  8E.

3pm. Moderate breeze, steady rain.

11th. Wind variable. Gloomy weather. Becalmed.

Lat.46º  30S.  Long.114º  14E.

Several large birds were taken this day.

12th. Wind variable.

Noon Lat.46º  17S.  Long.116º  38E.

3pm. Light, variable wind. Dark, gloomy weather. Midnight: Light wind and cloudy.

13th. Course N. by E.

Lat.46º  5S.  Long.118º  18E.

Light wind and cloudy.

14th. Wind variable. Course E. by S.

8am. Light air inkling to Cabin.

Lat.45º 45S.  Long.120º  42E.

Wind N. Course E.by S. Light breeze, dark, cloudy weather. 8pm. Breeze increasing, fine rain. Midnight: In all Studding Sails.

16th. 4am. One reef in Topsail. 10am. Calm, with heavy cross sea.

Shipped a great many seas, which kept the deck clear of passengers.

Noon Lat.46º  4S.  Long.125º  8E.

Wind S.E. Course E.N.E.

3pm. Squally. 8pm. Squally, with threatening appearance. In Jib and Mizzen.

Midnight: Strong gale with heavy cross sea. Double reefed the Topsail and  stowed the Mainsail. The ship’s roll prevented us from sleeping.

 

17th. 4am. Squalls heavy and frequent. Winds S. Course E. 8am. Squalls less frequent. Set the Mainsail and Mizzen double reefed.

Lat.46º  19S.  Long.129º  5E.

About 8pm. Shipped a heavy sea which went down the After Hatch and washed out the Cabins of some of passengers, obliging them to take refuge with their neighbors for the night.

Midnight: Strong gale with very heavy cross seas. Pumps attended.  

18th. Wind W.S.W. Course E.

4am. Squalls less frequent. 8am. Strong, steady breeze. One reef out of Topsails.

Lat.46º  33S.  Long.133º  42E.

3pm. Strong, steady breeze  with passing showers. Set Top Gallants. 8pm. Out all reefs.  

19th. Wind W. Course E by N.

8am. Steady breeze, dark, gloomy weather.

One of the sailors harpooned a porpoise in the night. Measured from tip to tip 6 feet. The blubber was stripped off and will, when boiled, produce about 3 gallons of oil. The flesh was cooked and eaten by the sailors.

Lat.46º  49S.  Long.137º  22E.

Wind W.N.W. Course E. by N.

Moderate, steady breeze. Midnight: Steady breeze, passing showers.  

20th. Moderate breeze. Cloudy.

Lat.46º  59S.  Long. 141º  22E.

3pm. Dark, heavy weather.

21st. Wind W. Course E n E.

 Moderate, steady breeze and hazy.

Lat.46º  38S.  Long.145º  29E.

Afternoon almost calm. 8pm. Showers. Dead calm.  

22nd.Sunday.

Calm, and showery. Temperature much warmer. Wind N.E. 8am. Tacked to northward.

Lat.46º  10S.  Long.145º  51E.

3pm. Moderate breeze. Hazy. Tacked to eastward. Set all sail. Increasing breeze with dense fog. In Top Gallants and Gaff Topsail. Midnight: Strong breeze with much lightening.  

23rd. Steady wind from N.W.   Made sail.

Noon Lat.46º 17S.  Long.149º  33E.

3pm. Strong breeze. Dark, cloudy weather. Midnight: Steady wind and hazy.  

24th. 8am. Decreasing breeze.

Noon Lat.44º  47S  Long.153º  8E.

3pm. Wind S.W. Course S.E. by N.

Light breeze and hazy.

25th.4am. Calm and clear. 6am. Wind variable. 8am. Light, variable.

Noon Lat.44º  14S.  Long.154º  42E.   

8pm. Increasing breeze in Top Gallant sail and one reef in Topsails. Midnight: Heavy squalls. Threatening appearance. Double reefed Topsails. In Jib, Mizzen and Mainsail.

26th. 4am. Squalls less frequent.

8am. Wind S.W. Course N.N.E. Heavy rain. Out of reefs and made all sail.

Noon Lat.43º  52S.  Long.158º  21E.

3pm. Strong, steady breeze from S.W.

Set port Studdingsails. Passed the American Whaler “Robin Hood” standing N.E. The first ship we have seen for six weeks.

8pm. Moderate, steady breeze, fine weather. 

27th. Wind S.W. Course N.N.E. Decreasing breeze, fine weather.

Noon Lat. 42º 8S.  Long.160º  32E.

3pm. Light wind, dark, cloudy weather. Wind variable. Course N.N.E. Calm. Midnight: Calm and clear.       

28th.   Wind N.E.

8am. Light, steady breeze. Set all sail.

Noon Lat.42º  15S.  Long.160º  41E.

3pm. Steady breeze and cloudy. Wind N.N.W. Course N.E. 8pm. Strong breeze and cloudy. Frequent squalling. In Top Gallants, reef in Topsails.

29th. [Leap year!] Sunday.

2am. Wind S.S.W. Course N.N.E. Squally and heavy rain with much thunder and lightening. 4am. Squalls less frequent. 8am. Out reef. Set Studdingsails on both sides.

Noon. Lat.40º  56S.  Long.164º  12E.

Divine Service performed by the Doctor.3pm. Wind S.S.W. Course N. by E. Moderate breeze, fine weather.

Midnight: Steady breeze and cloudy. 

1st [March.] Wind west. Steady wind and cloudy.

Noon Lat.38º  26S.  Long.166º  28E.

Hands employed in putting the rigging in order and cleaning the ship, ready for going into port. 3pm. Wind S.W. Course N.E.

4pm. Squally. Midnight: Wind S.S.W. by N. by E. Strong breeze and squally. 

2nd.  Wind S.S.W. Fine weather, steady breeze.

Noon Lat.35º  38S.  Long.168º  25E.

The last 24 hours is the best day we have done in the voyage, having run 249 Knots. 3pm. Wind E. Course N.N.E. Moderate breeze and cloudy. Midnight: Light winds, not cloudy.

3rd. Wind S.E. Course N.E. 

Lat.34º  15S.  Long.170º  36E. Light breeze and cloudy.

Midnight: Tacked to the Southward.

4th. 4am. Tacked to the East.

8am. Tacked to the Southward. 10am.Light, steady breeze. Strong, southerly swell.

Lat.33º  36S.  Long.171º  11E.

3pm. Wind E.S.E. Course N. by W. Brisk, steady breeze and gloomy. 6pm. Tacked to N.E. 8pm. Breeze increased in the Top Gallants, Gaff Topsails. Midnight: Breeze increased. 1am. Reef in Topsails.  

5th. 8am.Tacked to the Northward. Fresh breeze and gloomy.

Noon: Wind E. Course N.E.

Breeze increasing. Double reefed the Topsails and furled the courses.

Noon Lat.33º  58S.  Long.171º  43E.

3pm. Strong gale with heavy sea running. 8pm. Blew a hard gale. Close reefed the Fore Topsails and while close reefing the Main jib GLADDEN fell from the Yard Arm, overboard. Threw over Lifebuoy and hen coop, but impossible to lower a boat from the heavy sea running.

The men, with the exception of 3 or 4, refused to go aloft to finish reefing the Topsail, so that the Captain, 1st and 2nd Mate  with the Carpenter and Steward, had to go aloft and furl it, which after some difficulty they succeeded in doing. The storm now raged fearfully. Part of the quarter galley was washed away and the Poop Cabins deluged with water. The hatches were battened down and the pumps attended.

Strong gale with a very heavy cross sea.  

6th. 8am. Wore ship to the eastward. Ship laboring heavily. Pumps carefully attended.

Lat.33º  15S.  Long.171º  56E.

3pm. Wind N.W. Course E.S.E.

Strong gale with heavy counter sea. Ship laboring much. 6pm. Set the Main Topsail close reefed. Up to this time the only sails we had on the ship being Fore Topsail, close reefed and the Main Trysail. 4pm. Gale inclined to moderate. Still a tremendous sea running. 6pm. Shipped a very heavy sea which stoved in part of the bulwarks, tore away the Pin Rail and snapped one of the stauchins.

The Poop Cabins were deluged with water.  

7th. Sunday.

4am. Set the Foresail and Mizzen. Wind N.N.W. Course S.S.E. 6am. Weather more moderate. 8am. Set Top Gallants and made all sail. Sea going down rapidly.

Noon: Wind N.W. Course S.S.E.

Saw Cape [to] South about 30 miles distant.

Lat.34º  31S.  Long.174º  4E.

8pm. Passed Cape Brett about 4 leagues distant. Midnight: Light breeze and clear.   

8th. Noon: Passed the Little Barrier. 3pm. Tacked to the Northward. 6pm. Tacked to the Southward. 10pm. Tacked again to the North and so we continued tacking every hour throughout the night.

9th. 8am. Within 10 miles of Auckland. Wind dead against us.

Took a Pilot on board and, after tacking about all day, dropped anchor within ½ mile of the shore 6pm.

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Distance run from the Downs as shown by the Log Book  

Top the Cape of Good Hope                             9022 Miles

From Cape to Auckland                                    8150 Miles            Total   17172 Miles

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