1848

1848 May – Diary

Wednesday 1st May 1848

A very fine sunshiny day, but a cold wind blowing, and the dust flying about. Grace and I took a walk by “Canada” at the back of St. Johns, and home by the beach. We walked once down Union St and met Dering of the 99th, whom I knew in Australia. Mrs Fitzwilliams dined with us. We heard today that the Queen was to leave Osborne tomorrow at 11 o’clock and embark on board the “Fairy.” We therefore were determined to get another peep of her Majesty, so we ordered a carriage to be at our above at ½ past 9. I mentioned yesterday that the Queen was late for Church, not coming in till the Psalms were being read. It ought to be stated that after the Service she sent one of her Maids of Honor, to apologise to the Clergyman (Mr Prothure?) for it, saying that “it was not her’s but Prince Albert’s fault, that he had received foreign letters, and was determined to read them first, and that she had been ready and waiting for him”. This no doubt was the reason which had put her in such rage in entering the Church, I mean her pushing the curtains so violently from her.

Tuesday 2nd May 1848

Started out at ½ past 9 for East Cowls, the Coachman driving at a furious rate in order to be in time to sea the Imbarkation of Her Majesty and Suite. The Country looked lovely, and the day was beautifully clear and sun shiny, which made us regret our determination to leave the Island tomorrow and that the trees and the shrubs were all coming out in full leaf and luxuriance, as we passed Wootton Bridge, we were fortunate to see the water in, the tide being just at its height. We reached East Cowes in an hour, and found that there was not much necessity for hurrying as the Queen did not leave till 2 o’clock. We did not find this out, however, till after we had engaged a boat and were quietly being rowed round and round H.M.S. “Fairy.” On learning the true time, Grace wished to have taken a row up the Medina River as far as Whippingham Church and then and have taken a sketch, but fearing that we might miss the Queen, I thought it best to be landed at West Cowes, and pay a visit to our friend, Lady Cosway: – we saw her, Nina and Halliday, the other two we did not, after taking lunch, the two latter accompanied us in our boat and were rowed alongside the “Fairy,” where we awaited in breathless state of anxiety the appearance of her Majesty. There were a few number of people in boats, and on the shore:- in about ¼ an hour, we saw the servants and the baggage arrive, and then her Majesty and Prince Albert and the Maids of Honour sealed in the charabanc: there was also a very handsome Chariot, and a well appointed Brougham, but no one inside. Lord Adolphus FitzClarence and a few Naval Officers were all ready to receive the Regal party, of whom we got a most capital view. The Queen and the whole suite remained on the Deck leaning over the side of the repell. I recognized most of those we saw at Whippingham Church on Sunday, amongst them the Marchioness of Douro, Dowager Lady Lyttleton, Hon Phip Dawson, Col Seymour, all the little Princes and Princesses were on board, and the infant Princess. No one cheered, but just as they came on board everyone on shore, and those on the water took off their hats. I was surprised to see two common sailors steer the repell I had imagined that one of the Officers would have taken the duty. After all the firing had ceased and the Fairy was quite out of sight we thought of getting ashore and starting home. We landed the Cosways and after wishing them good bye, we ordered the Coachman to drive to Whippingham Church, after walking round in order to look for a good point to take a sketch of it. Grace went in front of the Rectory House, and took a pretty view of the Medine river winding through green sloping banks, Newport in the distance. After this she returned and went the Church. But the heat was so oppressive that she only made a hurried sketch of it. We reached home by dinner time, and found Mrs FitzWilliam and her aunt, having been invited to pass the last day with us. I forgot to mention as we neared Ryde, we passed Mr and Mrs Robert Wavell driving as soon as they passed I got up to look and I saw him doing the same, and then we recognized each other which we did not at first. We called on Mrs Hayes after dinner, and she has commissioned me to give her love etc to her nephew in Australia. The Miss Wises accompanied us home to tea. Louise Wise goes up to London on Friday on a visit to her brother I believe.

Wednesday 3rd.May 1848

A most beautiful day. Had breakfast early in order to be in good time for the ½ past 11 o’clock steamer for Portsmouth. Mrs FitzWilliams came down with her maid and wish us with a sorry heart good bye, perhaps forever! The Miss Wises accompanied us to the Pier, but we were not many minutes before the steamer came in, and we were hurried on board. On reaching Gosport, we expected to have seen the Alleynes and shake hands and say good bye, however, they were not there and we left in a great hurry for the station, just in time and that was all for the train. We left at ½ past 12 and reached the Nine Elms Terminus at ½ past 4. On getting out of the railway carriage found to my surprise and delight that the Queen’s and Prince Albert’s riding horses had come up to Town on the same train as ourselves, in fact we saw them being taken out of the vans and afterwards I went up and had a near inspection of them, one a gray, was a most superb creature. I got two cabs, one for our Aunt M.A. to take her to Mr Hibberts Welbeck St, the other for ourselves to take us to our lodgings taken by Aunt C next door to her own at 49 Cambridge St, Connaught Square near the Cumberland Gate, not far from the Edgeware Road. We found no one to receive us, and in sending to enquire for Aunt Charlotte found that she herself had not yet come to her new house. Ordered a beef stew which we got in half an hour and then Aunt C came in, and George who was to drive with his friend Maddy. After dinner I went to see how Aunt M.A. was

Thursday 4th. May 1848

Very tired this morning, and had very little sleep, not being yet accustomed to the constant passing – of the carriages which throng this street as they go on their way to Hyde Park Square and other fashionable residences.

Another most lovely day, and after breakfast Grace and I walked to Welbeck St to see Aunt, her cold rather the worse. Left Grace with her while I walked as far as Charing Cross. Returned for her, and in time for dinner at Aunt C’s at ½ past 5 o’clock. Afterwards George and I strolled into Hyde Park but not seeing many carriages driving there, not many people returned by the way of Grosvenor Square, where a sudden thought struck us of going down to the Opera Colonnade to see the Queen go in State, as “Jenny Lind” was to sing in the “Simnatula” for the first time this season. After waiting half an hour, we saw the three State Carriages conveying Her Majesty and suite. But we could not see anything of her or her Ladies in waiting. I was rather struck this time with the gorgeous caparison of the horses, etc. George and I tried to get places in what they call the “Amphitheatre States” where you need not be dressed to gain admittance, however, the places were at a premium, not less than a guinea, therefore we walked away.

Heard from Trevelyan, he writes me to meet him tomorrow at ½ past 10.

Friday 5th May 1848.

Another beautiful day, had breakfast early, and afterwards drove down to Piccadilly and met Travelyan at his Saddlers Gardens No. 200. He seemed much cut up at the death of his friend and partner, Captain Paul in Australia, he committed suicide by blowing his brains out with a double barrel pistol. There were both in the same Regiment together and sold out at the same time to went together to New South Wales.

We walked up and down the Burlington Arcade for half an hour, talking over matters relative to his sheep station near Yep (Yass?) He is quite undetermined whether to sell it outright, or appoint an agent out there, and desire an income from it and so have the option of hereafter returning to the Colony. He told me, that if he sold it he would wish me to become the purchaser if I could, for that of course it would be sold at a sacrifice, and I might as well have the benefit of it, besides he had (so great?) an interest in it, that he would rather that it fell into the hands of a gentleman especially if one with whom he could correspond and would inform him how things went on in after years. We walked together as far as Charles Street, we then parted, he promising to breakfast on Tuesday next with me. I walked to the Temple to see Mr Wise, he out; but I saw Edward Wise but so busy apparently that could get no reasonable answer from him where his father was, or anything about his movements. I then went to drinks in Throgmorton Place near the Bank, saw him, and was happy to find that the business that kept me in England would soon be brought to a close. Walked from thence to Ceceil Street, Strand, to call on Gardiner, he out. Called on Darmilla Taylor, at his Tailors 17 Tennyson St, out in either.

As I passed by Charing Cross, went in to the National Gallery, to look at the exhibition by people. I rather liked this year’s collection better then the last, amongst those I very much admired were:-

“The Greenwood Stream”? by Creswick.

“Sketch of my Father” by Landseer

“The Broken Bridge” by Lee

“A Study in Windsor” by Chalon

“The Mill – Thames Scenery” by Richardson

“View near Penshurst” by Lee

“Early Spring” by Creswick

“The Bridge of St. Benget” by Landseer

“Alexander of Dipfleds” by Landseer

“An Old Cover Hack” by Landseer

“Home by the Sands” by Creswick

“Lady Ormond” by Buckner

“View on the river Swein” by Lee S Cooper

“A Girl at Window” by Opie

“View of Gledurch-” by Danby

“Trafalgar” by Armitage

“White Hall Meadows” by Cooper

“Chequered Shade” by Creswick

“Squally Day” by Creswick

Went afterwards to my tailor Watts in St.James’ Street, afterwards up and down Regent St then to Oxford St and into the Park, walked there till ¼ to 6.Saw no one I knew except Miss Merewether driving in the Circle.

Mr Wise called and dined with us. Miss Newham also came in at the same time.

Saturday 6th May 1848

Another lovely day. Grace practicing till 2, when we started in a cab accompanied by George and view the Exhibition of paintings in water colours, in Pall Mall. The first place we went to was near St.James’, the new Society. The next one near Suffolk St, the latter the best. In the first we saw,

“Derwent Water” buy A Penley

“The Prisoner” by ditto

“The Cornish Returned” by ditto

“Scene on the Scentrio Coast?” by ditto.

These we had seen at the Artists Abode in Cheltenham, whilst being done, and therefore we now viewed them with interest. Miss Palmer had taken us to see them, as Mr Penley had taught her friends the Miss Tathams drawing. The others were

“The Capuchin Monks” by Haglee

“Calais Pier” by Robins

“The Baggage Waggon” by Campion

The second Exhibition was the largest, the oldest established, and the best situated: I never fancied that water colours could have been wrought to such perfection those that we particularly admired,

“Scene on the Moors” by Turner

“Edinburgh from the Sea” Bentley

“Nottingham” De Wint

“Coast of Fifeshire” Bentley

“Snowden” Fielding

“Eastcliff Hastings” Srink?

“The Cheviots” Richardson

“Storm on the Coast of Mult” Vnick

“On the Moors” Richardson

“Bealass-nam-Bo” ditto

“On the Shore near Sandgate” Fielding

“Rydel Water” ditto

“A Gravel Pit” Fox

“An Interior” Hunt

Called on Aunt afterwards, found she had gone to see us.

Sunday 7th.May 1848

A beautiful day. Called next door at ½ past 10 for Aunt C and George as they and agreed to accompany us to the Foundling Hospital to Church: As Aunt C was not ready, and there was not time to wait, we started without her, and drove down in a cab to the place; we reached 10 minutes before the time, and on entering found every pew, every bench in the Aisle occupied. After waiting half an hour we were fortunate to get barely sitting room on a bench near the door. There were numbers standing around us – : this chapel is generally crowded on account of the able Preacher who officiates, a Mr Gledale, as well as for the music and professional singers who attend. Today there was an additional reason as the Bishop of Oxford, Dr Wilberforce, was to preach a sermon in aid of the funds of the charity. The Service was not over till 20 minutes to 2 o’clock.

I saw Edye Manning sitting some way off, me, also Blair, and Walter Dr Winton. Grace and I walked as far as Tottenham Court Road from the Church, then took a cab and drove to Welbeck St for Aunt M.A. who dined with us at 5, afterwards I went by myself into the Park and look at the carriages. Intended to have taken ride, but all the stables I went to, found their horses turned out ahead. Walked home with – at 9 o’clock.

Monday 8th May 1848

Walked with Grace to Welbeck St and left her with Aunt M.A. to do some shopping. I called on Dr William, afterwards on Domville Taylor, he overtook me in a cab and I returned with him to his lodgings, 38 Bury St, St.James’, where P Hodgson used to lodge. Stayed during a couple of hours. Taylor not his very well –, attacked with a fit of the Ague, and which he was constantly subject in Canada. Afterwards went to my tailor Watts, and through Bond St and Oxford St into the Park where I remained till ½ past 6 o’clock.

A most lovely day.

Tuesday 9th.May 1848

Another beautiful day: after breakfast Grace, George and I walked down to Welbeck St, saw Aunt and Mrs Hibbert. Mr Hibbert had gone down to the City to sign the papers at Mr Smith’s. I left Grace with George, and went down in an Omnibus to the City. Called on Mr Smith in Throgmorton St, he informed me papers would not be ready to sign before Saturday next. He also said he was afraid that there would be some difficulties in paying Phillip’s position? Over to Grace without Power of Attorney from him. Called on Mr Hibbert on my return from the City. Aunt C had a letter from Phillip and the agreement, with an inclosure from him to Mssrs Smith and Alexander requesting them to send his posting – manly? Direct to him. I have thought it advisable that this letter should be kept back. Grace and I dined at Edye Mannings, 3 Stone Cottage, St Swildon?, had a little difficulty find it and which was rather fortunate, as none of the ladies in the party were dressed when we got there. The company consisted of Mr and Mrs Carpenter, Mr Davidson of Singapore, the Mr Manning and wife, Colonel Townshend (who knew Wiseman of – Bay on the Continent) and Mr Bruce a Bannister (who knew Matthew Marsh) Mrs Clarke, Mr Wise, Henry Manning. We did not dine till ½ past 7 o’clock, and did not leave till after 12 o’clock. E.Manning sang accompanied by Mrs Clarke. Mrs O – and also Grace. Mr Wise showed me a letter written by wife to W.M.-ing relative to poor Captain Franks suicide, a most determined act I should fear. The dinner was an extensive one, and the wines were beautifully iced. I was unfortunate enough to push my wine glass off the table and some of the wine went over Mrs S. Manning’s dress and she took it very good naturedly as was asked to name the Lodge (?)

Mr Davidson is about to start steamers for Australia and in about 6 months.

I saw the Marquis of Londonderry’s new carriage at Peter’s meant only to hold two people, they call it a “Vis-à-vis”. I suppose it is for the occasion of the Levee on Thursday next.

Wednesday 10th May 1848

Another fine day, all the people in summer clothing. Dr Wilson called on us. He had received letters from his son. Aunt Charlotte wrote to call on Miss L. Wise at Dorset Square: where David’s wife went to school. I went to St.James’ St to my tailor, called also on D. Taylor, not in, but he left the sketches of his Darling Downs etc out for me which I brought home in a cab: Grace then accompanied me for a walk across the Park to the Serpentine where we stood watching the Equipages and the fair occupants till ¼ to 7. We were therefore an hour late for dinner. Aunt and Mrs Hibbert called whilst I was out.

I saw Mr R. Alexander in the Park, had a letter from Trevalyan, is written him too. Had a letter from my Aunt inclosing a letter of introduction to her brother Murdock, 9 Park St, Westminster, or at his private residence 44 Harley St.

Wrote to Durbin’s brother in Cheltenham.

Aunt Charlotte drank tea, George went out after dinner and stayed away all the evening. No one knew where.

Thursday 11th.May 1848

A beautiful day, very busy packing as we intended starting for the Partridges:, “Breakfast”, having been invited to pass some days with them. We were delayed first by the appearance of Trevelyan who wanted to see me before he left town for Torquay: he took lunch with us, he has received letters from Australia from James Manning, Brompton N. Showed Trevalyan some views of the Darling Downs lent me by Domville Taylor, much pleased with them, and wishes his brother to have a look at them. After he had taken his departure Dr Evans came in to see Grace and Aunt M.A. who had just come from Mr Hibberts. We then set off at 2 o’clock for the Euston Square Station and arrived barely in time for the train leaving for Watford about – miles which we did in – . George accompanied us, on reaching Watford hired a carriage and pair to take us to the Partridges 7 miles from there. We passed through Rickmansworth. No one was at the Partridges except Charlotte, she had been staying there for the last three weeks. In the evening however a nephew Mr James Drake arrived from West Drayton to dinner. He was formerly in the Navy. Music and singing in the evening. Today the Queen held a grand Levee, which we were sorry to have missed seeing. The country around Breakspear looked beautifully, the trees all out in leaf. And Mrs Partridge’s garden full of flowers just planted out from the green house. The lawn too just mown, and everything fresh and green about it. I saw a great change in Mr Partridge, his eyes are much more dim, neither does he appear as well in health as when I was last here in August.

Friday 12th.May 1848

A beautiful day, but scorchingly hot. After luncheon the carriage was ordered and we, Grace, Charlotte, George and I, were taken a drive by Mrs Partridge to “Moor Park” formerly the late Lord Westminsters but now his son’s Lord Robert Grosvenor. The scenery most lovely, and the oak trees the finest I ever saw in my life. Mrs Partridge pointed out some that had been pollarded by a Countess in the reign of Charles 1st, her husband had been beheaded, so in return, she had all the oaks about the place topped. The house is placed rather low I think, and were it not for the very handsome and lofty pillars in front I should not have thought much of it. The gardens from whence come the famous “Moor Park Apricot” we just caught a glimpse of, as well as the ornamental Italian garden. We passed right through Park and returned by Rickmansworth and then to Harefield. Mrs Partridge drove through the grounds of Harefield Grove, belonging to a Mr Lingam?, a very pretty place, but on not a very large scale.

Grace in the morning had taken a walk across the field; with George and Charlotte and made a sketch from Harefield Church. She made another from my dressing room window of the woods skirting the Park, and the Hill upon which Harrow Church stands, the steeple of which as perfectly visible as the sun now and again fell on it.

The Partridges had given us the most delightful bedroom imaginable, very large, with large bed, cheval glasses, and very other luxurious necessary one could desire. Breakspear is a very old place originally built in 1560 I believe. Once Queen Elizabeth stayed here with some of Mrs Partridges ancestry the “Aslops”. And in one of the hall windows is painted in coloured glass, the Arms of England, as a memento of the event.

Saturday 13th.May 1848

Another very warm beautiful day. All talking about the dreadful accident on the Great Western Railway near Swindon,, which happened day before yesterday. Mrs Partridge, Charlotte, and George went for a drive to Uxbridge; I for a ride accompanied part of the way by Mr Partridge, they had heard me express a wish to see Cuthbert Marsh who has a very pretty place about 2 miles from Moor Park and therefore placed at my disposal Mrs Partridges riding horse “Pet.” Where the Marsh’s live is about 4 miles from Breakspear, situated on the top of a hill and commanding an extensive view of a very pretty, well wooded country, it formerly belonged to Judge Vaughan. When I reached the house, I sent in my card; found that Cuthbert Marsh was not at home, but Mrs Marsh was, so I went in and introduced myself. I was most politely received by her, and one of her daughters who was in the room at the time, however in due course of time, she sent for her 4 other daughters in order to introduce them, and I must say I never saw more ladylike looking girls any where all very pleasing, of very good figures, tall and graceful, one in particular pretty. Mrs Marsh is an Authoress, having written “Two Old Mens Tales” “Emilia Wyndham” etc etc. She was a Miss Caldwell of Linley Wood. She seemed perfectly au fait with the manners and customs of Australia, and she seemed much interested my account of it. She enquired after the Dawalls (Duvals?) ( Rose in particular) she also knew the Isaacs (Hugh and Francis) from – receipt (sent to his relations) they had made “Damper” and liked it much. I stayed nearly a coupled of hours talking the whole time. Mrs Marsh wished me much to have remained dinner with them, but the Partridges expected me home at their dinner and therefore I could not. She said her husband had seen my marriage in the papers and had been trying to find me but in London. She however requested me to leave my present address with her, in order that she might call on us when she came to London. They had met the Partridges at dinner at Sir W.Richman’s but did not know them except by name.

Sunday 14th. May 1848

A most beautiful day but very warm. At 11 o’clock we left for Harefield Church about a ¾ mile from Breakspear, but an excessive pretty shady walk to it, and all down hill. The Church has been lately done up, and is certainly the prettiest and best County Church I ever was in. Mr Newdigate Newdegate the Lord of the Manor has expended several thousands upon it. The Clergyman’s name is Liphtfrot, and old man rather, but very eccentric, his daughter rather pretty. Mr Newdegate is a young man of 33, Member of Parliament, and has a fortune of 20,000 a year. He and his family were at Church, and a great number of his friends I presume. The Church inside is decorated with most expensive marble monuments erected by himself to the memory of his ancestors and one very old gorgeous monument near the Communion table to the Countess of Derby under a canopy.

After Church walked about the Church yard with George and we were attracted to a very old and pretty monument all overgrown with ivy, there was a very post? Inscription upon it, when on looked at it, we found that Lady Burton (formerly in Australia) had died in this parish and been buried in this old family vault of the Stebbings. I mentioned this to the Partridges, and my doing so made them ask me if I knew a Mr Cox in Sydney, for that a young man of that name was engaged to be married to a Miss Clarke the daughter of a man of good fortune and connections in this neighbourhood, and who whilst travelling on the Continent, had met with this Mr Cox, and he had become engaged to his daughter there. I told her it must be a son of “Cox of Mulgora.”

We had an early dinner at 4 o’clock as we were to leave Breakspear this evening for London. At 5 o’clock the carriage ordered for Uxbridge came to the door, and Grace, Charlotte, George and I inside, to (by?) Down in the Box took our departed for West Drayton in another way to the one we came. This is the Great Western Railway the oldest of all the Railways and the best. We found nearly all the carriages engaged. Grace and Charlotte found themselves in one division of a carriage and I in another division, George had to go to another carriage. Being Sunday these were all crowds going up to Town. We should not have travelled today but as I was under the impression that the Deeds I have to sign would be ready and waiting on Monday at Mr Smith’s office, I thought it most prudent to come up properly in time. On reaching our lodgings we found Aunt Mary Anne domiciled there having come from the Hibberts on Saturday last.

Monday 15th. May 1848

Another splendid day, received a letter from my Aunt Downman yesterday and wrote to her in answer. Grace, Charlotte and I walked to St.Johns Wood to call on Mrs Edye Manning, found her in, and she has kindly offered to lend us her carriage on Wednesday pay visits etc. On our way to her we called on Lousia Wise, 8 Dorset Square, she is staying with Miss Wilson where she went to school, she was not at home, We also called on Mrs -Manning, not in, and Miss Newham who is living in Margaret St, though he was not in either. We took a cab from Mrs L. Mannings and all the other nieces? Uncles? George and I after dinner took a stroll down Regent Street, we thought of going to one of the Theatres.

Tuesday 16th May 1848

A most heavenly day. After breakfast I went down to 9 Park Street, Westminster for the purpose of calling on my Aunt’s brother Murdock who has just been appointed a Government Emissary Commissioner, I had a letter of introduction to him, and he was exceedingly glad to see me. I sat talking over the affairs of the Colony with him for near an hour, and I was glad to find that 10,000 emmigrants would be sent out before September:- his wife he says shall call on Grace. He tells me he knew Sir Charles Fitzroy in America and there is no doubt of his remaining the Governor of the Colony for some time to come. Saw the Queen and Prince Albert in two carriages of 4 come through St.James Park as I left Murdock’s; I also saw the Duke of Wellington riding. I walked through St.James’ Park to my Tailors, on entering his shop found it full of military men, trying on their uniforms, for tomorrow there is a Levee.

Aunt, Grace and I dined out at W. Hibberts, we met Mr and Mrs Simpson, Jamaica people, who knew my father. Miss Mortlock whom handed down (her sister married Donaldson’s brother) Robert Alexander, Mr and Mrs Hibbert and a Mr Lawrence who knew a man of the name of “Matchem” as at Yass:- he was a Jamaica man and connected in to the Pinnocks. Miss Mortlock told me she knew the Forbes’s and had met them and Fanny at Sir Charles and Lady Wells. She also spoke of the Donaldsons, that they all expected their son to distinguish himself, set to make a large fortune in Sydney, come home and become Member of Parliament. The family kept their carriage and lived in a grand house when he was in England, as soon as he left both were given up.

Wednesday 17th May 1848

Another fine beautiful day, not so much as yesterday. I received a letter from Mr Manning informing me that the Demondrille wool had arrived by the “Indian Chief” and he requested me to meet him at his Office at 12 o’clock:- I accordingly went down to him, calling on my way at G.Wise’s Chambers (where I met Robert (Borham?) Castle an old Clifton friend, but now a Barrister). On talking over matters with Mr Manning he proposed to go with me to Symes the Wool Broker, whose sale come off on Friday. The Question was whether there would be time to land the wool, and sample it, for Friday’s sale. Jimes said there is little fine Sydney wool in the market now, but there then are few if any buyers: the sale after next then will be Larry —ams Balds and many buyers: his opinion was decidedly not to sell till the sales after next. After leaving Mr Manning I called on Parbury St, St.Helens, and I asked his advice and opinion on the matter, and he in turn most decided manner said if it was his wool he would not hurry it through but quietly bring it in the sales after next.

I called at Smith Throgmorton St, with reference to Grace’s money: her portion of it, he is ready to pay on the Release of the Trustees being signed by Grace and myself as we propose and to do that tomorrow, but Phillip’s portion (which he owes to Grace) I am afraid there seems some difficulty about it, however Smith says if his Co-Trustees viz Mr Hibbert and Aunt Charlotte will write him a letter telling him to pay the money to Grace and saying they will indemnify him from all risk and as my giving him a From of Indemnity , that then he will accede of pay over Phillip’s portion to us.

Called on Gardiner, not in.

Called on Taylor, not in.

Hicks (formerly partners with Whiting) spoke to me to my surprise he was just getting into an Omnibus when he caught sight of me.

Ordered some wine of Hamilton & Gieve, King St, St.James.

Thursday 18th May 1848

Aunt Mary Annes’ birthday. This day 8 years I left England for Australia. After breakfast Aunt Charlotte, Grace and I went in a cab into the city to Smiths, 4 Warneford Court, Throgmorton St, for the purpose of signing The Deed of Probate to the Trustees, and also to receive Grace’s share of the Trust money. George accompanied us. We were engaged with Smith about an hour. His costs amounted to 18.18. I received a Cheque in his Bankers for 423.14, and immediately converted it into Bank notes. After arriving at home Grace dressed and at ½ past 2 we went paying our visits Mrs Edye Manning having kindly lent us her carriage. We called first in Mrs Hibbert, 10 Hyde Park Square (She is marred to a cousin of our Mr R.H.Hibbert, and sister of his wife a Miss Newhard?). We met Mrs John Hibbert there, of Chalfont Park, very conceited. Called next on Miss Gould at Bryanston Square, not at home; on Mrs Batten 13 Upper Berkley St, not in either; on Mrs Scott, 17 Devonshire Place, not in; on Mr and Mrs Rennall, Tavistock Road, the former only in, and we met Miss Gould with her. We next drove to Sey t Meriwether’s, 35 Fort Place, saw Mrs and Lucy Merewether. It came on to rain a very heavy shower, we therefore had only time to finish up the day by calling on Mrs Wilson, 8 Dover St, herself and her daughter we saw. Went after to my Tailor in St.James’ to try on my coat, and returned home through Hyde Park in time for dinner at 6.

Miss Wise dined with us, and afterwards we adjourned next door to Aunt Charlotte’s for tea and music. Edward Wise came in the evening to fetch his sister away.

I saw Mr and Charlotte Cooper of Gloucester whilst we were driving, through Bond Street.

Friday 19th May 1848

A cold day, and now and again showers. Received a note from Mr Manning saying he had not sent the wool up for today’s sale. Gardiner called and lunched with us, and he and I took a stroll together after, called on Mr Hibbert, not in, then to Findley the Coachmaker and told him to get the case for the Carriage made. We took two or three strolls up and down Regent Street. I saw Dr Steel who has just arrived from Sydney. Left Gardiner at Regents Circus, and called a second time on Mr Hibbert, found him and he has signed the paper Mr Smith said he wished to have before he could pay Phillip’s portion to Grace. Aunt Mary Anne and Grace were paying a visit to Mrs Hibbert.

Hicks, formerly of the Downs, called whilst I was out.

Miss Newhouse drank tea with us:- I met Edye Manning with two ladies walking in Oxford St, he has a wretched cough.

Saturday 20th May 1848

Now and again a little rain. Went down in an Omnibus and called on Smith to give him the paper signed by Mr Hibbert and Aunt Charlotte – not in, but saw his partner Alliston. Walked the whole way home, on the way called Edward Wise for a few minutes: – went to Bidgoods in Jermyn St and choose a waistcoat, and then to the tailor in St.James’ St.

Heard today that Miss Carr of Cheltenham was married to Reverend J. Gordon of Bristol, one of the Masters of the Public School there.

Mrs Cuthbert Marsh called whilst we were all out unfortunately.

Grace and Aunt went to their dress makers in Cavendish St, a Mr Russell

Received a note from OVe Manning including a letter from George Wise, intimating that the 54 remaining bales of wool might possibly be sold in Sydney should the markets be not all fair

Sunday 21st May 1848

Raining nearly the whole day. Aunt and Grace went to Church together in the morning. Aunt C, Charlotte, and George passed the evening here. Wrote to Bangor and my Aunt, also and Mr Wise.

Monday 22nd May 1848

Aunt Mary Anne taken very ill early this morning with violent spasms of the chest. I went at 6 o’clock (am) to Dr Wilson, who returned back with me and prescribed for Aunt.

Hicks, formerly of Darling Downs, called after breakfast for a short time only. He is to call again next week, he says.

In the middle of the day, Aunt became much better, and Grace and I went to return Mrs Arthur Marsh’s visit, they are staying in North Audley St. During our absence Mrs Murdock of Harley St called on us, and we unfortunately missed seeing her as well as the Marsh’s who had only gone out about 5 minutes. Grace and I walked into Piccadilly and endeavored to find Rodger (Perry, Chevy?) who we heard was staying in Arlington St, we were unsuccessful, and returned home by Regent St, and then took a cab home.

I went out again by myself to my tailor, and on the way Mea Molle who has just returned with his wife from Paris:- he accompanied me to St.James’ Street and we rode in an Omnibus home. In the evening Grace and I drank tea with Mrs W (Wise?) Mr Manning, 10 Gloucester Road, Regents Park. We did not go till late ½ past 9. Aunt Charlotte’s party – before us in – telling us know. There was a Mr London the florist and his daughter and niece, the Wises, Edye Manning and Mrs Manning, Mrs Clarke, the Manning’s father and two sisters, and a Mr Sneider, a Swiss refugee. A musical party entirely Grace dropped her bracelet, the same one she lost when playing with Elvira Lloyd. Louisa Wise was of the party and came home with the Edye Mannings.

Tuesday 23rd May

A fine day, did not go out till later, called on Mr and Mrs Therry, 13 Arlington St, just arrived from Sydney by “The Agincourt.” Met there Mrs Kerr who returning to the Colony in six weeks time.

Molle and his wife called on us at 1 o’clock, his wife very plain indeed, with red hair and vulgarly dressed. She was a schoolfellow of my relation Emily -tley.

Went into the City and called on Smith, who told me Phillip’s portion of the money will be paid at the end of the week.

Today the “Epsom Races” commenced. I wished to have hired a pair of horses for our little carriage to go visiting tomorrow, but found none to be had in consequence.

Met Mr Hutt, the ex Governor of Western Australia: and walked up Brooke St into Bond St with him.

Wednesday 24th. May 1848

A very fine day. Had a dreadful headache. In the middle of the day Arthur Marsh called on me bringing me an invitation from his wife to Grace and myself to be present at the wedding breakfast of their second daughter: on the 22nd June next:- We are to call tomorrow on Mrs Marsh. Grace and I afterwards called on Mrs Murdock, 44 Harley St, saw her and like her very much. A ladylike and pretty looking woman of 32 about:- we did not stay long as fresh visitors were announced: we next called on Mr and Mrs Therry Mr Therry very anxious to see Aunt Mary Anne as he had been commissioned by Aunt Sophy to have an interview with her. Mrs Hibbert called on Aunt also Mrs Wilson.

Grace and I called on Mrs Munro, 20 Montague Place, Portman Square, a very cold day indeed.

Saw Surtees formerly in the 10th Hussars.

Thursday 25th May 1848

A fine day. Grace and I went to pay a visit to Mrs Arthur Marsh, found her in and one of her daughters, also a Mrs Slack:- we stayed half an hour and afterwards called on Mrs Molle who lives nearly opposite at No.19. She was in, she mentioned that Mrs Dobson had called very early this morning at ½ past 9 hoping they were up, and therefore she did not receive her. Mrs Marsh tells us the wedding of her daughter is to take place at Canterbury? Susan Downman is to be Bridesmaid. We called on Mrs Wilson, Connought Square, her sister and her husband, a Mr Whitefort have just returned from V.D.Land

I went out by myself and called again in Molle, after chatting he half an hour we perambulated Bond St, going to all the libraries to see what we could get. – Box for 4 people at H.M. Theatre, none under 8 guineas. Therefore we gave up the idea and taking a Box for tonight . Went to my tailors, also to a Wine Merchants in Duke St. Called to Jarden’s in Piccadilly. Trevalyan having asked me twice for a seal left there by him, which he wishes me to take —–

Mrs Matthew Scott called, Edward and Louisa Wise drank tea, they came in unexpectedly.

Friday 26th. May 1848

A fine day, but sultry. George breakfasted with us and immediately after he and I called on Molle, North Audley St, and we then went down in an Omnibus together, to the City, and on to the London Bridge Railway Station, as we intended going to the Epsom Races. We just hit of the time, as the train was on the point of starting, and although we had first class tickets we were obliged to sit in the second class:- we took a return ticket from which they made us pay 7/6: we reached Epsom within an hour and we walked from thence to his the course. We fancied it only ½ a mile instead of which it was a good mile and a half, along a dusty road and vehicles without number sending clouds of dust over us. On the way we passed little groups of people in the centre of which the Thimble-Tip fellows were, enticing the greenhorns by allowing those who were in league to win £5 bets etc. Epsom race course is situated on the top of a hill, and as we sauntered up both Molle and I said we had never felt anything warmer in Australia, it was scorchingly hot certainly.

The first thing we did on getting near the booths was to entre on and obtain a few sandwiches and beer. We then strolled to the “Grant Stand” intending to make one of the good company there but as the man at the gate charged us 10/6 each, we went to a cheaper one next to it, the entrance being only 1/0. We were rested about half an hour before the race for the “Oaks” commenced. At ½ past 2 all the horses entered for this race, were marshaled in front of the Grand Stand with their riders, and we got a -ital view of them. The race was for Fillies only. The one I like best was “Attraction,” a bay and “Lola Montez,” also a bay.

“Attraction” belongs to Mr Quin, her sire “Touchstone.” After looking at all the mares previous and starting I pointed her out to be in my judgment the best of the lot and the one most likely to win:- strange to say she came in second having been beaten by only a neck, and if there had not been a good reason (which I cannot now name) she would most certainly have beaten all the others.

The winner was “Cyanbas” belonging to a Mr Pedley, her sire Melbourne. The value of the stakes £4,500:- the distance a mile and a half, which was run in 2 minutes _ seconds

The weight around 8st 7lbs. The parnites? before starting were “Wiasma,” her sire Hetoman Platoff, and “Do-it Again” her sire Vemison. We did not wait for the other races fearing we might be late for the Train for had we missed this one, there was not another till 10 o’clock p.m., in addition to this, it became cloudy and there was every appearance of a wetting in store for us had we remained: we therefore hurried and with great good luck managed to get into the Omnibus just starting for Epsom. There could not have been less than 30 people in it and on it outside, and we certainly made sure of an up-going down hill, however we reached in safety the Railway, when we had to make another rush for our places;- we were fortunate this time and got a first class carriage, Molle and I in one part and George by himself. Molle and I were much interested in the conversation of two gentlemen who were sitting near by, both men of the turf, and both talking of their bets, won and lost. One of them turned out to be Lord George Bentinck, the man “Punch” calls of “Stable mind”: his opinion on the merits of “Attraction” coincided with mine. We reached the London Bridge Terminus by 4, took a Paddington Omnibus, which dropped Molle at North Audley St, and George and I at Connaught St. On going in with George to his abode, to our surprise saw Mrs Rounds? and Miss Creighton. We fancied that they were in to Aunt, otherwise we would have abstained making an appearance, covered with dust as we were.

After dinner Grace, Charlotte, George and I went to the “Polytechnic,” Rupert St where we were much amazed, first of all several kinds of Music were played in the New Theatre, then we went into the Hall to hear an explanation of the different Models of inventions patented. Then we returned into the Theatre to see the Microscope showing the animalculae in water etc. Then the dipoloing views, and after these which was termed the “Cromotrope,” different shaped and different hued subjects reflected by and of the Magic Lantern.

We next heard a lecture in Chemistry by Dr Bryan, very interesting indeed, and returned to the Hall to see the Diving Bell and Diver, in the process a few ladies went down in it. I was over at X o’clock.

Mr Therry, wife and 2 daughters called on Aunt. He is very anxious and is taking a great deal of trouble about Aunt Sophy’s (mansion, pension?). Aunt Mary Anne like him very much and thinks him very handsome.

Saturday 27th May 1848

A fine day. The Queen had a Drawing Room today. I intended to have seen her Majesty go in State but was too late for that. I only saw the people returned from the Palace. After being there an hour, standing in St.James’ St opposite one of the Clubs, I caught sight of Molle who notwithstanding his antipathy for such useless pageants was looking on at the cortege. In fact we remained another hour looking at the different equipages and people inside. There were two unfortunate ladies with an elderly man ( in a sort of Miss–) who had just come from the Drawing Room, but were unable to find their carriage and therefore stood outside the gates of the Palace, in their Court dresses and without any covering on their heads, the sun and the dust nearly blinding them, worst of all, — the crowd heard that these were ladies on the pavement waiting, they then all pushed forward and crowded round to their discomfiture.

The ladies were not only very plain but very vulgar looking.

There were numbers of Indian Officers, Bengal Artillery, and Cavalry Officers, in fact everyone who had the Highest position(?) of wearing uniform was there.

Molle and I intended to have gone to hear “Jenny Lind” but indisposition prevented her singing: the fact was she went to Epsom yesterday and fatigued herself. Molle and I strolled into the Strand, I to call at a man called Sotheby, he for the purpose of getting a –. Ordered some wine from a man called “Amor” in Bond St, and found from him that Roger Therry had but been there on a similar errand.

Saw Townshend of Trevallyn and his brother Colonel Townshend walking up St.James’s Street.

Sunday 28th May 1848

A beautiful day. Aunt, Grace and I took a walk into Hyde Park, we went into the Kensington Gardens, up one side of the Serpentine and down the other and continued our walk along the carriage drive up to Hyde Park Gate; we then returned straight across. Numbers of people walking in Kensington Gardens, none of the Haul-ton however. We were all very tired on reaching home. I saw Colonel Townshend walking by himself.

Monday 29th May 1898

Went into the City after breakfast. Called on Smith to know when I might receive Phillips’ share of the Trust money. Wednesday next the day appointed.

Went to Taylor’s, Cornhill, and gave Wises’ order for a dozen shirts for himself, half a dozen for Mr Manning. Walked thence to the Manning’s, Trinity House—Lane. Wished to see samples of the wool, but they will not be prepared till the sales take place. Went to the London Docks, trying to find the “Agincourt” just arrived from Sydney and by which Roger Therry came. Did not see her, but saw the “Penyard Park.” “Retra-Bmangu?”, but could get no information about the rate of passage money etc.

Called at Brown’s cabinet manufactory in the Minories and enquired the price of a Sofa Cot for board ship, £12.12, a double are, £7.10 simple.

Aunt and Grace called on Mrs Therry, I saw her only, Mr Therry gone to Bath for his son: Mrs Therry is to drink tea here one of these evenings. They called also on Mrs Clarke, Mr Edye Manning has gone to the Isle of Wight for a week.

Tuesday 30th, May 1848

A beautiful day. Aunt went by herself to Dr Wilsons. Grace, Charlotte and I walked down to 50 Pell Mell, for the purpose of viewing a collection of pictures, about a week ago, presented to the Nation by a Mr Vernon: Not only has he given the paintings but also his Mansion and they are to form part of the National Gallery. When we arrived at the place, we found tickets in admission must be obtained at the National Gallery, we therefore hurried there for them, and were much disappointed on finding that they only allowed 300 tickets each day of admission (Viz every other day of the week) and that no more could be issued to us, in fact 10 o’clock this morning there was not one left. Under these circumstances we walked into the National Gallery for half an hour inspecting the pictures of the old masters, Rembrandt, Murillo, Claude, Rubens.

On our way down Waterloo Place, met Captain Dobson who mentioned that his wife had been driving about Cambridge St one day in search of us but had not the number. She, I see by the Paper was at the Drawing Room on Saturday. Also Mrs Meline Low, Captain Lake’s niece.

George went into James St, walked to Blackwall, for the purpose of seeing the Chinese Junk;- and eating a White-Bait dinner.

Wednesday 31st May 1848

Went down to the City after breakfast. As I passed the Park gates saw the Pensioners being drilled. Went into the Park for a few minutes and then took an Omnibus. On going to Smiths found the Draft Bond of Indemnity which must be issued? Signed? George and myself first, before it is expressed? endorsed? I therefore too it back with me, and returned a second time into the City and left the Bond at Smith’s. It poured with rain at 1 o’clock and continued the whole day. George and I drove about in a cab trying to get change for a 100 note, but none of the Banks would cash it. Went to my Tailors thinking he would, but he could not.

As I returned from the City (the second time) called on E.Wise show had received letters from his brother; I accompanied him and a friend of his in a cab home, he coming in for a few minutes to our house, but could not prevail on him to stay dinner.

June 1848

Mrs Dobson called whilst we were out.

Thursday 1st June 1848

A very gloomy drizzly day and cold. Immediately after breakfast went into the City to Smith’s, signed the papers necessary to receiving Phillips portion of the Trust money, and then took a “Hansom Cab” and drove down to the London Dock for the purpose of looking for the ship “Illustrious” which I understood had arrived. She, however, had not entered the docks, but was being towed up the river. Drove home and reached a little after 2 o’clock. Then I made all possible haste and got ready to accompany Grace to a Concert at the Hanover Square Rooms, by Mlle Conlon, a somewhat famous pianist:- Dr Wilson had sent us a couple of tickets for it, hence out going. We arrived in very good time, — sat quite at the commencement of the Concert. Miss Birch was singing that very pretty song “Com è-bello” as we entered, then followed “Fra puco a me” out of Lucia DeLamore. Duetto by the two Miss Birdesout of Mercadante.

Solo on the vistencello by Roupelot

Fantasie on Violin by Sainton

Grant Fantarin on Piano by Mlle Contra (Thalberg)

“O Luce di quest’anina” Mlle Ucello (Luida di Claur min)

“Bella Imenago” by Miss Miser of Signor Galli (Deminamide)

The room was crowded to excess, and numbers of foreigners, I should think the greatest proportion. We did not get very good places, being at the end of the room and we did not wait till it was over.

Friday 2nd June 1848

Rainy, towards the afternoon became fine. George and I went down together to Smiths, he to sign the bond of Indemnity, and I to receive a Check for 421.6.10, the balance of Phillips portion. Took it to Smiths Bankers and had it cashed. George and I then walked to the London (Docks?) and afterwards to the St.Catherine Docks for the purpose of finding the “Johnstone.” We found her alongside the wharf, and went on board. Spoke to the Captain (Harrison) and found that Robert Graham, Leigh of the 99th, Pedder of the 58th, Perkins Matthew Marsh’s Sup-(Superintendent?), Everett of New England had come home in her. I enquired what he wanted for his Stern Cabins, (or rather mid ship) 170 for two people. He tells me Pickering and his wife have taken one of them. I was much disappointed with the “Johnston.” She has no Poop Cabin and there are no conveniences. She was 120 days from Sydney this voyage, last year she made it in 92.

I met “Joseph,” formerly Sir George Phipps butler;- he has just returned from Sydney, having been there since Sir George’s death. He came home in the same ship with the Therrys.’

Went to the evening of the Horticultural Society for Regent St for the purpose of obtaining tickets for the next Flower Show at Chiswick. I find must get an order first from one of the subscribers. Called on Mrs Wilson, saw only Miss Wilson and a young lady friend of hers who is staying with her, a Miss Sidebottom? At ½ past 7 we started for 44 Harley St, Grace and I having been invited to a dinner party at the Murdocks there this evening. The company consisted of a Mrs Johnstone, Mr Hook, a cousin of Hamilton in Sydney, a Mr Davies M.P., a Mr Egerton Leigh, Miss Lutyn (Mrs Murdocks sister) Mr Thornton, and a Miss Keats whom I sat next to, and with whom I had a great deal of conversation about New South Wales. She knew the Bishop of Australia very well and her sister and Phoebe were correspondents, the Bishop was her father’s Curate, and through his interest got the Bishop his Appointment. She also knows General Wynyard the cousin of the Forbes, and she has promised to give me a letter of introduction to him, and has requested me to call on her Father at 11 Hertford St MayFair, as he would be glad to speak to me on Australia, he having property in V.D. Land and elsewhere but which owing the roguery of his agents has never returned him a farthing, the sheep and horses he imported the fellow has sold, and bolted away.

We did not leave till ¼ to 1 o’clock. Miss Murdock (my Aunt’s sister) came in the evening.

Mr and Mrs Therry and daughter called on Aunt today:- it was so cold that I wore a great coat.

Saturday 3rd June 1848

Showers today. I was confined to my bed till 5 o’clock in the afternoon, with a dreadful headache accompanied by nausea.

Gilmore Evans dined with us. Edye Manning and H.Y. (Henry?) Manning called, the former had been at Aunt C’s practicing a duet with Charlotte.

Sunday 4th June 1848

Not well enough to go to Church, had intended to have gone to have gone to the Temple Church. Another reason preventing us was, that it rained very hard in the morning.

After lunch called at the Colonnade Hotel and found that Leigh of the 99th, and Pedder, 58th, were staying there, left my card on the former.

After dinner Grace and I took a walk in the Park to the Piccadilly Gate and back:-

Monday 5th June 1848

Took a cab after breakfast and called on Mr Keats, 11 Hertford St, May Fair, at the request of his daughter whom I met at dinner at Murdock: had half an hour’s conversation etc. Called afterwards for Trevalyan at his saddlers in Piccadilly, he accompanied me down to Park St, Westminster, and called with me on Murdock to whom I was taking the sketches of Australia done by Domville Taylor, after we were seated Lord Montague was announced, and Murdocks time was much occupied, left before we intended, went after this to the Colonnade Hotel to call on Leigh, he was not in at first but I saw Pedder, and waited till Leigh arrived. He thinks of exchanging into a different Regiment. He is off tonight for Ireland for a few days.

Returned home for Grace, and we then went visiting:- called first on Captain and Mrs Dobson who are staying with Sir Peregrine Acland at 13 Cavendish Square, not in. Then to Mrs Murdocks, 44 Harley St, stayed with her half and hour, and then called on Miss Murdock, 37 Devonshire St. She was also in, and she wishes to introduce Grace to Dr and Mrs Steele (of Sydney) the latter a good friend of hers.

Took a stroll down Regent St and on our return home met Edye Manning, who has made an appointment to go into the City with me tomorrow at 12.

Tuesday 6th June 1848

At 12 o’clock Edye Manning called for me in order to go down to the City. Went in an Omnibus as far as Hungerford Markets, we then took a Steamer and were landed at the London Bridge:- called on and was introduced by Edye Manning to Young (who was once in Australia) who is an Emigration Shipping Agent, and from whom I heard a good deal into regard to the taking one’s passage. He seems to recommend me an Emigrant vessel before a merchantman and says the “Waterloo” is a splendid ship. His office is in Alchurch Lane:- we walked afterwards to the Temple (on the way met my old secondment Fallon) and called on Mr W. Wise who was absent. And then through Chancery Lane to Grays Inn Lane, as far as Rupert St, where I parted with E Manning on an Omnibus in the -w Road which brought me back to Regent St. Met Dr Lorni (from Clifton), he walked with me to my tailors in St.James’ St for the purpose of sowing hems.

In the evening Mr and Mrs Edye Manning, Louisa Wise, and H.Y Manning drank tea; (Edward Wise came in late) with Aunt Charlotte. Mrs Clarke had been invited but did not come.

Just as we were dressed to go next door Molle and his wife called to say they had heard of a Box at Her Majesty’s Opera for tomorrow night holding six for the price only 6 guineas, and were desiring of knowing whether 3 of our party would join them, to which we agreed.

Grace and Aunt went in Hibberts carriage, returned – the Miss Mannings visit and went to the Wilsons, Connaught Square.

Wednesday 7th June 1848

A fine day, but showery. Grace and I took a private carriage and called on Miss Georgina Marsh and Madame Gabiou, 18 Cadogan Place, Lowndes Square: not in. We then called on the Therry’s, also out. We then returned home for Aunt who wished to call on Sir John Pachell in Hill St, Berkley Square. Whilst she was there we called again at the Therry’s for the purpose of inquiring whether they would like to have two places in an Opera Box which Molle and ourselves were thinking of taking for tomorrow night in order to hear Jenny Lind in the “Elixior D’Amore.” They go to A-B— on the morning and to Cwentforden at night and therefore could not. Grace and I went afterwards to Chappels in Bond St to pay for the tickets but found that the Box Molle told us of had been booked. Upon this drove to Molle, and agreed to go with him after dinner to all the Muriothopes (Monro shops?) which I accordingly did, walking as far as Fentons in the Strand, but all to no purpose. Tomorrow however, Chappel is to give us an answer whether a 6 guinea Box can be procured again.

Thursday 6th June 1848

A cold windy day and showery:- whilst at breakfast Miss Gould called about George. Mrs Dobson called very soon after 11 o’clock, and fortunately found us at home.

Molle called for me as appointed at 2 o’clock, but he came to excuse his going to the Opera tonight in consequence of a severe cold. Accompanied him down as far as the Temple. Whilst I went to St.Pauls Churchyard thinking to see something of the Show which took place there today (the meeting of all the schools in the Metropolis) I was too late however.

Grace and Mrs Russell’s bill £20. Settled accounts with George etc. Molle was so cold that he had his great coat on:- he tells me whilst at Furlough he gets £500 per annum.

Friday 9th June 1848

Showers today. Went to Boyd’s in Marylebone St where my sofa and pictures are being packed:- went to Walter’s the Music seller in Soho Square to/merchant some music for Aunt Mary Anne.

Met O’Driscoll whom I knew formerly in Clifton. He has been since in Australia, and commanded the Ship “Theresa” in which Mrs Hart went out:- he is living 13 Thayer Street.

Met Edye Manning at Regent St.

Saturday 10th June 1848

Raining the whole day, notwithstanding shortly after breakfast Robert Graham (accompanied J Jacct Montefiore) called upon me; Graham is staying with the latter at 6 Devonport Square , Hyde Park, but I was rather surprised at Montefiore’s called, considering my used to meet him at Committees of the “Australian Steam Navigation Company”). Today was the Fete at Chiswick but whether any people went, such a dreadfully wet day is doubtful. We were sent 4 tickets for Monsr Alexander Billets Concert, held at Willis’s Rooms, King St, St.James’s. Aunt Charlotte, Grace, Charlotte and myself went. We arrived just as the first piece was being played, what they called a “Grant Septuor.” We next had a song from a very loud singer “Herr Brandt.” Another song from Miss Missent “Dell Vieux non Lawer,” a very pretty Fantaisie on the Piano by Mons Billet. But what I liked by far the best were “Chausons Francais” by Madame Sabatier, a young Frenchwoman who looked not 18, very pretty and dressed beautifully, with most beautiful while hands etc. Every one seemed to admire her as much as her tasteful singing, there were not many people in the room, owing, of course, to the wet day. On our way to the concert I called on Mr Therry in Arlington St, with some papers from Aunt relative to Aunt Sophy’s Petition to the Queen. Gave Mrs Therry a list of music as she intends sending some to Mrs Plunkett.

The concert commenced at ½ past 3 and was over at ½ past 5. Price of the tickets 15/- each, enormously dear for the entertainment.

George and I went after dinner to the Haymarket Theatre:- we did not arrive till late and unfortunately missed seeing Farrer who acts in the first piece. A Mr Gerhard Taylor was playing some Irish overdils on the Harp as we entered. The fist piece was “Pas de Fascination in catching a Governor” a hit at Lola Montez as the Duke evidently nothing in it, and yet strange to say it made one laugh:- Keeley and his wife no doubt made it go off better than any other would have done. The other piece was “The Castle of Otranto,” not much in this either, the most remarkable feature was that it abounded in puns, it was over by ½ past 11 and we reached home a little before 12 in a cab.

Sunday 11th June 1848

A fine day, rather cold. Called on Molle, saw him, his wife and Grant, his brother-in-law.

Whilst I was out, Sydenham Russell called, just come up from Cambridge.

Grace and I strolled out after dinner through Hyde Park Square, Gloucester Square, Gloucester Terrace, Westbourne Terrace, Eastbourne Terrace, Sussex Gardens. Garthwick Crescent, Somers Place, Norfolk Crescent, Cambridge Street.

Wrote to my Aunt Downman.

Monday 12th June 1848

It commenced pouring with rain at 2 o’clock. Most opportunely, for today the Chartist Meetings were to have been held at a place called “Bishop Bonner’s Fields,” the Military, Police, Special Constables, and Pensioners were all in readiness in case of an outbreak, but the weather damped their ardour, for no meeting took place. On my way to Edward Wise’s met Gardiner and H Manning, both headed together to play a game of Billiards at the Oxford and Cambridge Rooms in the Strand; I went with them in and had a game with each;- returned in an hour after and played into the evening.

Purchased “Bush Life in Australia,” by M. Hayganth Esq.

Tuesday 13th June 1848

Raining off and on the whole day.

After breakfast went down into the City, first to Edward Wise’s and gave him £50, he promising to draw a Bill on William Manning for the amount, William Manning having authorized him to do so.

Went to Covent Garden and took a Box containing 4 for Thursday Night in order to hear “Anna Bidena,” (?) I paid only £2..2..0. Called afterwards on Gardiner at his new lodgings 5 Craven St, Strand. He accompanied me by Steamer to London Bridge, we then walked to the St.Katherine and the London Docks in the hope of finding the “Waterloo,” this we did not, and thereupon went by the Railway to Blackwall, and to the East India Dock there; we were also unable to hear of her here. And returned again by the Blackwall Railway to Bishops Gate Street. From thence walked to Youngs Albchurch Lane, spoke to him about getting a passage cheap for me.

Wednesday 14th June 1848

This day last year I arrived in England. A beautiful day, and most fortunately for there going to the Horticultural Show in the Regents Park:- Called on Sir George Shee, 38 Grosvenor Place, near Apsley House, not in:- from thence went to Mr Meek, Somerset House, engaged. And last to the Admiralty, to enquire Sir C. Hamilton’s address “–, Midhurst, Sussex.”

Mr Munro called today, he says that Henry Munro takes his degree at Oxford tomorrow, but he does not know what profession to place him in, and therefore thinks of sending him to Australia with £1000. He wishes me to write him a letter on this subject.

Called on S. Russell, 18 Lowndes St, not in, wrote him a note to ask him to dine with us tomorrow:- and accompany us to the Opera after.

Thursday 15th June 1848.

Russell called before breakfast to say he would dine with us and go to the Opera this evening. He came to call on and he introduced to Grace.

At 2 o’clock I called again on Sir George Shee, unfortunately he had left town for a few days, and will not be back till Monday.

Received a letter from Murdock inclosing Miss Keats “Letter of Introduction” to Mrs Wynyard.

Went to Covent Garden to see if I could procure a Camelia for Grace, and found that they were not in season. Sydenham Russell dined with us at ½ past 5 and with Grace and myself accompanied Aunt Charlotte and Charlotte went to the Covent Garden Opera, to hear “Anna Bolena.” Our Box was rather too high up to be pleasant, No.102. George went by himself into the Pit. The list of characters was –

Anna Bolena – Grisi

G. Syemour – Mlle Corban

Smeton – Mlle Albion

Enrico VIII – Signr Tom Fasini

Percy – Signr Mario

Rochefort – Sign Ignasio.

Corban is a pupil of Grisi’s, she has a very sweet voice, and is very pretty. We were disappointed in not hearing the pretty air “Vivi Tu.” They purposely skipped this as several other things in order to shorten the performance, for after the Opera of “Anna Bolena” was finished, there was a humorous piece out of the Opera of ‘Betty” by Albion, which was encored. And after this another scene from “Gnecio’s Opera “La Prova d’un Opera Seria,” sustained by only two characters “Pauline Viandor,” (sister of the famous Malibran) and Jane Bursini, the Duett, “Oh! Guardata che Figura,” was beautifully sung by them. Madame Viardot is perfectly hideaous but has a good voice and acts well.

The Ballet was a short, but very pretty scenery, it was called “Fête des Fleurs” from the Ballet of “Nirene.” The whole performance was not over till ½ past 12.

Met Dr and Mrs Steele today just as they were entering their Hotel, the “Portland Hotel, Chapel St” near Foley Place; and went in with them for a quarter of an hour. He has 2 years leave of absence. He says Wise bought his carriage and harness for £18!!

A find but very warm day: and we found it insufferably so at Covent Garden.

The Edye Mannings called today.

Friday 16th June 1848

A beautiful day but very warm. Were not up very early in consequence from late hours last night. After breakfast took a cab and drove down to 4 Norfolk St, Strand for the purpose of calling on Lady Dowling by appointment. We (Grace and I) had not seen her since her appearance at our wedding. She looks remarkably well. We sat talking half an hour and then drove to Charing Cross, from thence we walked up Regent St, then into Oxford St, to the Ali(New?) Bazaar. Called at Walker’s Music Shop, where Grace left an order with them to get certain pieces of music: on our way met Henrietta Scott. We walked the whole way home, and on our way Grace espied some sugar canes, and prevailed on me to purchase one for 2/6!!

Lady Dowling, I forgot to say, is to meet us at 12 tomorrow at Tower Hill for the purpose of going over the Tower with us. Mr and Mrs Manning and Louise Wise called whilst we were out.

Saturday 17 June 1848

Rather a cloudy day but no rain. After breakfast, Sydenham Russell called whilst debating with the Flyman as to what he would charge to take us to the “Tower” and Thames Tunnell. He called it 5 miles from this to the Tower. Charlotte accompanied Grace and myself in our expedition, we were (went?) after an appointment with Lady Dowling by ¾ of an hour. However after being rested in the waiting rooms about ¼ of an hour Lady Dowling and a friend of her’s, a Mrs Read made their appearance, having just been over the ruins of the place. They very good naturedly visited till we had seen it all, and then on our coming back to them and after a little conversation wended their way across the River to Bermondsey. We were now driven to the London Docks in the hope of seeing either the “Waterloo” or “St.George,” but neither were in Dock: we then drove to the Thames Tunnell: before I proceed further however I had – just down what I saw at the Tower first.

We were conducted into the “Horse Armoury,” in which are arranged 22 equestrian figures in the armour of the respective periods, many in the identical suits in which they appeared while living. There are however only ten suits that can positively be identified; are of AD

Edward 1st (1272)

Henry V1th 1450

Edward IV 1465

Henry VII 1508

Henry VIII 1520

Edward VI 1552

James Ist 1605

Charles Ist 1640

James 2nd 1685

In addition of these Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk 1520:- Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester 1560:- George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham 1618:- Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Stafford 1635. After this we saw several interesting relics, pistols,, carbines, etc of the times of Elizabeth, James I, Charles Ist, William III.

We saw here 3 swords, a helmet, and girdle which belonged to Tippo Saib. In a recess of the room, an effigy of Henry VIII on horseback in a suit of armour presented to him on his marriage with Catherine of Aragon by Maximillian, Emporer of Germany. At the extremity of the room is a Crusader on his barbed horse, said to be 700 years old.

The last figure shown is a Man at-Arms of the year 1530, the armour calculated for a man 7 feet high. We were now conducted to a room in the White Tower which according to Tradition was the prison of Sir Walter Raleigh. There are several inscriptions on the walls which were cut (by?) prisoners upon the stones at the angles of the entrance to the cell. The walls of the White Tower are 17 feet 6 inches in thickness. Near here are exhibited spears etc in use in Europe previous to the introduction of Fire arms, many used on board the ships of the Spanish Armada. At the end of this room is a figure of Queen Elizabeth on horseback in a dress like the one worn when she went in procession to St.Pauls to return thanks for deliverance from Spanish Thraldom.

Instruments of Torture were also pointed out to us, some taken from the Spanish in 1588:- The Beheading Axe which took of the head of Anne Boleyn, and the Earl of Essex.

There is near to this a Brass 24 Pounder taken from the Wreck of the Royal George, also the “Shot?” of that vessels rudder.

A Crusader’s sword.

The walls of the room and the ceiling are ornamented with a great variety of arms and shields of armour put up in picturesque forms and devices.

Some say that the Tower was commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1078:- afterwards completed by William Rufus in 1098:

The Crown Jewel Room is also well worth seeing the value of the whole is 3 million sterling. The Queen’s crown alone is valued at 1 million!!

We now went on board a Steamer (just starting) and were deposited at the Hungerford Market Stairs:- we walked from thence to Covent Garden Market, and partook of some strawberries there. We were rather surprised at the price of one particular Pottle, £1!!

We returned home through Leicester Square, up Regent St, and took a cab when we got to Oxford St. We found Louise Wise and Mr and Mrs Manning had been calling on us. George and I had several games of billiards after dinner at Oxford and Cambridge with Col D-grade, did not -er off till 11 o’clock.

Sunday 18th June 1848.

Being so cloudy a day, and a little rain falling besides, we were prevented going to Church. After lunch drove in a cab to call on Louise Wise who is staying with the Mannings. Not in, however, from thence we walked to the Hibberts and remained with them ½ an hour. They have only returned a day from the Simpson’s.

Monday 19th June 1848

Showery again today. Grace and I were driven by Dr Wilson in his carriage as far as the Grosvenor Gates in Hyde Park, from which place we took a cab and called on Mrs Russell at Lowndes St. we only saw Russell who was coming out of the door at the time, his mother was out:- he walked with us to 18 Cadogan Place, close by, as we wished to call on Miss Georgina Marsh, she, however, was out.

Took another cab and drove up Bond St, called at the Wine Merchants “Amos’s,” ordered some 3//- wine. Went then to Storey’s, a jeweler in Regent St, who is mending the Paper Cutter, Miss Mainwaring broke:- then home.

Met O’Driscoll and Bates today, gave the former my address.

In the evening at 8, I went by myself to a concert given by the famous “John Parry,” when I got into the room, found every place occupied and numbers standing: towards the I c- and was fortunate enough to get a tolerable place. And a seat. The concert had begun when I arrived, and I found the two Miss William’s, singing a very pretty Duett, “Mid -aving Trees”: Next followed,

Cantata, “Adelaide” by Mr Sims Reeves

Chanson Francais (The Brunetta) Madame Sabatier. She sung so sweetly and looked so captivating that she was deservedly encored.

Aria (Papullia) Signor F Lablacha

Fantasia Pianoforte, by Madame Sabatier.

Ballad (Voices from Home) by Miss Bowland.

Aria (Ti perlitemore) by the Miss Pynes and Mr Calkin

And as a wind up, came John Parry in what he called “The Pretensat of an Operetta.”

This was the end of the first part. The second part, began by a Quartello (Trremate S—emale) by the 4 Distins on the Vase Horns accompanied on the pianoforte by “Willy.” Duett, “Sulla Tomba,” out of Lucia Di Lammamore. Then a song by John Perry entitled “The Master and Pupil” in the time expressive of “Jeanette and Jeannot.” This was his last performance I think: I cannot say much for it, for I cannot admire his style.

Fantasia on the Concertina by Signor Regondi, this was very pretty indeed.

Song “Il Postiglione” by Mr Farrer, accompanied by one of the Distens on the Sax Horn.

“Marie Jaimes ” and “Over the Water to Clushe” by Madame Laslache.

Chorus “Beauty’s Praira (Precirsa) Weber Concertina obligato — Thegondi.

Air “Angiol d’Aror” by Sims Reeves.

Duetto Buffo, Le Legimo di Canit” Signora Madame Lablache

Ballad “I’ve Flower to Sell” by Miss Emma Luccomba

Finale “The True History of England” written by Albert Smith and sung by John Parry. It was meant to be humorous and witty, but I must say the only exceptionable part of the Concert was where Parry sung, otherwise I would have been highly delighted. It was not over till nearly 12 o’clock.

Tuesday 20th June 1848.

Called on Sir George Shee, 38 Grosvenor Place; found him in; exceptionally polite: and he has promised to use his influence in getting particular letters of Introduction to Sir C FitzRoy. He recollected my Father perfectly but was not aware that he had left any children behind him.

After staying half an hour took my departure, and I called on Murdock at the office, 9 Park St, Westminster. Stayed with him half an hour:- on my way, as I got out of an Omnibus met Roger Therry, his wife, and 4 other Ladies waiting to get in to the Omnibus I had left, being en route to the “Fancy Fair” held this day at Chelsea. After they were out of sight, I recollected that they had taken the wrong Omnibus, for it was going towards Leicester Square instead of the – way. We had asked them to drink tea with us this evening, and were in great dishumour not having heard an answer. I also invited Robert Graham, Sydenham Russell, and Domville Taylor by letter this morning but none of them came. Went in an Omnibus to Euston Square Station, to inquire the time of the Harry? Harvey? From Pinnor, and the merits of this place; as we intend to dress ourselves there, on the way to the wedding.

Met Molle in Charing Cross.

Wednesday 21st June 1848

Shortly after breakfast surprised to hear “Mr Murdoch” ushered upstairs;- I had not the slightest recollection of his face, and was not a little astonished at discovering, in him my cousin “Charles Marsh” whom I had not seen for the last 12 years! Since then, he has changed his name to that of “Murdoch,” (Murdock?) in consequence of his having taken into partnership in Gordon’s House at Madeira. He has only within the last three days returned home from Madeira to recruit his health, he has been absent 5 years from England. He accompanied me down to the City as far as the Bank, when we separated he having promised to dine with us at 6 o’clock. I continued walking till I came to the London Docks, whither I went in search of the “St.George.” She was fortunately lying close to the wharf. AS I went on board I saw the Captain, and inspected one of the Portside cabins which he tells me he thinks could be 160 for Grace and myself. He made the homeward passage in 102 days. Walked homewards as far as the East India House the with an Omnibus to Regent St. Got out, took a stroll and met Domville Taylor who regretted not having received my note till ½ past 9, yesterday evening. Returned by exactly 6 o’clock, and found my cousin just arrived before me: Louisa Wise came afterwards, her brother Edward was unable to come to dinner. In the evening Charlotte and her mother drank tea:- Louisa Wise returns to the Isle of Wight tomorrow.

Henry Manning called this morning in order to show me an extract he is writing to the Times on Emigration etc.

Thursday 22nd June 1848.

A lovely day, got up early in order to be in time for the Train which stared for Pinner at 11.10 from the Euston Square Station: we got there half an hour before our time. On reaching the station at Pinner found a carriage waiting for us, having been ordered previously by Arthur Marsh. We intended to have dressed here, but there was no town? whatever, so we had to drive about a mile further and put up at a dirty miserable pothouse of an Inn;- there was no alternative:- however Grace managed with the help of her maid “Dowd,” to change her dress in less than half an hour, and by ½ past 1 o’clock, we found ourselves at the Marsh’s, “Eastbury.” The wedding was over, but the people had just sat down to the Breakfast and on our being discovered on entering places were soon made at the table for us.

The Bride was covered with orange blossoms and I cannot say that they became her, or that her appearance enchanted me. All the Bridesmaids were dressed alike in white muslin: these were the five Miss Marsh’s, my cousin Susan Downman, Miss Holland and Miss Hutton. There were at least 130 people present I should think; some of them whom I recollect, were Sir Harry and Lady Milman, Sir Hyde parker, Miss Milman: Lady Gifford and her daughter: the Reverend Gifford (her son) who was the Clergyman officiating at the ceremony. Colonel Shee, a relation of mine, Colonel and Mrs Eden: Mr and Mrs Graham Pigott:- the Roscoes, and the Hollands, cousins of the Arthur Marsh’s: then their Aunts Miss Amelia and Miss Georgina Marsh, also Madame Gabiou (who was a Miss Marsh) the prettiest girl was Miss Holland.

There was an immensity of speeches – Captain Crofton, the Bridegroom, made a long but stupid speech, his brother made a better. Sir Hyde Parker proposed the health of Arthur Marsh, and he returned thanks. Then the health of the young Clergyman, Gifford, his was tolerably good, he reminded me of Sir Aflred Stephen. The Bride cried a good deal as she said “good bye,” so did her mother, all the others were happy enough. The Breakfast was a sumptuous one. Opposite me sat Downman (my cousin), we never had seen each other before, and he was delighted when he heard my name, and we became the best of friends immediately. He is in the 65th Regiment and quartered at Kinsale but has a month’s leave. His manner is very much like Frank Forbes. I was sorry that my Aunt and Sir Thomas Downman were not present as they intended, but he does not like leaving Woolwich, on account of these Chartist Meetings.

The Bride and Bridegroom were driven to Watford as they intended going by Railway to Leamington, en route to Port-where his company is quartered. After they had left, the people strolled out of doors, some into the woods, others on the lawn; in the green house, in fact, wherever they fancied. All the Ladies wore Bonnetts at the breakfast with the exception of Grace, and all the gentlemen nearly wore frock coasts in which it is the fashion now to be married.

There was to be a bank in the evening but for this is was impossible to remain in consequence of the train for London starting at 9 o’clock. However had we known as much as we did afterwards we could have managed it, for when we reached Pinner where we were to start from, to our disappointment we found that the train had started 5 minutes before. This was unlucky, and I was obliged to hire the carriage, which had taken us to – brought us from Eastbury, to take us to London, a distance of 14 miles, for which the man charged 14/-;-we thought of going back again, and enjoying ourselves at the Ball, but both Grace and I were so tired, that we gave up the idea after a little consideration. If we had determined at first to have gone by their word instead of by rail, we should have done better. We were 2 ½ hours driving over. We passed through the pretty village of Harrow but being past twilight could only get a very dim sight of it.

At 7 o’clock forgot to mention, there was a warm dinner in Arthur Marsh’s room in the Old fellows to which I (as a married man) had the humor of being invited: and a cold collation for the Bachelors; and tea for the Ladies. I never saw it drank with such avidity since I left Australia!

Several of the Ladies after were present had been at another wedding in the neighbourhood yesterday. Miss Hodgson’s sister of Pemberton’s. She was married to a Mrs Hallet, once her father’s Curate at Rickmansworth.

Friday 23rd June 1848.

Raining off and on today. In the afternoon it poured. Whilst I was walking in Regent St I saw an old friend of mine, the Reverend George Carter, previously of Clifton. He is now a widower with two children; he married in 1841 into a very high family, the granddaughter of Lord Bolingbroke, and the niece of Lord Craven, from whom Carter obtained the Living of “Binley near Coventry.” Carter intended to have gone by the Railway tonight, but after I invited him to dinner, he postponed his departure till tomorrow. We had a long talk of Clifton and mutual friends there, and also of some people in Australia, amongst whom he mentioned Lowe who was his tutor at Oxford. Major St.John of Port Philip is his brother in Law. At 9 o’clock he left, for we had been invited to an evening party at Edye Manning’s. We accompanied Aunt C, Charlotte and George there. It was a musical party given with a compliment of Mrs Edye Manning’s sister, a Mrs Hertsell who with her husband are staying with the Mannings. Amongst the party were Roger Therry, wife and 2 daughters, one of them has grown up a pretty girl. The 2 Miss Mannings daughter of (Sergeant?) Manning.

Dr and Mrs Carpenter: Mr Manning and wife: Miss Warburton who sang well but worldly, in fact she sings in public. She is rather an impudent looking girl. Two Miss Arthurs from Exeter, they played and sang very nicely, they also teach music and singing, nevertheless are related to Sir George Arthur, and Mr, Mrs and Miss Price. A Mr Westmacott a regular snob. Towards the end of our evening, a very lame Polka was put up, we were not home till ½ past 1 o’clock. This added to our labours the day before completely knocked Grace and myself up.

Aunt Mary Anne, Charlotte: and Charlotte went to call on Mr and Mrs Partridge who have just come up to town, and are at Everatts Hotel, Piccadilly. They were out, but they afterwards met in a shop in Vere St. They are shortly going to Germany on account of Mrs Partridges eyes.

Called at Mr Therry’s and left them Lord Grey’s answer to Aunt Mary Anne with reference to Aunt Sophy’s Pension.

Saw Daniel formerly of Sydney.

Received a letter from the OVe Manning telling me that the Demondrille wool had been sold last night, and at most ruinous prices. I think he should have decidedly bought it in.

Dr and Mrs Steele (of Sydney) called on Grace and myself, they stayed half an hour. They told me to my surprise that the Reverend Sconce and his wife had turned Roman Catholics. Also the Reverend Mackinson, the Clergyman appointed in Dr Steeles place.

He also mentioned that Gregor of Moreton Bay, had been drowned whilst bathing in the Brisbane.

Saturday 24th June 1841

We had a very late breakfast, neither Grace nor myself feeling well. Nevertheless we could not in the evening resist the Temptation of going to the Opera to hear “Jenny Lind” in “Roberto il Diavolo.” George with Charlotte and the two Maddys had obtained Pit tickets, but told us they could be admitted through the Box Entrance without trouble in any rushing ahaterer, under these circumstances therefore Grace thought she might attempt it; we were however misinformed for on arriving at the door of the Opera we had to wait half an hour, and when the doors were opened a fearful mob took place, every one trying to get before his neighbour in order to secure a good seat. Whilst maneuvering around the Boxes on the way to the Pit, Grace, although she had hold of both Maddy and myself, managed to tumble down, and I fell over her, we had run too quickly for her, fortunately she was not hurt, but frightened a little. And we had outstripped most of the crowd so she easily got up and hastened in again, obtaining capital seats. Grace, Charlotte, the 2 Maddys and I on our Bench, and George and Gardiner (who joined the party at the door) behind us. Many had no seats whatever, standing the whole performance. We saw Mr and Mrs Partridge, and never spoke, in one of the Boxes on the third tier. The Queen was not present, but there were several Ladies in the Queen Dowager’s Box, as also in the Duke of Devonshire’s.

The Dramatis Personae were as follows.

Alice – Jenny Lind

Isabella- (was left out)

Robert – Signor Gardoni

Bertram – Signor Belletti

Rinaldo – Signor Labucetta

Alberti – Signor Bonce

With the exception of Jenny Lind and Gardoni none of the others were worth hearing. In fact this opera house is not to be compared to the Covent Garden one, as regards the orchestral arrangements. Jenny Lind was perfectly unsupported last night, and were it not for her admirable voice, the piece would have gone off badly:- one of the characters, “Isabella” was left out entirely, as they had no one to take the part, this of course spoilt the story. I didn’t like Jenny Lind in this Opera as well as I did in the Somnanihola? And I thought several of her notes very hasty. She might have had a cold perhaps. Another reason why she might have not sung so well was a report I heard, of her Swedish Banker having failed; and all her earnings lost!!

The Ballet was very good, far superior to the one at Covent Garden, it was entitled “Les Quatre Saisons.”

Summer (sustained by) Cart- Gusi

Autumn – C.Rosati

Winter – M.Taglioni

Spring – Cento

I liked Cento’s dancing the best, but Rosati is the prettiest and has a better figure than the former. I did not stay till it was over, as Grace felt faint: we left the others behind. We had a little difficulty in getting our carriage, but coachman being unable to get out of the rank, and we were unable to get to him in consequence of the rain. I forgot to mention that the pretty song of “Robert ti qui J’aime” was left out.

Mrs Hibbert called in the morning and afterwards the Partridges.

Sunday 25th June 1848

Raining off and on the whole day. After Church Hy Manning called on me; as he said he wished to speak to me on an important matter, we took a stroll out about the Park into the Kensington Gardens and in front of Kensington Palace, we intended to have gone to St.James’ Park, but a terrific storm of rain drove us home in a cab. The object of his visit to me, was to express his love and admiration for a certain young Lady, and to gain by any instrumentality, a private interview with her. I told him at once his case was hopeless, as the Lady’s affections were already engaged. This, however, is not sufficient in him, and he has requested me to tell the Lady’s brother that he will call on him tomorrow at 11 o’clock. Manning falls in love with every one, and proposes at once without considering whether the Lady is in love with him or not: he is certain to be sent about his business tomorrow. This will be about the 4th or 5th time that he has met with a refusal since his arrival in England. A Lady in Exeter, a Lady in Birmingham, Miss Lyon in Cheshire, and several others have each and all rejected his advances. He has only one alternative left, ie, to advertise in the Times.

Monday 26th June 1848

A fine day. After breakfast Grace, Charlotte, George and I went to the Exhibition of the Royal Academy, at the National Gallery. We stayed three hours! I had been before, but neither Grace nor Charlotte had been. In addition to those I marked on my first visit the following did please me much.

Pincher – by Landseer

The Doubtful Purchasor – McDuff

Dutch Yachting – E.W.Cooke

A Rubber – Webster

AT Tecamp – Baumn

A Group of Captives – EHY

Study of an Old Mans Head – Smith

Amalfi – Stanfield

The Evening Gun – Danby

Bishop Stein – Richardson

Random Shot – Landseer

We afterwards walked to another Exhibition in Regent Street “Soyer’s,” not worth going to, hardly one that was not a daub, done by the fellow’s wife.

Went to the famous glass shop (Osler’s) in Oxford St, in order to see the glass candelabra presented by H.R.H. Prince Albert to the Queen on her birthday. There are two of them, each 8 feet high, and they carry 15 lights each. The price was £250.

Today H. Manning called at 11, made to finally “extinguish” himself I think, and George had to write him such a letter, as will prevent him for the future I should think renewing a subject which is anything but agreeable to the Lady of his importunities.

George, Charlotte and Aunt C dined with us.

Tuesday 27th June 1848.

A wretched cold day; unceasingly raining. Walked as far as the Strand, returned up Regent St into Oxford St, caught in the rain, and took shelter in the Pantheon; remained half an hour, looking at the Australian Birds, the Flowers neat, the wax flowers, and lastly the pictures. Went from thence to Walker’s Music Shop in Soho Square and ordered a few pieces for Grace. From there walked to Bond St, No.5, inquired about places at Covent Garden for Thursday evening, on which night “Norma” is to be played for the last time. Saw in Bond St some Dorking fowls, most beautiful birds I ever saw, the price for three hens and a cock 30/-.

After diner George and I strolled down to the Haymarket Theatre; (in the way purchased 4 tickets for Covent Garden, in Amphitheatre Stalls 8/6 a piece). We arrived at the Haymarket Theatre before the 1st piece had been finished. The piece was entitled “Love for Love.” Afterwards “The Road to Ruin,” a very long comedy, not over till after 12. In this piece appeared Mrs Nisbett, Mrs Keeley, Mrs Glover, Mr Farrer, Mr Wigan, Mr Keeley: a Mr Graham Taylor played on the Harp some aria out of “Norma.” A rather pretty Polka was played by the Band called the “Birthday” by Jolly.

The “Times” of today gives a fearful account of the Doings in Paris. A regular battle between the Revolutionists and the Army, no less than 10,000 killed in the affray on both sides. Many of the soldiers poisoned in the Cabarets, by drinking wine with which arsenic had been infused.

Had the commencement of a cold.

Wednesday 28th June 1848

Had so bad a cold, that I did not go out of doors the whole day:- read Mary O’Calaghan’s marriage in the paper, with Captain H. Savile of the Artillery, they were married on Monday 21st, by her stepfather Lord William Somerset.

Sydenham Russell called but I did not see him, being in my bed room writing.

Heard from OVe Manning very disagreeable news, viz that “a £700 bill had been presented by the Bank of Australia to him for payment;- signed by Wise and Marsh, drawn in favour of M.M.Manning) but that in consequence of the wool fetching so bad a price last sales, that he was forced to tell the Manager that he must decline accepting till he knew the quality and state of the wool, I and what arrangements I might have it, in my power to make,” he wishes to see me on Friday at his country house at 11 o’clock.

Thursday 29th June 1849

Had so violent a cold that I did not go out the whole day. Read the death of “Frank Wemyss” in the paper; he died in London, and was preparing for his departure to India. Wrote to Sir Edward Doughty asking him if he had any money to invest, and if so whether he would lend £2000 for the purposes by way of Mortgage on Stock in New South Wales.

Obtained some tickets for the Italian Opera at Covent Garden this evening, but was eventually forced on account of my cold, to give up going and send my tickets to Aunt Charlotte, who with Grace, Charlotte and George went to hear the beautiful opera of “Norma” for the last time this season. Grace returned delighted, she had never heard it before, and this is one of Gris’s best characters.

Wrote to Captain Lake to get letters of Introduction to General Wynyard M

Friday 30th June 1848

At X o’clock went down in an Omnibus into the City (on the way called on E.Wise, he will not return from Portsmouth till tomorrow). Went to Ole Manning, in Water Lane and had a couples of hour’s conversation with him, as to the 700 Bill drawn by us and held by the Bank of Australia, he agrees(?) that he will come forward (in the event of the 55 Bales not making the above amount) as far as 200 to make up any deficiency that may arise, I also agreeing to come forward with 150 beyond that given so that 350 can be reckoned on between us.

Called on Young in Abchurch Lane, with reference to a passage on board the “St.George” and the “Waterloo” the former ship altogether is the most desirable, and he is to see Edward – to know what is the best sum he will take for the Stern Cabin, and let me know. Met Sydenham Russell in Piccadilly, he accompanied me home and lunch. Found Mrs Molle seated with Grace. Shortly after Captain and Mrs Dobson called bringing Miss Callander to introduce to us. They had us a long visit. The Mrs Dobson goes to the Oxford Commemoration on Monday.

At Mr Manning’s I saw a Mr Kishner, a German just arrived from Sydney, for the purpose of getting a lot of laborers from his own County; some dresses etc. He wanted Manning to pay him some money, I believe on this account, but the wool sales going so badly, prevented a compliance with his request.

Saturday 1st July 1848

Had a very bad headache the whole day. Wrote to Wise with reference to the wool.

Wrote to Mr Munro about his son going out to Australia, sent him also a Pamphlette on “Bush Life in Australia.”

Miss Murdock called on us.

Sunday 2nd July 1848

Rained in the morning a little. Grace and Aunt Mary Anne went to Church however, I very unwell. After lunch Grace, George and I went for a walk through Baker St across the New Road into Regents Park, and home by Harley Place, etc. Edward Wise called today.

Monday 3rd July 1848

Raining nearly the whole day. At 5 o’clock managed to stroll out as far as the Strand; went to the Illustrated News Office and ordered some of the back numbers.

Aunt Mary Anne dined at Aunt Charlotte’s and Grace and I went in the evening. Purchased Lamartine’s History of the Government.

Tuesday 4th July 1848

No rain, but threatening the whole day. At 2 o’clock started for the Greenwich Railway by Omnibus; this starts from London Bridge: after getting to Greenwich, obliged to hire a carriage to take me on to Woolwich, 4 miles distant, the fare 4/6:- called at the Arsenal St, found my Aunt and Sir Thomas Downman and Susan had gone to a Concert at the Barracks; I therefore proceeded thither, and met their carriage on their return:- went immediately back again with to the Arsenal, and stayed dinner. Sir Thomas took me into several of the workshops, to see where the (naves?) of the wheels for the artillery carriages were being made; and to another where the timber has been planed and sawed. We met an Egyptian or Syrian who had been to work at the different things worthy attention in the Arsenal, they were accompanied by Colonel Dundas (an old friend of Aunt Mary Anne’s). Sir Thomas has promised to get me letters to Sir Charles FitzRoy, and General Wynyard. We dined at ½ past 6 o’clock after a cup of coffee. Started for the Steamer, and went (after crossing the ferry) by another Railway to London; one I had never been by before; the terminus being at “Shoreditch” near Fenchurch St. We left the station at a little after 9 o’clock, and I was not at home till nearly 11 o’clock p.m, nearly an hour getting up in an Omnibus from Fenchurch St.

Dr Wilson called to see Grace and was full of the Duke of Wellington sitting in his carriage to Lady Mornington’s.

Wednesday 5th July 1848

A beautiful day, windy, very warm. At 2 o’clock called on Sir George Shee, whom I found at home and with whom I sat nearly an hour. He has very kindly got me a letter of Introduction to Sir Charles Fitzroy from Lord George Lennox. Called afterwards on my relation Miss Morrison, 18 Cadogan Place, Miss Georgina Marsh and Madame Gabiou are staying with her and some — –, also their niece Miss Graham, ( a relation of whom a Mr Leonard is in Australia) I intended to have called on Miss Amelia Marsh, and as they were going to call for her in their carriage, to take her to the Botanical Garden’s Flower Show, they insisted on my accompanying them to her residence in North Audley St. To my surprise in knocking at the door, found it the same place, where Molle and his wife live, left my card in both parties.

Called on my other relations the Miss Gostlings living at No.1 Bedford Square, unfortunately there were out, their man servant tells me they had only started for their mother’s Whitton Park about half an hour: When I got into Oxford St, met Aunt C, Grace, and Charlotte, all on their way to the Music Shop in Soho Square.

During my absence from home Domville Taylor, and Sydenham Russell called, they former goes to Switzerland on Friday. A Captain Phelps called on me, he has property in New South Wales and wishes to have a little conversation with me on the subject.

Thursday 6th July 1848

The warmest day we have had for some weeks, very oppressive. After breakfast Colonel Shee called on me, he is a very gentlemany man, although not so good looking as Sir George.

Took a cab and called on Mrs Rennalls in Tavistock Square, found her in, also her nephew Creighton, just returned from Port Philip, but owing to some illness he is perfectly blind, and doubts of his recovery are entertained, although he fancies he will be able in a few months to go back to New South Wales. Mrs Rennalls knows Mrs Dawson in Sydney, and Mrs Dawson’s sister lives in London, in Albany St.

Called next on Miss Creighton: and Miss Rennalls in Southampton Row. Saw only the former. From thence drove to Mrs Steele who is now living at 1 Duke St, Portland Place, the Dr not in. Called afterwards on my relation Miss Amelia Marsh in North Audley St, found her sister with her and a Mr and Mrs Graham. Also her niece (daughter of George Marsh of the Cape of Good Hope). After leaving them, called on Mrs Molle, living in the same house. Stayed with her half an hour, and returned home with Grace. I afterwards strolled out by myself and went for a couple of hours into Hyde Park, a great number of Horsemen, carriages, and people, at ½ past 6 the Queen made her appearance, going down the Circle by the Serpentine and up where they ride; she was in an open carriage of 4 attended by the Hon. Miss Kerr, Colonel Wemyss her equerry.

Friday 7th July 1848

Raining nearly the whole day. Went for a short stroll to call on Captain Phelps, 16 Bryanstone ST, he has property in Australia, and wished to talk to me on the subject before I went out again.

Miss Newhouse called today and dined with Aunt Charlotte.

Our Piano came from Broadwoods this morning, price £54. The tone is very good I think, and Broadwoods generally improve by being used.

Wrote to my Uncle Marsh, also to Miss Palmer.

Saturday 8th July 1848.

Raining off and on, like April weather. After breakfast went to Park St and called on Murdoch; informed him of the desperate state of the Colony of New South Wales, and that I thought from present appearances, there was going to be another crash in the Colony: that I was trying hard to get a recommendation from Lord Grey to Sir Charles Fitzroy, for an appointment in Sydney, so that I might have something to depend on in the event of one’s affairs becoming worse. He said he did not think Lord Grey would recommend and that no official liked doing so especially to a Governor; that it would have greater effect taking private letters. Called afterwards on Young in Abchurch Lane, but found his office closed.

Drank tea with Aunt C, Miss Newhouse dined there again today. Mrs Edye Manning called and paid a long visit. Aunt’s money due today, also Charlotte’s interest.

Sunday 9th July 1848

Raining nearly the whole day, prevented going to Church by it. George dined with us and in the evening as it cleared, he and I took a stroll together down Oxford St, into Regent St as far as the Quadrant: We made the remark of how very few pretty women we met, and for curiosity sake I counted no less than 500 women as they passed by without meeting with a single pretty face.

Tuesday 11th July 1848.

A beautiful day. Grace not well and did not get up till 2 o’clock.

Wrote to Arthur Hodgson who arrived yesterday by the “Walmer Castle.”

Wrote also to “John Wemyss” who arrived on Sunday in “H.M.S. Collingwood.” Went out at 3 o’clock in order to purchase tickets for the Chiswick Fete tomorrow, but not having an order of the Fellow’s obliged to return home again and write a letter to the Secretary. Met Mr Hutt and had a long talk with him on Australia. When I reached home at 4 o’clock found Aunt and Grace at their dinner, I therefore had mine. At the door I found Miss Murdock and a Mrs Delune (a connection of mine), they had called to see us but Dowd informed them Grace was out instead of being ill. Met Domville Taylor today, he tells me Hughes of the Downs is staying with Russell and they are all going tonight to the Haymarket.

Saw Colonel Breton and his daughter (just arrived on the “Walmer Castle”).

Purchased two tickets for the Chiswick Fete tomorrow, and told Mrs Dobson to get another – from Sir Peregrine Ireland (Leland?).

Edye Mannings daughter passed the day with Aunt C: and they all went together to the Kensington Gardens, into the Park where they saw the Queen. Maddy drank tea. Miss Newhouse called in the afternoon, went out shopping with Aunt and stayed tea.

Wednesday 12th July 1848.

Chiswick Fête today, to which Aunt C, Grace and Charlotte went under my escort: we started at ½ past 2pm thus and reached after a little delay by ½ past 3: the numbers of people present were not to be counted but I should imagine not less than 20,000: for every part of the gardens were crowded as well as the grounds around the Duke of Devonshire’s house, which today were thrown open being the last show of the season: The fruit and the flowers were beautiful in the extreme, but I consider the disadvantage of crowd, everyone shoving their neighbour and the heat intense. The Ladies were all dressed very gaily indeed; of those that we saw and knew were Captain and Mrs Dobson, my cousin Susan Downman, Mr Hicks of Moreton Bay, Robert Graham; and I think I saw Blair there, formerly clerk of the Bank of Scone; also Mrs Therry and her eldest daughter who was in search of her son and youngest daughter whom they had lost. We had considerable difficulty in making our way to the Duke of Devonshire’s gardens (which we were all very anxious to see) for the crowd seemed to increase the further we went, however by dint of pushing and squeezing along a dusty walk through the kitchen garden of nearly ½ a mile, we reached, and were fortunate enough to get seats in a shady part of the gardens and within sight of one of the Military Bands stationed here: the taste with which every thing is arranged is beyond description, it is a perfect Paradise in fact; half an hour afterwards the Band marched away to another part of the Horticultural Society’s gardens intending to form with the three other military bands one grand orchestra, as they did last year. We followed the Band passing through the Duke of Devonshire’s Conservatories etc; our return from thence to the other gardens was even more difficult than as came, and more dusty, just as we were outside the gate we saw a Barouche and 4 with outrider, stop, and from thence alighted the Duke of Devonshire and the Duchess of Sutherland. I think, however, the person who told us was mistaken as to the identity of the latter, for instead of her being a tall commanding woman she was short and fat, fair and forty. When we reached the Bands they now as I anticipated formed into one orchestra: I tried to get seats for some time but in vain; a gentleman however very kindly gave up his seat and as Grace was the -d of the party she took it; in fact she was so faint and looked so ill that I blamed myself for having persuaded her to come. I was therefore anxious to get her away more especially as I fancied a thunder storm was brewing; after we strolled through the large conservatory and round one of the tents where the roses were we took our departure. I cannot say I enjoyed myself especially after coming out of the garden, for now the worst push of the day commenced, (i.e.) getting the carriages, in vain I dispatched no less than 3 men to enquire “Cox’s Clarence,” and in vain I walked through Phalanxes of vehicles of every description from the dirty Hand Cab, to the coroneted and well appointed Barouche, without finding our conveyance. Fortunately our horse was a chestnut and in wretched condition and thanks of these circumstances I think we managed to find our Jehn after ¾ of an hours untiring patience. I came to the conclusion that after all the trouble, dust, and nervous excitement consequent upon going, that Chiswick is hardly worth going to.

Aunt Charlotte was knocked up, Grace fortunately was much better than I imagined she would be, and made a marvelously extensive dinner. Charlotte enjoyed herself very much she said and looked very well, Blue silk, and white Bonnett.

George would not go, a sensible fellow. We paid £1..0..0 for our conveyance there and back.

Thursday 13th July 1848

Aunt Charlotte very unwell today. Obliged to send for Dr Wilson. I too had a dreadful headache till 2 o’clock. I then went down in an Omnibus to the London Docks. Went to the “Walmer Castle” and there to my surprise met Blair (whom I thought I saw yesterday). He came home with Hodgson (Harper?) and Hughes, also Brodie of New (Zealand?) in the “Walmer Castle.”

Called on Young in Abchurch Lane to know whether my offer 140 to Edridge to go the “St.George” had been accepted. He said no, and that he had increased the offer to 150 and that Edridge had at first refused this, but offered to think the matter over,, and give an answer in a day or two. After I had been there, to my great surprise met Clement Milward (?) whom I had not seen since I left Clifton in 1840, he is not a bit changed since then: I asked him to pass Tuesday evening with us.

Called on Edward Wise, found him preparing to start by railway for Winchester, the Sessions having commenced: he was as usual full of Law, having accidentally been retained in a case to be tried there. I accompanied him in a Cab as far as the “Waterloo Station” which is a new terminus just opened and not quite completed, formerly persons had to go to the Nine Elms Station beyond Vauxhall as well as ever an out of the way place. Mrs Chatswood (Chetwode?) was to have come by this Railway and I went down in the hope of meeting her but did not however. On reaching home found she had come by the 4 o’clock train. Her little girl ‘Henrietta’ was with her, they were both on their way to their relations in Leamington and from thence go to some others in Shropshire, Lady Barrys. George and Charlotte came in in the evening, Aunt Charlotte confined to her bed unfortunately.

I enquired at Mssrs Greens, 62 Cornhill, what a Stern Cabin would be on board the “Walmer Castle,” about 150 for man and wife.

The Thermometer 80° in the shade.

Friday 14th July 1848

Another very oppressive day, the Thermometer in the house 80: Did not breakfast till ½ past 10 o’clock. Mrs Chetwode came over before we were up. Afterwards George and herself and little girl, went to the Polytechnic and Madame Tussauds. About 1 o’clock Arthur Hodgson called on me by himself, but finding that his wife was very near, at a Dentist in Gloucester Street, I persuaded him to go back there for and bring her to lunch with us: I accompanied him back and waited about half and hour; Mrs Hodgson walked back with us and introduced both of them to Aunt Mary Anne, and Grace. Afterwards Aunt Charlotte and Charlotte came in and we all had lunch together. Hodgson only came in from Rickmansworth today, stays tonight at V. Dowlings, Norfolk St, and then returns home tomorrow. Delighted to see me. I accompanied them down to Norfolk St in a cab, left Mrs Hodgson there, and Arthur and myself walked to Chancery Lane to his brother’s chambers, not in however; and from thence, to the Windham Club in St.James’ St, to call on Taylor: on our road there Robert Graham overtook us.

Mrs Hodgson, I thought looked very well indeed, better than when I last saw her: Hodgson the same as ever. They neither gave a flourishing account of the Walmer Castle nor of the Captain.

(cross out note) Thorne

Mrs Charlotte was too late for the ½ past 2 o’clock train, and returned with George and waited for the Express at 5.

Saturday 15th July 1848

A beautiful day but warm. Lady Dowling and “Missy” Beeton called whilst I was out. A Miss Ferrier also came twice. She has a relative by the name of Hamilton going into New South Wales. Molle also called with Lady Dowling! He leaves London for Bath on Monday.

Robert Graham and Domville Taylor drank tea with us. Surprised to hear that the former was no longer Agent for the Forbes. Received a letter from Roger Therry. Aunt Charlotte and George came in this evening.

Mrs Chetwode lunched with us and left for the Euston Square Station to go by the ½ past 2 train to Coventry, however on arriving there they were too late and had to wait for the express at 5, returning here in the interval

Sunday 16th July 1848

A most beautiful day. Aunt and I went to the Temple Church, Edward Wise having got us an order from a barrister by the name of “Crowder.” On entering the Church we were much struck with the beauty of the interior, the marble pillars and the beautiful painted windows etc. The crowd too was immense, and we moved with far greater difficulty up to what they call the “Barrier” (a sort of gateway to prevent people passing without an order) than we did on going to the Pit in Her Majesty’s Theatre on “Jenny Lind” night. After I had with difficulty waded through the crowd with Aunt up to the aforesaid “Barrier” on the right hand side, we found that we could not be admitted on this side, as it belonged exclusively to Barristers of the Inner Temple, and my order was from one of the Middle Temple, whose prerogative lay in the other or left hand side of the Aisle. This was provoking, for we had now to stem the current of people attempting to reach the” Barrier” we were leaving, I fancied Aunt would certainly have been squeezed to death, or at least been frightened, but neither of these accidents happened, and we got to the left hand Barrier with far less difficulty than the first time. After we entered Aunt was placed in one part set apart for Ladies, and I in another place for Gentlemen: my part was the best, and certainly the most comfortable pew I ever sat in. I did not think as much of the Choir as I was led to expect decidedly inferior to that of the “Foundling Church.” The sermon was preached by a young man, and I think it was the best sermon I ever heard in my life, at least I listened with greater attention, and felt sorry when it was finished. The Clergyman was most eloquent, and instead of telling truisms, his sermon was purely argumentation.

Ike Manning and wife called on us after lunch, I never saw her looking so well, very pretty indeed! Grace and I after Ike was gone called on Edye Manning, found them all in and met there again the Mr Mannings. Also Captain Sturt who is staying with them.

Monday 17th July 1848

Called on Blair in Margaret St, wrote to Gardiner. I saw Young, he had not heard from Edridge about the St.George.

Called with Grace on my relations the Miss Gostlings, 1 Bedford Square, very glad to make our acquaintance. From thence drove to Lady Seymour’s at Spring Gardens to see Miss Callander. Not in however. Thence to Sir P. Aclands to call on Mrs Dobson, not in; then to my relations Miss Morrison, 18 Cadogan Place: Then home with Grace. Went out afterwards to call on Colonel Shee, 8 Lower George St and to leave a note to invite him here tomorrow evening.

Tuesday 18th July 1848

Had dinner early at 2 o’clock. Called afterwards on Edye Manning to ask him and wife to – this evening with us. Captain Sturt was with them so I invited him. Mrs Manning declined, in consequence very likely of so short an invitation. Their carriage was at the door, as they intended talking a drive in the Park: they asked me to accompany them and Captain Sturt, which I very willingly did: after we drove once up the Circle by the Serpentine, we got out of the carriage to walk in the Kensington Garden. The Ban however had ceased playing. In the evening Roger Therry, wife and daughter drank tea with us, also Captain Sturt, Edye Manning, and Clement Milward; The Therry’s go abroad on Friday

Wednesday 19th July 1848

Went into the City today, called on Young with reference to the “St George.” Went afterwards to the Docks, went on board the “King William.” Underwood formerly of the “Sir G Seymour” is the Captain, he has had a 5 months passage home: went on board the “Walmer Castle,” the work has been during the whole passage nearly, but fears are entertained of the ship catching fire, so much so that a fire engine is alongside of her, and the pipes are carried between decks into the hold: the Captain informs me a piece of wood taken out, a perfect piece of charcoal. Called at the agents “Green’s” in Cornhill, I can have a Stern Cabin for £160 and -edout cabin also included.

Captain Dobson called in the morning, and afterwards Arthur Hodgson and Taylor.

Thursday 20th July 1848

Raining off and on the whole day, and cold. Called on Dr Wilson after breakfast with reference to taking my passage in a ship going August or September. He said that the later month would be beset for Grace. Went down in an Omnibus to the City, called on Young in Abchurch Lane.

Friday 21st July 1848 (written in very light pencil)

After breakfast called on Peregrin Acland, 13 Cavendish Square, and then Captain Dobson. Saw them and Mrs Dobson also and the two Miss Latimers. Captain Dobson accompanied me as far as the National Gallery giving me his advice as to which ship I should go by: called at Edridges, 34 Fenchurch St, enquired if there was a Surgeon engaged for the “St George” at first he said no but afterwards agreed to have one, but would not take less than £170 for the Stern Cabin and half again for two servants. Went then to Greens and made an offer of £150 for the same accommodation on board the Walmer Castle which was accepted and then went to Youngs in Abchurch Lane and – him.

Dined at Ley Merriweather with Grace. We met Hy Mereweather, Mr and Mrs and Miss Laws, a Mr Biggs a Barrister, and 2 other men. Mr Law talked much of the Rothery’s, did not like him at all. Also of Cooper Turner, he says he might -ish his brother here as he is very badly off.

Saturday 22nd July 1848

Went down with George to the London Docks to see the “Walmer Castle” found she had just left for Blackwall previous to her going into dry dock.

Sunday 23rd July 1848

A beautiful day till late in the afternoon when it poured. Grace, Aunt, George and I went down in a cab in the afternoon to Westminster Abbey. It was crowded to excess, and half an hour before the doors were opened, the people gathered outside, just as they do at the Pit door at the Opera. As soon as the Laye Gate was thrown open the rush took place, every one pushing his neighbour to the utmost. By a good deal of scrambling Aunt and Grace got each a seat on different benches and George and I afterwards got the end of a seat. There was one thing that astonished me rather, where I fancied the Anthem was being sung, (as in other Cathedrals) a clergyman mounted to the pulpit, and commenced a sermon, hardly a word of which was audible, and worst of all actually it lasted 45 minutes, as soon as finished, the Anthem was sung and then the remainder of the service: the reason of this deviation is that people formerly only went to hear the Anthem, and now they have to wait the whole service first.

I wrote to J.Wemyss, Mrs Wavell, Mr Munro. Edward Shute dined with George, and Grace and I went next door in the evening to meet him.

Monday 24th July 1848

Went into the City after breakfast, paid 75 half of the passage money as bond for “Walmer Castle:” spoke also about the cabins for George and his mother and Charlotte, requesting to have the refusal of them. George went to Mr Rennals to get his advice about going out to Australia, and he advises the step. Called on Murdock (Murdoch?) in answer to his note, requesting permission to make use of any letter to my uncle, as far as showing and extract of it to Lord Grey. Went afterwards by the Blackwall Railway to the East India Docks and went on board the “Walmer Castle: to look at her cabins. Miss Georgina Marsh and Madame Gabiou called whilst we were all out.

Tuesday 25th July 1848

Raining nearly the whole day. In the evening it cleared. George and I went down into the City and by Railway to Blackwall for the purpose of inspecting the cabins of the Walmer Castle, for George has quite made up his mind to go to Australia with me. We also went on board a beautiful East Indiaman called “The Tudor” more like a Frigate than a merchantman. Went to Mssrs Green in Cornhill to bargain with George for the Stern Cabin for his mother and Charlotte, and the next cabin for himself, they charged at first £210, but agreed to take £190 for the three: George is to give them an answer by 12 o’clock tomorrow.

Wednesday 26th July 1848

George and I went to Cornhill to Messrs Green, to settle about the Stern Cabin for his Mother and Charlotte and the next for himself. His is to pay for this accommodation £190: we afterwards went to Silver’s in Cornhill, the outfitter to see his prices for things necessary for a voyage. Afterwards went to the Minories to look at the newly invented Sofa Cot at Brownes. It came on to pour with rain in the afternoon. Went to Boyds in St Marylebone St about the packing case for the Sofa, and afterwards to Faige(?) about disposing of my carriage.

A.Hodgson called whilst I was out but did not come in. Had a letter from my Aunt Downman asking Grace and myself down to Woolwich on Saturday the 5th August instant.

Thursday 27th July 1848

Hodgson called on me just after breakfast. He seems very much vexed with Messrs Green and Co he knew of the Walmer Castle in consequence of the bad state they allowed that ship to go to New South Wales in; the consequence of which was, she was nearly lost in the homeward voyage, sprung two leaks after and forward, and her rudder board carried away; and a temporary rudder made, but in order to work it both Stern Cabins were cut up and Hodgson’s and his wifes comfort perfectly destroyed: On this he is trying to recover compensation from the owners, and Mr V. Dowling is advising him in the course he is to take to compel them to make a reparation.

I took Arthur Hodgson to call on Dr Wilson, as he had last(?) seen the Wilsons in New South Wales. The Dr delighted to see him, and wishes both himself and myself to dine with him next week.

Went to Norfolk St with Hodgson and afterwards to Chancery Lane, to his mother’s: saw him also to Hodgson’s father a fine old man.

Had lunch at Jenaway’s and returned in an Omnibus to Charing Cross when we walked to Verney’s(?) to have an ale, and to see one of the young women who is said to be like Mrs Hodgson. Went afterwards to his Tailor’s in Regent St and strange to say in this street I saw a man by the name of Wedderburn who was a Wine Merchant in Sydney. Walked to the British Hotel in Jermyn Street where Hodgson is staying, and afterwards to – Street where I left him.

Friday 23rd July 1848

A beautiful day. Went into the City after breakfast, called on Gardiner by appointment, he had left as I was some time after 12 o’clock. Went to Tolkien’s the cheap Pianoforte Maker near London Bridge, as I wished to get some sort of an instrument to play on the passage out: went to several others but could not get any under £200. Went to another Music shop in Rathbone Place near Oxford St, and afterwards in to Soho Square to a man named Browne who has only Broadwoods second hand pianos for sale. There were some however under £20 worth having.

Sydenham Russell drank tea with us or rather with Aunt Charlotte: Gardiner was asked but did not come.

Met Horatio Edenborough in Pall Mall, he is to be found at the Militia Club, corner of St James’. He has just been staying with Gall’s mother in Hertfordshire.

Saturday 29th July 1848

Hodgson called after breakfast and he and I went down to the City. Called first at Chancery Lane to see his brother, found he had already started for Blackwall to be present with Hodgson and myself at the meeting with Mr Green. We therefore hurried down in a cab to the Blackwall Railway, where we found Hodgson’s brother just arrived. On reaching Messrs Green’s offices, we found Captain Thorne, Green brother, Captain Jackson and another of Green’s partners. Hodgson claimed £30 as a compensation for the loss of his cabin, sustained by the rudder head being carried away, which his brother tried to prove was not by (as the Lawyers call it) the “Act of God,” but by neglect in the part of officers of the ship. After a good deal of argument, Mr Green very liberally agreed to give the sum of £30 to Hodgson and of course he left perfectly satisfied, for he thought he would only succeed in getting £25 and therefore asked 5 more in order to make sure after leaving them Messrs Green’s went on board the “Walmer Castle” which is still under a state of repair, to be made A.1 for 4 years longer. After we arrived in London, Hodgson and I went to the European Coffee House opposite the Mansion House and had luncheon; I some whitebait, the first I ever tasted. Went then to Rupert St to his tailors, then to Nicolls the Tailor in Regent St, then to Beaumont St to an artists, a Mrs Richmond, then had an Ice in Oxford St, then walked through the Pantheon, and finally to the “Green Man of Stick(?)” where Hodgson mounted an Omnibus en route to the Euston Square Railway.

Sunday 30 July 1848

A find day but a cold wind. Took a walk in the Park by myself before dinner, and did not return till late, not till 7 o’clock: there were not many carriages, in fact most of them best people have left town now. Aunt called on the Hibberts who leave town tomorrow for Brighton.

Monday 31st July 1848

Grace and I called on Mr and Mrs Hibbert to wish them good bye. Aunt Charlotte, Charlotte had been there just before we had, we stayed half an hour, and then called in Miss Murdock (Murdoch?) in Devonshire St, but she is at Winchester staying with her married sister: from thence walked down Portland Place into Oxford St to Wells St to look at a Piano for sale; then we went to Soho Square to Browes, where we saw some very good second hand Broadwoods. And then we walked as far as the Circus and took a cab home. After dinner George and I went down Regents St as I wished to call at Nicoles the Tailors, found the evening very chilly, and a little rain.

Had an invitation to dinner from my relation Miss Morrison, 18 Cadogan Place, Belgrave Square.

Tuesday 1st August 1848

Went to the City after breakfast. Went to the Emmigration Office, Park St, Westminster and, met “W.Arkell.” Found the the “King William” has been pronounced unseaworthy. Went to Silver’s the outfitters.

Edward Wise called late in the evening.

Wednesday 2nd August 1848

Called on Edward Wise at his Chambers.

Looking over accounts till two o’clock.

Miss Ferrier called, she has a nephew by the name of Hamill (Hamlin Henille?) going out in the “Waterloo:” she is, I believe related to the Riddells (Rissells?) in Sydney.

Thursday 3rd August 1848

Mr Cook Bristol just as we were going to breakfast, ½ past 10 o’clock.

Met Russell in the City. Also Archibald Walker of Sydney. Went to the Coliseum after dinner accompanied by Aunt Mary Anne, Grace and George to see the Panorama of Paris by Moonlight: One of the greatest optical deceptions I ever beheld. We could swear that it was really a town. All the streets apparently lit with gas, and the moon and stars shining as naturally as the real ones. We stayed a couple of hours, and afterwards seated ourselves downstairs looking at the (Hallway?) and hearing pieces of music played on the Harp, piano and violin.

Friday 4th August 1848

Raining off and on today. Drank tea at Aunt Charlotte’s, met Miss Newhouse there and a friend of hers’, a Mr McIntosh (whose sister married a Captain Sutherland of Bathurst).

Went to Silver’s the Outfitters and from thence to St.John’s Street (?) Road City Road, through Finsbury Square in order to look at some pianos, one at £5 and £15.

Met Clement Milward passing through St.Martins Court.

Saturday 5th August 1848

Had a letter from Bangor from my Cousin Charles, to tell me of the melancholy death of Wilmot. We had intended to take Grace to Woolwich and spend a few days with Sir Thomas Downman, but in consequence of the above intelligence I though it best for Grace not to go: but I went by myself to see if they had heard of the melancholy news: I started at ½ past 1 o’clock from here and went by the South Eastern Railway which I took from Shoreditch. I reached Woolwich by 4 o’clock and found only my Aunt in and very much cut up. Sir Thomas came in after and George came in to dinner as also Susan. Young FitzRoy had been asked to dinner to meet us, but of course was put off. We are to go down Monday week.

Sunday 6th August 1848

A very cold day and occasionally rain. Wrote to Bangor to Charles and to my aunt in Woolwich.

Monday 7th August 1848 (written in very light pencil)

Went to see a portrait painted at – is to – Pianoforte – return met Blair who accompanied me as far as Edgeware Road.

I had never before been to a to – and I was very much pleased with the place. I went to call on Mr – a portrait painter who was at the Exhibition of the Academy sent a – well done portrait of a lady; — that Aunt should sit- thought he would be a good man, but the only thing worth looking, as much – was the said portrait, he had –. The others were wretched daubs and I came to the conclusion that the one I liked must has been packed up for none proved better artist than myself, and so I had my trip to Islington for nothing.

Monday 8th August 1848 (written in light pencil, very difficult to read)

Raining the whole day(?) Went out after breakfast to Dr Wilson partly to consult him and to – however whether he could — Grace and myself to dinner. He had (not read?) my note of last night, but never the less gladly accepted Hodgsons proposal. I accompanied him in his carriage to Hyde Park Gardens, and he invited -me home in it from thence. Went out afterwards notwithstanding the rain, first to Martins in Hanover St, then to a Music shop in Oxford St, afterwards to Poulshote(?) St. Mrs Chetwode and her little girl returned from Leamington. They dined with us and Aunt Charlotte and Miss Newhouse here in the evening.

Heard from Charles from Bangor. Poor Wilmot was buried yesterday.

Wednesday 9th August 1848

Showery. After breakfast Mrs Dobson called. I walked home with her to her lodgings, 27 Duke St. Went down into the City to Silvers, and to Greens. They seem to forget that I was to have ½ a cabin for a servant.

Grace and I dined at Mr Russell’s, 18 Lowndes Street, the only ones there Arthur Hodgson and wife. A Mr Law, Secretary to Lord John Russell, and a Mr Young; we had a very nice dinner, very good wines. Music and singing. Left at ½ past 11 o’clock.

Mrs Chetwode dined next door with Aunt Charlotte.

Thursday 10th August 1848

A fine day till the evening when it poured with rain, thundered and lightning.

Arthur Hodgson and wife, and Mrs Chelwode lunched with us. Afterwards the latter, with Aunt C, Charlotte and little Harriet Chetwode went on to the Coliseum.

Charlotte, George and I however diverged, going down Maylebone St to Boyd’s, the Upholsterers and then up Cleveland St where we bought a cheap Piano for 10

Dined at Dr Wilson’s with Arthur Hodgson, besides ourselves a Mr Talbot, cousin of Somerset (who married Miss O’Connell) a Mr Sandville, nice secretary to Lord Whitworth, and Dr Paris, and Mr Browning.

At ½ past 10 John Russell came in a cab for Hodgson and myself, he having got tickets for the Covent Garden Opera. We arrived just at the end of the 2nd Act. The Opera was “Gli Ugonotti,” (The Huguenots by Giacomo Meyerbeer, 1791-1864) one of the finest pieces of music I ever heard. I was enchanted: the Dramatis Personae were

Margarita Valia- Madame Casteham

Ilconte Di Vens Poim – Tandanini

Valentina – Viacohh.

Paul Di Nanpis – Signore Meris

Marcelo – Marini

Nolante Di Neves- Tagliafiaco

Urbano – Alboni

The Ballet was very indifferent. Mrs Hodgson was at the Opera seats in the Pit Stalls with Mrs Dowling, and when the opera was over and the Ballet was being commenced , we managed to get to her by passing the Doorkeeper 2/6.

The opera was not over till near 1 o’clock.

Friday 11th August 1848

Went with George into the City, to a tailors in Cornhill and then to Silver’s the outfitter where I left George when I called on Messrs Green’s as to the Servants passage. Went then by Railway to Blackwall to the Dry Dock and on board the “Walmer Castle” in order to see for a carpenter to put up our Cabins, arranged to meet a man tomorrow about it.

Mrs Chetwode left after breakfasting with Aunt C for Weymouth, being sorry to say good bye.

Sydenham Russell and his brother John Drank tea with us, I had invited them to meet Mrs Dobson, but she did not come, nor sent any excuse which was provoking.

Saturday 12 August 1848

A fine day although threatening for rain. Called on Miss Newhouse who lives at 51 next door to Aunt Charlotte. Went into the City after breakfast, calling first of all in Regent Street at Melton the Hatters, then at a tailors in Old Bond Street, “Bunnice (Bunnie?) and Richardson” where I ordered a pair of trousers and had them home in the evening. Called on Green’s in Cornhill about the servants cabin, they are to write me word what arrangement the Captain can make. Went by rail to Blackwall and on board the “Walmer Castle”, and met a carpenter who agrees to fit-up my Cabin for 2..5. Did not return to dinner till ½ past 7 o’clock. Alfred Evans was with Aunt Charlotte dining.

Sunday 13 August 1848 – (written in pencil, very light)

A cloudy day, and cold. After Church went with Grace in a cab to call on Miss Morrison, 186 Cadogan Place. She is better but not yet able to see anyone. From there — Gloucester – cab to St.Johns Wood and called on – who we found in as also – Manning.

In the evening it poured with rain and — — called and stayed – – where Miss Callander was unmarried. She is going to send a parcel for – and her niece in Sydney.

Monday 14th August 1848 – (pencil, very difficult to read)

A pouring wet day. Nevertheless after breakfast Grace and I went by cab en route to the London Bridge, having called as we passed at a Music Shop – and ordered and exchanged music.

When we arrived at the Station for – the train to – whither we had tried was ready to start. On arriving there hired a fly to take us to Woolwich, we found only my Aunt in. Sir Thomas came in some time after, then Susan, and George not till dinner time. So Grace was gradually introduced to them.

Colonel Gordon came in, who told me he had 3 nephews in Australia by the name of Gwynne.

A Miss Chalmers, daughter of Colonel Chalmers drank tea, she has a very pretty voice, and is rather a pretty girl.

Had a fire in the Drawing Room and Dining Room for the first time this season.

Tuesday 15th August 1848 (very light, almost indecipherable)

Raining all the — than yesterday: at 11 the Artillery Ban – came to play. – an hour but they – and her cousin Captain – London: and afterwards Grace — and myself were — to hear the Artillery Band play – very long however due – When we reached — and Miss Marsh took a — I went out – with Sir Thomas to meet them. Admired Lord Cadogan’s yacht which is going – was expected to arrive – a haunch of venison – vessel. Captain – could not be persuaded in – had an engagement to — London, so they went off by the 6 o’clock steamer, Susan by – us four as the wharf–.

Captain and Mrs Tylden came in the evening, and drank tea.

So chilly and damp that fires were lighted in both rooms.

Wednesday 16th August 1848 (light pencil again)

A better day than yesterday but threatening for rain. At 11 o’clock the Artillery band came and played for half an hour in front of the windows. And an hour after we were waving adieu to my Aunts, Sir Thomas, Susan and George. We went by Steamer as far a Blackwall, and then we went straight to the “Walmer Castle” which we found out of the Drydock and nearly ready only the painting to be done. Grace was agreeably(?) disappointed at the size of the Cuddy. We went by the Blackwall Railway to London, and then home in a cab, stopping at the Music Shop in Oxford St to exchange some we had bought. On arrival found Seymour had been calling and an hour afterwards he came again to inform me he was going out again to New South Wales, wished to go with me. He told me he had met Murdoch at dinner who had given him my address. Edye Manning came in at the same time and he and I walked out after Seymour was gone as far as Dukes St. I then went to Regent St where I met A-ew with the deformed hand, but but wishing to get rid of him got in an Omnibus as far as Pall Mall and then walked across St James’ Park to the Emigration Office about Askell.

Thursday 17th August 1848 (very light, indecipherable)

Went to – in M-St, and to D-St – for the piano -only 5 on account. He is to take it down to Blackwall for on Wednesday, 2 o’clock.

It rained on this afternoon.

Friday 18th August 1848

Threatening for rain the whole day. Went to the Emigration Office about Askell, to whom I sent 2 by Post Office order; Met Talbot whom I met at dinner at Dr Wilsons, he gave me his card to give to Matthew Marsh: Called in Gardiner, not came home yet. Called on the OVie Manning who said if I gave him 100, the Bill of 700 should be forthwith accepted: he has asked Grace and myself to dine with him on Monday or Wednesday next.

Went by railway to Blackwall and on board the “Walmer Castle”; they had not painted our cabins, nor will they till Tuesday –.

I went by steamer from Hungerford and London Bridge.

Saturday 19th August 1848

A cloudy day but a rain after 2 o’clock it poured in the morning. Dr Wilson called. Broadwood sent for the Piano to pack it up. Heard from my Aunt Denman inclosing me a letter from FitzRoy to his mother in Australia.

(rest in pencil) Grace and I went down in a cab to see the House of Lords. Mr Edye Manning wrote came too in order to advise me – order , but on — (indecipherable pencil)

Sunday 20th August 1848

A beautiful morning. Went to Church with Grace and Aunt to the Church in Oxford Square. The sun was most powerful and yet a very cold wind blowing.

Called on Mr Manning, found him just going to dinner to which I was invited and stayed a couple of hours with them.

Miss Callander called to wish us good bye.

Met Mr and Mrs Wilson coming from Church, and spoke to them about buying Broadwood for their –.

Monday 21st August 1848

After breakfast went in a cab with Grace, Aunt to the Artists. Mr Taylor, Russell Place, in order to have Aunt likeness taken. Left both of them there. Then George and I then walked to Boyd’s and took Omnibus at the end of Tottenham Court Road and went into the City; first of all to Green’s, then to Silver’s, and lastly to the East India Docks at Blackwall by railway; went on board the “Walmer Castle” and whilst there a fearful storm of rain came on, which we had only just time to escape.

Left George at Boyds and went by myself to Peats the Saddler in Piccadilly to order a saddle for Herbert Wilson by the Doctors desire.

Met Captain and Mrs Dobson in Regents Street.

Russells brother drank tea with us this evening. Aunt was next door with Aunt Charlotte.

Tuesday 22nd August 1848 (light pencil)

Called on Mr Manning at his Counting House in Water Lane, but he was not in, but found his father there. In the evening Grace and I and Aunt C and George and Charlotte drank tea with the Mannings. No one else there.

Went to a bootmaker near the Monument by – and – of Boots etc.

Received a letter from my Uncle from Torquay, he appears very much –

Wednesday 23rd August 1848 (light pencil)

Called on Mr Manning and put into his hands £100. He agreeing to honor the 700 Bill which the Bank of Australasia hold, — the deficiency may be owing from – sale of our wool. Afterwards went to Blackwall by railway and on board the “Walmer Castle.” Saw the – the carpenter has con– . Went to Boyds the Upholsterer – the picture of – packed. Left Aunt at the Portrait Painter – returned with – and box, found Mr Wise just arrived from the Isle of Wight. He looks very well indeed.

The weather has become very – indeed, and people are – on their great coats, and in home however, have begun to light fires.

John Russell called in the evening having got me a ticket for the Opera at Covent Garden. Unfortunately I did not come home to dinner till 8 o’clock having been detained talking to Mr Wise, on whom I called in on going up from the City. He is animated in the — at the Temple.

Thursday 24th August 1848

Called on Sir George Shee, unfortunately not at home.

Edward Wise called on us after breakfast, on his way from the Railway Station, having just come up from the P—al assizes. I accompanied him as far as Bond Street, which I walked down for the purpose of paying a Tailors Bill, on calling at Kents in Piccadilly. Met Dr Wilson and told him I had ordered a saddle for his son(?) and recommended him to send out a bridge also.

Mr Wise dined with us. Edward Wise could not.

Today I went to the Paddington Station to inquire after a parcel of Boots found —ly us, found that they had just been dispatched.

Friday 25th August 1848 (light pencil)

Called in Edward Wise, found myself and his father in taking over himself (?) From thence went by Railway to Blackwall and on board the “Walmer Castle.” On my return hired a Hansom Cab , and drove first to Park St, to the Emigration Office, to Brinkworth and Souls the Jewellers in Charing Cross, from thence to Broadwoods in Great Pultney(?) St to speak about getting the Piano on board, found that they had already sent it; then to Peats the Saddlers, then to Tinge the Cotmaker in Gt Marylebone Street near to Boyds in Upper Marylebone St and home to Cambridge St for which I paid 6/-.

Grace and Aunt called on Mr Wilson and found him for the piano he chose for us at Broadwoods.

Saturday 26th August 1848

Loading the cart with Aunt Charlotte’s and our books. It took us till 2 o’clock and we were afraid of its not reaching before the Dock Gates were closed. After it was off, went in a cab with Grace and Aunt to the Blackwall Railway and by it to the Docks, took them on board the Walmer Castle, and left them in the Cabin whilst I got the things into the Cabin and paid the Dock dues. 15/-: after remaining till 6 o’clock we started, and went to see the Chinese Junk which laying near the “Walmer Castle,” it is well worth seeing, and much stronger (stranger?) than I expected. Their anchors are made of wood, barbed with iron.

Returned home as we came and had a late dinner

Susan Downman and Miss Georgina Marsh called on us just before we started. The former is to be married to the latter’s cousin (Captain Graham) in October and then they leave for India. He is in the Engineers.

Sunday 27th August 1848.

Went in the afternoon to Church with Aunt Mary Anne. Arriving(?) it drizzled a little and then cleared. Went for a walk across the Hyde Park and as I got to the end began to rain again. Took an Omnibus up Piccadilly and another from Regent Street home.

Monday 28th August 1848

Discovered that I had been robbed of £20 note which I had placed in Aunt Mary Anne’s drawers on Saturday morning in the presence of her servant Margaret: After breakfast went immediately to the Bank of England and stopped payment. Charlotte and Maddy accompanied me down to the Bank, and from thence went by railway to Blackwall and on board ship, in order to get the directions properly painted on Aunt Charlotte’s Boxes. Gardiner met us on board, and just as we were leaving Hughes of Darling Downs. Returned to a late dinner and afterwards at 9 o’clock in the evening went down to a Butcher in Newgate Market having understood from Somers our Butchers, that a note had been changed at their shop today, and – awaiting them to a Salesman in Newgate Market – I went for the purpose of detaining the (Salesman?): when I reached the place, found no one who could give me the information, but a person promised to get it me in the morning. From this place I went to the Temple in order to see Edward Wise and his father. Told them of my loss, and asked their advice. Went with the former at ¼ to 12 to the “Times Office” for the purpose of offering £2 reward. We then walked together to the coffee shop in the Strand where it came on to pour with rain. Reached home by 1 o’clock in the morning, very tired and wretched.

I spoke to Dowd about my loss and she desires to throw suspicion on a woman who came this morning wishing to engage as a servant with Grace.

Tuesday 29th August 1848

The advertising of the loss of my 20 note appears in the “Times.”

Dowd absconded at 9 o’clock in the morning and immediately after all the tradespeople sent in their Bills which we had given her money to pay but which she had embezzled: I imagine we shall have to pay over again about 20. Edward Wise however has very kindly undertaken the business of settling with them. In the evening he and I went to Mr Broughton’s the Police Magistrate, went to his residence in Dorset Square, without finding him there, went to his Club, the “Athenaeum.” Although at dinner he very kindly saw us and gave us his advice; to get an Inspector and break open Dowds Boxes, and to send another one down to Woolwich and her Father and order the search to be made at his house also. We only broke open the boxes but discovered nothing except one or two notes making appointments with her. Her sister “Margaret” was abominably impudent and the Police wished to take her up as they thought she knew more of the matter then she wished to state.

Mr Wise dined with us. Sydenham Russell and his brother drank tea with Aunt Charlotte, also Gardiner. Edward Wise came in the evening and Miss Newhouse.

Sydenham Russell called for me after breakfast and we went down to the City together, I to the Bank of England and he for his brother: we all then went to Blackwall by railway in order to see the ship “Walmer Castle.”

Wednesday 30th August 1848

Breakfasted at Galsworthy’s at Club Chambers in Regent Street with E.Wise. Talked matters over as to the imposition of the Messrs Green building an additional cabin in the Cuddy of the “Walmer Castle,” he is to see them today and threaten them with an Action. Asked his advice also with reference to the 20 note stolen out of the drawer and stopped by me at the Bank. Nothing can be done, as I am so soon to sail. After breakfast E. Wise and myself went down to the Emigration Office about Arkell. And also to – street about the alteration to the Cuddy, we afterwards called on Mr Wood one of the Commissioners. He could do nothing as the nuisance did not lie on the “Between Decks” where the Emigrants are. Went home and returned to the City at 2 o’clock and met Galsworthy and Wise at the office of the former. He says that if I can remain in England he can recover damages from Messrs Green, but if not why I must take my passage and endeavour not to pay till I reach Sydney.

Thursday 31st August 1848

Raining the whole day. Aunt Charlotte’s party embarked at Gravesend on board the “Walmer Castle,” Russell and Maddy went down with them. The former however, returned for George’s desk and returned a second time with it to Gravesend. Dowd was brought back by her father this morning: she admitted her embezzlement and that she had not paid certain Bills and agreed with Edward Wise to come tomorrow and settle them. Edward Wise managed the business entirely and I did not see her myself. Went down afterwards to the City to the Bank of England, called also on Galsworthy the Solicitor. Then on my return at the Temple and brought up Mr Wise in the Cab. Paid Peat the Saddler, also went and Grace’s Milliner in Upper Berkley Street.

Mr Wise and Edward Wise dined with us. Sydenham Russell returned at x o’clock drenched to the skin, he was out in the severe thunder storm which commenced on leaving the ship “Walmer Castle,” which will not sail he says until tomorrow morning. After he had gone, Edward (?) Maddy came and brought George’s great coat for me to take back with me.

Mr Arkell, I had sent down with Aunt Charlotte in order to go as an Emigrant, they reproved him on board as he had not got a certain memorandum order, at Deptford. And Sydenham Russell brought him back with him.

Friday 1st September 1848

Discovered that Dowd changed the £20 note at Boyd(?) the Poulterer.

(end of diary – reversed – different handwriting)

Fruit

Teus 1-0

Wed potherbs..3

Thur apples 6 pot 1/1.6

Sat – apples 8

Man 6

Pototoes1-

Pumpkin4

R/-

4 g Corrosive Sulfinate

4 g Salamoniac

2 Gills Terpentine

8 gallons shing tobacco water

4 lbs Rock Salt

Sheep to be kept in the tub 1 ¼ minute, head to be dipped before taking them out.

The water to be always kept warm.

8 gallons of water will does 25 sheep.

A ½ oz corrosive sulfinate

1 gallon Str-water.

26

Volume 2

John Augustus Milbourne Marsh

1848 – Diary 2

Friday 1st September 1848

Very busy this morning packing ones boxes as we intended starting for the Ryde by the British Railway at 12 o’clock. Sydenham Russell came before breakfast, then Edward Wise, Mr Wise and Gardiner. Shortly after breakfast the Landlord of the house, Mr Prichett came in to inform me that he had discovered where the stolen 20 note had been changed, actually on the -y Monday and a few hours after I missed it; and it was changed by Dowd herself, so that it is impossible now to doubt her guilt any longer. We were rather surprised to see her make her appearance. Shortly after on discovery and when she entered the room an Inspector of Police (sent by Mr Wise) was ready to receive her. He told her as he intended searching her, it would be as well as for her to face up all she had about her person, which was no less than 10 Sovereigns and for which she could not account. I tried to persuade her to acknowledge her guilt and give up the money, bt she would not, she was therefore taken to the Police Court Marylebone before Mr Broughton and my evidence taken, but as he knew I could not stay to prosecute, he remanded the case till tomorrow. J Russell became Bail for Dowd’s appearance – day otherwise she would have been locked up all night; he took her to her Father’s at Woolwich.

On returning home found Grace and Aunt Mary Anne had gone to the Portsmouth Train, and had been placed under the escort of Mr Walker, a clergyman from Ryde, by Mr Wise. Edward Wise and I dined together at Verney’s in Regent St, and at T-accompanied me in a Hansom to the Brighton Railway at London Bridge, left at 7 o’clock and arrived a Portsmouth at ½ past 10. Put up at the “George.”

Saturday 2nd September 1848

A lovely morning. Got up early and went by the 8 o’clock Steamer to Ryde, went straight to Mr Wise’s and found Grace and Aunt there. Went out immediately after with Louise Wise in search of a bed room for the few nights Grace and I are to be here. Owing to the last few fine days all the Lodgings are extravagantly dear and hardly any to be had. Returned to breakfast without succeeding in getting any: Introduced to a Miss Rich who is staying with the Wise’s, a pretty little girl, but in a deep consumption, her sister was a school fellow of Annie Wise’s. Called on Captain and Mrs Dobson, all are lodging at a miserable place at the bottom of Union St. Took a bedroom for a few days at a little cottage recommended by Miss Wise, where the Wants (of Sydney) were. Miss Mainwaring called on us, she is also on the island for a short time.

Sunday 3rd September 1848

Another lovely day. Did not got to Church in the morning, had prayers at home. In the evening however I went with Louisa Wise and Miss Rich to Mr Hewitts Church (formerly Mr Sidthorpe’s) a Mr Berner preached an xtempore(?) sermon. Captain Dobson called on me whilst I was out, and I did the same whilst he was away: took a walk on the Pier in the afternoon and met Mr Good, left him on his way to Trinity Church where the Bishop of Oxford was to preach.

Wrote a letter to Mrs Wavell. Miss Rich and I, found out we were indirectly connected, her great Aunt “Miss Newcombe” was Aunt to Miss Gostling, who are cousins of my father.

Monday 4th September 1848

After breakfast sallied forth with Grace, Aunt Mary Anne and the Miss Wise’s to look at Dr Browns cottage which is to be let. Didn’t like it at all. We then separated Grace and Annie Wise to do some shopping, on our way down Union St we most unexpectedly me George Cooke and wife of Clifton. Miss Mainwaring called, also Mrs Dobson in the evening. Aunt Mary Anne and Mrs FitzWilliams went with me to take lodgings at a very nice place called Stone (Gohne?) Cottage near Trinity Church, the landlord is a man named Stratton just returned from Sydney, having been a Shipper. I think Aunt will find them very comfortable indeed. And she is to take them from Monday next for 2 months certain.

What a sad sad night did we pass together, Aunt Mary Anne, and Grace and I; the last that we (humanely speaking) can ever hope to pass with each other: for tomorrow we part from her on the way to the ship; how horribly lasting is the word “Good Bye!”

Tuesday 5th September 1848

Got up very early, breakfasted at the Wise’s at ½ past 7 o’clock. Found Miss Mainwaring there having come to wish us good bye. With sorrowful heart Grace and I said adieu to poor Aunt Mary Anne who is perfectly broken hearted at parting with us all. Little did I think that I should have the same disagreeable ordeal to go through eight years ago, when I left England before!! The Miss Wises accompanied Grace and myself down to the Pier and there we met Captain and Mrs Dobson who had come down on purpose to see us off. We went exactly at 9 o’clock by the Steamer touching at Cowes, it happened to be the day of the Races and the former place of the boat was crowded and amongst some of the people I saw Lady Astell and her daughter, two Miss Whitmores and a Mr Eastman who is Naval Instructor on board the “Excellent” and has a brother in New South Wales at Demplar’s Station. After reaching Southampton took a boat and rowed to the Docks where the Lady De Saumarez was at anchor. After getting my boxes on board, took Grace to the nearest Hotel, and had lunch. We then returned to the steamer and started at ½ past 2, the rain commenced and every appearance of a stormy night we had in prospect. There was a Reverend Mr Marsh, Chaplain of the Scilly Isles bound thither with his wife and family. A Spaniard just from Madrid, and two or three others. Grace was very poorly, not sea sick but out of spirits. I slept much better than I though I should.

We had a good view of the Needles, Alum Bay, Calshot Castle and the whole of the Eastern Coast of the Isle of Wight.

Mr and Mrs North had been staying at Blackheath, met Mrs Tingam-there, who was preparing to return to the City.

Wednesday 6th September 1848

Arrived at “Plymouth Sound” by 7 o’clock a.m. and hired a boat to take Grace and myself to the “Walmer Castle” lying about ½ a mile distant. On reaching the ship, found it crowded with Emigrants. And those in the Cuddy just going to breakfast. Found my Cabin in regular confusion, and the (brother?) of Stewards in it, with all their bed and bedding. Busy the whole day unpacking the boxes and packing the things away: Aunt Charlotte and Charlotte helping to make the bed for Grace. Saw one of our fellow passengers for the first time, Mrs Hardy who is going out to join her husband in V.D. Land. She is rather good looking, but pa-cé. The Doctor is a Mr Waugh, the 1st Mate is Mr Louis, the 2nd Mate Mr Smith.

In the evening to my great astonishment Captain Westmacott and O’Driscoll, who I knew at Clifton) came on board to inspect the Emigrants out of curiosity. Also a Mr Kingston who has made himself rather conspicuous lately by the attention he has paid to the Emigration Question, and he is Honourable Secretary to the Colonization Committee in London.

George went to Plymouth to put letters in the Post. I wrote to Aunt Mary Anne a few lines to tell her of our safe arrival.

Passengers by the Walmer Castle from London to Sydney 11th Sept 1848.

Mrs Ricardo

Mrs Hardy and nephew

Mr Robert Forbes.

Captain Thorne

Louis – 1st Mate

Smith – 2nd Mate

Hildyard – 3rd Mate

Brace – 4th Mate

Waugh – Doctor

Emigrants

Andrew Semple, House Carpenter Wheelwright.

John Cleaver – Blacksmith

Louis Wellon – Engineer

Jehoiada Baber – Bailiff

John Vauthron – Plasterer, Bricklayer

George Allen – Brickmaker

John Ward – Sawyer

W. Leman – Groom and Gardner

Richard Bussall? – Carpenter and Joiner

Christopher Walter – Smith and Farrier

Thomas Pyrne? – Smith and Farrier

H. Holmes – Waggoner

W.Eaglton – Wheelwright

Christopher Gajern – Plasterer and Bricklayer

J Hanowell – Timber Feller

Joshua Broadly – Cloth Weaver

Benjamin Hurdaker – Horsebreaker and Wool sorter

Andrew Henry – Blacksmith

John Cooper – Groom and Gardner

Thomas Cutterel – Shepherd or labourer

• Cotterel- Waggoner

Hugh Cameron – Shepherd

Daniel Reeves – Shepherd

Wood – Woodsorter

S. Wasley – Miner

Thursday 7th September 1848

This was the day we expected to sail, but the day has been altered to Monday next: so says the Captain who came on Board today; therefore all my haste in meeting the ship has been needless. We fount it very cold in the Cuddy, owing to the narrow passage from the doorway caused by the new cabin built in front of the Cuddy windows. Heard from Messrs Green & Co in answer to a letter of mine complaining of the alteration they had made in the Cuddy, a most impudent production.

Wrote to Aunt Mary Anne in reply to a letter of hers.

I can’t say much for the fare on board ship as yet, perhaps when the Captain come on board it may be better. The wine is infamous, no coffee for breakfast.

Friday 8th September 1848

A fine morning. But at 12 it began to lower, nevertheless Grace, Aunt Charlotte, Charlotte and Mrs Hardy accompanied by George and myself took a boat and went on shore at Plymouth. Before we had been many minutes there, the rain commenced and lasted the whole day. We managed to execute all our commissions, and then hired a cab to take us to the wharf “The Barbican.” When we arrived there however, the Boatman wished to persuade us not to go, for the wind had increased and they pointed to the ‘Bad Weather Flag” which had been just hoisted. We were very indecisive at first, but fearing the weather would be worse, we all got into the boat, making up our minds to have a regular drenching: Grace was the best off as she had the Boat Cloak given her by Mrs Hibbert. George face the wind and the waves like a Briton, the sea occasionally dashing over him: Aunt Charlotte was marvelously frightened, begging and praying the men not to upset us, on nearing the ship and when the Boat was alongside, Grace became a little nervous but it was certainly not to be wondered at, for it required a little dexterity in jumping from the boat to the ladder of the ship. There are several Emigrant Ships lying near us, the “William Money,” the “Rajah,” the “Lady Kennaway,” and the “Johnstone” has just come in. I was sorry to hear today that a case Small Pox had been discovered on board the Lady Kennaway, and that she was detained in consequence. Notwithstanding this there is no precaution taken in preventing the Boatman who go on board the Lady Kennaway from coming on board us. Even a Clergyman had just been on board the Lady Kennaway before coming to us.

Saturday 9th September 1848

A fine day. Went with George in a boat to the Emigrant Depot for the purpose of speaking about Mr Arkell, whom (although he had been examined and passed by the Doctor) was refused to go in the “Walmer Castle” on the plea of the ship being full. However on seeing Mr Foulds and representing the hardship of the case he promised he should go. After seeing him on board the lighter which was to convey the Emigrants to the Ship, George and I strolled over the hill into the best part of the Town past the Royal Hotel, met Captain Westmacott, executed some commissions for Grace and Charlotte. Bought some beautiful figs, a Bouquet of flowers, and a great number of newspapers. Returned to dinner in time. A Clergyman by the name of “Childs” who came to inspect the Emigrants dined with us, he knows Captain Sturt to whom I sent my card by him. After dinner I went ashore again for the purpose of getting Grace a manuscript music, and the “Times” of today. On my way met Captain Sturt, and he has promised to come and see me on board tomorrow, mentioned to him the way Messrs Green & Co had served us with regard to the Cuddy being (gradually?) taken away by the addition of another cabin being built, he thinks the matter should be hurriedly explored.

I understand that Mr Wilcocks, a sort of Emigration Agent at Plymouth gets 15/- a head for every Emigrant he ships. This is a most expensive and bad way of conducting the Emigration, and the sooner this fact is known the better.

Sunday 10th September 1848

A most deplorable day blowing and raining excessively so much so as to prevent any one going on shore. Not even the 1st Officer wished with the Doctor to have looked at the “Breakwater.”

The Clergyman (Mr Childs) also promised to come today and preach to the Emigrants, never came, so much for his zeal!

Monday 11th September 1848

A fine day. George and Mrs Hardy went on shore for an hour, it was doubtful at first whether they would have time as the 1st Mate said the Ship would sail today. However, it was much later than he thought for. The muster of the Emigrants took place and they amounted in all to 298 men, women and children.

Paid £70..11..6 to Mr Wilcox the Agent for the ship being the Balance of passage money and freight. Paid him also £1..11..11 for Silver.

We did not sail till after 6 o’clock in the evening. The “Johnstone” sailed about 11 o’clock a.m. and the “Lady Kennaway” about 12 o’clock today. The Captain came on board whilst the Anchor was being hove. Not many minutes passed before he left us again for the purpose of going on board Lord Clarence Paget’s fishing boat, which his Lordship was steering himself, passing and repassing our stern. The Pilot left us shortly after passing the Lighthouse on the Breakwater, and we went out to sea with a most favourable leading wind, the night was beautiful, and the moon nearly at the full. Mount Edgecombe was a perfect picture in the scene on one side, whilst on the other H.M.S. Caledonia (Guardship) and M.N.F. Southampton and the Lighthouse with its red light, added to the beauty of the scene. Took Grace on deck to see it.

Wrote to Aunt Mary Anne, E. Wise, Seymoure, my Uncle, and Grace to Miss Murdoch.

Our fellow passenger Mrs Ricadro and Mr Forbes came on board. The latter we recognized as having seen when Aunt, Grace and I went over the Chinese Junk at Blackwall.

Tuesday 12th September 1848

A fine day, but hardly any wind, it slackened in the night: the English Coast still visible, the Lands End plainly discernible with the naked eye. Numbers of ships in the offing, I counted 21 without the aid of the glass. We found it very cold indeed. Mrs Ricardo very unwell, not at dinner.

She is half sister to Mrs Heneriquez a Jamaican acquaintance of our family! (in pencil) She appears a good natured old woman.

Wednesday 13th September 1848

A fine day. The ship hardly going more than two knots an hour. At one time not moving. A perfect calm.

Grace engaged one of the Emigrants to act as servant during the passage, her name is “Marie Lowe.” Her sister has also been engaged by Mrs Ricardo. They are the most respectable of all the Emigrants, but the class we have on board are far from a respectable and useful set of people. Not one in fifty is a Farmer or Agricultural laborer.

The Cook and his Mate both layed up and it is doubtful whether either of them will come round.

Thursday 14th September 1848

George and Mr Forbes went in the jolly boat having nothing else to do, and kept rowing round and round the ship. The 4th Officer Mr Brace went with them as Coxswain.

A great many ships in sight. A Pilot boat belonging to Scilly came alongside, and the Pilot on board: sent letters by him for Aunt Mary Anne.

William Arkell at work in the Cuddy, Thomas the Assistant Steward having gone forward to act as cook.

Friday 15th September 1848

A fine day, and a good stiff breeze. 5 or 6 sail in sight, some outward bound. We hoisted our colours (the Ships Name,) to one vessel on the leeward of us but after keeping them up an hour to no purpose hauled them down again.

The Cook died this evening at 8 o’clock, from the effect of having run a splinter in his thumb: and had been subject to a “delirium termus” upon coming on board, and therefore the Doctor was not surprised at the result. This is an unfortunate occurrence for we have had no bread made since we left Plymouth. And there is no one who understands it; the dinners too have been most dreadfully cooked and the fare wretchedly bad.

Saturday 16th September 1848

A fine day. The Cook was buried at 7 o’clock this morning. Grace did not get up till dinner, but she did not sit at table. I did not either, we were both so unwell in fact everyone was more or less affected. All the Emigrants below crying out, wishing themselves back again in England.

Thermometer 65° in Cuddy.

Aunt Charlotte talking a great deal on the unlucky number of 13 which our party consists of every day at dinner, consisting the Captain, 1st, 2nd Mate, Mrs Hardy and nephew, Mrs Ricardo, the Doctor, Mr Forbes and 5 of us.

Sunday 17th September 1848

A beautiful day: very little motion and yet we are going at the rate of 7 knots the hour.

At ½ past 10 Prayers read by the Captain to the Emigrants and Crew.

We had a very fair dinner, truly in fact the only eatable one since we have been on board. Have at one end boiled fowls, at the other soup, boiled mutton, and curry.

Mr Hilyard the 3rd Officer dined at the table today.

Two sail insight today. Themometer 67°.

The Captain spoke a vessel about 10 o’clock last night, with the aid of his trumpet.

Monday 18th September 1848

Another beautiful day, ship rolling a good deal in the early part of the morning, but so much more than yesterday. Grace rather faint. I did not go out on deck till evening.

Mrs Ricardo very busy making a cake for us. A delicate hint to the Captain to give us bread! Which I am happy to say was taken for this evening two very nice loaves were produced at tea, made by Emigrants cook.

Two sail in sight today, one a schooner.

Had a wretched dinner again today and wretched wine.

Thermometer 70°. Charlotte and I busily engaged planting slips of Myrtle which I obtained in a Bouquet at Plymouth.

Tuesday 19th September 1848

A very disagreeable day and the ship tumbling about a good deal. Neither Grace nor I went on deck today.

Grace employed copying music in her manuscript book.

Instead of a dinner bell ringing at our different meals, we have a miserable deformity of a Fiddler, who scrapes away at the Cuddy door. Sometimes he varies it with his fife which is even more discordant than his fiddle. He is a regular Batt amongst the sailors and Emigrants. He is so hideously ugly that we doubt if he can be human.

Thermometer 72°

Mr Hilyard and William (the Cuddy servants) fighting on the Quarter Deck. George began taking his lessons in German from Mr Forbes, he being not proficient in that language.

Wednesday 20th September 1848

Ship rolling very much in consequence of the heavy swell. Had a desperate headache the whole day. Grace felt uncomfortable. Reading “Emilia Wyndham” by Mrs Arthur Marsh, very interesting. The Dinner today was wretched, the wine worse than usual. Spoke to the Steward about it, also inquired of them was any Porter on board, none whatever he says. Forbes and myself intend to speak to the Captain.

Thermometer 75°

The Awning is fortunately nearly made, they might have certainly taken the trouble I think to have had one ready before leaving the Docks. Up to the present Grace has been prevented going on the Poop, to the dinner, for fear of being seached(?).

A great number of the female emigrants sick below.

We had a great stint of water allowed us. Grace has only 1 quart, and I only a pint and a half.

Thursday 21st September 1848

A beautiful day. Dolphins swimming about under the Stern: a large spar floated by us, and a boat was lowered for the purpose of bringing it on board: it was covered with barnacles, the first Charlotte had seen. Mr Forbes today exposed his valuables to view, some pretty diamond rings, ruby, and Pearl ear-rings etc. No doubt once belonging to his wife who is dead: she was a Miss Boodle, sister to a man of that name in the 99th Regiment, who was to leave England for Australia shortly after the departure of his repit(?) We had such a lovely evening that none of the Ladies would come down to tea, but remained on the Poop. All the Emigrants dancing a Country Dance, on both sides of the Quarter Deck, the lines extending from the Cuddy doors up to the Forecastle.

Mr Doudney one of the Midshipman as they are called, dined at the Cuddy table.

Thermometer 75.

Friday 22nd September 1848

At 8 o’clock a.m. the Island of Medeira was visible about 18 miles distant. I did not see it unfortunately but shortly after breakfast the other Islands near it called the “Desertas” were distinctly seen by us. These are I believe perfectly barren rocks. We were distant I imagine almost 30 miles. There were three sail in sight sailing about 12 miles off the Islands, and another vessel at our Stern. The Thermometer rose to 78, and the air became very balmy and agreeable. In the evening the vessels we saw rounding the “Desertas” in the morning, were still in sight, the Captain thinks one the “Johnstone.” I was much astonished at seeing all the clothes of the sailors and emigrants that had been washed this morning, exposed on the Pool to dry, and of course dripping down on the deck so as to preclude walking independently too of this discomfort, I do not think that is is at all the sort of thing Ladies should be exposed to. I am sorry I took my passage now on board an Emigrant Vessel for the people stick themselves in the doorway of the Cuddy and we have actually to force our way through the crowd when we go on the Poop, I spoke the evening to the Captain but he does not appear to think much of the evil, nor does he seem inclined to alter the system. Had a little rain for a short time at tea time, preventing Grace from taking her walk on the Poop, practicing on the piano instead.

The Emigrants again dancing this evening. Mr Brace the 4th Officer, and Mr Doudney joining as usual in the Country Dance.

We had a couple of ducks for dinner, the first we have seen since we embarked on board.

Aunt Charlotte, Mrs Hardy and Charlotte all very busy making a Plum Pudding for tomorrow.

Saturday 23rd September 1848

A lovely day, 4 sail in sight. Hoisted our Ships name to one of them but she took no notice of us.

The awning spread for the first time on the Poop.

Spoke to the Captain about the badness of the wine. Also to the Assistant Steward, who told me there was two sorts of wine on board, the old and the new stores. I preferred the old, the new was purchased off a man in London of the name Byass.

Grace very faint today, obliged to lie down on the bed till after dinner. She then went on the Poop till nearly 8 o’clock, had tea on deck.

Sunday 24th September 1848

A most beautiful day. Three vessels in sight, one on the Starboard bow. Another on the Starboard Quarter which proved to be the “John King” bound for the Mauritius; and another at the stern which was a Frenchman and therefore we could not signal her name when finding out her Country. Prayers on the Quarter Deck at ½ past 10 o’clock read by the Captain. Mr Brace the 4th Officer, dined at the Cuddy table.

Claret introduced after dinner. The first goose since we left England, we had today.

We are now in the Trade Winds the Captain thinks: we have been lucky in meeting with them so soon.

Monday 25th September 1848

A beautiful day. This morning in looking out of our stern windows surprised to see the “Frenchman” within three or four hundred yards of us, we could see the people walking on deck without the aid of the glass. We kept our relative positions neither ship gaining ground, till about 5 o’clock when to the Captain’s mortification the French Ship went ahead of us. One reason was that we had to change mainsail and this no doubt threw our ship back a mile.

Another ship seen on our Starboard Quarter about a mile off, but she was soon left astern.

We have nothing but mending and making sails on the Pool now; it is impossible to walk in comfort. The most rigid economy is practiced on board this ship. To give an instance, the Steward is Ships Steward, and Emigrant Steward, going to the Sailors etc, he is therefore new in the Cuddy and is inattentive to our comforts as a person well can be.

Tuesday 26th September 1848

A fine day but very warm. The French ship still in sight but much ahead of us. The Captain putting our ship in better trim forward, by filling the empty casks with the water in the prehold.

Reading “Wood Leighton” by Miss Howitt. Grace practicing till dinner afterwards took her on deck and remained there an hour after tea.

The Steward on board this ship and his assistant (Thomas) are the most negligent set of fellows possible. The former seldom comes into the Cuddy at all, and our meals are so bad and badly cooked that with Grace and I, as well as her mother and Charlotte are suffering from indigestion etc.

I ought to suggest, that the other servant who goes by the name after Captain Sewaust(?) is always dandy with the Emigrant women at night, and therefore his services we very little appreciate.

Wednesday 27th September 1848

A wretched day. Grace very unwell, did not get up at all. I only went out to tea. Everyone with the exception of Aunt Charlotte, Charlotte and George, were ill. I had a desperate headache, and was seasick for the first time. The French vessel still in sight, but for ahead, towards evening a thick mist came on and we lost sight of her entirely. George trying to catch Mother Cary Chickens.

Mr Forbes in conversation mentioned that he was well acquainted with William Gostling and Captain Gostling, and that the former was managing his Law business for him.

The Cuddy is now insufferably warm, the Thermometer 80. And the effect of a cabin been built made and truly shutting us out of 3 windows, is forcibly felt. One’s health is suffering from the want of air occasioned by the obstruction.

Mr Forbes complaining of the badness of the Claret, but it was not Claret.

Thursday 28th September 1848

Last night we had a regular gale: a tremendous sea on, with heavy thunder and lightning and the rain pouring in torrents. Worst of all the wind was unfavourable, dead against us. And this morning the Captain was obliged to “heave to” under a three reefed fore topsail. The Ports of the Lower Stern windows (where the Emigrants are) obliged to be closed. George’s cabin and the Captain rather wet. Our’s leaking by the rudder. Saw a shark “filling our Lee.” George caught a Mother Cary’s Chicken, no one like to kill it, and after being examined by us all, we gave it it’s liberty.

Mr Forbes had a narrow escape of his neck in the afternoon, he was sitting on the truss railing on the Poop, with his back towards the main mast, when the ship gave a lurch and over he went, nothing being visible but his feet upwards: fortunately Mr Smith the 2nd Officer was a hand, and laid hold of him and saved his being precipitated below. Grace was so unwell that she did not leave her bed, and I did not go out till dinner time. The heat was most oppressive and a hot wind blowing. The Thermometer 81 in the Cuddy. The Captain calls it an “African Tornado.” A homeward bound Ship seen in the offing with Royals set.

Friday 29th September 1848

A beautiful ay compared with yesterday, Spoke to the Steward about the bad breakfast we have every morning, nothing but scraps of the day before (all crossed out)

Friday 29th September 1848

A fine day, which we duly appreciated after yesterday. I had occasion to speak to the Steward about the bad breakfasts served up to us: so bad that we none of us can eat any. Mr Forbes spoke to the Captain about the Steward’s forgetfulness in not giving us a goose for dinner on Michaelmas Day. The Captain did not dine at table being laid up with a bad headache.

Took Grace on deck for a little before and after dinner.

Saturday 30th September 1848

Tow infants have been buried this morning. The Doctor told me on inquiry that they died from “Infantine Fever:” one of them only died this morning at 8 o’clock and was buried at 12. A homeward bound ship reported to be visible by the Captain, who recommended us to write and I accordingly set to work and copied my journal up to today for Aunt Mary Anne in the hope of being able to forward it by this opportunity. The Latitude is 16° North Longitude 21°-30° West. Thermometer 84°

A Beautiful clear sun shiny day, but we have very little in our wind.

The vessel after dinner was out of sight having altered her course, so we were much disappointed.

Mr Forbes again complaining of the badness of the Claret, and the shabbiness of the Captain not giving Champagne twice instead of once a week.

Sunday 1st October 1848

A beautiful day, but very oppressive, the Thermometer 85°. A ship in sight, to the windward. Prayers on deck at ½ past 10. Grace well enough to attend. George was very unwell today, more so than he has been for a long time. Took medicine, the first he has imbibed for the last 7 years he says. A good dinner today. Boiled fowls, Goose, Hare, fresh mutton, boiled mutton, and patties. Cranberry tart, Open tart, rice pudding, plain pudding. Champagne and Claret after dinner.

Monday 2nd October 1848

A most oppressive day, the Thermometer in the sun no less than 110 degrees. Fishing for sharks all day, first before dinner one was hooked by the Doctor, a very large one, but after a good deal of struggling the hook broke, and he tumbled into the water and swam away. The Captain in the evening struck another with the gr-(grains?) pulled him half way up the side when he too slipped off. But every prong had entered, as pieces of sinew were left behind on them. George was very unwell, a little fever on him. He did not get up at all today. The Emigrants had their boxes from the Hold, and the deck was strewed with the various contents of each. Mr Forbes and I went down the Hold.

Tuesday 3rd October 1848

Heavy showers in the morning. All the Emigrants holding tubs and pans to catch the rain. Thermometer in the Cuddy 83°. George got up to dinner.

Aunt Charlotte at dinner time attacked with a violent fit of hysterics which lasted an hour.

Excessively close today especially towards the evening.

A calm.

Wednesday 4th October 1848

A fine day, with a cool breeze. The Thermometer only 81. Grace not very well, did not get up till lunch. Finished reading “Wood Leighton” and commenced “Borrow’s Gypsies in Spain” lent us by Mrs Ricardo.

Spoke to two of the Emigrants this evening who wished to engage me “W.Wood” a wool sorter another Holmes a Waggoner.

A number of Black fish, a sort of whale swimming near the Ship. Mr Forbes managed to get some of his boxes from the Hold, wherein was deposited Cherry Beaudy (?), Masescino (?) and other good things.

Thursday 5th October 1848

A very warm day, and nearly a calm. Latitude 10°-58″ North, Longitude 21°-25″ West. Therm 83° in the Cuddy. Grace rather sick having taken a dose of Castor Oil. A ship seen to the Windward of us, supposed to be a Homeward bound one. Wrote up my journal to Aunt Mary Anne and sealed it.

Friday 6th October 1848

A fine day but another calm and fearfully hot, the Thermometer in the sun 126°.

The ship we saw yesterday proves to be an Outward bound ship, and the Captain imagines her to be our old friend the Frenchman, last night we saw her lights distinctly.

Saturday 7th October 1848

An insufferably warm and a calm day. The Thermometer today was only 120° in the sun, and yet I feel the heat greater today than yesterday. Number of swallows taking refuge on board the ship, having been driven out to sea. The Captain had the jolly boat lowered, for the purpose of giving himself and his Newfoundland a bathe. Notwithstanding we were in the vicinity of sharks. Mr Forbes and I this evening were watching the Emigrants (men and women) lying in each others arms under the companion ladder in front of the Captains cabin. We called the attention of the Skipper to it, and he dashed a little water over them as a hint that they were observed. I think there is a little too much license granted to the women of the married (particulars?) they are allowed to remain on deck at night as long as they please, at ½ past 11 p.m. when I went to bed numbers were lying about. The single women are locked up nominally at 10 o’clock but as there is no muster made of them, no doubt many sleep out who should not – more explicit as they creep through a —. Mrs Ricardo’s servant slept in her one night, without its being discovered. We have now nothing but Fowls and Ducks for dinner, the Captain not liking to kill the sheep for fear of the meat spoiling.

The water becoming very bad and offensive to the smell. I do not know what I should do without my filter.

I called the attention of Captain Thorne to the heat of the Cuddy, necessarily made greater by the 3 windows being blocked up and taken away from us by the erection of Mr Forbe’s cabin; in replay he stated he was in great hopes that Mr Forbes would not have come and that there would have been no need of the cabin.

Sunday 8th October 1848

A fine day but calm! And insufferably warm. The Thermometer in the Cuddy 86. At ½ past ten Prayer on Deck. Grace thought it more prudent to remain in her own cabin en dishabille till dinner time. Had a cold bath. Cooled some sherry for dinner, by exposing it to the draught through the side window, and keeping it continuously wet. The Doctor cooling the Claret.

No soup for dinner.

Monday 9th October 1848

Got up early and was surprised to see all the Emigrants children being washed in front of the Cuddy door, the mother dipping them in a tub placed under the Poop, from whence the water was conducted through canvas pipes.

Another Calm!

Grace sea sick in the morning, no doubt from the excessive heat, the Thermometer in the Cuddy 86. And of course in the sun would be much greater.

Two Outward bound ships in sight. Beautiful moonlight nights we have, and we are tempted to remain on deck till late. The Emigrants notwithstanding the heat dance their Country dance every night, to the music of a Fiddle and tambourine.

No soup for dinner.

Tuesday 10th October 1848

A fine day, but excessively warm. The 2 outward bound ships still in sight. For there is no wind, a perfect calm alas! Thomas the Cuddy servant got tipsy this evening, the Captain threatens send him “forward.” Grace not very well. I persuaded her to remain in her dressing gown and have dinner in her own cabin. Afterwards she went on deck till 10 o’clock.

Wednesday 11th October 1848

A very warm day. The Thermometer in the Cuddy 86. No wind. A Calm again! The ships we saw yesterday, like ourselves were becalmed. Grace not very well today, had her dinner in the cabin and did not on deck till the evening, a heavy shower of rain drove her down again. Mrs Ricardo’s servant (sister of Grace’s) very ill indeed, having brain fever, and delirious withal.

(in pencil) William the Captain’s servant -in the place of Thomas who is now and – under on account of being tipsy last night.

Thursday 12th October 1848

Raining till 12 o’clock, in part of the day we had a little breeze which carried us on 5 or 6 knots an hour. It was nevertheless very sultry the whole day, in the evening it was cooler: One of the ships we saw yesterday was this morning within ½ a mile of us, in fact so near that her name (the “Thetis” of Dundee) could be easily read by and of the Glass. Strange to say by the afternoon she was ahead of us, this is the 2nd vessel that has beaten us and we feel very little confidence now in the sailing qualities of the “Walmer Castle.”

Therm 83

Friday 13th October 1848

(light in pencil) Raining till 12 o’clock when it became –, but towards evening gain it rained. The – ships in sight but ahead of us. There is a -out now between Aunt Charlotte and party and Mr Forbes, Charlotte was no longer allowed to sit next him at the table, George took the seat between. Mrs Ricardo’s maid so ill obliged to have her head shaved, perfectly delirious.

Spoke to the 1st Mate about the great filth of the Cuddy, and Cuddy servant, all their dirty clothes, dirty trousers, stockings etc etc are all left lying about under the Cuddy table, he admitted the fact and said he knew that it ought not to be. They wash their feet inside the Cuddy in the tubs they wash the glasses in and told me that they empty all the slops into the same tubs wiping themselves with the clothes used for the plates, etc Mr Forbes.

Saturday 14th October 1848

Raining heavily in the night, and drizzly till 12 o’clock when the Captain was enable to take an observation. Grace had a very bad night, and did not get up till late. She did not dine at table. Mr Forbes and myself speaking to the Captain after dinner of the great inconvenience and discomfort of the Cuddy passengers from the fact of the emigrants crowding around the Cuddy door, sitting on and under the companion ladder. He said in reply that he was afraid he could not mark off a space for us as it might be against the 6th Clause of the Charter Party which says that the Upper Deck except the space occupied by the spare spars etc long boat all be kept quite clear for the use of the passengers”

This we argued referred only to the unloading the deck into cargo and Mr Forbes offered to give him his bond as an Indemnity against any – that might arise from his complying with our request. He admitted however our complaint a just one and is to refer it to the Doctor for his opinion. On taking Grace on the Poop after dinner, I was not a little surprised to see numbers of the Emigrants in the Poop, having gone there for their clothes which had been hung up to dry, and which were ordered to be taken off the rope. Two Ladies, who were seated, had to move off to one side of the Poop in consequence of the sudden rush of the Emigrants. Spoke to the Captain who said it was the fault of the Officer on duty in allowing them to come on the Poop at all. The “Thetis” of Dundee near us all day, but at 10 o’clock she ran past us again. Mr Forbes and our party still do not speak to each other. The coolness arose with himself, by absenting himself eating from their society.

Sunday 15th October 1844

Prayers on deck as usual. Grace and I said them in our cabin together. A little rain at dinner time. I had such a bad headache, obliged to leave the dinner table. The “Thetis” still near us not more than 3 or 4 miles apart.

This evening a great dispute between the Captain and Mrs Ricardo and myself, the tea was made of such bad water that every one complained: the steward on inquiry persisted in its being filtered water, which we were quite certain was not the case. When Mrs Ricardo was speaking to them the Captain came in, and on hearing the cause of the dispute, he not only took part with the servants in saying “it was filtered water” but spoke in a very ungentlemany way to Mrs Ricardo, telling her “that the row she was kicking up was more like Billingsgate.” On this I immediately took part with Mrs Ricardo telling the Captain that “I considered that the inattention of the Cuddy servants, to our comfort was excessive, and that instead of the Steward being in the Cuddy he was always issuing stores to the Emigrants.” The Captain in reply stated he was not engaged as Steward for us but exclusively for the Emigrants. But when the ship was at Blackwall the Steward told me he was Steward to us.

Monday 16th October 1848

The “Thetis” in sight, still about 6 miles off. Strange to say that a brother of (Grace’s servant) Maria Lowe (Lown?) who is now in Australia was 4th Mate in this identical ship even upon a time.

We were doing nothing but “Bout Ship” the whole day, trying to make some little way, and also I think the Captain wished to get clear of the “Thetis,” she seemed to haunt him by her always being in sight, and he not being able to beat her.

Today I was getting signatures of the passengers to a letter which I had written to the Captain requesting him to have a gangway made for us from the Cuddy door to the foot of the ladder which hitherto has been so crowded by the Emigrants sitting on and around it. The only one who objected to sign it was Mr Forbes, he did not disapprove of it, yet he was afraid for some reason or another to affront the Captain.

Whilst folding the letter, I was rather amazed and surprised at the fright of “Thomas” the Cuddy servant, who came to me saying that I was writing to the Captain he hoped I would not complain of them, that he would endeavour to be more attentive to us and would take care that the water should be filtered, which he admitted was not the case last evening, although they said it was for fear of getting into a scrape with the Captain. I have not spoken to Mr Forbes since the coolness, but this evening I went up with the letter to the Captain for his signature, and on my doing so, took the opportunity of saying that he was very sorry to see the “dead cat” that takes place between himself and Aunt Charlotte’s party, also that he could not discover the reason, to which I answered “that they were equally surprised at the reason of his absenting himself from their society, that has he evidently wished all intimacy to cease, they were determined not to allow him the opportunity of again being so marked and pointed in his coldness. He said that he never meant to be so, that no one could regret it more than himself that he was too fond of Ladies society etc, to wish to do so. I told him he had better speak to George. I did not leave the Poop for bed till after 12 o’clock, it was so pleasant a night.

Thermometer in Cuddy 80°

Tuesday 17th October 1848

A fine day, but the wind still unfavourable. Observed the Captain, 1st Mate and carpenter consulting as to how they could remove the companion ladders, in order that the passengers might pass to and from the Poop without the constant obstruction hitherto placed in their way. After they had separated I went up to the Captain and told him that I had a letter in my pocket signed by the passengers requesting him to order a gangway to be kept clear for us, but as I saw that he had already begun to arrange matters, I would not present it.

Wednesday 18th October 1848

Took medicine, feeling very unwell. The companion ladder on Lboard side shifted today. A beautiful day, but neither Grace nor I got up till late. Reading “Dombey and Son,” with which I am much disappointed after all I have heard of it. I really never felt such rascally treatment as we got on board this ship, and I must not forget to note down, what a pigsty the Cuddy is made of at night. When all the Cuddy servants bring up their beds from the Emigrants place to make them in the Cuddy so that if I wish ever to go on deck after 10 o’clock I have to walk on the benches, there is first the “The Stewards,” William, Thomas, Janson, and Midshipmans boy, and the disagreeable smell from such dirty people is beyond description.

Thursday 19th October 1848

A beautiful day but the wind still infavourable. The temperature cooler than we have had it for some days, only 79°.

The Captain keeps tacking from East to West in the hope of catching the Trade Winds, he says that possibly he may go so far Westward as to sight the Brazil Coast. He is afraid that we may have a very long passage to Sydney, considering this is our 37th day from Plymouth and not yet crossed the Line.

Aunt Charlotte very faint, obliged to go to bed. The Emigrants dancing knocked off at 9 o’clock this evening.

Saw a most beautiful Meteor about ten o’clock p.m. it lasted at least 30 seconds emitting as it went sparks, and lighting the whole Poop with its rays, so much so that the Captain who did not see it, fancied it was lightning. It appeared very similar to a comet, having a tail.

Friday 20th October 1848

A beautiful day. The wind a little more favorable. Thermometer 79°. Aunt Charlotte confined to her cabin the whole day. This evening the sailors in anticipation of crossing the line tomorrow sent overboard a cask filled with all sorts of combustible matter, which was lighted previously to their lowering it into the sea, and was meant to represent Neptune’s Car-it was done just to find out from the Captain whether “Shaving” would be allowed or not on board. The cask remained in sight, and burning brightly for a considerable time.

We were considerably annoyed today by the constant benelling? (banging?) over our door on the Poop: occasioned by the sailors whilst working at the sails, making the eye’s to the sails with the Marling Spike; this went on even at dinner time and although the Captain was spoken to by me he only ordered the men to go to the front of the Poop instead of ordering them to desist altogether. It is not occasionally, but every day that the Poop has been crowded with sails and sailors.

Saturday 21st October 1848

Crossed the Line today; all the sailor had a holyday, and they enjoyed themselves, dancing with the Emigrants the whole day. No shaving by Neptune and his crew was allowed. The nearest approach to it was a sailor with another sailor who act the part of a dandy of the – water.

I was astonished and very indignant at finding all the sailors being allowed to come into the Cuddy to get their returns of tobacco served out to them from the Steward. There they were running in and out of the Cuddy in twos and threes perfectly regardless of the passengers at table. The smell too of the tobacco was obnoxious to the Ladies, besides the positive insult to their feelings. I went on the Poop on purpose to let the Captain know of it, but I found he was perfectly aware of it, for he asked me “if I did not think the tobacco the Steward was serving out to the sailors remarkably fine.” I at once gave him a short answer and told him in a pointed manner, that it was making the Cuddy smell disagreeably but the volgarian did not or would not take my hint.

Our treatment gets worse and worse, today the dinner was hardly eatable, and none of it. It consisted of 2 boiled fowls, as tough(?) as possible, sheeps head, very cold: boiled ribs of mutton – warm and underdone, and cold wash(?) leg of mutton, and this was all for 13 people. 3 little fuls(?) of a handful of raisons concluded the Banquet!!

Carried away the flying jib.

Today the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Sunday 22nd October 1848

A beautiful day, and the wind carrying us along 9 knots the hour. Yesterday we went more than 200 miles, the best days run, as yet, since leaving England. Grace not very well and did not dine at table. Went on deck afterwards. Mr Hildyard the 3rd Mate dined at the Cuddy Table. The Thermometer 78.

Took notice of the disagreeable smell arising from Mr Forbes’s cabin, (which was erected after the ship left docks) owing to the slops etc being allowed to remain in the pewter basin.

Grace and I read prayers in our own cabin.

Monday 23rd October 1848

The Carpenter employed the whole day squaring a spar for a flying jib boom.

Ut Quimus, quansto ut volumus non licet.

At 12 o’clock a homeward bound ship in sight, too far off to signal her however. Had a regular cleaning our of our cabin today.

The moths I find have begun to eat some of my cloth clothes.

Mr Hilliard, the 3rd Officer lectured by the Captain and 1st Mate, wherefore, unknown.

Mr Forbes’ cabin very disagreeable.

Tuesday 24th October 1848

Another beautiful day. Thermometer 79. Grace not well, very faint and hysterical. In the evening practicing “Lo Ladies”, and copying manuscript music. Mr Ricardo brought out a bottle of old wine which she called “Mountain,” Grace liked it, I did not. Grace for the last few days, has had a mutton chop for lunch, the only eastable thing on board.

Mr Forbes’ Cabin has a most disagreeable “mal odour” arising from it.

Wednesday 25th October 1848

Wind getting scauth? Themometer 78

Finished reading “Dombey and Son.”

Aunt Charlotte and Charlotte not well in the morning.

Made a riddle today. “Why is it we have very bad depests?” Because “You cannot gather grapes fro T–, nor figs.”

Thursday 26th October 1848

A fine day, found it rather more oppressive than for some time past. Thermometer 79. Mrs Hardy mentioned tome that she had discovered two L-e in her cabin as William the servant attends on her and makes her bed, and as he dances every night with the Emigrants, no doubt he brought them. Spoke to the Captain this evening about it, and also about the midshipman’s boy who had actually Creepers in his – being allowed to sleep in the Cuddy.

Friday 27th October 1848.

Another fine day, but very little wind: not going more than 3 or 4 knots the hour. Just before dinner a sail in sight, and just as the Ladies had retired from the dinner table the Captain was called on Deck as the vessel was drawing nearer to us, in half and hour she spoke us, and we found out that she was the Government Packet “The Express,” from Rio, out 5 days and bound to Plymouth. We asked if she would take letters for us to England, which she agreed to do, and accordingly tacked ship and waited till the Jolly Boat was lowered, into which Mr Louis got, taking with him a bag full of letters from ourselves and the Emigrants. Grace finished her letter to Aunt Mary Anne, and I sent my journal up to the 5th, and another letter with on today’s latitude and longitude. I also sent a letter to Mr Wise and one to my Aunt Downman.

Grace wrote also to Miss Mainwaring at the “Weaide(?)”.

Aunt Charlotte wrote to Mrs Chetwode, George to Shute and Maddy. Mr Louis did not stay long on board the “Express,” only just gave the letters, and returned immediately back. He did not bring much news of course. The Express carried 4 guns, and was about 250 tons measurement. Mr Smith the 2nd Mate was rather annoyed, he was ordered at first to go in the Boat and was just being lowered, when Mr Louis the 1st Mate, told him the Captain said he was to go instead, he therefore replaced Smith, much to his mortification, it would appear as I heard him in the evening, speaking to the Captain about it.

Thermometer 82° today.

Saturday 28th October 1848

Raining the whole day and a foul wind besides. About 3 o’clock spoke to “City of Poonah,” from Sydney and from Rio (where she went for water) fifteen days out. Captain Thorne at first determined on not lowering a boat, but when he found she was one of Green’s ships and from Sydney; he changed his mind, and told the Captain (Nelson) of the “City of Poonah” that he could send a boat. I wrote letters to Aunt Mary Anne, my Uncle, Sydenham Russell, A. Hodgson; and Grace to Miss Cuthbert, and r Hibbert. In about 20 minutes after speaking the ship our life boat was lowered manned by 5 sailors; and the Captain, the 2nd Mate Mr Smith, Mr Forbes and myself were taken on board the “City of Poonah.” There were a great many passengers on board, Mrs McGee and 4 children. She however, I did not see being laid up with Rheumatism; Mr Phelan who recognized having seen me at Morton Bay; a Mr and Mrs Wood, Mrs Newman, Messrs Featherston, Hungerford etc etc.

There was also a Lieutenant in the Navy and passengers from Rio (a Mr Pearce,) and a naval surgeon Dr West. The name of the Ship’s doctor was Bane. I was very much disappointed with the Ship and people on board, filth seemed to reign supreme; and when we went to dinner I was thoroughly disgusted with the table cloth, and dirty appearance of the Stewards, some wearing moustaches. Having only lately come from Rio, they gave us oranges and yams was the most acceptable present we could receive in return for our hams, potatoes and preserves which our Captain gave to the “City of Poonah.” We obtained Sydney papers “of 19th July” the day the “City of Poonah” sailed, she has had a very long passage in consequence of trading at so many places, at Auckland, etc etc. At dinner they made up for the dirty by giving a variety of drinks, Hock, Moselle, Champagne and there appeared “lots of eat.” We remained about ½ an hour after the dessert and “after coffee,” we took our departure wishing each other a ‘bon voyage.’

When we were 2 or 3 lengths from the ship, we gave 3 cheers for our boat which was responded to by those on board “The City of Poonah.” Mrs Wood mistook me for a brother of Charles Marsh who married Miss McLeod of Newcastle.

We saw another homeward bound ship about 7 miles off. The “City of Poonah” had encountered heavy water around “Cape Horn,” had lost 2 of her boats.

Sunday 29th October 1848

The ship rolled very much last night, a squall having suddenly come on when she had a good deal of canvas set. The Captain did not go to bed till late last night, on account of fearing a coalition between ourselves and the “City of Poonah.” Blue lights were occasionally thrown up from our ship to mark our position.

I felt very sick and did not get up till after lunch. Grace only came out to dinner. During Dessert the Captain saw “Thomas” the Cuddy Servant lying on Mrs Ricardo’s “swing cot:” he had gone in to do something or another and most deliberately lay down: Mrs Ricarrdo’s maid servant was there and told him to get up and he would not; The Captain is told Mrs Ricardo and she of course very much annoyed about it.

Thermometer Cuddy 73.°

Monday 30th October 1848

A fine day, a cold wind blowing, and dead against us. Tacked ship at noon. In the afternoon I lost my straw hat, blown overboard, one that I had made in Australia and being so broad in the brim, as to defy the effects of the sun. The Captain has lent me one as a substitute.

In the evening the sailors went through the Ceremony “of flinging the Dead horse,” overboard, the reason of which is, that the sailors, having drawn 2 months pay before leaving England, were up to today working it out; but tomorrow being the beginning of their 3rd month, all their pay from that time “Is to the gard,” as they call it. The effigy of the horse was composed of a large bag stuffed with straw which they hauled round from the weather side to the lee gangway and thence sent it overboard.

We found it very chilly toady, the Thermometer in the Cuddy 71.°

Grace very sick in the morning.

Mrs Hardy looks very ill, she consulted the Doctor.

Tuesday 31st October 1844

The Emigrants had their boxes from the hold. Many of them disgusted on the mildewed state of their clothes. Some of them stole sugar today out of one of the casks in the hold, an investigation in consequence.

Porter introduced to table for the first time since we have been on board.

The Captain on deck all the evening being now not further off the Martin Vas Rocks and Trinidad, than 40 miles, he expects to pass them in the night.

Grace went on deck after dinner, found it rather chilly, the Thermomenter 71° in Cuddy in middle of day.

Wednesday 1st November 1841

A find day, a cold wind blowing, and still contrary. Early this morning one of the Emigrants gave birth to a child.

Had a tooth ache nearly the whole day, at night very bad, but number of the Emigrants were similarly affected.

The first pig killed this morning. The Captain says we passed the Martin Vas Rocks about 12 o’clock p.m., at a distance of 15 miles, on our Lee Bow,

Thermometer 71°

Cockroaches appearing in our Cabins, some of my clothes eaten by them. Grace and I copying music in the evening, the ship rolling about too much to allow her to play at the piano. Mrs Ricardo lent us some music to try, which she is taking out to her Nieces.

Thursday 2nd November 1848

Did not get a wink of sleep last night owing to the ship rolling about, and my having a most acute tooth ache.

The wind still contrary.

In the evening a great row between a man and his wife (Solomon Williams), the husband beat her so violently as not to be recognized by the Doctor. He was put into handcuffs all night. They have not been married long. Thermometer 70.°

Friday 3rd November 1848.

A fine day, but the wind unfavourable. One of the Emigrants discovered he had been robbed by one of the others. On Faick (Frick?) they strongly suspected from the fact of his saying he had no money when in Plymouth, and £3 being now discovered in his boxes. An investigation made by the Doctor into the circumstances, has of course no satisfactory results.

Thermometer 69°. Finished “Barrow’s Gypsies in Spain,” form which I have learnt that they were not Egyptians, but came from India about the year 1500.

Saturday 4th November 1848

I found it really chilly today, the Thermometer in the Cuddy 68

An Albatross seen today.

The Captain’s Newfoundland “Rose” very sick. Dosed her with castor oil and as she came putting her at dinner time hit our cups (?), the odour very disagreeable.

Sunday 5th November 1848

No prayers on deck today. A beautiful day, but the wind unfavourable. Thermometer 67.°

Monday 6th November 1848

A beautiful day, although the Thermometer much the same, the air very much warmer. Mr Forbes and the Captain went in the Jolly Boat to shoot Albatross, but being but bad shots, were unsuccessful, not hitting one. At one time a perfect calm, but afterwards wind sprung up just as we were at dinner. Set Stern sails. The Captain hopes to sight Tristran D’Acunha. I did not get up till 2 o’clock being unwell. Claret was discontinued the warm weather being supposed to have left us. Began to read the “Old Convents of Paris.”

Tuesday 7th November 1848

A little rain in the afternoon and the promise of a great deal more. Thermometer 67. The wind still favorable. Cleaning my gun the whole day. The awning sent away for good the Captain considering very little about the Ladies’ complexion.

Wednesday 8th November 1848

Pouring rain the whole day and after dinner a gale; owing to the stupidity of someone, the Mainsail got adrift, and was blown to ribbons, the Jit, the Main top Royal, and Fore top Royal were also blown to pieces, the Mainsail was only a 2nd voyage old, the others new.

Thursday 9th November 1848.

Pouring rain the whole day and a heavy sea on. The wind favourable however, the Captain got an observation sufficient to tell us our Longitude. Aunt Charlotte confined to her bed. Charlotte suffering in her eye, obliged to have it lanced by the Doctor, a tumour having formed in the corner.

In consequence of the wet weather most of the Emigrants below, but a great number congregated around the Cuddy door, and what with their loud jokes, and noisy talking rendered it excessively disagreeable to us. Obliged to have the door shut in consequence. Mr Forbes tells me 2 to 1 “that the Cadet who got his commission through bribing Sir William Young, did not lose the Appointment in consequence, and is now in the East India Company’s Service. I saw that he lost his Commission and is not in the Company’s service now.

Thermometer 67°

After we had gone to bed, the Doctor called up by his assistant, to tell him the Emigrants are very much alarmed by the smell of fire proceeding from the Emigrants galley. Hearing this I went to the Captain, to find if he knew anything about it. It turned out that the Cook was drying some wood and the smoke issuing from it and its wet state, found it way down the Forehatch. I was on deck at ½ past 10 o’clock p.m., and it was blowing almost a gale, there were only 3 sails set, the Maintop Fore or Fore topsail, and all close reefed.

Friday 10th November 1848.

Thermometer 64°.

The gale moderated last night, and we were delighted to find a beautiful sunshiny morning on awaking, but during the day we had very many storms of rain and it was squally throughout. The Captain pretended to have a very bad headache and did not dine at table in consequence, nevertheless he was well enough to shoot Albatrosses, all the time we were at dinner, and a truly bad in dinner we had. Aunt Charlotte in bed. Played Ecatell (?) with Mrs Ricardo in the evening.

Saturday 11th November 1848

A fine day in the whole but cold, and occasional squalls of rain. The Captain did not make his appearance today, nor did Aunt Charlotte, both confined to their beds. Thermometer 63°. Grace and I took a walk on deck after dinner. Mr Forbes shooting (or either trying to shoot) Albatrosses all day. A heavy sea on all last night and today.

Sunday 12th November 1848

A fine day till Noon when it became thick rainy, and squally. At dinner time the Ship rolled very much more so than ever. Grace was not well enough to dine at table. Nor did Aunt Charlotte, nor the Captain. We expect to sight Tristan D’Acunha tomorrow morning they say about 4 a.m. The Captain wishes to touch there, being short of fowls etc. He asked the Doctor if he would have any objection, or either if he would second his going in, but the Doctor said that although he himself would be much pleased at touching at the Island, said he could not give his sanction on account of breaking the Charter Party.

Spoke to the Steward about the wretched breakfast served up, nothing but the scraps of the day before, boiled ducks fried and such like inconfirmities.

Monday 13th November 1848.

A very fine day, but we passed a most wretched night in consequence of the Ship rolling from side to side, during the heavy swell. All one’s things got adrift, and I began to be somewhat anxious for fear our berth place would shift. I never felt it so uncomfortable even going round “Cape Horn,” the fact of the matter is, being an Emigrant ship, there is not much cargo in the hold, and every day as the provisions of water decreases, we become more “Crank” and the ship rolls heavier. We passed “Tristan d’Acunha” in the night, the Captain says we must have gone within 5 or 6 miles of it, but the wind was too strong to admit of our halting there, as we might have been driven in on shore. Grace very unwell today, did not get up at all. Aunt Charlotte too still in her bed, though better.

The Captain made his appearance at breakfast. Shooting the greater part of the day: his gun burst from putting an overcharge(?) into it. Mr Forbes and himself such bosom friends that the latter is daily to be seen following in the wake of the other. A change has come over the Scotchman, he now sees with different eyes to when he first came on board. He wine which was bad is now excellent, that which was dirty is clean, the Captain who once was inattentive is now a paragon. We naturally have come to the conclusion that the Skipper who is a shrewd sly fellow, has managed to entrap the stupid donkey, has made him his tool, his toady in fact to watch the other passengers at retail their conversations, thoughts etc. Mr Forbes is a man I took a monstrous dislike to the first moment I saw him, which was when Grace, Aunt Mary Anne and I were going over the “Chinese Junk,” he was with a party of vulgar and vulgarly dressed Ladies. His look is disagreeable and he has that low feature in his character ever to be seen in vulgar people, and knowing had this of Sir John, that everyone you know, that is to say, of respectability or standing, he knows intimately, and I was rather amused today at the egregious blunder he made, when talking of Viscountess Forbes whom he said he knew intimately, in t-ing to the Peerage he looked for Baron Forbes, (instead of the Earl Granard?) and was astonished at not finding her name there. He also said he knew Dr Ferrit, her father and would have, that he lived at no Hall or Park, but only at a small place of about 15 acres which he rented. Whereas the name of his Seat is “Chilton Hall” and a very pretty place. Besides these peculiarities, a judge of the horse, a merchant, virtuoso, linguist, connoisseur of wines, dead shot, a well dressed man. 5 or 6 pairs of trousers in the Hold, coats without number. And he thinks he is taking to Australia some wonderful original idea of his own, which will astonish all the good people there. Silk worms and mulberries are things which never he imagines were heard of in Australia. Then, when his “poor wife” was alive (always with the tip of his tongue) he never exceeded 600 a year, lived in 48 Gloucester Place, went his cab and 2 horses, shop, l-ited and went to the Opera. Chartered more ships than he could mention, perhaps than were known to “Lloyds” and was member of the “Colonial Club” (which failed). (in light pencil) “The last persuaded of himself, so eminent (as he thinks) with excellencies, that it is his ground and forth, that all that know him, love him:”

Tuesday 14th November 1848

A wet day, and cold, but a favorable wind. Thermometer 69°. Aunt Charlotte still in her cabin. Grace better, dined at table. Commenced reading “Highways of Byblos?” At night played Ecarté with Mrs Ricardo.

Wednesday 15th November 1848

Thermometer 60.

Grace better. Thick heavy weather and cold. Went on deck after breakfast, unable to walk in consequence of sails covering the Poops, and rope drawn across on the Weather side, a man employed on alling( altering, sewing?) the sails for the Long Boat. Coffee so bad, obliged to send it away and wait for an hour for some better being made. The excuse made was that some one had stolen a portion of the coffee given to the Cook.

Thursday 16th November 1848.

A beautiful sunshiny day but cold. Grace went on deck for a couple of hours before lunch. Aunt Charlotte also went up for her first time since she has been laid up. The breakfast was so uniformly bad that this morning, immediately after I went to the Captain to complain about it. The flour so bad and musty that the Baker told me it was impossible to make good bread. Played Whist in the evening with the Captain.

Friday 17th November 1848 (light pencil, very faint handwriting.)

A very cold bleak day. At dinner Grace and I –

Thermometer 58.° Played Whist in the evening with Mr Forbes, and then later with Mrs Ricardo. The Emigrants clothes hung over the Poop to dry. Notwithstanding taking – after dinner on in the Polka from Charlotte. Began the “Last of the Mohicans.”

Saturday 18th November 1848

Drizzly till noon then became fine, but cold. Thermometer 58°.

Spoke before the Captain at breakfast about the dirty water with which the tea and coffee was made. He inquired (on my producing a glass of it) of the servants whether it was filtered. And he was informed that it was not. There the matter ended. He neither scolding the servant or moving(?) us to hope it would be altered.

On going on the Poop after breakfast I was not a little indignant at finding it crowded with Emigrants, men, women and children, having brought with them heaps of dirty clothes just washed, and which was strewed all over the deck, the very seats appropriated to the Cabin passengers use were filled with the wet clothes and every other available spot. The Emigrants too were going up and down the Companion Ladders, preventing us from going up comfortably and rendering it perfectly out of the question for any Lady to face the crowd, much less the indecency of seeing all sorts of garments emp-ously displayed before them.

I went up to the Captain and in the presence of the 1st Officer Mr Louis, and Mr Forbes a passenger, and told him “to look how the Emigrants were crowding the deck by their bringing their clothes to hang up that I must request him to put the stop to it at once.” On receiving some unsatisfactory answer I told him “that I must protest against it and that I must request Mr Louis to note it in his log book.” To this he replied, “he would not allow any such thing to be put down in the Log that he was Captain Thorne and that I was Mr Marsh and that he would not do anything but what he chose, that he would not be dared.” I then remarked, “That I dare him at his peril to allow the grievance to continue, that I admitted he was Captain Thorne on board ship but that I was Mr Marsh on sea and on land.”

In reaching the Cuddy I found Mr Hardy in the way to the Poop but her progress was arrested by reason of all the clothes of the Emigrants hanging in front of the Cuddy door, and I told the 4th Officer, Mr Brace to note the circumstances as his evidence would hereafter be required. I also requested Mr Smith the 2nd Officer to have them removed in order to let Mrs Hardy and myself pass but his first reply was that “It was not his duty on deck.” On second thoughts however and seeing the reasonableness of my request he ordered the dirty clothes to be cleared away and then I took Mr Hardy on the Poop. But to as obliged to bring her down again in consequence of the place being more crowded than ever with Emigrants.

After such ungentlemany conduct on the part of the Captain I consulted with George Pinnock, and we wrote a joint letter to the Captain complaining of the nuisance and other matters in the month of October (thought not delivered) on the same subject, signed by every passenger except Mr Forbes. After sealing it I delivered it to the Captain’s Servant, who took it to him, but returned with it, with a message to the effect “That he could not break a seal on board ship, but that he would hear what I had to say in person.” Thinking there was some technicality about a sealed letter, I re-opened it, and placed it in an inclosure without a seal, and re-delivered it to the Captain’s servant “William,” who again returned with it with a similar message, “that the Captain had made a rule never to receive a written communications.” I refused (by George Pinnock’s advice) to take the letter back, and the servant left it in a plate on the dinner table, which when the Captain came to dinner he ordered to be removed. After dinner the servant came on the Poop deck to me whilst seated with Grace and requested to know what he was to do with the letter; George answered for me saying “he did not care what he did with it, pitch it over board if he liked, it was the Captain’s letter and that he conc-nes by his not replying to it he was insulted.” On going down to tea the letter was still in a plate on the swing tray(?). To show how absurd it was, the Captain excusing himself from opening the letter, and need only observe that “he received and opened in my presence a letter sent him by the Emigrants not many weeks ago, petitioning for some indulgence or another. And he himself informed me at the beginning of the voyage that —- the passengers who went home – with him last trip.

Sunday 19th November 1848

A beautiful day. Took Grace on deck before lunch, where she remained a couple of hours. A very cold day however, Thermometer 57°. Carrying Sternsails. We made understand 282 miles the day.

The letter written by the Passengers left still lying on the Cuddy Table, and after dinner coffee was spilt on it by some one, whether purposely or not, difficult to say. I left very shortly after the Ladies retired, so did George; and only the Captain and Mr Forbes remained whispering the whole time, and calling out to the Emigrant children into the Cuddy. In addition to our other nuisances I must note the Captain permitting his own Newfoundland Dog, and a little Spaniel of Mr Forbes constantly to be in the Cabin to our annoyance, this morning it was perfectly disagreeable to walk from one cabin to the other owing to the positive filth caused by the dog and dogs in question.

I was also annoyed by the Captains pointedly talking of Convicts and Convict children, in Australia, their inability ever to get into society, and the wound(?) of infamy ever remaining. This was done I found out from Mrs Hardy owing to her husband having had the misfortune to have been transported to Van Diemen’s Land, and which piece of information was very stupidly given to the Messrs Green and the Captain by Mrs Hardy’s brother-in-Law whilst entering(?) her cabin in —. The cold bloodedness of the attack on a defenceless woman, was the most cowardly thing I ever witnessed and I not it here for the sake of reference hereafter, in order that I recall with t-to my memory when I get to Sydney.

Monday 20th November 1848

We had a fearfully rolling night of it, neither Grace nor I slept a wink. I thought that the ship would have rolled her Masts overboard at one time. And I began to fear the Piano in Aunt Charlotte’s cabin and my chest of drawers would have tumbled. The sea was very high, all ones clothes, chairs, and other little things got adrift in the night. At breakfast we had the most abominable tea and coffee that could well be made, shameful(?) and as did Grace it must arise from the dirty state of the water, and I called for a glass of warm water from the (basin?) which had the most filthy smell imaginable, after I went into the Cuddy I took it – together with glass of unfiltered water, as I received it, from the Hold and on comparison being made in the presence of Mrs Ricardo, Mrs Hardy, Mr Louis, Aunt Charlotte and myself, it proved the cleanest of the two!!

I spoke pretty sharply to Mr Forbes and Mrs Ricardo on the duty of passengers (going?) that this sort of inattention and disrespect was not carried to the extent which it as hereto has been. And the effect of my admonition was Mr Forbes bringing some water which he had received in the morning and comparing it with mine, the only difference he admitted was that one had settled for a longer period than the other. Mr Louis was appealed to and he considered that all water when boiled became bad, and I to prove the contrary showed him some I had boiled for Grace in the morning perfectly clear.

Tuesday 21st November 1848

A fine day. Took Grace up on deck after dinner. Thermometer 60°

The letter the passengers wrote to the Captain still on the swingtray.

Mr Forbes cabin perfectly obnoxious from the different smells arising from it, I asked my servant from whence they arose and he told me, it was in consequence of the state of Mr Forbes’ health.

The poultry is now at an end, we never sea a fowl or a duck, and rarely a goose. My servant Arkell told me never to eat any of the fowls (if we see any more that is), they take them actually when they have died a natural death, to the Cook, for our consumption. He tells me that the poulterer says 2 dozen poultry are all the they have lost this voyage, the Captain told me 5 dozen. The Doctor has chosen to be distant and likewise never speaks or takes wine with Aunt Charlotte, or Charlotte and the reason of his changed manner is (he’s told George,) because I had objected to the Emigrants hanging their clothe in the Poop.

We made 215 miles today. The wind still variable, carrying Sternsails(?). In the evening during Mr Smiths watch, the ship gave the heaviest lurch I have experienced, sending all the Emigrants from one side to the other. The “Fore top Sternsail Boom” was carried away, much to the Captains disgust, who satirically asked Mr Smith whether it was a sea stuck(?) there?

Grace and I were unfortunate enough, she to spill soup over here, and I coffee over me. Mr Louis unwell, did not dine at table. P-es remaining –.

Mr Forbes dog “Zoe” ought not to be allowed on the Poop. Much les ought Mr Forbes to be allowed to feed it at dinner time under the table.

Wednesday 22nd November 1848.

A very fine day. Went on deck with Grace after dinner without my greatcoat. The Captain allows George’s and my letter to him to be unnoticed on the Swing tray. Heard that Mr Brace, 4th Officer was suspended from doing duty. He says he knows the M-of “D-ds Ho–.”

Thermometer 59°

Spoke in the evening to Mr Hildyard as to the right or not of the Emigrants drying their clothes on the Poop. He says that in Troop ships in which he has sailed, the soldiers always hang theirs on the Poop. Pointed out to him, “Williams” who now acts as Steward dancing with Emigrants and mentioned it only as an instance, of what little attention the Captain paid to us, when he allowed these sorts of things.

Thursday 23rd November 1848

A fine sunshiny day. Carrying Mainsails (Sternsails?). Our letter to the Captain still disregarded, allowed to lie on the swing tray. Neither George nor I speak to him. Nor to the Doctor for the latter has chosen (because I objected to the Emigrants coming on the Poop and because Aunt C and Charlotte agreed) and be distant and avoid all the Ladies of the party except Grace. I have no idea of such insolence from an Emigrant surgeon. Showed Mr Forbes my correspondence with Messrs Green with reference to the extra cabin. He thinks they have behaved badly. No jam for breakfast, all gone. Mr Forbes tells me there are only 6 chickens, 4 ducks remaining. Thinks they will have to kill the calf, being short.

Friday 24th November 1848

A cloudy morning, the air raw. Thermometer 60°. Our letter to the Captain still in the Swing tray. Played Whist in the evening with Mrs Ricardo, Mr Forbes and George. Finished reading “Highways and Byeways.” Did not go on deck till late in the evening. Carrying Sternsails.

Saturday 25th November 1848

A fine day, but a thick fog. A little rainy at night. Took Grace on deck before dinner. I did not get up to breakfast, took a up of Castor Oil. Thermometer 59°. And in the water 45. Wretched dinner now, no poultry. Today Roast leg of Pork, roast loin of Mutton. Pie more of scraps, a little bit of curry, and a little dish of Irish Stew. Sour bread for breakfast and heavy as lead.

The Captain talking about “Holystoning,” Mr Forbes saying he would (when he takes his passage again) I agree that there should be shall be none over his head!!

Sunday 26th November 1848

Our letter still on the Swingtray: neither George nor I speak to the Captain, nor do we speak to the Doctor, after his cool disrespectful manner to Aunt C and Charlotte. Such conduct ought to be know to the p–. I am now very unwell indeed, I wish for medical advice and yet I do not seek it, lest I may be insulted by word or both(?) is rather a cool sort of thing of this surgeon superintendent because I do not choose to let the Poop be crowded with dirty clothes and Emigrants, without protesting to the Captain against it, the Doctor of the vessel, is to take and – at it was as surly as possible, and from being very intimate with the Ladies, of a sudden to avoid them, never to ask them to take wine, and hardly to say good morning. If it was not on Grace’s account, and thinking she may hereafter require his services I could call him to account never go in an Emigrant Ship, and if you do, never unless there are 2 Surgeons. One for the Emigrants, one for the Passengers. The latter are treated more as a matter of favour than as a matter of duty. And you are obliged to wait this Doctor’s leisure when asking his advice.

A sample of the breakfast we got. Sheep fry, broiled mutton and pork bones. Cold boiled pork in slices, curried pork. Collared head. The bread heavy and sour so that I really had nothing to eat. I pity the passengers who are hereafter deemed to sail with this Skipper, he is not only a low-ed ungentlemany man, but he is niggardly in his treatment of us, and tries to make as much out of me as he can. About a week ago when I spoke to him of the bad breakfasts, I told him then that I only required the actual necessaries of life, that I would be quite content to get a plain chop, that I did not want luxuries.

My servant Arkell told me that the Flour was so bad, and in such lumps that before the Baker could kneed it, he was actually obliged to grind it! This is the coldest day we have yet had. Thermometer 57°. A cutting wind, did not go on the Poop till after dinner and by myself. George for dinner helped by MR Forbes, in such an ungentlemany manner, obliged to tell him that I must – him to help Mrs Marsh at once, and not act up the snobe first.

Monday 27th November 1848.

A very cold day. Thermometer on Poop 44°. A little sleet fell. A bad dinner as usual, no poultry. Leg of pork roasted, — of mutton, boiled pork, Irish stew.

The ship rolled very much in the night and Grace suffered a good deal. Did not get up the whole day.

Mr Forbes’ dog so very dirty in its habits as to annoy every passenger at table.

Tuesday 28th November 1848

Mr Louis told us that in the night a great deal of snow fell. Bad breakfast again. The bread so heavy. Slices of ham, slices of cold mutton. Slices of cold pork, and a few pork chops. Black pudding.

Thermometer 38 on deck. Very cold in the Cuddy.

Mr Forbes has lately brought his gun into the Cuddy for the purpose of cleaning and w-g it and the smell from it has at times been most offensive, today practically so from the water itself having some that the Cook had been boiling vegetables in. I told him that it would require boxes of Sandscotope(?) to purify the Cuddy afterwards but any hints fell unheeded on the man till Mrs Ricardo came out of her cabin and of course she immediately took notice of “the horrid smells” as she called it, and on finding it out she told Mr Forbes that he might not to clean it in the Cuddy, he might to clean it on the “Quarter Deck.” Aunt Charlotte and Grace at the same time called out to know what the Mal odeur arose from as it visited them even in their Cabin. In the evening the Captain in the course of conversation with Mrs Ricardo , took Mr Forbes side, said that the Cuddy was his (the Captain’s) and that as long as Mr Forbes did not make a mess in the places we occupied that was all he had right to expect, and that he had perfect right to clean his gun.

After dinner whilst at wine, I saw some of the Emigrants (Foot) shooting in the Forecastle and ultimately go down the hold with his gun in his hand as I fancied –.

As I do not speak to the Captain and I wished to address myself to him, I said to Mr Forbes, “Do you know that one of the Emigrants has a gun and is shooting,” to which he replied, “Yes he has been shooting all day and nearly shot the Captain.” I then argued that it was not safe with such a body of people on board to allow powder or guns to be in their possession. The Captain then chimed in by remarking to Mr Forbes “What will they say to you and I firing and burning powder in our possession.” Mr Forbes then answered “That it was presumed that they would be more careful of it.” The Captain ultimately wound up by saying “that the man had come to him for his permission to shoot, which he had granted provided he kept his gun pointed over the Bulwarks, of that the Doctor had no objection.” He then left the table, and when speaking to Mr Forbes, urging him the necessity as a passenger to see that such dangerous practices were disallowed and forbidden by the Captain, he at once threw the onus on the Doctor saying he was the man who permitted it. I accordingly made it a matter of business and saw the Doctor in his own cabin, explained to him my fears for the safety of the vessel, if such license was granted to the Emigrants and asked to know whether it was with his permission. He immediately answered, “Certainly not, I have just been speaking to the 2nd Mate who is the Officer on deck in order to stop it at once.”

Is a man like Captain Thorne fit to have charge of 400 people, when he positively flies in the face of the Rules drawn up by the Emigration Commissioners which says that “If Powder is found in any Emigrant it is at once to be taken away.” And yet knowing this, he actually give his -tion not only by word of mouth but by shooting in company with this man who according to Mr Forbes statement, nearly shot the Captain.

Dinner today bad, as usual no poultry. Leg of Roast Pork, little piece of boiled pork, little piece of roast mutton, ribs of boiled mutton. Pork and mutton pies, fried tripe.

Wednesday 29th November 1848.

A fine day, but cold, after breakfast sleet fell for a short time. The Emigrants pull their boxes from the hold.

A shocking breakfast as usual. Sheeps fry, Black Pudding, boiled mutton bones, boiled pork bones, slice of cold pork, slice of ham, remains of mutton and pork pie, little piece of bacon.

Mr Forbes feeding his dog at table with his fingers, giving it pieces of fried egg(?).

Dinner today bad as usual, no poultry, consisting of roast leg of mutton, mutton pie made of scraps, piece of roast pork, neck of boiled mutton. And this all for 13 people. I have never yet complained of the desserts being scant (in fact hardly worthy the name of dessert, because I cared more for the reception to the –, but there never has been sufficiency for every one at table. Today Mr Forbes was wonderfully annoyed because he was unable to get any almonds and raisons, told William in the presence of the Captain to get some more and wished to know why so little was placed on the table in the first instance. Played “Vingt et un,” in the evening. Mrs Ricardo the winner, Mr Forbes the loser. Mrs Hardy and George dancing the Polka in his mother’s cabin. Grace did not dine at table.

Thursday 30th November 1848

A beautiful morning but cold. Thermometer 58. The weather so fine carrying sternsails.

Aunt Charlotte and Mrs Ricardo had a few sharp words together, the former threatens never to speak to the other again.

Friday 1st December 1848.

A disagreeable day, felt head achy and did not get up till late. Grace was very unwell indeed and we kept each other company dining in our own cabin. In the evening after dinner mentions of Albratrosses following the Stern of the ship. I cannot go up there. 14 swimming after us (for we were becalmed). Mr Forbes and the Captain went in the Jolly Boat, and shot 4 or 5. And previous to this 5 were caught with hook and line and landed on deck. One was a most beautiful bird, almost like Swan so white. Grace was so very ill that her mother told me she fancied from certain symptoms that her confinement was approaching, at 9 o’clock I sent for the Doctor, also thought if her pain continued he had better be called up. The sea after going to bed became very rough as the wind increased and very appearance of a gale. Had our dead lights up for the 1st time. The Doctor up at night with two of the Emigrants, having given birth to two infants.

Saturday 2nd December 1848.

In the middle of the night a desperate gale, carrying only a close reefed Foresail, — all a terrific lurch which as the wind became right, we felt severely, the sea shifting the ship at the Stern violently and shaking her timbers. The rolling too was frequent and violent all the braces coming from their fastenings. At ½ past 12 o’clock Grace felt so extremely ill that I first of all called Aunt Charlotte, and then the Doctor, and they both pronounced that poor Grace was drawing her own Confinement. A woman amongst the Emigrants had fortunately been told to keep herself in readiness and was immediately summoned (a Mrs Lally) who with her husband have — recommended by Mortimer –.

At 5 o’clock (a.m.) Grace gave birth to a fine little boy: her time was severe, and she had still more severe after pains.

Latitude 45-9 South

Longitude 64-32 East

Charlotte and I sat up the whole night.

The Doctor was very attentive and did not go to bed at all, staying with Grace for hours together, it is fortunate it was not last Thursday night for then his attention would have been divided with the Emigrant women.

Mrs Ricardo came in to see the baby in Aunt Charlotte’s cabin and whilst there, Aunt Charlotte came in and I am happy to say both shook hands and made up their quarrel.

The Captain, I was very much annoyed with, in the middle of the night, he came down from the deck into the Cuddy and called out to Mrs Ricardo, and knocking loudly at her cabin door, that it was ½ past one, but so loudly that it awoke everyone. He must have known that poor Grace was actually near here confinement at the time. (in light pencil- I hardly know what I should have done without the —, The Cuddy fire is now put out at 8 o’clock every night?)

Sunday 3rd December 1848

For the first part of this day, a great swell, but it went down considerably in the afternoon. Grace pretty well, and complaining of giddiness of the head, and pains in her legs. The baby very quiet except at night when it suffered from spasms in the stomach. No one except George at breakfast and Mr Smith, the 2nd Officer, the others were so completely knocked up form last nights rolling(?) about as not to appear. I slept in my easy chair in George’s cabin. Aunt Charlotte took charge of the baby all night. And Charlotte took it in the day time. Mrs Hardy wished to have remained in Aunt Charlotte’s cabin all night, and Charlotte to have slept in hers, but the plan thought as objectionable on Charlotte’s account, and therefore was not carried into execution. Obliged in the evening to request Mr Forbes to take his dog out of the Cuddy as it made so much noise barking.

Monday 4th December 1848

A fine day and the ship going easily though not very fast. Thermometer 56. – to Grace and the baby proposing to –. The Doctor and nurse (waiting?) attendance. The baby with wet “nurse” as the woman called it, and cries the moment he is put to Grace.

Thursday 5th December 1848 (light pencil, difficult to read)

A fine day and going very quickly through the water. Thermometer 59.

Charlotte very much annoyed at her dress being (eaten at lunch?) by Mr Forbes dog “Zoe.” —mired. Really I begin to think Mr Forbes is as being a – of the Captain, how else could he —-intimate.

Wednesday 6th December 1848 (light pencil, difficult to read)

Made a — no less than 215 miles. Grace and the baby going very satisfactorily. My cold worse today from sleeping in George’s cabin, which is full of draughts. Breakfast and dinner in my own cabin.

Two – asked “Molly Marshs” -(rest illegible)

Thursday 7th December 1848 (light pencil, very difficult to read)

A fine sunshiny morning but at noon it became cloudy and afterwards rainy and squally, with a strong head wind, and heavy swell. At night much milling around. In the evening Mr Forbes and Mrs Ricardo had a pitched battle, the former telling her that her conduct was imprudent — he would have called for an explanation. Grace and baby better, though the little fellow yells most unmercifully. The nurse feels hurt at Aunt Charlotte speaking hastily to her, the fact is that Aunt Charlotte is so nervous about the baby as to have worried herself into a fever almost. Spoke to one of the Cuddy servants to prevent some one smoking a pipe near the Cuddy door, and answer I received was that it was the Captain in his own cabin and this he does every day, to the great annoyance of his cabin passengers.

Friday 8th December (light pencil, very difficult to read)

A very rolling night we had of it. None of the Ladies up to breakfast, all complaining of want of sleep. I hope today that the letters we sent by the “Express” Packet and also the “City of Poonah” to our friends in England have been received; it is just six weeks since we spoke those vessels.

Dined in my own cabin. Grace much better, but the baby suffering and crying a good deal.

Saturday 9th December 1848

A cold day, the Barometer falling away and the Captain prophesizes a gale. The dinner yet worse. Today consisted of pork chops, more mutton, boiled salt pork, remains of old shoulder of pork, mutton and pork pie, little boiled onion.

In the evening “Shorten Sail” was cried out by the Captain, and preparation made in expectation of a coming squall.

The oil for my lamp at an end, obliged to get some from the store.

Sunday 10th December 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

Last night a very severe squall, obliged to “lay to” under a t-sail only. The ship rolled and pitched tremendously, raining and blowing furiously. Found it very cold. Could not get a wink of sleep all night, sat up in the camp chair in George’s cabin. Grace so -y – an occurrence of the baby crying, and much of being, as she fancied, in pain.

The best dinner we have had for a long time. Ham, leg of roast mutton, leg of pork, roasted pork, boiled mutton, pie, goose.

Mr Ricardo did not make her appearance her-night. Dined in my own cabin. Went into the Cuddy in the evening, and whilst there an argument commenced as to the propriety of a man marrying a deceased wife’s sister. The conversation took a turn by Mr Forbes remarking that it was certainly not so bad as 2nd cousins marrying, that it was the nearest blood (right?) to – a sister, the Megnard(?) Skipper – past his tongue in by remarking that as a sort of Judgment upon such a marriage the children were always idiots and abounded with Scrofula, and such conversation before me having married my first cousin which they were aware of, having a baby a few days old. Was to say the least the most Goth like conduct. But I was determined to give them their -for an – for I — — to Mr Forbes.

If you are Father or Mother Mr Forbes were you say the cousins and as you are their issue, that you c-er yourself an Irish of —. He then said that he was not the person who said they were idiots, but the Captain. I then added – – – .

Grace allowed a mutton chop for dinner and Porter. Unfortunately for her not a fowl to be had on board this ill provided ship.

Lobbying(?) to the Messrs Green of 64 Cornhill, of the and commanded by a brutal Skipper, Thorne by name and nature.

Monday 11th December 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

Breakfast bad as usual (being pork and mutton bones with nothing on them, a bread bun, cold slice of pork, cold slice of mutton, pigs face in vinegar) Had a – of it but pork, before going to sleep. — chair broken. The wind fair a — carrying stern sails. Seaweed occasionally floating past us, from St.Paul in An-ow perhaps. Grace getting quite strong, porter and chops for dinner again today.

Dropped my best razor on the floor and broke entirely. Such a good razor that I never had given myself a cut with it, not even on board ship.

Charlotte played the Piano for the 1st time since Grace’s confinement. Thermometer 51°.

Obliged to request Mr Forbes in the evening to take his dog out of the Cuddy on account of it barking, which I feared might disturb Grace. The Doctor joined our Whist party for the first time

Tuesday 12th December 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

Dinner today bad as usual. (Shoulder of mutton, sheeps head, mutton pie, little piece of roast pork, boiled pork, remains of ham.) Not very — of the morning. Did not get up till late. Dined in my own cabin. Played Whist(?) in the evening with Mrs Ricardo, Mrs Hardy and George. After which(?) the Doctor took Mrs Ricardo’s place, the unfortunate Mr Forbes completely cut out.

Wednesday 13th December 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

breakfast nothing but boiled bones. Dinner consisted of roast pork, pie, — slice of boiled pork, boiled mutton. Bad headache last night and a dose of castor oil in the morning. A cloudy day. Dined in my own cabin. Grace not quite as well as yesterday. George’s eyes very weak. Grace has a slight touch of fever.

Thursday 14th December 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

Bad breakfast. Mrs Ricardo telling the Captain at lunch there (was mould on?) the potatoes for breakfast. The Captain (glad?) that the water is so bad people will – of it. Mrs Ricardo obliged to ask Mr Smith for a glass of his filtered water. The Captain says that the new Act of Parliament was in the event of a vessel being put into a Quarantine, the owners are at liberty to charge their passengers 1 per item (dieum?) Made 250 miles today. Grace better today no fever. The Doctor(?) not too well, having caught a desperate cold, the Cuddy door, and skylights having been so constantly open notwithstanding our efforts to keep them closed whilst playing cars last night. At 9 o’clock we all felt so chilly, and on inquiry found the Captain had opened the further skylights(?)

Friday 15th December 1848

Bad breakfast, cold scraps of mutton and of pork. Remains of pie and few pork chops, and a little curry. Grace had a bad night of it, the poor little baby suffering from a severe cold, I hope that it may not turn to Croup. Made 218 miles.

Had great difficulty in keeping the skylights shut, as fast as I had them put down, some one on the deck opened them, notwithstanding the Doctor wished in Grace’s and the baby’s account that no draughts should reach them: I sent Arkell up on the Poop to close them, when the Captain ordered him on no account to shut them without his permission. At last Aunt Charlotte went up to the Captain to request they might be closed. It was then done. At dinner time that scoundrel Mr Forbes asked the Captain if one of the Skylights might not be opened, and hoped he was not going to give in and allow them to be shut. The Captain said he must as a Lady has requested it. I went on deck after dinner (the first time since Grace’s confinement), for the express purpose of seeing if any one would dare open the Skylights, however no one did. But shortly after, Mr Forbes opened the panel which was cut in his cabin and looks into the Cuddy, from whence the current of air (from the windows which look on the Quarter Deck) was rushing into the Cuddy. Aunt Charlotte went and closed this sliding panel herself, upon which Mr Forbes thinking that one of the servants had done so, came out and said he would have it open. Aunt Charlotte then told him she had closed it. And whilst they were arguing the matter, I went out, and gave Mr Forbes a regular rowing, I told him that his conduct was most ungentlemany and that if the Cuddy was unbearable from want of proper ventilation, he was the cause of it, that the stench that came from his cabin was strong enough to knock an ox down, that he was the nuisance: that I would have my way, that I would have the skylights down and I wished it, and I would dare the man to push them up when I shut them; I told him I was an importer, that I should be most happy to give him justification on -on land, that I would not show the White Feather. Aunt Charlotte also told him that she considered he had more to – with the skylight than the Captain, that he had put the Captain up to it. I was exceedingly indignant at the time to make a great deal more than I hence forth –, I also said if we had had a gentleman for our Captain, neither this nuisance nor the nuisance of having a dog in the Cuddy would have been admitted. Immediately I said this Mr Forbes who was trembling with fear, — not to the Captains cabin, — and told Captain that I had called him “no gentleman.” I repeated my words in the presence of Captain Thorne, and I said “If Captain Thorne’s knowing the state of the little baby orders the Skylight to be opened I consider him no Gentleman, not the slightest (spark?) of gentleman about him.” This however, shows what sort of man Mr Forbes is, he as afraid to call me to account for calling himself no gentleman but hoped to enrage the Captain, and that he would ask for explanation. I also told Mr Forbes that I considered I was the first person on board. To all the abuse which I lavished most unceremoniously on him, he kept on replying “Whether we should have been on (par?), whether it would not be better to shake hands and make it up,” and he actually tendered me his hand, which I refused, until he gave me his word of honor, that he did not open the skylight, out of mere opposition. He pledged his word and told a lie I am certain. The Captain began to talk upon the dispute George and I had with him about his not receiving our joint letter but said he was sorry that he had not explained himself sooner by informing us he had pledged himself to his (owners?) never to receive a letter from a passenger much less answer it, but that he would now receive one letter although he could not answer it: that he was much aggrieved to have any dispute that he admitted that his not answering it (without our being aware of the reason) must have appeared savory if disrespect, and was sorry for it. And till now it had never so struck him. The Captain took the letter from my hands which had been lying on the swing tray ever since the 19th November, and we shook hands.

I particularly stipulated that it was without prejudice to the dispute I had to the Messrs Green about Mr Forbes cabin.

I think that the Captain appears ashamed of himself, and ashamed of having had so much to — and being so intimate with such a liver hearted fellow as this “Forbes” a disgrace to the name of Forbes.

After our dispute had been adjusted (adjourned?) Mrs Hardy opened on Mr Forbes and gave him a regular rowing about the way he and the Captain treated her little nephew “as though he were a piece of dirt,” to use her expression. Mr Forbes made her a abject apology but it only shows there is not a single person on board with whom he has not left the most disagreeable impression. Mrs Hardy also told him that the smell complained of in the Cuddy, came from his own Cabin, that as she passed it, the mal odeur from thence was horrible, and that his dog was equally a nuisance.

Saturday 16th December 1848

A most beautiful day, and much warmer. Grace not so well, a bad headache and in the evening almost fainting. The baby better. I dined at the Cuddy table for the first time since Grace’s confinement. The Captain hopes to reach first in a fortnight from this time. The breeze however after noon became night. (?)

Played Vingt et un in the evening. A winner and afterwards whist; George and I against the Captain and Mr Forbes, won 3/- each. And to Mr Forbes wonder of disgust.

Finished reading – of –.

Felt very – last night.

Sunday 17th December. 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

A beautiful day. Reading Shakespeare to Grace in the afternoon. The sea very smooth, the wind being off land. Sternsails set.

Monday 18th December 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

Grace got up for the first time since her confinement.

Very unwell today. Took medicine. Played vingt et un and whist in the evening and wining 6/-

—– (something to do with the Emigrants?)

Reading Shakespear’s “12th Night.”

Tuesday 19th December 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

Dinner consisted of small leg of mutton, small leg of pork, small piece of boiled mutton, and pigs petites(?).

The Emigrants had their boxes from the hold for the (cash search?) The Doctor and Mrs Ricardo playing – in the middle of the day.

Played Whist and Vingt et Un, a loser of 2/-. Put myself on diet, not feeling well. Sternsails set. Grace better but the baby does not progress so well as expected, he is so very thin. Reading “Henry VIII” in sight of Dr Wilson’s picture representing Queen Catherine.in the act of saying “Low —

Aunt Charlotte not very well.

Wednesday 20th December 1848 (light pencil, very difficult to read)

A fine day. Grace pretty well. Baby better and I feel very unwell, and my eyes are –

Reading “Richard III” the whole day. Sent the nurse to her bed this evening. Aunt Charlotte sat up with Grace. The nurse if very cross, she is a dirty Irish woman full of -s. Arkell seems put out because he was told Aunt Charlotte complained to the Doctor about him, and in going who told her so, he – the nurse, who heard Aunt Charlotte

Thursday 21st December 1848

A beautiful day. (light pencil, very difficult to read)

Friday 22nd December 1848 (mostly illegible.)

Bad dinner as usual – salt lamb, boiled salt pork, leg of roast pork, leg of roast mutton and –. Today we were 36 miles Eastward of Van Dieman’s Land (Tasmania).

Saturday 23rd December 1848

Felt very unwell. Aunt Charlotte obliged to — up to Mr Forbes – to request him not to walk to heavily over her head. Played cards till after 10 o’clock. A loser.

Sunday 24th December 1848

Dined at the Cuddy table. Grace walked from her room to her mother’s cabin, remaining there the whole day for change of air. I went on deck after dinner for about an hour. At night the Captain’ cabin besieged by the Emigrants singing Christmas Carols the sailors —ing on the –, a hint for grog. The curry(?) appeared for the first time since the 6th November.

Monday 25th December – Christmas Day 1848 (light pencil, very difficult to read)

A beautiful day but I did not enjoy being layed up with – enough headaches. Did not dine at table with although the Captain had provided the best dinner that any of the passengers have had the honor of being faced(?) with. Not only this but actually the Steward boasted(?) at table that if enough is done at the end of the voyage, to make – remember him, but we that anything be a pleasing recollection, the fellow has never been in the Cuddy since I have been on board, everything has been left to the Captain’s -the Cuddy–, his manner always staring into the night. – always drunk.

As I lay in my cabin I heard the Captain’s health drunk at the table and then commenced a series of tales and speeches, the health of Grace and her baby, proposed by the Captain, the Ladies by Mr Forbes, the Officers of the ship, eg dr etc, George returned thanks for the gentlemen passengers. Mr Hildyard the 3rd Officer and Mr Dardney, a Midshipman (about 6 feet high and 20 years old) They tried to make him tipsy by taking wine several times each person with him. Mr Forbes at the bottom of it, he tried to make him sing a song but Mr Dardney had the good sense to refrain notwithstanding the bullying he got on all sides, even from the Captain. The Captain, I heard, actually produced a little Sherry Brandy after dinner.

Tuesday 26th December 1848

A fine day, devoted the whole of it to having my cabin cleaned and washed out by Arkell. In consequence of the Nurse blacking every spot with the Lamp black which adhered to bottoms(?) of the pans (meant, used?) for Grace’s and the baby’s nourishment.

After it was done, every one cried out for polish! How dangerous! And yet they knew at the time I was having it done, even the Doctor, and he tells me that it would be unsafe Grace’s keeping in her own cabin, and that she had better exchange cabins with her mother’s for the night, which was accordingly done although rather to Aunt Charlotte’s disgust. The wind light but favorable, direct South. Sternsails set. Numbers of Cellatupes(?) swimming after us, three or four were caught by the Doctor and Mr Forbes.

Wednesday 27th December 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

A beautiful day. Grace made her appearance in the Cuddy for the first time. A sail in sight at last making towards us, but ultimately tacked away from us. I wrote a few lines to Aunt Mary Anne on the chance of sending them to her but it was useless.

Thursday 28th December 1848 (light pencil, very difficult to read)

A beautiful morning but by noon a thunder storm came on and stopped the “cleaning operations” carried out by the sailors, who were scrubbing all parts of the ship(?) to make her appear well on arriving in Sydney. We cannot be more than 250 miles distant but the – and I give her Sunday –.

Arkell was sent out of the Cuddy by me today, in the first place because he did not attend muster, the Emigrants being called over every Thursday and Sunday and also in consequence of his answering the Doctor sharply when he spoke to him saying he could not help it, he was cleaning Mrs Pinnock’s cabin. This is a great nuisance, as I want Arkell’s services more now Grace is out than at any other time. This is the second time, however, Arkell has done the same thing, and the Doctor told him of it before he is an obstinate pigheaded fellow, and I think he will not quite suit me. I am almost sorry I induced him to come. Grace did not go out of her own cabin in consequence of the dampness of the air in the Cuddy. Aunt Charlotte confined to her bed.

Friday 29th December 1848(light pencil, very difficult to read)

A most lovely day. Land in sight early in the morning. In the afternoon as now it is as five miles we were tacking to and fro having a Northerly wind right in our (stern?) which as we are only about 60 miles from Sydney is very provoking. The different points of land we saw were Lewis Bay, and the coast between Shoalhaven and Wollongong.

Grace made her appearance on the Poop for the first time and it appeared to do (her and the ?) Baby pretty well but he is – very thin every day —. — engaging with her –. – the chain cables brought from the hold.

Saturday 30th December 1848

Arrival in Sydney after an absence of 20 months. Moffit, the Pilot, boarded us outside the Heads. Then Dr Savage the Health Officer came on board. Then Browne the Water Police Magistrate, and last Merewether. Frank Forbes came off in a boat to us and all of us except poor Grace went on shore with him. Neither she nor the baby well.

Found Aunt Sophy living at 2 Argyle Street and I met as we reached it, Mrs Browne and Mrs Sern (Seth Serl?) coming out. After dinner Aunt Sophy and Betsy accompanied us on board to see Grace.

Sunday 31st December 1848

Grace left the ship and proceeded in getting one of the Emigrants (just confined) to come on shore with her in the capacity of Wet Nurse, but after she had been 4 hours on land, the woman became so ill and faint that I was obliged to take her back again to the ship.

Fortunately there was an old servant of Aunt Sophy’s paying a visit to Betsy, and as she had her child of 6 months old with her, Aunt Sophy pressed her into the service, and Baby had a good nurse for the night.