An Unhappy Passenger

As will be obvious from reading the posts on this blog, many passengers were unhappy on board. According to an article in the Daily Southern Cross, problems may have continued once they arrived in Auckland (this article was useful to put names to some of the Tornado's crew):

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7th.

Captain Aitken, of the "Tornado" appeared to answer the charge of George Anderson, a passenger, for a breach of the stipulations contained in his contract ticket, by neglecting to supply him with provisions, etc, as per said contract ticket.

George Anderson, sworn— l was a passenger by the "Tornado," from Liverpool to Auckland; but I am bound to Wellington; that is the contract ticket; it is in the same condition as when I received it. On Saturday, 24th September, we arrived in Auckland. I still occupy my berth on board. On the following Wednesday, about 2 o'clock, we were served with a tin of preserved meat and some potatoes, for 61/2 adults. On Thursday, we received nothing from the ship but a piece of raw pork. My family consists of myself and wife and two children. On the Friday we had the same piece of pork, and on Saturday we had nothing served out. We had neither peas nor rice during the week. We had flour, which should have been served out on Monday, but was not served out till Saturday. There were several things not supplied to us. I complained to the Captain, who told me that he himself had difficulty in getting his own provisions. The Captain was sober. I was obliged on several occasions to purchase provisions on shore. I spent at least one pound.

Cross-examined by Mr. Russell I understood the Captain to say he could not get his provisions cooked or uncooked. I was told the Cook was drunk but I did not see him. The word Wellington was inserted in the contract -ticket before it was signed. The bulk of my luggage is marked passenger for Wellington.

Thomas White Young deposed— l am a passenger by the "Tornado," about to proceed to Wellington. On Wednesday, there was nothing served out at the proper hour but a little after we had some preserved meat given to us. On Thursday we had a piece of uncooked pork brought down. On Friday the same piece of pork cooked, and on Saturday the remains of Friday's pork.

For the defence Samuel Smythe, Purser of the "-Tornado." Last week I sent for the steerage passengers to get their provisions. Complainant said the steward ought to buy them. Up to last Monday week, Mr. Anderson was in the habit of coming for his provisions. He was offered a passage from Manukau to Wellington in the steamer but he refused, because we would not give him a saloon passage. The reason the provisions were not served out in time was, because up to the last I was negotiating with complainants for their passage to Wellington. The pork was not cooked on Friday, because the cook was drunk. The first irregularity as to the issue of the provisions arose from the idea that the passengers were all going to Wellington by the steamer.

Cross-examined by Mr. Wynn The first Monday after we arrived in Auckland, fresh beef was issued to the Cook, and I suppose the passengers received it, as I heard no complaint. No bread was issued, nor flour, nor oatmeal. On Wednesday I was present, when Mr. Anderson came to the storeroom. He took some of the provisions away, viz., flour, butter, tea, and sugar. I don't know what was issued on Friday. During the voyage the stores were generally served out on Monday's and Tuesday's. During the week in question, salt meat was offered to complainant, and refused - he wanted fresh. This week the provisions were issued altogether. I did not tell complainant the contract ticket was a forgery. I won't swear that I did not make use of the word forgery but I swear that he told me himself that he had nothing to complain of, except the cooking. My duty in the ship is to see that the passengers have their provisions, and are fairly treated. If the cooking is bad, the passengers complain to me and I see it rectified during the week in question. They obtained more of some of the articles than they were entitled to, and during that time Mr. Anderson made no complaint, except as to the cooking.

Alfred Smith Fulljames said— He was assistant purser and passenger on board. It was his duty to attend to the issue of stores. Last week complainant had all the provisions mentioned in the contract ticket, exceept beef, and for that he took pork. The steward for the second cabin obtained salt, pepper, mustard, vinegar, rice, and sometimes preserved potatoes, and delivered them out daily. Last Friday the cook got drunk.

Cross-examined He has been drunk several times. There has not been much drunkenness on board. She is a sober ship compared with others. Complainant preferred pork to beef.

Robert Askew was assistant steward for the second cabin Last week the provisions were served out as usual. Complainant refused the salt meat - he wanted fresh. They had fresh beef on Monday, and had it cold on Tuesday. I gave it to them myself. On Wednesday, a tin of preserved meat was issued. On Thursday they had pork, but the cook was drunk.

Cross examined— There were 25lbs of pork issued that week, and three pieces were boiled on the Friday. The pork was issued on the Thursday morning - that was not the proper day to issue meat but there were some pieces left from the last week. I don't know how much pork the passengers are entitled to. I have cooked meat for the passengers that was brought from the shore by them. I can't swear that Mr. Anderson gave me any to cook for him.

By the Court— l know there were 25 lbs. of pork issued that week, because the purser told me so.

His Worship said that no difficulty would have occurred had the law been complied with, that provisions should be issued daily, and issued cooked. The contract ticket was not in accordance with the law, but that was not the fault of the Captain. The evidence was most contradictory, had it not been so, and a conviction had taken place, he wished it to be distictly understood that the penalty would not have been a light one. Case dismissed.

The Wreck of the Tornado

The Tornado was very fortunate to avoid being wrecked on its passage to New Zealand. Her quick thinking Chief Mate, James Carmichael, clearly thought better of having another voyage with Captain Aitken and found alternative employment:

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1268, 11 November 1859

The Tornado sailed from Auckland to Callao on October 31, 1859, with Captain Aitken still in charge.

Daily Southern Cross 28 November 1859_Tornado

 She was apparently meant to pick up a cargo of guano from Callao and then, in October 1860, take passengers from Galsgow to Otago (according to this advertisement in August).

Falkirk Herald August 02 1860

Luck wasn't with her on the return voyage though. She was wrecked in the Straits of Magellan, her crew rescued by HMS Mutine.

Stirling Observer August 23 1860

News of her loss eventually filtered back to New Zealand in October 1860. Perhaps some of her passengers weren't entirely surprised at her fate!

Daily Southern Cross 26 October 1860

15 September 1859

15th. A cloudy morning with a little rain. The wind good and in the right course which was kept up all day and at bedtime having increased so much some sails were taken in for safety. Quarreling in the saloon between some passengers and the doctor in which the MD was highly censured for neglecting his patients and the captain taking his part got the worst off it as some cases were proved of parties coming four times for medicine before supplied

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

7 September 1859

September 7. On a parallel with the Australian mainland. The cow is now better.

 Campbell, Alexander. Letters and papers, 1859 - 1870. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 50.

7th. A fine spring morning with a fair fresh breeze and a calm sea. Our stern sail being out of repair we did not make the best of the wind. We are said to be off the coast of Australia but hundreds of miles distant. Some time last night the captain was drunk and wanted to stand on his head in the saloon. Afterwards he insulted the Chief mate.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

25 August 1859

August 25. John Hendry, boatswain, commenced his duties again. The captain in one of his hasty moments had told him a few nights ago to go below, that he could do well enough without him. He accordingly went and did not resume until the Captain found that Mr & Mrs C. would not use their influence any more in seeking him to work after the way the Captain had treated John, and the Captain was left to make his own bargain which has turned out a good one. He has been paid £5 a month since the date we left Liverpool till we got here, whereas if the Captain had treated John as he should have done, he would have worked his passage as he engaged to do. It will be satisfactory to Captain Henderson to know John carried away golden opinions of his able conduct as a seaman both from the Captain and all the passengers and he was not two days here till he was asked to be a mate of a coasting vessel here, and today a gentleman called wishing him to take command of a coasting craft but he will not do anything until Mr C. Is settled.

Campbell, Alexander. Letters and papers, 1859 - 1870. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 50.

25th. This morning was fine but not so cold. The sun shone well most of the day. The sea continues in great swells either from distant wind or past agitation. This changeable weather keeps all hands employed. We carried a good deal of sail all day but about unmistakable signs of a heavy night appeared. Orders was given to furl the sails and before they could be executed our top main sail went to pieces. Rolled much all night.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56

24 August 1859

24th. We had fair weather this morning with a little sun. The wind moderate and the sea swelling very much. A counsel was held this morning before the Captain and saloon passengers. The mutinous seamen appeared before them but I cannot hear that any was humbled on account of the previous conduct. Drunkenness on land is bad but it is worse here where we have not a civil power either for our protection or for the restraint and punishment of those whose furious conduct as made them a terror to the ship. Anything on board is manageable except the drink. It is always in fault. It as been foremost and generally the sole cause of disturbance since we came on board the Tornado. Sometimes it gets in the captain's head and they say he forgets that this is a three masted ship and he becomes as nasty and awkward a piece of humanity as we would wish to see anywhere. We have have also seen this drink dispossess a woman of all that is womanly and she would begin to talk without bidding would not give over with and say anything but what was prudent and becoming. Every one was low lived and dirty and wrong but herself but poor soul she could not discern her own depth in the mire. She would work like a slave and drink like a fool and then curse and rave like a demon.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56

23 August 1859

23rd. This morning was very wet and cold on deck having had a very rough night during which the weather stay on the cat head gave way releasing the guys and disjointing our temporary gibb boom and fore stays and nearly unshipped our fore top gallant mast but fortunately it did not come down as was looked for. This winterly day being past we retired but were soon disturbed by some drunken sailors who were using awful threats against the Captain who ran and got pistols for self defense (the storm was soon over). Although seamen can't buy drink, yet the passengers get it for them.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56

20 August 1859

20th this was a fine morning but rather cold. The breeze came lightly at an early hour and continued to increase all day so that some sail had to be taken in before bedtime. About 3 this morning we were disturbed. Mr W. and party (?) 2nd class passengers who had put tea leaves, broken bottles and other missiles into the bed of a man next berth to Mr Manners and when the Captain called they used very bad language to him and used threats against Mr. Z M (?) and otherwise behaved in a very disgraceful manner.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56

12 August 1859

12th. About two this morning another stern sail boom broke. But the morning was fine though cloudy with a strong breeze in the right direction which blew up a few light showers during the day. The juvenile and female passengers do not appear as much on deck as usual on account of the rain, the cool wind and having not shelter. Since morning the wind slackened very much. The stern sails are again flying but not doing as much as in the night before they broke. During the day we have had a great deal of company of the winged tribe and although very different to the land birds yet not the most handsome in their appearance yet they appear to fly with great ease being rarely seen to move their wings. Our progress today has been very good. The clouds cleared off after sun set making it more pleasant on deck. Gibson the stowaway was struck on the face this afternoon without provocation by the captain.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56

19 July 1859

July 19. A document made its appearance from the saloon for the passengers’ signature, the purpose of which was to remove the Captain from the charge of the ship. The reasons for this step are fully particularised in my diary. However, the mate persuaded the passengers not to carry it out. One of the 2nd Cabin passengers (male) died this morning. He was consigned to the deep in the afternoon, the funeral service being read by Mr Foster.

Campbell, Alexander. Letters and papers, 1859 - 1870. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 50

July 19th. A rainy morning but much better after breakfast except the breeze which was light with occasional showers when it came and went with the rain. I am told we got on well last night but have made little progress today.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

18 July 1859

18. Very wet and stormy. One of the passengers died today; his body was enclosed in a coffin, and a quantity of iron etc along with it to make it sink. The parson read the funeral service, and when he came to the words "and commit his body to the deep," the coffin was slid down a couple of planks into the sea, when, horrible to relate, the coffin broke, and the body became quite visible, and parted from the coffin. There was a heavy sea running, and the ship rushed on, leaving part of the coffin and the corpse swimming on the surface.

Our Voyage to New Zealand Per the Tornado (by a Glasgow Emigrant) Glasgow Herald December 19, 1859

July 18th. A dull morning after a rough night. The sea rolls heavy and the wind blowing so strong that we could not have much sail out. At breakfast time it was better for about an hour and then we had it as bad as ever with slight intermissions through the day. It is said that these are land squalls and that we should have better weather if we were more out to sea. It is rumored that we were near land both last night and this morning but not visible. A sail or two appeared this forenoon but was soon shut from our sight by the dense rain which fell in torrents. Today we were near having a mutiny raised against the captain for keeping so much inland as we are in danger of being blown on shore and as no honest (?) information is given explanatory of our position or the cause to which it is attributable, considerable fear and suspicion has been excited in the minds of the passengers generally on this account and we think have been very much strengthened by our captain not speaking with ships we have passed. Two or three of which was so near that he could have done so and why he has not spoken with them has not been explained. Therefore on account of these things some have surmised that the captain must be ashamed of being seen so far out of his course. An elderly man who was a passenger in the second cabin died in the morning about ten o'clock and his remains was nailed up and committed to the deep this afternoon about four o'clock. The clergyman read a service over the corpse after which the tars launched it on the troubled waves and some old iron having been put into the temporary coffin to sink it to the bottom, broke it as soon as it touched the waves, exposing part of the body and somewhat startling the feelings of many who like myself were collected for the first time to witness the burial of a fellow mortal in waves of the greedy sea. The man spoken of only lay about 10 days ill. I am told his name was Mason and that he was a married man and that he came from Maclesfield. He was near 60 and it is said that he had near an hundred pounds which together with his box he left in charge of the purser (or storekeeper). I am told that his wife was much troubled about his coming nor would it comfort her in her bereavement did she but know that on his coming on board he made the worst drinkers his companions and drank hard himself and after his private stock of drink was exhausted , I have seen him get a stock overnight so that he might not have to wait until the store was open. Had he been a sober man I am inclined to think he would not have died at this time. This is another stuck down by the murderous habit of drinking and how awful to think that no drunkard shall enter the kingdom of heaven. How clearly it his proved that a companion of fools shall be destroyed. No (?) his such a fool has the poor drunkard.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

16 July 1859

We passed close to the reef the next day; it has a very dangerous appearance in the light, is about five miles long, and has a building on it commemorative of the loss of one of the East India Company's vessels (the George IV), which laden with passengers, was wrecked upon it and only a very few of its crew and passengers saved.

Our Voyage to New Zealand Per the Tornado (by a Glasgow Emigrant) Glasgow Herald December 19, 1859

July 16. Saturday. This morning the deck reminded one of the Exchange flags, and the sole topic is the proceedings of last night. The rocks on which we were so nearly on were the “Rocus Reefs” coast of South America. Today at 12 we passed them again.

  Campbell, Alexander. Letters and papers, 1859 - 1870. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 50

July 16th. A fine morning after a very eventful night. About midnight there was a strange bustle on the main deck and a cry of LAND AHEAD, BREAKERS AHEAD, we shall be on them in five minutes was confusedly uttered by many voices and at once the whole ship was one scene of mild confusion. Some dressed, others half dressed and many in their nightclothes were seen making to the main deck to prove the truth of the above statements just made (viz Breakers Ahead) and truth more ghastly we never seen. Though the weather had been dull god had given us a fine night and the full clear moon showed the bleached heads of a massive reef of rocks standing out above the sea against which the white spray could be seen dashing and foaming with awful force. To us it was indescribably awful. It had been said several times lately that the sight of land would be quite a treat but how mistaken. The sight was terrible in the extreme. To think that in a few minutes it might be to us and our families and a great host of prayerless sinners the very jaws of death. The captain (who it is said was drunk in bed) came on deck and I suppose he thought there was no chance of escape ordered the ship to be put round head foremost on the rocks but the chief mate (who is a thoughtful and clever seaman) countermanded his orders and no sooner had he given the word than the crew and passengers fell to the ropes and the ship literally spun around. We appeared so near the rocks that she was expected every moment to strike but life and death before us amid hopes and fears, the greatest possible effort was made and away we went back again to sea and passed in sight of the rocks today about ten o'clock but very little could be seen even by the aid of the glass. It is Cape St. Rogue coast of Brazil, South America. Nearly all appeared to own god's hand in our deliverance. May we all be more mindful of devine goodness saying with David praise The Lord o my soul and forget not all his benefits.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

4 July 1859

Next evening [4 July] there was another collision between the captain and one of the passengers. During tea in the first cabin, several parties were walking on the quarter-deck and the tramp of their feet had rather annoyed some of the exquisites below. The captain, to oblige them, sent up his compliments, with a request that the walking might be stopped until tea was over. This request one or two refused to comply with. When the captain came up he took them to task about it, and one of them (an Irishman) said he had a right to walk on the quarter-deck when he thought proper, as he had agreed with Messrs. Wilson and Chambers for that privilege.

Our Voyage to New Zealand Per the Tornado (by a Glasgow Emigrant) Glasgow Herald December 19, 1859

July 4. Divine service as usual. Well attended outward attention to the Sabbath in respect to cleanliness and dress much observed.after the forenoon service the children were taken a walk on the poop. Mary Crocker was looking down the ventilator from the intermediate - over balanced herself and fell on the table below, a distance of 20 feet. She was picked up soon and brought to her Mother. The Doctor ordered her to be put in a warm bath and afterwards it could be ascertained if she was internally injured as there was not outward damage done. Fortunately it was afterwards found that she was none the worse for the fall, whilst every person wondered she was not almost killed by such an accident.

 Campbell, Alexander. Letters and papers, 1859 - 1870. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 50.

4th. The morning is fine but the wind not so favourable, taking us too much to the west. After dinner the cry of sail was heard. From two quarters they are almost like two houses behind the hill as we can see the upper part of their rigging first and the other as we come nearer. I hear it whispered today that in the recent disturbance between the captain and mate, the ship was put in a wrong course (the captain being drunk at the time) and report says we are about a day's sail from South America. (I hear we have made 3,300 and 60 miles).

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

3 July 1859

July 3 - Awakened about eight bells (midnight) by a great uproar on deck. Got up and found it to proceed from the sailors, who had come aft in a body to get their grievances redressed by the captain. The complained of having too much work and getting too little food. They said they would not work any more unless they got more and better food and watch and watch [sic]. The captain ordered them off, and told them to come to him during the day with their complaints. They were after a whilw induced to go away, principally by the exertions of the first mate, who the captain blamed (wrongly, I think) for setting them on. Some of the passengers very foolishly interfered in the quarrel, for on the captain and mate having some words, one of them called out "Three cheers for the first mate" which were duly given. When the captain remonstrated with them for such conduct another called out, "Throw the b___ overboard." The purser then came out, and after considerable exertions managed to get them below, where the was much excitement, some going so far as to say that the captain should be deposed and the mate put in his place. The captain here came down and asked what they had to complain of. After a great deal of talk not much to the point, the captain said he could assure them, that if they would bring a case before him of anything wrong, he would do all he could to rectify it, at the same time saying that it was not in his power to interfere much with them or ill use them in any way, as he had the Act of Parliament to walk up to.

Our Voyage to New Zealand Per the Tornado (by a Glasgow Emigrant) Glasgow Herald December 19, 1859

3rd. This is a fine sabbath morning. The clouds o'erspread the skies to shield us from the heat and a nice breeze with its fanning wings makes our position more pleasant than it has been. The special favors bestowed on our voyage we are not backward to say either in private or public are attributed by us to a praying people and a prayer answering god. We held our class but as our singing was complained of we had reading in the 6th of Romans and the 91 psalm and a fellowships meeting which was acknowledged to be good. The churchman held his morning service on the poop or quarter deck amongst the gents. Poor attendance. He gave the second edition after dinner on the main deck. Worse attendance. In the evening Bro. Manners spoke from Corinthians now are we ambassadors for Christ in which he contrasted the literal and spiritual ambassadors, showed up some of the advantages of reconciliation, explained the terms on which it is proposed and their practicality and urged all to embrace them. Several found great fault with Hayter being so fast as a clarke (?) but in reference to the sermon, some saw one from him was worth more than ten from the clerical man. About noon today a sail appeared in sight and being the first for the last ten days. It caused quite a stir.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

2 July 1859

July 2. Ship making little progress. Weather excessive hot. We often observed great numbers of flying fish - they resemble a herring but have wings and fly especially when pursued by the “Bonito” a fish as large as a grilse a few yards above the water like birds. One flew on the deck and was caught by one of the sailors who cooked it for his lunch.

Campbell, Alexander. Letters and papers, 1859 - 1870. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 50

July 2nd. A splendid morning with a nice cooling breeze which feels very agreeable as we turn out from our berths. Sometime about midnight some disturbance arose between the captain and his men, it is said of a very disgraceful character. This region is noted on account of calms that prevail between the expiration of the North East and the beginning of the South East trade winds which sometimes detain ships for a week or two. Last week I forgot to note the captain's abuse to the chief mate. He is a quarreling fiend always serpent like, curling up and hissing and spitting his venom at someone. The breeze awoke up after sunset and at bedtime we were going at a cheerful rate.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56

29 June 1859

June 29. Made the Tropic of Cancer. Sudden squalls frequent in the tropics. A passenger went up the rigging: when the sailors up after him, tied him there, and he was released on paying the usual fine, a bottle of grog.

 Campbell, Alexander. Letters and papers, 1859 - 1870. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 50

29th. This morning was fine with a good breeze making about 10 knots. Considerable unpleasantness exists between the captain and his men. He wants to put them extra hours although no bad weather to need it. The men stand out and beat him but mark this, they having pledged themselves to obey orders they do not directly refuse but say it is too much, we cannot do it. The Boatswain who was working his passage receiving his share of abuse in the past disturbance afterwards as per agreement he claimed five pounds per month wages.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56

27 June 1859

June 27. Got into NW trade winds. Weather fine. At night there was dancing on the poop. The Captain with a lady led off in a jig.

Campbell, Alexander. Letters and papers, 1859 - 1870. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 50.  

27th. A very fine morning but we are not getting on very fast. The air is sultry but a few drops of rain has made it better and in the afternoon about 4 o'clock, a fresh breeze filled our sails and our gallant ship bounded over the foam crested billows at a cheerful rate and as we were expected to catch the North East trade winds we receive this as an agreeable sample (these winds are said to blow one way for some time without changing much). We have seen a small tortoise and some flying fish. These are about the size of a common herring but seldom fly very far at once.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

19 June 1859

June 19 - A nice little girl, who, with her parents, came in the Princess Royal from Glasgow, along with us, fell through one of the hatches on the quarter-deck into the intermediate - a descent of nearly twenty feet - but, happily, having fallen on her feet, she sustained but slight injuries, and I was glad to see the little thing running about the same as usual in a couple of days afterwards.

Our Voyage to New Zealand Per the Tornado (by a Glasgow Emigrant) Glasgow Herald December 19, 1859

19th. This morning was dull and cool but fine. The breeze continues at a steady rate. In the afternoon not so good a breeze. This morning we held a prayer meeting on deck. All went well except that our Wesleyan friends were very nervous and asked for the meeting to be closed without their exercising. After dinner we held a class meeting in our mess room but was again interrupted by the Captain's order. In the evening we commenced singing again and in a few minutes the Captain came and in a very dogardly way ordered us to desist. At this Hayter who was giving out the hymn asked for a reason for his conduct, reminding him also that he had in private given us permission. He gave
no reason save that we have already had two services from the churchman and he thought if one was not plenty no number would do. That is a poor lean sickly soul who only wants one meal in a week.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

12 June 1859

On Sunday we had Divine Service a l'Anglais, but found the preacher difficult to follow, as he was often interrupted by the crowing of the cocks on board, for so soon as one had finished his cock-a-doodle-doo, the note was taken up by another, and repeated until it had gone the round of all the hen coops. About an hour after a peculiar noise was heard below. On investigation it was found to proceed  from a party of Methodists or Ranters who were having service after their own manner. I did not go down among them, but stood beside a hatchway where I could hear the person who was officiating, when his voice was not drowned by those of his hearers with their responses of "Aye, aye," "No, no," etc which certainly did appear somewhat ridiculous to my perhaps prejudiced mind.

Our Voyage to New Zealand Per the Tornado (by a Glasgow Emigrant) Glasgow Herald December 19, 1859 

June 12. Weather fine and calm. Divine service on board. Rev. Mr. Foster Church of England officiated.

Campbell, Alexander. Letters and papers, 1859 - 1870. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 50.

12th Whit Sunday. This day was remarkably fine. In the morning it was dead calm but shortly the breeze filled our sails and we got on nicely most of the day. The several services of home engaged our conversation mostly. This morning we should held a class but there appeared neither the time nor place for so doing. About half past ten a clergyman put on his surplus and mounted the poop deck and read a great many prayers, collects psalms and lessons after which he gave us a short sermon of only moderate composition and very badly read. After dinner we held a prayer meeting and our place being under the saloon we disturbed them at their dinner and the Captain sent orders for us to desist and we gave up proposing to speak to him about it afterwards. And in the evening being late before tea was over no service could be held.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

The letter that started my journey

I was very fortunate early in my family history research to be sent copies of letters written by my GG grandfather, Samuel Harris about his life in early New Zealand. It was even more fortunate that his first letter described his family's journey to NZ on the clipper ship the Tornado. Without this letter, I would never have known which ship they travelled on as they appear on the passenger lists as "Mr Harris, Mrs Harris and Harris children (3)".

However, it was the details of the voyage that really grabbed my attention. Finding out that the ship that carried your ancestors nearly ran aground due to the inattention of a drunk captain was quite intriguing:

Freemans Bay, Auckland, October 22 1859

Dear father and mother

I have sent a few lines trusting they will find you all in good health as it leaves us at this time we landed in Auckland on the 27th of Sept. We had a passage of 100 and 6 days. We had a middling passage and should have had but for the blunders that our drunken captain and if it had not been for our worthy mate we should never have seen New Zealand and we made him a present of a purse of 32 pounds as a testimonial for his care and watchfulness during the voyage. His name is Mr Carmichael and the captains name is Aitken and he was a tyrant. On the 11 of July at 8 o’clock in the morning we crossed the line. On the 12th the sailors had a holiday and had a game of what they call shaving all sailors that have not crossed the line before. They tar their faces and scrape it off with a piece of hoop iron. We had three stowaways concealed amongst the sails and they had to be done also. On the 16th Saturday at 1 o’clock in the morning, great consternation, breakers ahead of Cape Rogue South America the ship running hard upon them. Mate acted with great calmness and judgement, great fault found with the captain and much dissatisfaction amongst all the passengers. Captain and mate after this time continually quarrelling through interference of cabin passengers. Ships books and instruments made accessible to the mate. No one had any confidence in the captain, all look up to the mate as a much superior officer. The white foam from the rock looked fearfull at midnight. Five minutes longer would have sent us to a watery grave. We was in sight of them all the next day. We was three weeks down that coast land locked and could not get clear. On July 18 a man passenger died. We had one and two births. Aug 14th passed 3 pekes near the island Trinadad called the Martin Vas Rocks. Aug 21st we had a terable wind wich carried away the jibbon top sail, top sail and foremast royal wich took a week to replace. After this we had not much worth notice. Dear father and mother I hope by the time I write again I shall have better news to send that I have now. Work and money is scarce. House rent and provisions are very dear. This is just the price of everything – house rent 4 rooms 12 shillings, 3 rooms 10 and 8 shillings, fire wood 12 s per ton potatoes 6s per 100, 4lb loaf 1/3, sugar 6d, bacon 1d, cheese 1s 6d, butter 1s 6d, meat 8d, milk 5d a quart, salt 2d lb, tea 4 per lb, wages 5 and 6 shillings a day, vegetables are dear and few but the tide of population that are coming in I think must give a new feature to the colony although at present the numbers coming in are too many for the place as the place is so young. It is a fine climate  no mistake. Trees that you protect in the house grow as big as large currants. Here I never saw anything like the geraniums here. I am working at the docks at present but I don’t mean to stop long as the wages are but 5s a day. So I must conclude with all our best love to you my dear father and mother. Remember us to Elizabeth and Sarah and family, John, Martha, Hannah and Mary and all inquiring friends. Trusting to hear from you but it seems a long, long wile to wait for an Answer but I hope and trust though we thousands of miles distant we shall never forget we are brother and sisters. I have nothing more to say this time. Trusting to here from you as soon as you can. Good bye and God bless you all.

Direct for S Harris
Freemans Bay
Auckland, New Zealand

I was keen to find out more about this trip that could have easily ended in disaster. I found another account of the trip online in the form of a transcription of a private letter. The writer was a little more eloquant than my Sam! Recently, I found two more diaries in the Auckland Museum library describing the voyage. I will be posting my transcriptions here. But what I am really interested in is finding out more about the people involved, especially Captain James Aitken (apparently a drunkard and a tyrant). If your relative was on this ship in 1859, as passenger or crew, I would love to hear from you.