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

10 August 1859

August 10. Came into the Westerley winds. Sea rough and ship wet on deck with breakers.

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

10th. A dull morning with a strong easterly breeze (this is bad). The sea was troubled all night and is not better today. We went cheerfully in the evening, the wind having veered round to the northward. This day we are said to be nearly on a parallel with the Cape of Good Hope but not nearer than 1500 to 1600 miles. (Stolen) yesterday some wearing apparel amongst which was a shirt the property of the the Boatswain which had been cut from a rope. The captain offered a handsome reward for information against the offenders but none was forthcoming.

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