15 July 1859

July 15 - Between eleven and twelve at night a tremendous uproar on deck awoke me, and on running up to see what was wrong, saw a line of breakers right ahead, and only some fifty yards distant. The ship was immediately put about, every one lending a hand at the ropes, and we got clear off all safe. Had the breakers been but a few minutes longer in being observed, or the ship refused to go about in stays, or, in fact, had the slightest accident occurred, we would have certainly been wrecked. The reef is called Roccas and is situated off the Brazilan coast, between it and the island of Fernando Navarha. The captain said he thought we had been from 25 to 30 miles to the east of it.

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

July 15. Head wind. Ship tacking. Between 11 & 12 o’clock evening great consternation and cry of “breakers” ahead - ship making right for them and running about 9 knots. Ship at this time going before the wind. I had gone to bed and was awakened by the cry of “breakers” and the noise and confusion above and below. I ran with my trousers and made for the deck, I looked at the side of the ship and saw the breakers - the confusion among the passengers was fearful. I heard the mate say “The ship is about, thank God”. Notwithstanding the passengers continued to arrive on deck many preparing to meet the worst. It was the Captain and second mate’s watch when this happened. I went on the poop and looked from the stern and saw that the breakers were now behind us and I took courage then. Mr Crocker was on the poop and he told me to go down to the saloon and tell Mrs C. I went and found her with the baby in her arms - the other children she had not awoke as she remarked if it was the will of Providence to send us to a watery grave, their sufferings might be lessened if overtaken in sleep. I was glad to tell that danger for the present was passed. Other passengers I saw in the saloon were much alarmed. One was holding a white sheet when I went in to roll his youngest in before parting with it. The danger apparently being over, I went below.

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

15th. A very dull morning and frequent showers during the forenoon but fine after dinner. Very little progress today. The wind dropped just as we hoisted the fore top sail yard arm and remained calm until it was in its place and by the time the sail was ready we had a cheerful breeze. I am glad to say that throughout these breaks and repairs not so much as a trap (?) as been received by any person on board. We sighted a barque of which we thought all was not well as she appeared unmanageable.

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.