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

9 August 1859

9th. A fine morning but a contrary wind which improved towards night and at bedtime the sea was rather heavy. We have had a few spies of the winged tribe which have overed about this 2 days. They are said to be from the Cape of Good Hope and that they go more than a thousand miles away.

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

7 July 1859

7th. Rather dull this morning with occasional squalls and a head wind called South East Trades just commencing. After breakfast a brigg came in sight apparently homeward bound (but not near us) and soon disappeared with a fair wind. A large number of birds appeared ahead which disappeared by alighting on the water. This morning in putting the ship round our rudder chain broke but it was soon replaced again. We had indications of this change of weather last night by the appearance of sheet lightening at a distance and a storm but not very heavy. Thunder like other things that compose god's vast treasury of wonders is full of grandeur both awful and sublime. This morning we see our ship with only about half the canvas hitherto carried.

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