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

14 July 1859

July 14. Last night lost jiboom and 6 sails in a gale. Ship in a bad state this morning.

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

14th. A dull morning but fine most of the day. A squall came on after tea. It did not last long and after it and after it was very moonlight. All the seamen have been busy repairing the broken tackle. After dinner a small Barque appeared at our stern and after tea she some along side but could not be spoken with the wind being too strong and our sails in such a mangled state that we had to see ourselves left behind for the first time in our long journey. She did not appear to have passengers on board but we observed the spray washing over her frequently both fore and aft.

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

13 July 1859

 July 13 - The ship was struck this morning by a sudden squall, which carried away the foretopgallant mast and the jibboom. It was about 8 days before the damage could be repaired.

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

July 13. Came into the SE trade winds - was under the necessity of tacking much. South American coast often seen.

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

13th. A fine morning but a strange scene. The ship having been overtaken by a sharp squall shortly after midnight and broken her gibb boom fore top sail yard arm and torn down the gallant mast and and sail. This made quite a wreck in the fore rigging and very greatly impeded our progress.

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