11 July 1859

We crossed the line on Monday the 11th July, in long - In the evening Neptune sent notice that he would come on board "tomorrow" and see what new subjects of his were on board.

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

July 11. Crossed the line. In the evening hailed Neptune.

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

11th. Very fine morning. The breeze continues good making our circumstances more cool and pleasant. I am told the ship has made this part of our voyage quicker by about ten days than when she last passed this way to Melbourne and I cannot hear any seaman on board that ever crossed this part of the ocean with so good a breeze. This is a great favour to have such a wind in this hot region. We crossed the equatorial line about 8 o'clock this morning. And about 12 at noon a squall was seen coming on the wings of the wind like sweeping thunderstorm. Every man was ordered to his post when the first and second mate and the Boatswain there stood watching the storm in what way it was likely to attack the ship. So that in case of danger and tackle might be altered or removed at pleasure. It came upon us rather fiercely and spent its rage in a few minutes but tore down the fore gibb sail almost as sudden as gunshot. The wind then sank down for a few minutes as if exhausted in the past struggle. And while all was still the cocks began to crow as if we were about the begin the day over again.

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