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.