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