24 July 1859

July 24th. A rather dull morning. A sharp squall came about six this morning which shivered our fore top gallant sail and the ship being allowed to drift a little the other sails were saved. The day on the whole was fine and breeze was considered more advantageous than it has been. Our progress we guess has been something better but direct information on this subject cannot be had. During the forenoon the breeze came often in strong and sudden gusts one of which tore the sail so that it had to be taken down. Divine service was held twice by the steeple house man and in the evening I spoke a little on the great salvation. We had a good audience and respectful attention was paid. The wind being strong, I held fast by one of the ropes. One young man professed to be impressed in this service who died about six months after landing in Auckland. He voluntarily promised to read his Bible and live better but I hear he died in the service of a publican the most hopeless place on earth for the culture of religion. Happy for him if his vow was kept to please god and secure salvation.

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