18 September 1859

18th. A very fine morning and a pleasant day. The wind much abated and the sea rolling in great swells from past wind yet we are glad that steady progress is being made in the right direction. I hear the clergyman attempted to hold service but after reading prayers said we will dispense with the sermon and from what I hear his congregation are much displeased with his general conduct as a most unsocial being. Thus we see such stiff, stand off, mincing habits are highly offensive to our social nature and are not only disgusting in the character of a servant but is an effectual barrier to pastoral usefulness.

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

21 August 1859

21st. Sabbath this was a very cold stormy morning. The sailors having been hard at work all night taking in and reeling sail which was done by about 7 this morning. It was rough and uncomfortable all day. After breakfast we began to look for it being a little more favourable. Believing that the morning (at home) sacrifices would be going up to him who rides upon the stormy sky and calms the roaring seas. I heard of the Church minister attempting to hold service in the saloon and as his Rev was saying something about his audience bowing down with him it was said as he finished the sentence he fell with the roll of the ship. We can guess how devotional they would feel in such circumstances. We did not attempt to hold service although the wind hushed a little just then about. The night was fine but cold and all the children joined and sang although the stormy wind may blow and every wave roll high. (Main top Gallant brace broke this morning)

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

19 July 1859

July 19. A document made its appearance from the saloon for the passengers’ signature, the purpose of which was to remove the Captain from the charge of the ship. The reasons for this step are fully particularised in my diary. However, the mate persuaded the passengers not to carry it out. One of the 2nd Cabin passengers (male) died this morning. He was consigned to the deep in the afternoon, the funeral service being read by Mr Foster.

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

July 19th. A rainy morning but much better after breakfast except the breeze which was light with occasional showers when it came and went with the rain. I am told we got on well last night but have made little progress today.

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

12 June 1859

On Sunday we had Divine Service a l'Anglais, but found the preacher difficult to follow, as he was often interrupted by the crowing of the cocks on board, for so soon as one had finished his cock-a-doodle-doo, the note was taken up by another, and repeated until it had gone the round of all the hen coops. About an hour after a peculiar noise was heard below. On investigation it was found to proceed  from a party of Methodists or Ranters who were having service after their own manner. I did not go down among them, but stood beside a hatchway where I could hear the person who was officiating, when his voice was not drowned by those of his hearers with their responses of "Aye, aye," "No, no," etc which certainly did appear somewhat ridiculous to my perhaps prejudiced mind.

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

June 12. Weather fine and calm. Divine service on board. Rev. Mr. Foster Church of England officiated.

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

12th Whit Sunday. This day was remarkably fine. In the morning it was dead calm but shortly the breeze filled our sails and we got on nicely most of the day. The several services of home engaged our conversation mostly. This morning we should held a class but there appeared neither the time nor place for so doing. About half past ten a clergyman put on his surplus and mounted the poop deck and read a great many prayers, collects psalms and lessons after which he gave us a short sermon of only moderate composition and very badly read. After dinner we held a prayer meeting and our place being under the saloon we disturbed them at their dinner and the Captain sent orders for us to desist and we gave up proposing to speak to him about it afterwards. And in the evening being late before tea was over no service could be held.

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