28 June 1859

June 28. A notice was put on the cow house that we should be off the Western Islands tomorrow when Mr Hughes, a saloon passenger, would go ashore in a boat and would be glad to post any letters or undertake commissions to purchase oranges etc. Many set about writing but it turned out a hoax. The “Tornado Times” and “Tornado Telegraph” published weekly brought to an end by the Captain tearing down one of the manuscripts from the cow house. The passengers all displeased at him as a good deal of amusement was got from the Lolograph Press.

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

 28th. As we turned out from our berths we were welcomed by a fine morning after having been well rocked all night but our speed is good having run it is said 14 or 15 knots or miles per hour and today about 12. It is worth remark that some of the sailors say they never went so far into the Atlantic without having to reef sail but this time our ship as carried all the sail she could put up about 30 in all. We see how a special providence has attended us, The Lord graciously answering the earnest heartfelt and believing prayers of our dear friends who have besaught him on our behalf. What but god's blessing could enable us who were unaccustomed to seafaring life to bear so well all the changes of diet, air, food etc connected with a voyage across the Atlantic and especially Friend Manners who could never in his past life endure the shortest sea voyage without being sick nearly all the way has not up to this time had a days sickness. Indeed the whole ship is a marvel and proved ever since we came on board. The weather has been all favorable. For the first fortnight we had fine sunny days with steady and pleasant breeze. Stronger breeze came at god's bidding, filling our sails and bearing us on with double the speed we had run before. Again has we approach the Tropical region where it is exceptionally hot God curtains the heavens with clouds and fans us with stronger breezes thus ruling the elements and making all conducive to our health and comfort. May we never forget his mercy and goodness.

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

23 June 1859

23rd. A very fine morning and a nice light breeze wafting us pleasantly along. During last night we were expected to pass what is called the western islands but I suppose at a great distance but news of this sort is scanty. One of our cooks got drunk and narrowly escaped being put into irons. This case is attributable to some passengers getting extra cooking done and paying them with drink. The captain spoke strongly on this subject saying that if passengers were detected in such conduct they were liable to be put in irons to the end of the voyage. Another case of drunkenness of a second class passenger occurred a night or two ago of a beastly dirty order. He messed his breeches and in finishing up the scene rubbed it over his poor wife's face. A fine picture is it not.

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