15 July 1859

July 15 - Between eleven and twelve at night a tremendous uproar on deck awoke me, and on running up to see what was wrong, saw a line of breakers right ahead, and only some fifty yards distant. The ship was immediately put about, every one lending a hand at the ropes, and we got clear off all safe. Had the breakers been but a few minutes longer in being observed, or the ship refused to go about in stays, or, in fact, had the slightest accident occurred, we would have certainly been wrecked. The reef is called Roccas and is situated off the Brazilan coast, between it and the island of Fernando Navarha. The captain said he thought we had been from 25 to 30 miles to the east of it.

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

July 15. Head wind. Ship tacking. Between 11 & 12 o’clock evening great consternation and cry of “breakers” ahead - ship making right for them and running about 9 knots. Ship at this time going before the wind. I had gone to bed and was awakened by the cry of “breakers” and the noise and confusion above and below. I ran with my trousers and made for the deck, I looked at the side of the ship and saw the breakers - the confusion among the passengers was fearful. I heard the mate say “The ship is about, thank God”. Notwithstanding the passengers continued to arrive on deck many preparing to meet the worst. It was the Captain and second mate’s watch when this happened. I went on the poop and looked from the stern and saw that the breakers were now behind us and I took courage then. Mr Crocker was on the poop and he told me to go down to the saloon and tell Mrs C. I went and found her with the baby in her arms - the other children she had not awoke as she remarked if it was the will of Providence to send us to a watery grave, their sufferings might be lessened if overtaken in sleep. I was glad to tell that danger for the present was passed. Other passengers I saw in the saloon were much alarmed. One was holding a white sheet when I went in to roll his youngest in before parting with it. The danger apparently being over, I went below.

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

15th. A very dull morning and frequent showers during the forenoon but fine after dinner. Very little progress today. The wind dropped just as we hoisted the fore top sail yard arm and remained calm until it was in its place and by the time the sail was ready we had a cheerful breeze. I am glad to say that throughout these breaks and repairs not so much as a trap (?) as been received by any person on board. We sighted a barque of which we thought all was not well as she appeared unmanageable.

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

14 July 1859

July 14. Last night lost jiboom and 6 sails in a gale. Ship in a bad state this morning.

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

14th. A dull morning but fine most of the day. A squall came on after tea. It did not last long and after it and after it was very moonlight. All the seamen have been busy repairing the broken tackle. After dinner a small Barque appeared at our stern and after tea she some along side but could not be spoken with the wind being too strong and our sails in such a mangled state that we had to see ourselves left behind for the first time in our long journey. She did not appear to have passengers on board but we observed the spray washing over her frequently both fore and aft.

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

13 July 1859

 July 13 - The ship was struck this morning by a sudden squall, which carried away the foretopgallant mast and the jibboom. It was about 8 days before the damage could be repaired.

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

July 13. Came into the SE trade winds - was under the necessity of tacking much. South American coast often seen.

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

13th. A fine morning but a strange scene. The ship having been overtaken by a sharp squall shortly after midnight and broken her gibb boom fore top sail yard arm and torn down the gallant mast and and sail. This made quite a wreck in the fore rigging and very greatly impeded our progress.

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

12 July 1859

We were accordingly visited next day by his majesty, who, with his suits, came on board as promised. The two stowaways and two of the sailors who had never crossed the line before were brought before him one by one, and examined as to the place of their nativity etc. Whenever they attempted to speak a brush with tar on it was shoved into their mouths. They were then shaved by his barber with a piece of rough iron hoop, physicked by his surgeon, and at last soused oeverhead in a tub of water, after which they were pronounced true sons of Neptune. One or two of the passengers, desirous of acting a part in such a distinguished drama, went voluntarily forward and submitted to be tarred, shaved etc. The whole affair was certainly very ludicrous, and reminded be much of a scene in the pantomime.

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

July 12. Preparations for Neptune’s visit (for the account of the ceremony which caused a good deal of fun and amusement see my diary).

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

12th. Making only moderate progress. Still fine weather though perhaps not the most healthy but we expect a change soon. A custom is kept by some seamen of shaving those of the crew who have not passed the line before. It commenced nearly as follows. One of the sailors was drafted to represent what is superstitiously called Neptune the god of the seas. A tar tub is set on fire and put overboard to represent Neptune’s ship. The Neptune comes on board with his wife, doctor, barber and staff of men. They parade the ship headed with mud and at some fixed place the shaving stand is fixed. A seat is placed by the doctor. Medicine is prescribed then he is soaped well with grease and tar and then scraped with a hoop iron razor. His seat is next taken from under him and he falls backwards into the water and after a few ducks overheard they call him finished. A dinner was given to the sailors and paid for by a voluntary subscription amongst the passengers in which sout fie pounds was raised. See what zeal manifested by these sons of Belial to maintain a silly useless and expensive custom which is ever pregnant with (..illegible) results both of a moral and spiritual character.

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

11 July 1859

We crossed the line on Monday the 11th July, in long - In the evening Neptune sent notice that he would come on board "tomorrow" and see what new subjects of his were on board.

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

July 11. Crossed the line. In the evening hailed Neptune.

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

11th. Very fine morning. The breeze continues good making our circumstances more cool and pleasant. I am told the ship has made this part of our voyage quicker by about ten days than when she last passed this way to Melbourne and I cannot hear any seaman on board that ever crossed this part of the ocean with so good a breeze. This is a great favour to have such a wind in this hot region. We crossed the equatorial line about 8 o'clock this morning. And about 12 at noon a squall was seen coming on the wings of the wind like sweeping thunderstorm. Every man was ordered to his post when the first and second mate and the Boatswain there stood watching the storm in what way it was likely to attack the ship. So that in case of danger and tackle might be altered or removed at pleasure. It came upon us rather fiercely and spent its rage in a few minutes but tore down the fore gibb sail almost as sudden as gunshot. The wind then sank down for a few minutes as if exhausted in the past struggle. And while all was still the cocks began to crow as if we were about the begin the day over again.

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

10 July 1859

10th The Sabbath comes again with a fine morning. We are sailing at a good rate with a strong and steady side wind which keeps the ship on her beam ends so that her deck is quite steep and our table and bed are all on one side. The clergyman held his services twice but they create no interest. We could not raise a class some of our friends rather sickly. In the evening I was expected to speak but the wind was so high it was thought I could not make them hear. We sighted the sail of a barque this afternoon and passed her at some miles distance and she disappeared before sunset. We sail splendid this evening full twelve knots per hour. It is called the best bit we have had. And although the breeze is so strong it is not cold and the sea is very calm. The sparkling and luminous appearance of the spray has often been remarked during the voyage. Tonight exceeds all we have been before as it foams and hops(?) along in the splendid moonlight almost bright enough to reflect a shadow. It resembles boiling metal the most of anything I can remember. It is worth sitting up at night to admire its features so resplendent with a glory which like the residue of creations vast panorama excites our wonder and admiration but beggars words and defies all our abilities to describe its magnificence and awful grandeur.

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

9 July 1859

July 9 - Fell in with a brig, The Rigby of Liverpool, bound for Perambuco with fish. She hailed us and asked for the doctor, her captain being dangerously ill. The doctor went off as requested, and returned in about three hours.

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

July 9. Head wind.in the evening hailed the brig “Chelsea” from Newfoundland to Pernnumbuco - her captain dangerously ill, a request was made for our Doctor to be sent off. The mate and 4 sailors with the Doctor went in a boat. On their return our mate mentioned that the Captain of the Chelsea was a young man - his first voyage as Captain - that our doctor had bled him and recommended some nutritious food - sago, arrowroot etc. but he had none on board and was willing to buy some from our ship. They all expected the Captain would allow the boat to return with the medical comforts as we had plenty but he ordered our sailors to set sail and made off - shameful.

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

9th. A beautiful morning. The breeze moderate all day and improved a little after sunset. About five this afternoon a brig came in sight apparently homeward bound but soon she was observed to bear down towards our course and hoisted a light to gain attention. This roused all on deck that could get. She gave us the usual salute to which our captain responded enquiring who she was and whither bound. She answered by stating she was a Liverpool ship laden with fish from Newfoundland to Brazil South America. He captain was very ill and she begged the attendance of our doctor who was immediately sent in a small boat manned by four sailors, the chief mate and the doctor with his medicine chest. Our sails were turned to stop the ship and wait for their return. We were all anxious to hear about the sick captain and when the boat returned we were told that the poor man was suffering from inflation and desired a little sago and arrowroot. But our captain said he had none to spare and on we went leaving the lonely sufferer in the distance like a speck on the moonlit sea to the mercy of our Gracious God whose supplies never fail and whose help is never denied.

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