Family History 1.701

Out at Sea

Charles Gaze
18th November 1859

Somewhat better this morning, but not at all well. Weather very fine and sea calm. Great dissatisfaction amongst the passengers about the ship being so dirty and we in the steerage were told we were to clean out the decks as well as our own cabins, for which purpose, 2 scrapers, dustpans and hand brooms were brought into our part of the ship and the work commenced by a young man, one of 6 in a cabin on the other side of the ship to us. I did my share after. I found it curious work to be scraping away with a 3  cornered thing and a handle so short that I found it necessary to humble myself by going on my knees and I remarked it was rather odd to pay so large a sum of money, as all of us had and then be subject to such drudgery, as I can understand from an old digger (Mr Wilkes) next cabin to me (forward) that it is not customary for passengers, nor even Government Emigrants, to have to do so.

Mr Wilkes has wife and 2 boys 4 and 7 years old. Sailed from Melbourne for England in the Red Jacket (Liverpool ship) November 1858 and is now with us on this ship, having Land orders for Auckland. People on board seem more comfortable than I expected. Mr Wilkes has been very kind in getting our provisions when we were sick, etc.

19th

Passed the Needles and Portland. Seasick, bad again several of the passengers, myself and family included except little Alice who seems very well. Retird to rest soon after 9 o'clock and woke up about half past 1 next morning (the 20th) with the Sea rushing in at the hinge of my cabin window the ship lay so much on this side, at 5 o'clock dressed and went on deck and told the mate who ordered some of the top sails to be taken in. The Carpenter came and attended to it soon afterwards but I find it cannot be effectually remedied.

Lost sight of land altogether. Heard Captain say he hoped we should not sight land again until we get to Auckland. Off the Bay of Biscay. Strong winds blowing going from 10 to 12 knots an hour. No religious service on board, all seems confusion, so many seasick, not at all well myself. The ship rolled very much at night, the creaking of its Timbers, I hardly know how to describe, we could scarcely hear one another speak, such a noise.