Family History 1.711

 

 

17th December 1859   

had a bath

Fine morning and very calm till about half past 9 when a sudden squall came on it rained hard and the wind blew strong for about ₂ hours and the rain ceased about 11 a.m. being the first rain we have had it made it somewhat pleasant, it was a good bit of fun to see so many without shoes and stockings walking about the deck and some of them scrubbing their clothes with brushes on the deck in the pouring rain. I enjoyed it in my water­proof coat, trowsers tucked up and no boots, or stockings, the latter I having left off for some days on account of the heat. Very calm again.

3 p.m. a steam frigate with 3 gun boats astern of her but a long distance from us, supposed to be bound for China.

 

Fine the rest of the day. Several persons with swollen feet, said to be on account of the heat. Many have what is called the heat rash about their faces, necks and arms. Little Amelia has it very much down her back, they say it indicates health. I have my left ankle swollen like as though I had sprained it.

 

 

 

 

 

18th

Sunday very fine and strong breeze driving us westward.

Lat 4N.

Church Prayers on the poop this morning. The Te Deum Chanted and 3 hymns sung.

A sudden squall about half past 7 p.m. rain and wind lasted about an hour.

Several hymns sung in our cabin but no service as before. These squalls come on so sudden that it seems all confusion while they last.

 

 

19th

 

Raining first this morning and showery all day. Lightning and Thunder in the evening, the rain is very heavy.... Very close between decks but there is no compulsion to remain there. Several go on deck.