Family History 1.736

(Continuing my great-grandfather's shipboard diary, written when he was 27, now off the coast of Australia) 

15th March 1860

Dull and wind ahead still all day.

S. Lat. 34E. Long. 164.

An auction in our part of the ship, various articles sold, to the amount of 3 pound. 3 shillings. it occupied near 2 hours and was very amusing especially the conduct of the said Auctioneer who was dressed for the occasion having a large white cravat and colour (paper) London Nigger Style and his hammer being the carpenters mallet.

8 p.m. Wind still ahead, the ship put about.

16th

Dull, and wind ahead and stronger, and increased towards night, when it became the worst N.E. Gale we have had throughout the voyage, the ship was hove to all night.

 

An accident, the person helping the Butcher kill the 2 last pigs, endeavoured to save himself from falling as the ship rolled and the knife came across the butcher's arm, doctor had to sew it up, the Chief Cabin Steward finished the pigs. They were killed by Captain's order, as the Store Keeper had stated all the butter was used so the Captain gave orders that the pigs, be divided in lieu of butter at the rate of llb pork for alb butter.

 

There was also a notice fixed on main mast that owing to prevalence of contrary winds the water served out, to be reduced 1 pint each person, with the promise of the full quantity if the winds became favourable.

 

Scarce any sleep for any body tonight.

17th

Gale increases, sea washing over the sides as she rolls.

 

Carried away 3 of the ports from off their hinges about half past 3 a.m., the wave throwing 1 of them whole (they are 2ft square) into the mizzen rigging, just over the Captain's head, another broken in pieces and thrown on the poop, completely smashing the binacle, its lamps and the compass and best part washed away.

 

One of the hen coops broke away take the Captain off his legs which would have proved serious but for his holding on the rigging that he stood by.

 

The man at the wheel was seriously hurt in his chest by holding the wheel, when a sea came over the stern. He is confined to his bed since.

 

Foretop stay sail broke away but not lost; main try sails torn to pieces with the wind, replaced by another towards mid-day.

 

Another sailor hurt by a fall down the Forehatch against a chest.

 

Sea very rough all day but wind gradually subsides towards the evening.

 

8 p.m. Fair wind, set sail again, sea very rough. Ship rolls and tosses very much, very wet between decks not only with water cans falling over, but the sea comes through the deck at different parts as well as the hatchways.