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A diary of
Annie Lucy Powell
(Mother of Oswald Bailey
and Great Grandmother of current Chairman.)
Ship "True Blue"
From London to Algoa Bay
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April 26th 1869
We left Clarence Road about 9.0 0'clock on Monday morning, and after doing a little shopping I left Aunt Eliza and Aunt Edward to go on to the vessel while I called for Miss Douglas, who was going as far as Greenwich with us. Uncle Parker had given me full directions where to find the ship, as she had left the old place (Southside London docks.) We went from Bow Station to Shadwell and then up one street, down another and along another until we completely lost ourselves, and after making any amount of inquiries we at last managed to find a little street with the Dock gate at the bottom of it and over the walls we saw the masts of a vessel going quickly along and thought, of course, it was the True Blue, and that we should be too late so we started off to run as fast as we could and an old sailor, (fanciing he knew what we were after) told us we had "plenty of time to see our sweet-hearts off!" When we reached the dock yard and inquired of the man in charge of the gates for "True Blue", to our dismay, he told us she was not coming that way, but by Wapping. But I persisted that that was the right way. So at last he pointed out a stout old gentleman (the Dockmaster) and directed us to go to him for further information. I was very glad we didn't go away as the man told us for we were right after all, and the old gentleman was very pleasant and very politely conducted us across the narrow bridge to the other side of the water and found us a seat upon a pile of wood untill our ship made her appearance, the vessel we had seen from the street was just being towed through the docks, so we had plenty to amuse us besides watching the little Dockmaster toddling about and giving his orders, his little legs looked as though they would scarcely carry him. Every now and then he came up to chat with us a little while untill something else caught his attention and then off he trotted.
After waiting nearly an hour and the vessel we were watching had passed through the dock, we caught a glimpse of the "True Blue" coming next and were very pleased indeed to see her, but we had to wait another hour before we could go on board so we passed the time away in watching the folks on board and the sailors wishing their friends "good-bye", then I congratulated myself that I had no one with me for it is a most trying ordeal; I had been wishing very much to see somebody from home again untill the very morning we started, then the wish suddenly took its departure. When the vessel was near enough to the side, Mr. Douglas assisted us on board, Aunt Eliza was already there with Aunt Edward, Mr. Hazelhurst, and Mr. Martin (the pilot) and two or three others that were unknown to me. I was on the look-out for the renouned Miss Bain whom I had heard so much about, but she had not arrived so Miss Douglas and I pottered about to find out all we could. About half an hour after we had been on board the young lady made her appearance, accompanied by her Aunt and a gentleman friend. I had been very anxious indeed to know what king of a companion I should have for the voyage, so you may fancy, I quizzed her well and was agreeably disappointed - for she was the very opposite to what I had been led to suppose. She is a little taller than I am and looks very amiable and ladylike. I think we shall become very good friends. She looked very sad parting with her friends and I felt very sorry for her. I tried to say something cheering to her, and held out my hand, but for the life of me I couldn't say a word and stood holding her hand, feeling and looking very much like a goose. I should have cried right out for sympathy if I had spoken. However we very soon became good friends, and in a very few minutes we were all chatting very comfortably together.
All this time the ship was quietly making her way into the river. We were to look out for Uncle Edward as we passed his place of business, but we did not have the felicity of seeing him after all, Miss Bain, Miss Douglas and I went below for a little while to have some music and look about, and while we were down Uncle William went by in one of the steamers and waved his hat and shouted a last "good-bye". I was very sorry I did not see him either. We were tugged down the river by the "John Bull". steam tug and reached Gravesend about 5.0 o'clock when we stopped to take in more gunpowder and as Miss Bain's bed and bedding had been overlooked Aunt Eliza went ashore to purchase what was requisite, Aunt Edward, Miss Douglas, Miss Bain and I went too, the two former were not going any further with us. I was sorry to part with Miss Douglas because I like her very much, and as I cannot like anybody, I always regret parting with those I do feel an interest in. We all managed to scramble down the ricketty ladder into the boat below, after a fashion of our own, the river was rather rough and the wind very fresh, and the boat tossed up and down just like a cork, but we enjoyed it very much for all that and laughed and chatted to our hearts content.
When we were nearly ready to land we saw a boat coming towards us with a gentleman in it, standing, we were laughing and saying if he didn't mind he would topple over and so get a ducking when to my unbounded astonishment, as they neared us, I saw it was Papa it is an utter impossibility to discribe my amazement. I laughed and cried, and did all sorts of foolish things, I had quite given up all hopes of seeing anyone from home. I thought when I wished "Mullie" "Good-bye" at Fenchurch Street Station I had seen the last of my Birmingham friends for some time to come. I don't think Papa recognised me untill I screamed out "Papa". Then he waved his hat and shouted something but what it was I couldn't catch. He had his boat turned and launched with us. Then I had to wish Miss Douglas and Aunt Edward "Good-bye", Aunt Eliza and Miss Bain went shopping, and Papa and I took a walk through through the town. He pointed out several of the old places he had been acquainted with so many years and seems to take the greatest delight in the old places, he bought me some oranges and a box of chocolate and would insist telling the old lady in the shop where I was going to. I had to insist upon him coming away before I could move him. Then we returned to the boat and went to the vessel as I wished Papa to see her before it got quite dark, Uncle Parker was almost as much surprised to see him as I had been, and trotted him about the ship to see everything there was to be seen, and I am sure he was delighted with everything. The other passengers had arrived during our absence (Mr and Mrs Bright and Miss Gaisford) and I missed Papa for a short time and found him chatting to them as though he had known them for years, Aunt Eliza and Miss Bain had by this time returned, and it was getting dark, so Papa was obliged to go. I felt I can't tell how, I couldn't say "good-bye" and I hurried him away for fear I should break down, I almost jumped into the boat after him, I watched him untill he was quite out of sight and wondered if it would be for the last time. I was beginning to get quite melancholy, but Miss Bain roused me and it being the time we went below to put ourselves in decent order, By this time they had finished taking on the powder and had started off again.
We had a very merry party at tea, but we were not at all sorry to get on deck again. Miss Bain and I walked up and down very busy in getting very well acquainted with each other for about an hour. Everything around us appeared so strange. it was very dark and beginning to get foggy. The pilot and mates were pacing the deck a little way from us and the lights on the town were gradually dis-appearing, I felt rather lonely and could scarcely believe I had started on my long voyage. Presently Aunt Eliza called us down to take a hand at whist with Uncle and Mr. Hazelhurst. Uncle and I won the game, to our intense satisfaction. Afterwards we went on deck again for a while and the fog had become so thick that they thought it wisest to cast anchor and remain where they were untill morning. We stayed above as long as we could, but at last had to retire to our cabin (Miss Bain and I occupy the same). We couldn't sleep much - there was such a frantic noise overhead, and besides, we didn't feel very well. We heard them moving again long before it was light. I couldn't get up and I heard the gentlemen only at breakfast, and I found Miss Bain was not any more inclined for breakfast than I was, so we preferred remaining where we were. We now had reached the Downs, so Mr. Hazelhurst and Mr. Martin returned in the steam tug and I heard them wishing Aunt "Good-bye" outside her cabin door, so guessed she didn't care to make her appearance. And so ended my first day and night on board the "True Blue".
I cannot give a very correct account of how we have spent the last three weeks, in fact the horrors were such that I have no wish to recall them, I know we were all far more helpless than babies, we were helped up on deck in the morning and there lay untill we were fetched down again at night, and not one able to assist the other, We had what Uncle termed a very smooth passage through the Bay of Biscay. I thought it frightfully rough but when we were fairly out of the Bay we really did have some rough weather and were tossed about terribly, which did not at all add to the comfort of our condition. We had to cling to the sides of our berths to keep us from falling out and were black and blue with bruises from tumbling about. We might very truly have been compared to a box of nine-pins, and to hear the crockery going, oh my!!
Monday May 10
Today is a very fine one overhead, but the sea is rather rough. Aunt and are were the only ladies who ventured on deck, and not feeling particularly well, but rather "top heavy", we had some cushions and rugs brought up and lay down in the shade, and as we thought, out of reach of any stray seas that might pay us a visit, Uncle had told us we should have a salt water bath if we didn't mind, and sure enough we did. We hadn't been very long in our comfortable corner before the man at the wheel shouted out "Look out" & just as I turned my head to see what was the matter a great wave came rushing up the deck towards us, and I had only time to shut my mouth & eyes before we were completely smothered, Uncle, as usual, stood laughing at us, but at last condescended to assist us below, just like drowned rats, and we didn't venture
up again this day for the fun of it. I rather liked getting a wetting that way. I cant write any more today, I feel so tired.
Tuesday, May 11th
Today we were up a little earlier than usual, and went on deck to look about us before breakfast untill the present time we had not had much inclination for "exploring expeditions" but now we are getting curious to know where we are and what company we are in. Of course everybody knows Uncle Parker, so I needn't describe him. The first officer is a very nice looking young man, somewhere between the age of 26 and 30. I have scarcely arrived at a conclusion respecting him yet, I almost fancy he knows he isn't bad looking, he is either very proud and thinks it too great a condesention to bestow a particle of notice on us, or else he is terribly shy but Miss Bain and I have determined to find out which it is, The 2nd Officer is mild and inoffensive looking, very quiet but by no means shy for he has lots to talk about when talked to. Uncle has given us strict injunctions not to talk to anyone during "business hours" so I can scarcely tell at present what to think of anybody. All the sailors appear to be a very nice lot of men some of them particularly good tempered looking. There are two, an Irishman & a Prussian that we take an especial interest in, they are always on the watch to render us some service and they lose nothing by being a little attentive. There are 3 apprentices, one of them comes from Birmingham - a very short little fellow about 14, and named Harry Gommer, his friends I believe are Cornmerchants near the "Society of Arts" in New Street. I often have a chat with him about the dear old place, he is a very nice spoken boy and we all take a great interest in him. Then there is William Bursey - he is another of our favourites. He has been with Uncle some time. He is very amusing to talk to. We have been on board nearly a month now, & have not heard a single bad word. There is no drinking and very little smoking, and everything is so clean & tidy - quite as nice as any lady would keep her house, but oh dear me!
is only half-full. She is now behind us, & I hope she will keep there. There has been a tremendous deal of excitement and betting going on, about the two ships, Aunt Eliza is to have a new bonnet if we anchor in Algoa Bay first, if not "The Fuigoe" will claim a new hat. Tomorrow we hope to see the Peak of Tenneriffe. Today has passed much the same as yesterday with the exception of a vast amount of teazing
instead of singing.
Friday May 14th
This morning I was on deck about 7 and the Peak was just visible above the clouds, I could not see it for a long time and when I did it only appeared like a little piece of cloud above another, it is 2 1/3 miles above the level of the sea and the top always covered with snow. After breakfast we were nearer and so had a better view. It is about 15 miles distant and looking through the glass I could just see what appeared to be valleys and streams, but when I told Uncle of my discoveries he only laughed and wanted to know if I could see a little girl with a fly on her nose. After dinner we were directly opposite "The Peak" and the coast of Africa on the other side of us had nearly disappeared. It caused quite a sensation on board everybody with telescopes and glasses of different kinds were looking at this wonderful mountain and each one finding out something another could not, the beautiful white clouds encircled it about a quarter of the way down just like a necklace and the sun shining on it make it look glorious. We were going very fast and quickly passing it and every body felt sorry to see it disappearing. The weather is beginning to get very warm almost uncomfortably so. We have a splendid awning over the deck and everything to make us feel as comfortable as possible, but the sun is nearly directly above us and "pours down torrents of heat".
Sunday May 16
Fanny Bain and I were on deck about 6 o'clock this morning and in time to see them finish washing the main deck, but didn't dare to say "Good morning" to a certain Officer because he wasn't "adorned" and we knew by experience, that we shouldn't get an answer, so waited patiently untill breakfast time, when we were rewarded for our forebearance and patience by a little of his highnesses notice. We had service on deck, Mr Bright read the prayers & psalms, Aunt Eliza the lessons and Uncle the sermon and afterwards we all sang. The morning passed soquickly that it was almost dinner time before we had finished. The sound of dinner is getting much pleasanter than it used to be, a few days ago we couldn't bear the sound of a knife and fork and the less we saw of them the better we were pleased, today we had ducks & green peas & cherry tart, a dinner that accorded very well with the warm weather. Afterwards we went on deck again as we do not feel at all comfortable down below long together, we had our books and chairs in a very comfortable corner of the deck and read for a little while, then chatted to Mr Douglas, then watched the fishes and waves, and then went down to tea. After that performance was over we sat on deck in the beautiful moonlight and sang, I always think this is the pleasantest part of the day and we never go down to our shelves untill we are obliged. Here endith the 3rd Sunday on board.
Monday May 17
This morning we all woke up with frantic headaches and could do nothing but sit still. I was the best among them and I could scarcely open my eyes. The ship has been rollin terribly all night and I lay awake listening to every sound on deck. I heard all the 1/2 hour bells through the night, we only had a "make believe" breakfast so about 12 I went below to see what I could find for luncheon and it had the effect of cheering us up. After dinner I went to bed determined to do something desperate if I didn't get better, but as it happened I was saved from my "rash vows". I was asleep for nearly 4 hours and woke up with my headache quite gone and found tea ready for which I was not. After tea we ascended and walked up and down the deck but felt anything but lively, then the moon being very bright we had a game of whist and managed to lose one of the cards, we hunted for it every where but didn't succeed in finding it, so I suppose its gone overboard, then Uncle wouldn't let us play on deck any more so we had to finish the game down below and Uncle and I had the extreme felicity of winning. We went up on deck again for a little while but as it was 1/2 past 9 we could only stay a few minutes, so we sat in our favourite corner "stargazing" and watching the blue water dancing and sparkling in the beautiful moonlight, talking of home etc and then chatting to Mr Douglas as a finale, and finally decending to our respective shelves at 10 o'clock.
Tuesday May 18
While we were at breakfast this morning we were called on deck to see the Mail Steamer from Algoa Bay, it created quite a sensation among us and has given us something to talk about all day, Uncle signalled to her to report us at Lloyds so in 10 days they will know at home that we have reached the Tropics in safty, with the aid of the glass we could see all the passengers crowding on deck. I daresay we were as much an object of interest to them as they are to us, in about 20 minutes she had passed us and was almost out of sight, then we returned to our work but we cannot do much it is so dreadfully hot.
Wednesday May 19
This morning we were very late I had been awake all night with the faceache and when I ought to have been up was fast asleep, the first bell rang for breakfast long before we were ready, and we had quite a scramble to be in time for the second. After breakfast when we went on deck there were 5 ships in sight, all going the same way as we are and we felt as though we had company but unfortunately they were to far off to talk to. Miss Bain and I have been very busy "down below" for an hour or two, we have been putting the saloon in order according to our own taste and polishing all the glass we could find, I have made some cakes and tarts for tea and the cook won't send me all I made back again to my extreme disgust, I suppose he intends me to "pay my footing" and takes that way of enforcing it. Aunt Eliza, Mrs Bright and Miss Gaisford were busily at work on deck untill dinner time. Afterwards as we all felt very fatigued we did nothing but watch the men at work at the rigging, dabbling in tar and making as much mess of themselves as they possible could. We had to do without the awning to please them and go and sit under the boats on the lower deck or anywhere else shady, I seated myself on a very comfortable coil of ropes and Fanny had a barrel, I managed to get among the tar somehow and it cost me 1/2 an hours work to get clear of it again but the marks on my hands I am afraid won't go just yet. The ships are still in sight but not near enough to speak to. We are in what is called the "Doldrums" and Uncle is pacing the deck and whistling for wind which won't come. After dinner I went to lie down but could not sleep because my face pained me so badly so went on deck again and helped Aunt Eliza to set all the fowls that were penned up free, those running loose about the deck look so very much better than the penned up ones do, but we found it didn't answer for they all began quarreling and several flew overboard and were drowned, so we had to catch them and put them back again. After tea we went on deck again and had our evening walk and a little chat with that strange Mr Douglas, he will persist in taking everything I say in the very opposite way to what I mean and I shall either leave of talking to him untill he understands me better or else I shall have a good quarrel with him, I think perhaps the latter would be best, as we should be obliged to get friends again for want of space, and I should very likely only annoy myself by the former. I must find a way of paying the young gentleman out or I am afraid I shall explode, there's one thing he's awfully good tempered, too much so for my peace of mind. The moon is glorious to night I love to look at it because perhaps at the very same time they are looking at it too - The folks at home I mean. I know Florence is very fond of moongazing. She would go quite wild if she were to see it here, the sea looks as though it was one mass of silver dancing and glittering about and the phosphorus is like so many large stars only brighter if possible, rushing longside the ship and shining on the backs of the sea "animals", it is just as "Mullie" said, I fancy I see everything everybody and everywhere in the beautiful deep blue water, very often I can almost fancy myself in Sutton Park and the clouds often take the exact appearance of the woods, I shall be so pleased to see them again, but I'm by no means tired of the sea yet, though perhaps I am of but "least said etc".
Thursday May 20
This morning I was on deck before 7 o'clock and had the pleasure of seeing three of the vessels still in sight, and a little nearer us. After breakfast the nearest one hoisted a flag and wished to know who we were. After satisfying their curiousity, Uncle asked them the same question, but they declined answering, so he wouldn't have anything more to do with them to our great disappointment as we quite expected to hear heaps of news. I have been helping to make a net to catch "pretty things" and flying fish in, I haven't much to record as I've been asleep all the afternoon and this evening. I've been very quiet on account of my faceache. Aunt Eliza has been playing about the deck with Uncle and Fanny with "Charley" while I contented myself with watching their antics.
Friday May 21
A complete blank
Saturday May 22
As well
Sunday May 23
Was a very miserable rolling day, full of little squalls and we all felt very poorley and cross and didn't try to make ourselves agreeable one to another a bit, & there were any quantity of "black dogs" on folk's backs.
Monday May 24
They caught some flying fish for breakfast and they are the most delicious things ever tasted. Mr Douglas has promised to catch us some more & I hope will keep his promise. I've nothing more to say today.
Tuesday May 25
To day is a really glorious day it is very warm but there is a delightful breeze and we are going very fast. We are just half way to our journeys end and its the Queens birthday too so we all drank her "Many happy returns of the day" in Champagne and it made us all very merry. Fanny in honor of the day, made a very grand appearance in white muslin and blue ribbons and goodness knows what. I felt a regular dowdy in my dark blue serge dress, so I couldn't let her rest. She had all our pillows and rugs on deck to lie down and directly she settled herself comfortably Aunt & I took up the corners of the rug and gave her a ride to her extreme disgust, but she took it very goodtemperedly, so we gave her two or three, I succeeded in getting possession of her blue ribbons and to recover them she ran me round and round the deck, but owing to the rolling we couldn't keep our footing very well which
created a great deal of fun. We couldn't keep on romping very long because of the heat so as a finish I tried to send her pretty blue ribbons aloft but soon found I couldn't manage it myself and couldn't get anyone to help me so gave it up as a bad job and returned the young lady her property. After "forty winks" I went and put on my fine feathers and made my appearance as "opposition blue" for the rest of the evening.
Wednesday 26
We made our appearance on deck about the usual time this morning and the day has passed much the same as yesterday untill evening when we had a little change in the programme by watching some fun among the sailors, they have been disposing of their "dead horse" as they call it, that is, worked out the month they have been paid for beforehand. First we heard a very lively song sang in a very doleful tone coming from the forecastle, then came all the men ranged two & two dragging behind them the "dead horse" (a "something" they had made up which you had to imagine was something like a horse, with a besom for a tail) and Harry (the youngest apprentice) seated on its back and a man pushing the animal along with a broom & singing in a most doleful tone the other men joining in the chorus, which was "Over board he must go, Poor old horse". After dragging the creature all round the main deck they hauled it overboard with a tremendous shout, for the sharks to finish I suppose, they all appeared to enjoy their game very much. After it was all over Aunt Eliza gave them sufficient whiskey for a glass each, and as they are not allowed intoxicating liquor on board it was a very great treat for them, they gave three cheers for "Captain & Mrs Parker", and afterwards favoured us with a little harmony, and so finished our first month on board the "True Blue".
Thursday 27th May
Nothing happened worth recording.
Friday 28 May
Today we have had a little change it has been raining hard all day, so we smothered ourselves up in all sorts of wrappers and stayed on deck because it is so very close below. We have been watching the porpoises at play, they seem to enjoy the wet weather much more than we do, the men have succeeded in catching one and fine fun they had over it too, they caught it, killed & cooked it all in the space of an hour and they brought some of the horrible creature "aft" to see if we would partake too, but we declined with thanks. After dinner there were two or three sharks following us, they found out we had a porpoise on board and wished to taste the dainty as well as others, so a piece on a hook was kindly lowered for their pleasure and one of them appreciated the attention so much that he partook of it, hook and all, and was very soon after floundering on deck with his tail off to the intense delight of everybody, but the men took good care to keep their "understandings" at a respectful distance from him, although he was minus his tail, it is all very well to see him caught but we couldn't stay to see him cut up, so we disappeared below for a little while. About twenty minutes after he had been caught they had his head and backbone hanging over the side of the vessel to bleach and the rest of his family had dined off him and no doubt enjoyed him very much.
Saturday 29 May
I forget all about today.
Sunday 30th May
It is still raining and I begin to think its never going to leave off. Fanny and I cannot stay below its so very warm, I cannot think how Aunt Eliza, Mrs Bright & Miss Gaisford can keep down for so long together, we do not mind getting wet a bit and its as well we don't. The men caught another shark in the night and kept it on deck for us to see, they're horrible looking things and by no means a pretty sight, this is one that was half caught last night, but managed to get loose again, but he's safe now.
Sunday 31 May
It is nice and fine today and we had service on deck. We spent a very quiet day untill evening when a third shark was caught. Harry had been fishing for him with a tiny piece of pork and a long piece of cotton, but the shark only condecended to take the bait and refused to come on deck with his line, and would only make our acquaintance by the proper hook, and after a long struggle was safely landed and served the same as his brothers.
Monday June 1st
In the "Doldrums" & got the blues
Tuesday June 2nd
Blanks
Wednesday June 3rd
The weather is something terrific now, its so hot, it has been a dead calm for some days, not a breath of wind stirring, we are regularly in the "Doldrums" this time, it is an impossibility to sleep down below at night for the heat and Aunt won't let us stay on deck so we lie and "stew" till it gets light, we are burnt so dreadfully brown, but the sensation is worse to us than the looks , its just as though we had been well scalded and almost unbearable. Mr Douglas has very kindly lent us his hammock and fastened it up us, there is just room enough for Fanny & I but they won't let us rest in it, this afternoon we scrambled into it and were just going off into a nice nap when Uncle came and let us down bang on to deck, and there was a general laugh, but nothing daunted, we fastened it up and mounted again and when we were comfortably settled, Aunt came very quietly and putting her back underneath us tipped us both out, to our great disgust and everybodys amusement. We had it put away when we found they wouldn't let us alone, but we mean to catch Aunt Eliza in it yet, its so hot I cannot write anymore. Uncle is sitting on the "grating" whistling for the wind so perhaps we shall be moving by & bye, and I hope to goodness we shall , for more reasons than one.
Friday June 4th
Today the wind has come and taken us out of the Doldrums, the sea is what I call very rough, but Uncle is delighted. We are going on at a tidy pace now about 8 knots an hour and shall cross the line today. The sailors are preparing to receive Father Neptune on board, it is Lillie's birthday today and I wonder what they are doing at home. Very likely spending the day at Sutton Park that dear delightful old place, oh dear, how I should love to be with them, but as I cannot, I must wish my dear sister "Many happy returns of the day" all to myself and trust they are having a very pleasant day. I wonder how my dearest little pet Leslie is getting on and if she will remember her Auntie after so long an absence, I'm almost afraid not, I should love to see the dear little chubby face. I'm getting a "miserable fit" so had better leave off writing untill tomorrow.
Oh dear! Oh dear! Oh - !
Saturday June 5
We are still going very fast and it is a fine day, at least rather a fine day. We had a regular piece of fun last night with old Neptune. about 8 o'clock we were ready waiting on deck and everything was prepared for the old gentleman's reception and soon we heard a sound like distant thunder and voices proceeding from fo'castle and as it came nearer and nearer the sounds became louder and a most imposing procession made its appearance "Old Neptune" at its head and well supported on either side by the "Barber" and the "Doctor", and carried a Trident in his hand surmounted by a flying fish and was followed by three "Policemen." Old Neptune came "aft" and the Captain welcomed & shook hands with him, indeed everyone did, and he presented the ladies with a "certain cure for sea sickness" namely pitch pills but he could not persuade us to take them there & then, but promised at some future time, we would endeavour to follow his advice, he also presented me with the flying fish that had ornamented his "Sceptre" and I afterwards found I had ought to have considered it a great honor, but I didn't. Then the "smelling bottle" was handed round, and my goodness it was rightly named, and was in every sense of the word, a smelling bottle, Fanny Bain had it first, and I saw her give a little start
Wednesday June 9
We are in the "Doldrums" again and it is frantically hot, we scarcely know what to do with ourselves, while there is a little wind we can bear it pretty comfortably, but these horrible "Doldrums"! I suppose I mustn't grumble though for during the last week we have made good progress and expect to be at our journeys end in a little more than a fortnight, I am rather anxious to see what kind of a place "Alego Bay" (as the sailors call it ) is, I wonder if it will come up to my expectations, Miss Bain says it is a beautiful place and the inhabitants delightful. Uncle has been telling us about some friends of his living there, a regular nest of old and young bachelors, who have a house on the hill all to themselves, and not one feminine face allowed to intrude, I should think they must be very miserable. We have been busy polishing all our tarnished jewellery this morning and as we found we had not any rouge we had some plate powder from the steward which we found answered the same purpose. After dinner Fanny made 3 small flags for the masts and I had some sewing so we were occupied untill tea time after which its too dark to work so we walked about the deck, danced a bit, and skipped a bit. Mr Douglas has made us a very nice skipping rope and we find it a source of great amusement, I wonder he does anything for us, seeing how dreadfully we teaze him, but perhaps he likes it. Now I never thought of that before, I should really think he must. So we'll go on and prosper.
Friday June 18
We still have beautiful weather, too beautiful to please Uncle because we are going so slowly, these everlasting "Doldrums" never will come to an end, we certainly shan't be at our journeys end for some time yet at this rate, we have been 52 days out today and seem no nearer Algoa Bay than we were a fortnight ago. Today is my dear little Emma Jackson's birthday I expect they are having a delightful picnic in that dear old Sutton park and rambling about the beautiful wood, I should love to be with them. We have seen three whales today, such immense creatures they have been about the ship the whole of the day, one of them was about the length of the vessel and Uncle says it is quite a young one, they put me in mind of an immense canal boat turned upside down, we can hear them "blowing" a great distance off.
Sunday June 20
The weather is beautiful we are getting into the cool now. We had service on deck this morning, then went below and sang while Aunt Eliza played untill dinner time, and we had a very nice quiet afternoons reading. The moon rose early and we walked about the deck and sang hymns by moonlight, we could see our book quite plainly the moon was so beautifully bright.
Monday June 21
Today is almost cold, such a sudden change in the temperature is scarcely pleasant, it is the shortest day here instead of the longest as at home, and it is quite dark at 5 o'clock, there is no twilight here, it is light and dark in about 10 minutes, we have had the awning put away today and the decks are very uncomfortably wet with the falling dew.
Tuesday June 22
This is a very uncomfortable day we are rolling and pitching in every direction and the crockery flying about in fine style, we feel anything but comfortable but we are going along at "express" speed so must not grumble much, the sea is very high and the waves are dashing over the side and sending all the poor fowls flying in every direction even the ducks don't seem to enjoy it very much , perhaps they think too much of a good thing, a nuisance, but after all I like to see the dashing waves and "white horses" I could stand and watch them all day. We have seen another immense whale knocking about in the water. Towards afternoon the wind went down a little and we were able to stand steadily on our feet, but the decks were too wet for us to go above so Fanny favoured us with a little music while we worked. After tea we were able to take our constitutional and gave the skipping rope an airing etc - and retired about 1/2 past 9.
Wednesday June 23
It has been raining hard all day and we have had to remain below nearly all the time, we managed to amuse ourselves by working. Aunt Eliza has been manufacturing flowers for her cushion Fanny knitting a pair of socks for her brother under Aunts instructions and I, a pair for Sidney, Fanny had nearly finished the first one when I began and we are going to have a race and see who will finish first, then we took it in turns to read aloud and had some music so the day passed very pleasantly. After tea it left off raining so we went on deck but it is so cold. After we had been up a little while Fanny and I managed to quarrel for the first time, it must have been rather laughable to see with what dignity we kept it up for an hour or two. Somehow we became friends again before we went tosleep. I verily believe our quarrel commenced over that precious mate.
Thursday 24th
It is raining again today and so cold we are quite glad of our thick dresses and shawls instead of the thin muslin things we were wearing only last week. We are going very slowly today, we ought to be nearly at our destination instead of which we are more than 2000 miles off, there are a great many Cape pigeons flying about and we have been fishing for them with a piece of cotton, a pin bent for a hook, and a piece of pork, we succeeded in catching one then tied a label round his neck and let him go again. I have finished my first sock today and begin to think I shall win the race. After tea we had a game at "Tick & Touchwood" with a belaying pin for den. We persuaded Aunt and Uncle to join us, and after a little while I had nearly caught Uncle when he suddenly dropped on his hands & knees on the deck right in front of me and - well of course I alighted on mine on the other side of him.
Friday June 25
The weather is very stormy this morning and none of us admire it all, its anything but pleasant to stay below so long. I wonder what Papa is doing today, I suppose he has given himself the promised holiday and off somewhere or other with his "chum" Mr Whitehouse.
Saturday June 26
We still have squally weather and have to keep below, it is almost an impossibility to keep our footing, on deck it is quite impossible. Fanny & I are the only ones who ventured on deck and we are constantly tumbling down, the mountains of waves rise and dash about without any regard to our "True Blue" they seem as though they would completely envelope her. We are quite used to getting wet through and think nothing of it now, there's such a screaming let out when a wave happens to light on deck. After tea Fanny & I were again the only ones who went on deck and as it was raining still we put on things that wouldn't hurt with a wetting but we couldn't keep our footing so were obliged to decend again.
Sunday June 27
Today is as bad as yesterday, the clouds look so terribly black we had a miserable night the wind was blowing from every quarter and changing every five minutes with any amount of squalls. We were tossed about from one side of our berth to the other without the least regard to our feelings, for the last two or three nights Fanny & I have slept or rather kept awake together in the same bed, so that we have not had so much room to toss about and we find it far more comfortable especially as the cold weather's coming. We had service this morning downstairs, and it is not half so pleasant as on deck. After dinner the weather cleared up a little and we went above and sat watching the angry looking waters boiling and dashing about everywhere. The main deck has not been dry for some days now, we do not get so much water on the poop deck or I am afraid we should be compelled to keep below altogether. We have one consolation and that is, we are going very fast, especially as the vessel is so heavily loaded. Today she has made 230 miles and yesterday it was 220, making up for the calms a little, if we keep on at this rate we shall reach our destination in 7 or 8 days.
Monday 28 June
Today isn't any better than yesterday, its very very cold. Fanny and I have been on deck but no one else ventured and we paid the penalty for our rashness, the sea is very rough and the waves almost half as high as the sails, the main deck is "swimming", but we have not much water on our deck, this afternoon Mr Bright, Fanny & I were the only ones on deck excepting the man at the wheel. Mr Bright was trotting about and we were sitting on the companion seat, Fanny reading a book Mr Douglas had lent her and I was knitting, we had propped ourselves up as well as we could to keep our seats for the ship was going up and down anywhere. Fanny had just got to a very interesting part of her book and I had laid my work in my lap and sat listening very attentively when the man at the wheel shouted "look out" I lifted my head to see what was the matter and before we had time to reach a place of safety we were completely smothered by a great sea we were knocked of our seat but I caught hold of a rope and Fanny caught hold of me and we held on most desperately, Mr Bright lost his footing too but he managed to catch a rope and didn't go far, the hen coops were moved right away and two or three of the buckets washed overboard but beyond that and our soaking & fright there was no damage, everybody seem to enjoy our discomforture very much. I heard Uncle laughing to his hearts contend, I never had such a through wetting before, I "shipped" far more salt water than I did the first time I had a dip in the sea which circumstance Blanche will remember very well I daresay, our eyes and ears & mouths were full and we were wet from head to foot, we came below to change and Mr Douglas was kind enough to compliment us on our close resemblance to drowned rats. Aunt wouldn't consent to us going up again so we had to content ourselves with what we had had.
Tuesday 29 June
The weather is a little better today and the sea is smoother but we are not going so fast it is very cold, here is the end of June and I have been on deck with 2 jackets and a shawl on and my muff.
Wednesday 30 June
Today is just like yesterday and we spent the evening singing while Aunt played, and finished up with a game at whist.
Thursday July 1
Today is just like a beautiful balmy Autumn day, still very cold but so delightful after the rough weather we have had, ship ahead.
Friday July 2
Just such another beautiful day as yesterday. After breakfast we went on deck to see the ship that was so far away yesterday, she was close to us, nearer than any other has been I could distinguish everything on board plainly, the captain was a splendid with a profusion of black whiskers, which he appeared to be very fond of, judging from the loving way in which he caressed them, he hadn't a coat on when we first saw him but when he was conscious somebody was quizzing him he went and made himself more facinating then ever and strutted up and down the deck like a "cock a doodle doo". I could see at once there were no ladies on board or he wouldn't have taken so much trouble to lay himself out for our admiration, I daresay it was quite a "red letter" day for the poor fellow, he tried hard to keep with us but by dinner time we had him and his pretty whiskers far behind.
Sunday July 4
We are getting into rough weather again, but it isn't quite so cold. We had service down below this morning and when it is not so hot we prefer it as we can have music. We are still going very fast and expect to land the end of this week.
Monday July 5
Today is terribly rough and makes us all feel very uncomfortable we have been obliged to keep below all day as the decks are unfordable.
Tuesday 6th
The sea is rougher today than yesterday but the decks are drier. We went up (Fanny & I) this morning, as we couldn't possible stand another day below, I took my work and we had our usual corner of the deck, but we very soon had to vacate it as the sea was very unruly and wouldn't keep within its own limits so we went to the "stearn" and mounted the "grating" but the ship rolled to such an extent that we could scarcely keep our seats but we were out of reach of the water. After dinner we returned to our places and were oupied preparing some almonds for making toffy when suddenly there came a great sea and tipped us up and as I could not obtain a firm hold quickly enough off I went and was washed up and down to my heart's content before I could get up again, while Fanny and Uncle were safe on dry land and they could afford to laugh at me, which they did, I was miserably wet and cold but I couldn't take the trouble to go and change again so we went to the galley to make our toffy and standing before the fire I got a little bit dry. My shoes etc I discarded altogether. Soon we had to go to tea and then it began to rain and compelled us to remain below, so we finished the evening with reading etc, and before retiring took our supper and sat on the "companion" stairs to get a little fresh air, it was still pouring with rain, and the "Watch" looked like so many drowned rats marching about. No one knew we were in the companion because it was so dark and we kept very quiet (it was past 9-30 therefore we ought not to have been there) never supposing for a moment we were in anyone's way but we had quite forgotten Mr Douglas's evening pipe, but he hadn't before we were aware of him he started to come backwards (the usual way) down the companion, never supposing we were there, and placed his wet bare foot in Fanny's lap, she was terrified and gave a little smothered scream and he gave another and was endeavouring in the scuffle to apologise but I was so afraid we should be heard that I stopped the pair of them in a very decided way and Mr Douglas finished his almost "Ariel" flight in silence, and it was some time before poor Fanny could recover her equilibrium and it was for some days before we could all look at each other without laughing.
Wednesday July 7
Today has been glorious, the sea is as smooth as possible the sun shining brightly and so warm, such a delightful change from the weather we have had lately, we have all been on deck the whole of the day and so merry, it is wonderful what effect a change in the weather has upon our tempers. We expect to get into port tomorrow, we have been looking out all day for land but cannot discern any at present. After tea we were on deck again looking out for Cape Reciffe lighthouse and the excitement among us was intense but we were again doomed to disappointment for 9 o'clock came and we had to retire, without having had a glimpse of the desired light.
Thursday July 8
We have had a fearful day today, after we went to our shelves last night a terrible gale came on, it commenced about 2 o'clock am and has been raging all day, it was impossible for us to sleep, and several times we were very near being tipped out of our "bunks". I at last fastened a pocket handkerchief through the ring of the port light and held on to that, we vainly endeavoured to rise and dress, but for some time found it impracticable. At last however with patience and perseverence we managed to array ourselves, but I will not venture to say how many falls and bumps we experienced, by this time it was just beginning to get light about 6 o'clock, we were not allowed to go on deck in very rough weather so Fanny and I managed to tumble to the stairs but we had to hold on to the rail most desperately, the companion doors were shut but the hood was not drawn over so we could see above them. The sea looked terribly black and was lashed into a perfect fury, the waves seemed as though they would smother us completely and the vessel appeared to be going direct through a wall of water but instead of going through she rose up over it most beautifully, although I was so frightened I could not help watching the black seas and admiring the beautiful way in which our dear little "Barque" rode over them sometimes the waves rose as high as the masts and the ship had the appearance of being in a deep well, the "Bows" were frequently under water and even the boat hanging to the "davit" was under now and then, two men were stationed at the wheel and it appeared hard work for them to steer, the ship was running almost under bare poles, having only two sails set, it looked so dreadfully dangerous to see the men on the yard arms furling the sails while the ship tossed about just like a cork from one sea to another, I darenot look at them for fear I should see some of them fall off, for the sail flapped and fluttered in such a wild way as threatened to jerk them off the yardarm, the main deck was under water nearly all the time and as the vessel rocked from side to side the water dashed backwards and forwards as though it would break down the bulwarks, besides frequently knocking down some unlucky tar who couldn't keep his footing. Uncle and the mate were trying to pace the deck, clothed from head to foot in yellow oilskins & sou'wester caps, and every now and then peering into the binnacle to see the course, the clouds were as black and thick as possible, no sun to be seen though Uncle had his Quadrant in his hand for the purpose of "taking it", everything and everybody looked so dismal, dreary and wet, so different to yesterday. We staid in the companion untill nearly 12 o'clock and we had become dripping wet and very hungry, but it was an impossibility to prepare dinner even if it would have remained on the table, which it wouldn't, so we all had what we could catch and wedged ourselves in corners with sundry etc but we could not keep our places for as the ship rolled we went flying backwards and forwards, biscuits, cheese and all, I couldn't help laughing although we were in such a pickle, we got very much bruised and knocked about, once poor Miss Gaisford (very stout and of a certain age) endeavouring to walk across the saloon, holding on to the rail round the chiffoner, when the rail gave way and down she came with such a crash I sprang up to go to her assistance but before I could reach her, I fell, almost stunned against the wall, and as I thought with one of my feet clean gone, for it got wedged underneath one of the cabin doors and I could only with great difficulty and assistance from Fanny extricate myself, then Miss Gaisford and I sat looking at each other, wondering which was most hurt, at last I crept into my berth and laid down thinking it quite as well to be tossed about on the mattress as on the floor, and the rest of the ladies followed my example. About 4 o'clock the gale abated and the wind gradually went down and no longer sounded like thunder, and we were able to hear each other speak. A little after 5 o'clock we were comparatively quiet and were soon enabled to sit down to table and thoroughly enjoy our tea as all danger was over we were as merry as possible and laughed and chatted over the days catastrophies to our hearts content. We remained at table untill nearly 7 when Uncle rose and went on deck and all in a minute there was such a dreadful shouting, scuffling and stamping overhead, Uncle's voice was heard above the horrible din giving orders for putting the "ship about", we all stood still with fright knowing that something dreadful was the matter, the ship was trembling and quivering beneath us, then with two or three tremendous jerks that went right through her we felt her turn on the other tack in a few minutes all was quiet again, then Uncle called for us to go on deck to see how nearly we had escaped being wrecked on "Thunderbolt Reef", and sure enough there were the rocks close to us and we had been driving on to them fast. I could very easily have thrown a stone onto them, they were so near us, Uncle said had he remained below 5 minutes longer the vessel would have struck and gone down being an iron vessel, and nothing whatever would have been heard of us, it would be in vain to attempt to describe our feelings or looks at the awful near escape we had had. I, for one shall never forget it, and cannot be too thankful for our miraculous deliverance from so great a danger. We are close to Algoa Bay and if it had not been for the danger we have just escaped we should have anchored in a few hours, but now the ship is "hove too" and we are drifting with the current. We can just see Cape Receife lighthouse by standing on the rail above the bulwarks, we are very quietly going now, I wonder where we shall find ourselves in the morning.
Friday July 9
This morning we were up about 5 we had such a delightful quiet night, and woke up to find ourselves 40 miles past Algoa Bay and in a dead calm, was there ever anything so provoking, I know that "Fuigoe" will be in long before us. The sky is as clear and blue as possible, such a change from yesterday. After breakfast I set to work to make a bonnet each for Aunt and I to make our appearance on shore. Fanny had a line to fish and succeeded in catching a very fine one, bright green in colour, it was cooked for dinner and proved a very great treat, I was careless enough to let some of my bonnet materials blow overboard and had in consequence to make it up very scantily. About 5 o'clock the wind came up and off we started again, in an hour or a little more we came in sight of Cape Receife lighthouse again. I cannot give a true description of the strange feeling of delight that took possession of us when we first sighted land, it made us laugh and cry and do all sorts of ridiculous things, if it had been the shores of old England I'm afraid I should have gone quite wild, we could only just discern the outline of the shore as it was almost dark. About 8 o'clock we were in the Bay and sent up rockets to let them know somebody was coming. A few minutes after we saw something coming towards us shewing a red light. At first Uncle said it was the mail steamer going home, but it afterwards proved to be the boat coming to us. As she came nearer and nearer our excitement became more intense than ever, and we almost screamed with delight to hear a strange voice. When the boat came longside we found it was not the Pilot boat and it was too late for the Inspector of Health to come out so no one could come on board, but for 50/- this boat would show us where we could anchor for the night which very liberal offer Uncle would not accept but offered them 30/- which they at last accepted and for about the space of half an hour kept dodging us backwards and forwards & round & round & every now & then, when near enough, shouting out some piece of news, and by these means we found to our great disgust that "The Fuigoe" had anchored six hours before and so won all the Hats & Bonnets staked, when we had followed the boat to the place where we could remain for the night the anchor was lowered, and oh! wasn't it a delightful rattle and splash, we were almost too excited to go to bed and Aunt very kindly gave us permission to remain on deck untill 10-30, as it would be the last night we (Fanny & I) spend on board together, we stood, after everyone had retired, watching the lights bobbing about on land and Fanny was describing all to me when Mr Douglas came and joined us and soon after that another boat came to see if he could be of any assistance to us (or himself) and when they found they couldn't, went away again. We staid chatting together untill nearly eleven and even then Fanny was very loth to go below, and I guessed the reason (but dare not tell). We could not get to sleep for a long time for we were both very excited, Fanny in anticipation of meeting her friends and I in wondering what I should see in the daylight. At last, however, we fell into the arms of "Somnus", and "Morpheus" too and appreciated their gentle embraces very much.
Saturday July 10
This morning we were very early on deck and there were such quantities of the "Masculine Gender" strutting about, gentlemen from the Office, Boatmen, Hotel attendants, Shopmen with their wares and goodness know what. Somebody was kind enough to bring us dome fresh Bread and meat & fruit for Breakfast but we were almost too excited to eat any. About 1/2 past 7 Mr Bain came on board to take Fanny home. I was uncommonly sorry to part with her and for sometime felt uncommonly "vapourish". Then Mr Bright and family went and we were left alone. Uncle went ashore and was away all the morning. Cousin James came to make our acquaintance, but he was so shy or nervous or something or other that he would not come to our part of the vessel for sometime but staid talking to the sailors and men about the ship. At last however he screwed up his courage and came and introduced himself to Aunt, and after a little chat, gave us an invitation to dine with him next day, but in such a reserved way, that we could not feel comfortable in going. Aunt and I certainly quizzed him well, when he had taken his departure and thought him a very queer cousin but we were put completely at our ease in the afternoon by seeing him return accompanied by a lady, who proved to be Cousin Louisa and she was such a dear little creature that I was deeply in love with her directly. She soon made arrangements for us, and settled our visit to her house in a very satisfactory way. The place seemed quite deserted after they were gone, it was so quiet, especially the evening part. I wandered about not knowing what to do with myself, but bedtime came at last and then Sunday morning when we were doomed to disappointment for when we were ready to go ashore there came on a squall and instead of going to Church and spending a nice day on shore after 10 weeks of sea we had to go below and stick there, the afternoon was fine enough for us to be on deck a little while but in the evening it poured with rain and so ended our first Sunday in Algoa Bay.
The first thing on Monday morning we prepared to go ashore and was not disappointed this time for the day was as fine as it could possibly be. It would be an utter impossibility to describe my sensations on first stepping on a foreign shore, everything seemed so strange and the black people looked at us with such curiosity and I am sure we returned the compliment. The town looked such a queer place, there is only one good street and that is only pretty good. There are such queer little shops kept by natives, and we were quite the centre of attraction everybody offered us their wares and everybody had a remark to make about us, the old sable lady said "Those ladies are going to see Mrs Bay" and how she knew we were I cannot tell for we had not been on land more than 10 minutes. There were some very fine buildings mixed up with rubbishy little ones all along the street. Cousin James has a very nice store about the centre of the street, we were very warmly welcomed but they did not expect us quite so early. We trotted about all day seeing all we could untill Uncle joined us. Then Aunt prepared to return to the ship and to my extreme disgust they decided to leave me ashore, I did not half like it, for I would much rather have gone on board and had an evenings
Tuesday 11 July
Aunt & Uncle came ashore about 10 o'clock and I went down to the jetty to meet them.
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