Soon after we got on board Mr. Marshall the Immigration agent said to me "I have appointed you, Gibb and Watchon (being yourselves fathers of families) to take your turn in rotation weekly, and see that all the passengers get their full allowance of rations, of which I have caused an ample and good supply to be put on board.

We started immediately in tow of the Albion - wind ahead. Anchored at half past five. All well but we felt much at being parted, the females being placed in the stern and the males in the forepart of the ship. I took my little John with me to make it easier for my wife, whose berth was nearly opposite the hatchway. The night was very wet and unpleasant.

Friday October 7th, 1836

At 7 a.m. the steamer again took us in tow - wind ahead. At 12 o'clock Mr. Marshall left us in the Albion and at half past 4 we anchored in sight of Deal. When dark the gas lights looked beautiful. This day I have been assisting to form the male passengers into Messers of eight persons each mess. Self, wife and children all well.

Saturday 8th

A very wet and rough night passed. This morning scores of the passengers were sea sick; my wife and Caroline were among them, but by giving them a little ginger-bread and brandy they soon recovered.

Thank God for all his mercies toward us. The ship pitches much from stem to stern but does not roll much. It is almost a calm this evening.

Sunday 9th

About 12 last night it began to blow hard, at 3 this morning it increased to a heavy gale. Many vessels are at anchor near us on account of the heavy weather. Heavy squalls of wind and rain succeed each other. The ship rolls very much. Eliza was a little sick but it did not last long.

Monday 10th

This morning I counted 40 vessels of different sizes anchored near us the weather being so rough the Captain ordered the other anchor to be got ready as it was not unlikely that the one in use might not hold the ship. The wind and rain exceed all I ever saw before, even on my passage to and from America in 1818 and 1820.

At half past ten a ship near us broke her cable and was soon drifted far away. The spray of the sea is constantly beating on our bows. Towards evening it grew a little calmer, but at midnight it rose again harder than before. My wife and children bear it much better than I could expect.

Tuesday 11th

A very rough night passed. This morning about half past six, a vessel broke loose from her anchorage and ran foul of our stern, broke our jolly-boat and did considerable damage to several articles, but none to the body of our ship.

12 noon. Thank God it is now tolerably fine, with the exception of some heavy squalls and showers.

Wednesday 12th

A tolerably fine night passed. This is the finest day we have had since we have been on board. We were in hopes of sailing this afternoon but towards evening the wind rose and blew very hard.

Sent a letter this day to my father by a boat belonging to Deal (which it seems he never received).

Thursday 13th

A very rough night passed - A smart gale of wind ahead - but the day is pretty fine excepting for a few showers.

Friday 14th

A pleasant night and a very fine day. At 9 p.m. the wind shifted in our favour.

Saturday 15th

A pleasant night, wind fair. Weighed anchor at 6 a.m. Rather cloudy with gentle rain. Afternoon - very fine - stiff breeze, not very favourable.

Sunday 16th

A fine night passed.

This is one of the lovliest mornings I have seen for some time past; the water being almost a dead calm. The little wind we have is favourable.

We now begin to recover our spirits. The Captain and Doctor have the appearance of gentlemen but we were yet too near land for them to appear in their proper colours as will be seen hereafter. The Dr. read prayers and a sermon. The text was "And the last state of that man is worse than the first" which was literally true of himself and the captain.

Monday 17th

A fine night passed. Fair wind, all well except being a little affected in the head by the motion of the vessel. Going from 5 to 7 knots.

Tuesday 18th

A pretty fine night but a tremendous thick fog. Wind rather unfavourable. Last night about 10 we narrowly missed running into a sloop. The fog was so intense that neither could see the other when we were almost upon them. They cried aloud and the officer on watch had the presence of mind to call out "Port Helm" which was instantly done and thus providentially the poor fellows escaped a watery grave.

This morning we saw the two lights at the lizzard (Lands End) and took the last view of old England about 7 O'clock.

Wednesday 19th

Last evening the wind fell. It rained tremendously till midnight. For want of wind the ship rolled very much and the females were crying and screaming saying we are going to drown.

Thursday 20th

Last night about sunset a light fair breeze sprang up and increased till we ran 8 knots which continued till about 2 p.m. then it began to abate until it was quite calm.

Friday 21st

The calm lasted all night, but a light fair breeze sprang up with the sun till we ran 6 knots. Rain all day. At sunset the wind died away to a calm.

Saturday 22nd

About midnight a breeze sprang up which lasted till sunrise this morning when it became almost a calm. We have no need of a cradle to rock us here.

Sunday 23rd

A fine breeze sprang up about midnight which greatly contributed to our comfort by putting a stop to the rolling of the ship. The breeze has been increasing all day. This morning I sang and played the bass (violincello) at the service. The Captain and Doctor still wore their disguise and appeared to be what they really were not.

Monday 24th

A fine night and fair wind. Going very pleasantly at the rate of 5 knots.

Tuesday 25th

A pleasant night and fair wind. The weather is almost as pleasant as the month of May in England.

This afternoon about 3 o'clock, Richard son of Jos & Eliza Barwick from Deal, aged 9 months was cast into the Great Deep there to remain till the sea shall give up its dead.

Wednesday 26th

Beautiful weather, fair wind and smooth sea. We find an alteration in the atmosphere. All pretty well.

Thursday 27th - 3 weeks.

Rather cloudy but fine weather and fair wind. The chief mate harpooned a porpoise, the meat is very good, but the look is none of the best.

Friday 28th & Saturday 29th

Fine weather with a smart fair wind going from 3 to 8 knots per hour.

Sunday 30th

A wet morning. Fair wind and pretty smooth sea.

The Doctor read prayers and sermon on "Beware of the heaven of the Pharasies which is hypocrisy" (It were better if he had taken the advice he gave the passengers). But at this time things went so smoothly that I really longed for the return of the Sabbath.

Monday 31st

Fine weather, fair wind and smooth sea. We have scarcely seen a wave 4ft high for several days.

Yesterday 12 o'clock we were about 100 miles north of Madeira. A strange ship hove in right last evening, passed our stern in the night, keeps about 5 or 6 miles to windward of us and seems to be going nearly the same course as ourselves, but we do not know who or what she is.

Tuesday November 1st 1836

Nearly the same as yesterday. The strange ship neared us today. We spoke her. She had been 50 days from Stockholm - bound for Rio-de-Janerio.

Wednesday 2nd

Wind and weather about the same. This afternoon Eliza, daughter of Edward and Eliza Berwick from Deal aged 3 years was committed to the great deep. One of the sailors harpooned a porpoise last night which was eaten today.

Thursday 3rd

Stormy weather with fair wind. This morning we committed to the great deep Henry, son of Geo. and Elizabeth Hall (From Cheltenham) aged 8 months.

Friday 4th

Very heavy rain last night. The wind blew a heavy gale, but in our favour. This morning a ship hove in sight and bore down upon us. It was the "Java" from Plymouth for the Isle of France and Ceylon. She belonged to the same persons as our ship, viz - J. & W. Metcalfe.

Saturday 5th

Fine weather and fair wind. Lightning very fierce last night. Abreast of Cape de Verde Islands but could not see them. Left the "Java" astern - almost out of sight.

Sunday 6th

Weather as yesterday. This morning after the (Mock) service Thos the son of Jos and Elizabeth Berwick (of Deal) aged 2 years was consigned to a water grave.

Something called wine was served out for the first time this morning. It was passable but some of the passengers thought it more fit for the finny tribe than for us and tried the experiment but the fish did not think proper to tell whether they liked it or not.

Monday 7th & Tuesday 8th

Very heavy rain with unfavourable wind obliged us to steer 4 1/2 points west of our course. We have calms and storms succeeding each other.

Wednesday 9th

A fine morning but about 10.30 a tremendous squall came on which caused nearly all the sails to be furled as quickly as possible. Yesterday as one of the females was going down the ladder my dear Eliza who was about to go up had some boiling gruel spilled on her cheek by the descending female and I fear she will carry the mark of it to her grave. N.B. There being so many females it is quite usual for two to be on the ladder at the same time.

Thursday 10th - 5 weeks.

Very slack winds with frequent heavy squalls. This afternoon Michael son of Michael and Mary Martin from Ireland, aged 2 years, was cast into the watery deep.

Friday 11th - No change in weather and four following days about the same.

Wednesday 16th

Fine weather but contrary winds. It is so very hot that we have an awning spread over us to keep off the fierce and powerful rays of the sun.

Crossed the Equator between 11 and 12 o'clock last night. After dark, Old Neptune, they term it, which is one of the sailors dressed in a most hideous shape and getting into a boat or a large tub prepared for the occasion, as privately as possible from the bows of the ship, pushes off a little then returning, comes alongside, and with a roaring and almost unearthly voice hailed the ship by saying "what ship is this?" The Captain answers "The Wm. Metcalfe from London".

Neptune:- To where is he bound?
Captain:- Hobart town
Neptune:- What is he loaded with?
Captain:- Live lumber
Neptune:- Have you any that have not passed this way before?
Captain:- Yes, a great many.
Neptune:- Then give them notice that I will call on them at 9.30 tomorrow morning.

Well - This morning after breakfast sails were hung up from the Larboard to the starboard side of the ship, just behind the foremast to hide their worse than beastly preparation.

After we had all been ordered below two of the passengers that had crossed the line before were placed as sentinels over us, and we were called by name to come on deck one at a time.

As soon as our heads were above the latchway, two sailors (who stood out of sight) bolted forward and threw a dirty wet cloth over the head and face, so as almost to stop the breath, then each seizing an arm the poor victim was dragged along and was suddenly saluted with two buckets of sea water dashed slap slap over the head, ears and body. On he goes a few steps when the cloth is on a sudden lifted up and his face and head is rubbed allover with such an obominable mixture of tar, grease and filth as is enough to make a dog sick, then still being in the grip of the two inhuman brutes were led on (still blindfolded) and lifted or rather seated on a pole, when after another besmearing one of them lifts the cloth and asks "What is your name". If the poor victim opens his mouth to answer they immediately cram some abominable filthy stuff, made up as pills, into his mouth: then he is asked to drink, and a bottle containing some more of their devilish mixture is attempted to be forced into the mouth. After all this he is dragged to and fro in a large trough formed with a sail which contains about a hogshead of salt water, till he is almost suffocated.

When they have had their fill of fun (as they call it) the poor simpleton is turned loose to clean himself as best can.

N.B. - Had I known one half of what I was about to undergo I would have drawn a cane sword which I bought in London and fought for my life: and Edward Berwick (one of the passengers) said afterwards he would have shot the first man that put a hand on him. Whatever others may say - this is a true and faithful account of the so-called shaving on board the Wm. Metcalf.

P.S. I forget to say that after the 2nd besmearing the face is scraped with a piece of iron hoop made rough like a saw.

Thursday 17th, Friday 18th & Saturday 19th

Hot weather with a few light showers. Foul winds.

Sunday 20th

Very hot weather with foul winds. This morning at 5 o'clock died Elizabeth wife of Jos Berwick. She was committed to the great deep at 12 noon. She was in her 25th year. Yesterday, or this morning early, some ill-disposed person cut my 'cello G. string and greased over the others, thinking no doubt that they had done me a great injury. But with a little resin I soon convinced them of their folly by using it more than usual.

Monday 21st

Very hot foul winds. A vessel appearing to be a Danish Brig. of war passed about a quarter of a mile on our lee side but did not come near enough to speak to us.

Tuesday 22nd

It is now so very hot that many of the passengers stay on deck nearly all night.

We are now about 70 miles to windward of Peramluka, the nearest land of South America, being driven about 500 miles further west than we wished. We hoped to be at or near the Cape of Good Hope in 30 days.

Wednesday 23rd

Very hot. Wind favourable. My counterpane was stolen off my bed.

Thursday 24 & Friday 25th 7 weeks

A Brig. 3 days from Rio met us. The Captain asked her to report the "Wm. Metcalfe" "all well" which I thought very curious after losing seven and several more very ill.

Saturday 26th

Very hot - slight favourable wind. This day about noon, died Maria daughter of Wm. & Maria Page from Ichford, Bucks. Aged 3 years.

Sunday 27th - and 3 following days about as before.

Thursday December 1st - 8 weeks

Wind and weather as before. About 1 o'clock died Ellice Daley aged 18 years from Ireland and was buried in the waves about six this evening.

Friday 2nd

Fine weather and fair wind.

Saturday 3rd

Having lost nine of our number today Mrs. Willicombe added one by giving birth to a son.

My wife had for some weeks felt a sinking in her stomach through the change of climate and bad provisions of very scant allowance, and thinking a little spirits might benefit her I asked the Captain to sell me a little but he would not. I then applied to several of the passengers who I thought might have some but to no purpose. One day Mr. Pullen called me to a private place and said I could get some off the steward as he and the cook had some of their own on board (unknown to the Captain) and he had no objection to selling a little to anyone privately. I took the first opportunity to speak to the steward and he said it was 3/- per bottle. I agreed to take 7 bottles for a sovereign, to be paid in advance.

I, at different times obtained 3 bottles, when it was discovered that he had been stealing the Captain's run, and a fine stir there was. I had frequently seen him give several of the passengers some early in the morning for washing out the cabins etc, but when he was called to account for it he said, Elliott has had 15 bottles; Newton 14: Stenhouse 12: Mrs. Polding 9 and Mrs. Ludley 2; but I having had no more than 3 bottles lost the other promised 4 with my sovereign.

Newton had 2 only; Stenhouse 1 and the others none at all, at least so they declared. We were all brought to a sort of trial in the cabin before the Captain and the Doctor (who now appeared in their true colours). They both tried hard to frighten me but without effect, for I told them I believed that it had saved the life of my wife, as the Doctor's prescriptions of Calomel and Jallop did more harm than good. The Doctor saucily demanded if I knew better than he did. I said, perhaps not, but I know what suits my wife best. They then dismissed me, but we were never good friends afterwards, and if Newton and one or two others could have had their way both Captain and Doctor would probably have been in the "shark's belly" long ere the voyage was over, for rogues in principle never like honest men.

Sunday 4th

We feel the weather more pleasant being further from the line and about 2000 miles from the Cape.

Monday 5th

This day being requested by several of the people to assert my right to see the rations weighted out, I went down for that purpose. I had determined to look on and say nothing then till I had informed myself and others of their way of serving them out, but I could see almost as soon as I got down that everything was done in a shuffling underhand manner between the chief mate and a few picked fellows, and knowing that I, with many others likeminded with myself were hated and despised by the Captain I gave up altogether as Mr. Gibb had done long before, and thus we got on as well as we could with rations just sufficient to keep us from starving and these of a very inferior quality, although Mr. Marshall had provided a good supply of provisions we (in general) never had them, only as I afterwards learned some old ship stores were served out to the majority, while a few favoured ones were served on the Captain and Doctor's behalf in case we made any stir about it when the ship arrived at her destination. (Hobart town).

Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th

Fair wind and fine weather.

Thursday 9th - nine weeks

Last night the wind blew a gale but in our favour. We ran from 7 to 11 knots.

Friday 9th

Scarce any alteration in the weather. This morning we saw the island called Tristan de Cuhna about 37 miles south of us and 1200 miles west of the Cape of Good Hope. The Doctor shot an albatross measuring 8 ft. from tip to tip of wings.

Saturday 10th

Weather still rough.

Sunday 11th

Last night has been dreadfully rough. This morning I heard "Bill" Young, a sailor, say he thought we should have foundered but thank God we are all alive and well, except myself, having been afflicted, as were some others with a very large boil under my cheek bone. These boils are believed to arise from the salt provisions. The religious mockery is now dispensed with.

Monday 12th

At half past eleven here it was six in the morning at home.

This day I have completed my 37th year and now must say with the Poet:

Here I repent and sin again, Now I revive and now am slain. Slain with the same unhappy dart, which oh! too often wounds my heart.

Tuesday 13th

Fair wind and fine weather - but rather cold. This morning about one (1) died Eliza, daughter of Ben and Anne Woolley, from Suffock, aged 2 years. She was committed to the deep about 4 this afternoon.

Wednesday 14th

We seem now to have fallen in with the Westerly winds, which, the Captain says blow here 9 times out of 12. Upon the whole we have very little unfavourable wind so that we can say with the good old Seer of Ramah:- "Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." But the returns which are rendered to him for his Goodness are scarcely anything but cursing, swearing, lying and blaspheming His Holy name. At 12 o'clock today we are under the Greenwich meridian Hitherto we have been steering westward but from this time we shall steer east.

Thursday 15th - 10 weeks.

We seem to be in a different state as well as another part of the world. Still off the Cape. Smooth water averaging 6 knots. The children are blithe and healthier than myself and wife.

Friday 16th & Saturday 17th

Fine weather, fair wind and smooth water.

Sunday 18th

The wind increases but is still fair. Yesterday a vessel hove in sight on our larboard side, we bore down to speak to her, but a heavy fog came on and hid her from us. We immediately altered our course, as it would have been dangerous to attempt going near her in such a thick fog. Another is now in sight on our starboard, but the wind being strong we are uncertain as yet whether we shall be able to get up near enough to speak.

Monday 19th

This is our Eliza's sixth birthday, thank God she with the others and their dear mother are in good health. We are highly blessed with fine weather, fair winds running 9 knots with square yards. We have almost lost sight of the vessel we saw yesterday as our ship outstrips all we have seen in a strong wind.

Tuesday 20th

This afternoon the vessel gained on us being lightly laden and wind very light. She came up and spoke. She proved to be the "Frinkellen" 60 days from Liverpool for Canton.

Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th - 11 weeks.

Fine weather and fair winds going about 10 knots with little variation.

Sunday 25th (Christmas Day)

We have very fine weather and fair wind. Last Christmas Day I and my wife with Eliza, Caroline and John dined with my father and mother, we little thought at the time that I my wife and four children should on this day be more than 2000 miles beyond the Cape of Good Hope, to see the sun rise at half past 4 in the morning and set at half past 7. The moon looks quite upside down to what it does in England.

Monday 26th

Last night while running before the wind at a good rate a sudden heavy squall came right in our teeth which nearly knocked the ship over but we were mercifully preserved. This day I was much pleased and delighted in reading the last 6 verses of the 73rd Psalm.

Tuesday 27th

Fine weather, fair Wind. About 4 this afternoon we spoke the ship "Virginia", whaler of Bremen out 4 months. Just as we left her the oil they were boiling caught fire, it blazed furiously but they soon put it out again.

Wednesday 28th

Strong fair wind going about 8 knots. Last night about half past 10 the pale King of Lerros paid his first visit to our part of the ship by separating the soul from the body of William Mitson aged 50, and in the afternoon the mortal part was committed to the unfathomable ocean.

Thursday 29th - 12 weeks.

Fine weather and fair wind averaging 5 knots.

Friday 30th

About as yesterday.

Saturday 31st December, 1836

Last night the wind blew a gale, but in our favour. An American whaler passed near but it was too rough to venture near enough to speak. Our main topsail and foresail were blown to pieces.

Sunday January 1st 1837

Sunday morning ushers in a New Year. The year 1836 has gone into eternity and it is only because "His mercies endureth for ever" that nearly 400 immortal souls did not go with it, for indeed the greedy sea seemed ready to swallow us up at once. But we are yet alive to see the sun rise once more. Bless the Lord oh: my soul.

Monday 2nd

Not much wind this morning but the ship rolls very much on account of the late gale. The last enemy this morning cast the fatal dart at Sarah Caroline wife of Henry Jordan aged 24 years (from Deersley Gloucestershire). As soon as she could be sewn up she was given to the waves.

Tuesday 3rd

The old proverb says "Accidents seldom happen alone" and so we found it.

This morning my wife left the berth to get a little coffee I had prepared for her. The ship rolled so much that scarce anyone could keep their feet and my sweet little Betsy about 5 months old was actually tossed from the top berth on to the floor. She was apparently uninjured, but what we could not see she felt so that she died soon after our landing. About 8 p.m. the wind was blowing a gale, on a sudden the wheel broke and we were in an awful state for about an hour and a half, but through mercy we were preserved once more.

Wednesday 4th

This morning the gale settled down into a strong fair breeze and we glide on allightfully at the rate of 7 knots.

Thursday 5th - 13 weeks.

The weather has been very cold for a fortnight past, but is now considerably milder as we proceed onward.

Friday 6th

Rather unpleasant today, constantly raining but the wind is favourable.

Saturday 7th

Fine weather, fair wind and smooth sea. The wind decreased so much that instead of 8 we came to 2 1/2 knots.

Sunday 8th

Last night the wind blew a gale but in our favour. It was so strong that the jib sheet went to pieces, and the main tops gallant yard gave way, but by furling the sails quickly further damage was prevented.

Monday 9th

A good stiff breeze from the larboard quarter going 9 knots on an average.

Tuesday 10th

Wind and weather as yesterday with some rain. Seeing the sailors clearing and packing away the things that can be dispursed with cheers us a little as it shows we are getting near our destination thanks to Him who rules each wave whose hand is ever near to save.

Wednesday 11th

Very cold rain with hail storms and squally weather but fair wind going 6 knots.

Thursday 12th - 14 weeks

Very cold weather but fair wind, the sea runs high and the ship rolls much so that we can scarcely lie in our beds. This day Ann, daughter of Ben and Ann Woolley, aged 3 years died, and was cast into the great deep.

Friday 13th

This morning we are almost becalmed, but at 2 o'clock a stiff breeze sprang up and we were going very nicely at about 9 knots.

Saturday 14th

About the same as yesterday.

Sunday 15th

Last night the wind increased to a heavy gale. This morning it shifted right round in our teeth so that we were obliged to lay to. About 2 o'clock a heavy sea struck the ship and broke away the top rail of the bulwarks on the larboard side, half an hour later another sea struck her and broke away the stanchions on the larboard side and carried away the shattered parts of the other side, also a boat which was fixed between the main and mizzen masts was tossed on the deck.

Monday 16th

It has been dreadfully rough all night and the ship rolls very much. I lay down in my wet bed last night with Eliza and Caroline not expecting to see daylight again but mercy has once more triumphed over judgement and we are again spared to see the light of another day while Sarah, daughter of Ezra and Sarah Willicombe aged 15 years has closed her eyes in death.

Tuesday 17th

The wind and weather have changed greatly to our satisfaction and we have the pleasure of seeing the anchors being got in readiness and our boxes being brought on deck to air etc.

Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th - 15 weeks.

Fine weather and fair winds. Mrs. McPherson who occupies the next berth to mine told me that the Captain and Doctor had been trying to get hold of my journal and had offered 5/- to anyone who would bring it to them.

Friday 20th & Saturday 21st

The weather is fine and calm, but the little wind we have is unfavourable and our progress very little.

Sunday 22nd

We are frequently disappointed in our expectations for we were hoping to spend this day in the courts of our Benefactor and Preserver, in the New World, but we are still on the deep waters. Oh that God would be pleased to hasten our deliverance out of this sick hole of hell. 11 o'clock the wind changed in our favour and increased until we ran 9 knots. Thank God for his goodness.

Monday 23rd

This morning about half past 3 being first break of day the pleasing cry of "Land, Land" was echoed through the ship. It was a merciful providence that we did not make it before the man appointed to "Look out" very foolishly kept abaft the fore-sheet where he could see nothing. Thomas Watchorn one of the passengers and also an old marine went to the forecastle for some purpose, and looking up shouted as loud as possible "Port Helm" or we shall be on the rocks". The Captain ran out with only his shirt on to see what was the matter, he swore dreadfully at the "Look out" and altered the ships course. T. Watchorn declared to me afterwards that as the ship wore round he could have flung a penny piece on the rocks. Although we were in such imminent danger yet the appearance of the land, rocks and smooth water were beautiful in the twilight of morning as the suns reflecting rays appeared above the horizon our hearts almost danced for joy, to think that we were apparently so near our journey's end. We ran into Storm Bay this evening.

Tuesday 24th

After we got into Storm Bay the wind being favourable we ran very pleasantly all night. At half past 6 in the morning we saw the pilots boats and fired a small cannon to call one who soon came on board (his name was "Lawrence"). He conducted us to our anchoring place about 10 o'clock where we dropped our anchor to our great joy and satisfaction and in the afternoon bid farewell to our wooden jail and jail keepers.

Oh that we may praise Him for all that is past and trust Him for all that's to come.

Last modified: 27jul04.1716 gwa