Diary of James Moorehouse

Notes

This From the Mortlock Library of South Australiana, D 8042(L).  First two pages are positions only.

Diary Transcript

May 12, 1869

The ship “City of Adelaide”, Jn Bruce Comm left Shadwell basin this day, on the morning of 14th were in Plymouth and the following day made sail at 5 pm, with following passengers –

LA Weld, lady and 6 children & governess

Miss Brigitte, T de Lisle.

HW Blundell

R Holmes, J Paulin- E Cope, Mr & Mrs Hall, Capt Tapley, Miss Crampton, Miss Conray, Miss & Mr Odermann, Mrs and Miss Miller, & a host of Mr Weld’s servants.

JH Webb MD in charge of physic &c.

May 28

This has been our first warm day, so in the morning now there is a general “rush oh” for the bath.  I have to take mine__ to be in anything like time.

May 30

Passed very close to Eng Barque “Belle” from London to China yesterday & today, very close to E Barque “Annie” from London – the former 20 days out to our 15.  had three services this Sabbath.

June 3

We during day passed a large ship the “Resolute” from London to Sydney, but 2 days longer out than we are.  The weather is very oppressive, but fortunately does not rain this morning and yesterday morning I have had turns of the deck.

June 4

Tremendous heavy rain all morning - 1000 gals of fresh water.  A man met with an accident, got his head frightfully cut.

June 6

After two day days (sic) heavy rain, we at last are fained with a fine day & steady breeze, passed several outward-bounders

We had capital sailing when down in 42º S.  doing over 200 miles a day during the whole of July.  Of  course on coming to anchor on our 77th day, we had pilot, ship reporters and several boats of friends.

Capt Douglas took of Gov Weld, Blundell and De Lisle & they went to Govt House.

We had a sweep as to the hour the pilot should board us & the Treasurer (Cadenhead) won it.  Bruce behaved very well to all, & was presented with a testimonial of 20 sovs.

The South Australian came out in 74 days

The Yatala came out in 77 days

The SS Balclutha with Gov Weld on board broke down, passengers and mails taken to Wallaroo in Aury…

Transcription by Adrian Brown, Adelaide.