The Parkin Diary.

This diary is taken from the original 73 handwritten  pages/notes. They were loaned to me by Daisy McSkimming of Woolgoolga.  The original spelling and style has been maintained, as far as possible. This pleasant task was done, with great pride, in March 1987, by Fred McSKIMMING, [a great grandson of the  Parkin pioneers,]  of  15 Jemalong Crescent, TOORMINA, 2452. (via COFFS  HARBOUR.)  ph  02 6653 1511.

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DIARY KEPT BY  MARY ANN PARKIN  DURING VOYAGE FROM PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND, TO SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES, 1882

 [ With husband William and two year old daughter Ellen ]

 

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17th 1882 .Started from Central Station, Manchester by five past six train, with a  heavy heart.  It  was a great wrench leaving those behind I cared so much  for.  Our first stoppage being Derby, where we all gladly left our carriage and I  began my  sickness. It, however did me good and after a good cup of tea and a  sleep on the seats in the waiting room, felt revived and concluded for healths sake, I must conquer my feelings.

 

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18th 1882 After seventeen hours journey, we reached Plymouth. Our friends of the journey and  fellow Emigrants, Mr and Mrs Castley and their children, Mr  Harry  Cowap from Manchester and Mr James Killip from the Isle of Man, composed our  party. We  made  ourselves as comfortable as we could during the night and  each  one dropped into a doze. Nellie slept from nine to six. At that hour we arrived at Bristol and the gentlemen purchased us a large jug of tea. The jug was  bought full  of  tea  at Derby and gladly we hailed its arrival.  In  Plymouth  about eleven  a.m.  where we found a man awaiting us to take us to the depot  and  a weary  party  we  were. Poor Nellie fast asleep again.  On  reaching  our  new quarters  the  scene  was the reverse of encourageing. A  large  room  roughly furnished with wooden tables and forms. I shall never forget the sinking  that came over me and each minutes experience tended to increase it. Poor  children crying  and many mother joining them. Nellie looking so bewildered and  asking for  dinner  time.  We sat at our table about half an hour  looking  at  empty plates and wondering what one should be refaled with. It came at last.  Boiled beef,  potatoes  boiled in their jackets I scarcely tasted.  Tea  time  rather better, good bread and butter and at last some long wished tea. Then came  bed time. No one allowed to leave the sleeping dormitory when once they enter till the bell rings. Then up at six in the morning. We found on entering, one large whitewashed  room with bunks one over another. Very small and beds very  hard. The  noise dreadful. Ate with the people, including little children crying  in all  directions. I wonder how we should sleep at all. Poor Nellie uterly  worn out  dropped off to sleep luckily and after a while I followed suit and  never woke  till  the  bell rang loudly. Then the scene of the  night  previous  was repeated. Such noise and bustle.

 

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19th 1882 Felt better rested than I expected, having had such a hard bed. Had  to  wake Nellie  to dress which I was sorry to do. She seemed so sleepy. Near the  port at  eight then at ten to the Doctors inspection. We passed successfully.  Then had our luggage examined. Kit and three canvas bags served out. We all  seemed much happier today and family after family keep coming in the depot. Tired and weary  as  we  were all seem scarce reconciled to the rough  mode  of  living. Though  the  new  comers all look very dejected on first  entering.  Wrote  my second  letter  home and to Southport. Am writing with Nellie  sitting  on  my knee. It is a novel sight to look upon. Every form filled. Many writing,  some playing cards, single men on one side of the room and married people down  the other. Single girls have much better quarters. One accordian is being  played. This  cart  hour. The room is strewed with canvas bags and shelves  all  being filled.  Now a tin whistle has joined the accordian making the  melody  rather distracting.  Now a violyn. I have seen several concertinas. I hope they  wont begin too. Now I hear from the single mens side. Harry Cowap singing something about 'Jack's come home'. Chorus taken up by nearly all. Sounds very nice  and cheers one up

 

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20th 1882 

Had a good nights rest. Poor Nellie, so hard to waken, though the noise around us  was enough to waken any. After a good wash she brightened up, and we  went outside  where we found a boat awaiting and eight of our single men were  told 'off  to the Peterborough with luggage'. We have a pretty view from the  front of  the depot. Nothing but water, but the Peterborough lies out of sight.  The men are off. That is the first move. I hear they return tonight and we all  go on  board  tomorrow. All seem eager to be off. The sea looks great  today.  On passing the luggage room I heard a concertina. On looking in I saw instead  of piles  of  box's as before, quite a clearance and many  couples  dancing.  All signs of grief gone, all the discomfort forgotten.

 

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21st 1882 All to go on board today. Weather beautiful. All bustle and activity.  Steamer to  be  here at ten. All to pass the Doctor again, previous to  embarking.  We pass again, all right. I hear some are rejected and have to go away again.  We shake  hands with John, the depot manager and go aboard the steamer. I  wonder when we shall tread the land again. Such a stream of people there seem to  be. Now  we are all on board and orders are given for no cheering or noise  to  be made till the steamer is out from the fastenings. Then when that is done, they cheer  heartily,  and as we steam away they strike up 'God  Bless  Our  Nation Land',  and sing it through. There is many a tear shed now. Are soon  come  in sight of our ship, and see the sailors all on the look out for us. It seems  a fine  ship. We are soon aboard and find our berth at once. Our number  is  39, mess 24. William is captain of our mess. We are highly pleased with the change from the depot. Our berths being much more comfortable. They now serve  dinner and begin to wind up the anchor and spread the sails. Soon we are off and  for any motion we fell. Might see on land. Lose sight of land at 3.15.  All  seems well  and happy. Our bunks are one above another. Ours is a top one and  right in a corner at the ships side. No one sleeps in the bunk under ours as a  kind of  a gutter runs the length of the ship, though it has to be kept quite  dry. Our mess is composed of 6 adults and 6 children. We have cosy forms to sit  on and when our tables are not in use they are pushed to the top of the  uprights and secured by bolts, till we lower them again for use. Our mess mates are  Mr and  Mrs  Lister  from Middlesboro and 3 children, Mr  and  Mrs  Jackson  from Newcastle on Tyne and 2 children and ourselves. Castleys were taken from us as the number of children was not right. They are in the next mess

 

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd 1882 Passed our first night aboard. Now I feel the dreaded sickness creeping on. Go on deck. Lots were suffering likewise. Am very bad till morn then go a  little better.  Sighted 5 ships today. They say we may go 1000 miles now and not  see one. I enjoy hearing the sailors sing as they pull the ropes. One sings a line as  they cease pulling, then the others grin in Chorus and all pull  together. They all seem very kind to us. Sick again. Tried to stay in my bunk again  but Doctor  found me and ordered me on deck again. He is very kind and the  breeze does  revive one. There is a strong breeze and the sea is much  rougher.  Many are quite prostrate with sickness. Nellie is quite well and seems as happy  as at  home. She said just now  'Aunt Pantis was knocking at the door'.  She  sits and  sings about Jenny and Granny. It upsets me to hear her. We were  on  deck last night till 10 o'clock and the ship was rocking very much. We are skirting the  Bay of Biscay and it is a nasty place, so I hear. Generally  rough.  Body regard  to  cleanliness is kept strictly and we have a pint  of  milk  allowed daily for Nellie (condensed) and also an egg. We have crate eggs yet, but they will  soon be done, then preserved ones, and a plentiful supply of good  bread and butter, tea and coffee, sugar and salt beef, salt pork and preserved meat. Alternately,  I  cannot manage the meat but am satisfied with  the  bread  and butter.  I  find it very inconvenient to dress and undress in my bunk.  It  is like creeping into a box with one end knocked out and the end curtained and so the  bunks go on in long rows like box after box, placed side by side  and  if you rise on your knees in your bunk, you can see into the one on each side. It is  not very pleasant but it cannot be helped where so many are  stowed.  They are  more airy than I thought they would be. Some dress partly outside, but  I prefer  to  finish before I creep out. It is a good climb into ours  being  at top.

 

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd 1882 Passed  a  rough night. Mess tins rolling about the place in  all  directions. Nellie  slept  well  through  it all and I got up  feeling  much  better  than yesterday  but cannot stay below long. The noise and confusion  together  with the  close  smell that is sure to arise. So many people have slept  and  still occupy.  Just seen a lot of porpoises playing around the ship,  leaping  right out  of  the  water. A shark was sighted this morning. The  deck  is  full  of amusements  tonight. On one place dancing, another singing and as the moon  is rising it is very pleasant. Have gone below after an enjoyable evening.

 

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24th 1882 Came  on  deck  about 6.30 am and the sea looked  beautiful.  The  waves  much stronger than I had ever seen and topped with foam. It was  the  beginning of  a series  of  squalls. All today, nothing but tossing about. Began  my  sickness again.  Sickness continued till today, Thursday, so I have several days of  my diary to complete. Sunday night was terrible. One of the sails torn to ribbons and down below the scene was dreadful. Nearly everyone was sick. William  felt shaky for the first time. He has been able to wait upon me well previously  as he had no sign of sickness. No service was held and very little food  partaken of. I kept my bunk all afternoon.  Nellie, she was very pitiful for me after a severe attack. She stroked my face and said 'No more Mama, no more'

 

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25th 1882 Had a dreadful night. Weather still squally. Nellie began to be very sick. She has been well all along. Will not take food. I am still bad. Begin to wish  we were at the end of our voyage and hear many wishing they had never started.

 

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26th 1882 Still  very  rough and raining. Came on deck as Doctor likes us all to  do  if possible but we soon had to run down in consequence of the rain. Sighted  Cape Ortegal.

 

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27th 1882 Passed  a  stormy night. Jib-boom carried away. Things  flying  about  between decks. Crew working hard all night at the sails. I cannot hear them above  the roar of the wind and sea, at one time very dangerous. We are blown back  again in  sight of land we left far behind us yesterday. All the women in  our  mess prostrate with sickness. Nellie not able to take food.

 

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28th 1882 Dreadfully boisterous all night. Many very frightened about 5 this morning.  A heavy  sea  struck the vessel and broke over the deck causing her  to  stagger dreadfully.  Several  men rushed on deck half dressed to see what  was  wrong. Wind  much,  out from Davour at dinner time today. It was amusing to  see  the captain  of  messes carry the pea soup from the cooking galley.  Scarcely  any could keep their feet on deck and to carry a large tin of hot pea soup was  no easy  matter. Many came to grief until some of the sailors (who can  walk  the decks  in  any weather) piloted them to the hatchway. We have  52  sailors,  a double  crew, half of them leave the ship at Sydney. Captain Gardner  has  had command  of  the   'Peterboro' ever since she was built, 7 years  ago.  He  is extremely  careful and our Doctor is very kind and attentive. The 1st Mate  Mr Bracy, the 2nd Le Brun and 3rd Roderick Gardner, the Captains son. We have  as cooks a Frenchman and a Mullattos. There is one black sailor in the crew, the rest are composed of Germans, Sweeds and English

 

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29th 1882 Worse  night than ever. Rain a gale all night long. Early this morning,  shelf and  table was cleared of their contents and butter, bread, tea,  pickles  etc formed  a  mixture  all over the place making  a  most  miserable  appearance. Children  crying  with  fright  at the noise. I've lost  one  teapot  and  our remaining  ones  had  plenty  of  damage done, in  fact  one  kit  presents  a dilapidated appearance, that looked so nice and new. When in Plymouth we  were all saying how useful they would be when we landed, but at this rate they wont last the voyage out. Mr Lister of ourmess went on deck telling (joking) us he would  go  and  see if he could not stop the racket, but  soon  returned  with assistance  having been knocked down by a pork barrel that had burst from  its fastenings  and  after  knocking him down, rolled over his  legs  crushing  it badly. He is first for the hospital. His wife has been prostrate with sickness ever  since we started. They have a baby not weaned so we have to do  what  we can for them. Father and Mother are quite helpless now and Mrs Jackson is very bad too, so are unfortunate as there is plenty of work daily for all, cleaning up and holy storing is hard work. The men have to take it in turns. Those that are  well have to do the work of those that are not and the captain has to  be on deck, for food of some kind is continually served out.

 

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30th 1882 No  change for the better. Miserable in the extreme. Nearly everyone  sick.  I kept my bunk with Nellie all afternoon. She is getting very weak. Took her  to the surgery this morning. Doctor gave me some medicine and arrowroot for  her. We  have seen little pleasure of our voyage so far. It is awful to  lie  awake listening to the waves dashing against the ship and roaring. The wind  howling through  the  sails.  There  are lots that  have  been  suffering  badly  with sickness.  Now  having bottled stout and chicken broth are served out  by  the Doctor.  I  never went to him in my sickness. I conquered it a  good  deal  by perscribing  to  a little dry biscuit. One does not feel at all  inclined  for food  in  such  cases, but if none is taken and the  vomiting  continues,  the stomach gets too weak to retain food. I keep a biscuit in my ulster pocket and keep  forceing myself to nibble a bit and I find I am much better  than  those run and get brandy and beef tea, though I have felt sorry we did not smuggle a better  brandy as it is good sometimes but I dont care to ask the  Doctor  for it.

 

SUNDAY OCTOBER 1st 1882 Surely we have reached the climax in the weather. The Doctor says he never saw a  worse night than last was. Sleep was out of the question. The  ship  rocked from  side  to side, keeping us continually knocking against the side  of  our bunks. Early this morning a sea broke over the decks, rushed down the hatches. Not  the  first by many, but decidedly the worst, like a deluge  covering  our deck and freeing many a bunk. I looked through my curtain, saw several men  in the  middle of the room holding onto the uprights of the tables, for  standing without  something  to  hold tightly was impossible and trying  to  catch  any article that swept past them, when another rush of water came down  completely drenching them. Articles of clothing, food, tinware are carried from one place to the other as the water rushed about the deck. I felt secure from the  water as  I  was in a top bunk but felt sorry for those that I could hear  had  been less  fortunate and wondered how the ship could weather it. The  hatches  were then  closed as was the ventilator. All day the same continued. Nellie  and  I stayed  the  bunk,  being the safest and most  comfortable  place.  The  rough weather  has made Nellie worse and she lies quite listless. Oh, how  I  wished for  my comfortable quiet sitting room in Earl St, just for a little while  to rest  my head. Nothing but rocking and pitching from side to side. The  Doctor came to see how we were situated and a wretched party he must have thought, as not a dry place except our bunks and many of them not even that.

 

MONDAY OCTOBER 2nd 1882 Glorious  change. Calm weather and sun shining. Very enjoyable on deck. I  sat there nearly all day with Nellie. I feel quite anxious about her. She gets  so thin and weak (many children suffering alike), she has no inclination to exert herself at all.

 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 3rd 1882 Very  fine and beginning to get very hot. A married woman dangerously  ill  in hospital is receiving good attention. Mr Lister came out of hospital today but is not able to walk about well yet. Nellie still bad. Not able to touch  food. Doctor  gave  me some mutton broth for her but she cannot take it.  She  keeps asking for Jenny.

 

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4th 1882 Slite fine weather. Nellie rather better. Spent most of the day on deck.  The sights  are  getting very enjoyable. Stars innumerable and we have  some  good singing.  Harry Cowap gives us some good songs and the chorus are  well  taken up, making the effect very pleasing amid the quiet and beauty of the night.

 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 5th 1882 Heat  increasing, but extremely pleasant on deck. Nellie improving  a  little. Doctor gave me lime water for her. He is very kind and supplies patients  with all  the  medical  comforts he can. They say we are opposite  the  Straits  of Gibralter.  Have lost much time owing to contrary winds, but are pulling up  a little. Now gone 205 miles in the last 24 hours.

 

FRIDAY OCTOBER 6th 1882 Have  the sad news of a death to record. Mrs Casson who went to hospital  this week died at noon today. She came from Waterford, Ireland, to Plymouth and was very sick and when in the depot seemed quite out of sorts and since we came on board  she  has been very bad. She sat down beside me on deck  on  Monday  and asked me for a drink of water, which I gave her and soon after I heard she had gone  to hospital (unfortunately hers was among the bunks that got flooded  on Saturday). They removed her into the Captains cabin (at his request) to ensure more comfort and I hear the last few days, she was kept alive by champagne, so she lingered on until noon today. She leaves a little girl about Nellies  age. Is to be buried tomorrow at 9.30.  It has cast a gloom over us all.  I hope we shall have no more such news to record. Nellie much better.

 

SATURDAY OCTOBER 7th 1882 Calm  morning, all assembled on deck for the funeral. The body was  placed  in one  of the boats last night and this morning the sailors lowered it onto  the deck.  When  all  was  ready, one of the emigrants  read  the  service  (Roman Catholic).  Then the Union Jack, which had formed a covering was  removed  and the  body  then lowered into the sea without even a splash, it  was  indeed  a melancholy sight. The husband seemed to console himself with card playing, but my heart aches for the little one, though there are several families from  the same  place that takes charge of her in turn. There is much sickness owing  to the severe weather. Preparing for service tomorrow.

 

SUNDAY OCTOBER 8th 1882 Sundays  seem  fated  to  be the worst days we  have.  The  weather,  so  calm yesterday,  has changed. We are going along at a rapid speed, but the  rocking of the ship had bought on sickness and I have joined the number of  sufferers. Nellie and I spent the afternoon in the bunk. Most miserable and Nellie  would keep talking of them all at home, which added to my misery. I thought of  them all  together  as we used to be on Sundays and now I am tossing about  on  the sea, ill and no quiet place to rest.

MONDAY OCTOBER 9th 1882 All  the  bad weather has vanished with Sunday. The sun is out and  all  seems brighter.  I,  that was so wretched yesterday, am much better  in  health  and spirits and Nellie shares the change. Had our dinner on deck as it was so fine and  enjoyed  it immensely. Sat on the bulwarks in the  evening  watching  the phosphorous in the water and then the stars. I thoroughly enjoyed myself  till bedtime.

 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 10th 1882 Lovely  day. Nellie much better. We are making better progress now.  The  Mate says  they have made the same distance in five days, that we have done now  in nearly  3  weeks, having had contrary winds and been tacking  about  so  much. Today  we  have a fair wind. The sunset tonight was grand,  the  colours  were splendid. One woman said it was worth the voyage to see.

 

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12th 1882 Came  on  deck  early and saw people gazing at some  indistinct  object  which proved  to be the peak of Teneriffe and as we neared it, the view  was  grand. How  I  wished some of them at home could see it too. We had a  good  view  of Santa  Cruz lying in a valley surrounded by rocks. The colours and  shades  of which  as we saw there in the sunshine impossible to describe. We can see  the buildings  indistinct in Santa Cruz and also the coastguard station and  light house and large caves in the rocks. A large steamer apparently homeward  bound is  plainly visible and the peak of Teneriffe towering right above the  clouds with  a patch of snow on the summit. Some large rocks, very jagged, right  out in  the sea. Turning from the lovely view I saw a little distance from  us,  a very pitiful sight. A young Mother and Father watching their baby girl  slowly dying.  Such a bonny little thing she was. At Plymouth, it came to Nellie  and wanted to kiss her. Quite healthy then. It has been ill for about a fortnight. Diarrhoea  and teething. The lovely scenery is dimmed now. The Grandmother,  a nice old lady apparently between 60 and 70, has watched by it at night  during the past few days. She has been almost heartbroken. We are having deaths  very quickly.  This  is two in less than a week and the tropics not passed  yet.  I feel alarmed for the children. Nellie is still very weak. I am thankful to  be so well again myself, and able to attend to her.

 

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13th 1882 Mrs  Barlow's  baby buried at 8.30 this morning. I did not go to  see.  Nellie much  better. All bustle and confusion. Our boxs are being brought up  and  we have 2 hours to take out what we require for the next 3 weeks. I wish I  could sketch the scene. Everyone seems glad to see their property again. I found  on searching  ours, the apples we had left are nearly all decayed. Nellie  wanted to keep several of her articles of clothing out that she quickly saw.  Weather very fine.

 

SATURDAY OCTOBER 14th 1882 Beautiful  weather  and  we  are going along rapidly.  Have  now  entered  the tropics. Nellie is much better and running about quite lively today. We had  a good bath this morning and found it very refreshing. Just been below and found our  cabin  deluged  through the open port hole. I got clothing  wet  but  the others  had  their  bags drenched. Sailor caught a large  tiger  moth  on  the rigging. A beautiful colour and large as a full grown mouse. All our mess  had tea  on  deck  today and while in the midst of it (we  were  all  enjoying  it immenslely) Nellie had a large piece of apple tart in her hand and I some  jam tart when Nellie held up her hand (tart in it) and said 'See Mama, Gempan' and on looking up I saw the Captain and Doctor looking down on us from the  bridge laughing.  I felt rather confused as I was afraid I should get scolded by  the Doctor for letting Nellie eat the tart, but she craved for it so.

 

SUNDAY OCTOBER 15th 1882 Oh,  what a splendid day. It really seems like Sunday. All have  donned  their tropical  clothes. Sailors look so nice in their white suits. Roll called  in, the  first time all had to pass by the Doctor and the Captain. As  names  were called,  two  messes  have  one absent and another  little  one  very  ill  in hospital. Doctor read the morning service and we sung two hymns. I enjoyed  it greatly. Had all our meals on deck.  Heat increasing very much. Expect to reach the line on Friday.  I have never described how we are placed on  board.  The single  men are at the fore part of the ship, or as they say, forard;  married people, midship; single girls, aft. They have what they call the Poop deck  to walk  on. The single men, the forecastle, and we the maindeck. The single  men are allowed to come amongst us at times, though they are supposed to come  aft of  the  galley, but the single girls are not allowed to  leave  their  place. There  are 3 Matrons over there and 2 constables to fetch their food and  wait upon  them,  so  that they never leave their place for anything  nor  are  the constables allowed to go among them. Everything goes down a slide to them.  We have  3 constables too. Their duty is to see the places are kept clean and  to keep order generally. The men are allowed to visit any relation they may  have among  the  girls on Sunday afternoon. Excepting those occasions,  they  never meet. A young Irishman went to the Doctor today requesting leave to go aft  to ee  his intended. When the Doctor asked her name "Shame, I dont  know",  said the  man,  "but,  if  you'll  let me go, I'll  soon  pick  her  out".  He  got permission

 

MONDAY OCTOBER 16th 1882 Heat  getting  dreadful  down  below. Cannot  rest  at  night.  Well,  weather delightful. See lots of flying fish. Sit on deck nealy all day.

 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 17th 1882 Weather grand but so hot. Dreadful down below. Many sleeping on deck now.  Sky lovely.  Saw shoal of porpoises close to ship. Nellie much better.  She  talks daily  of Granny and repeats all their names at home over and over. She  calls ll  little  girls 'fairies'.  Sighted Cape de Verde Island.  Lots  of  Mother Careys  chickens flying about. Had a concert on deck last night.  Lasted  till 10. Very good.

 

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 1882 Another little one died last night. Was buried this morning. It is very sad to think of a mother may be nursing her child at night and it may be buried  next morning,  so quickly do they bury. Mrs Lister's baby is very ill. Doctor  says it  is sunstroke. Several are suffering same way. The heat is intense  and  we are almost becalmed. William and I keep well.

 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 19th 1882 Scarcely  a  breath  of  air anywhere. Awnings spread  but  the  sun  is  very powerful.  Nellie  keeps pretty well. Vessel scarcely moving.  All  women  and children have to pass the Doctor 2 and 3 times during week now to see if there are  any signs of disease. Listers baby very ill. Many children  run  barefoot and  men  too. William cuts a queer figure in his flannel trousers  and  white peaked hat. His shirt sleeves rolled up (also his trousers up to the knee), no shoes or stockings on sometimes. That completes his attire.

 

FRIDAY OCTOBER 20th 1882 Cool and pleasant on deck, but down below like a stove. Dread bedtime  coming. A  swallow  rested  on  the ladders today, close  to  us.  Seemed  tired  out. Beautiful moonlight now at night and we have some nice concerts.

 

SATURDAY OCTOBER 21th 1882 Good  breeze  makes it a little cooler. We drink lime juice  plentifully  now. Most of the children covered from top to toe with a rash, owing to the heat. I cannot describe the splendour of the tropical sky, though we see but little of it  during  the day. Awnings being spread where possible.  Doctor  still  kept busy. We keep well, enjoy our food, which we vary with puddings, pies etc.

 

SUNDAY OCTOBER 22nd 1882 Another baby died early this morning. Buried at 8. Spreads a gloom over us  to hear  such  news. Had the mustering then service. Weather  hotter  than  ever. Sighted  a large sailing vessel. We strain our eyes at such a sight. It  is  a welcome sight. We seem to have been a long time now gazing at unlimited  space of sea and sky.

 

MONDAY OCTOBER 23rd 1882 Large  waterspout  broke near us this morning. Sails were taken  in  previous. They thought a tornado was coming. Had a bad night through heat and toothache.  Nellie  cannot rest, she gets so hot, she began chatting about 'Artie and  the coal wagon' and 'Jenny and the swing'. She calls the cooking galley the 'Shop' owing I suppose to seeing all we eat, comes from there.

 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 24th 1882 William  was on watch last night from 12 to 4. (watches are taken every  night in  turn). He awoke me at 4 to see the comet. It was well worth getting up  to see.  I had no idea of such a sight, so brilliant and such a great length  and surrounded  as  it  was  by myriads of stars, many  shooting  about  in  every direction. Mrs Jackson, Lister and Castley were with us. We brought our chairs (we bought 2 folding chairs at Plymouth and they are such a comfort), on  deck and  sat watching the sky till 5 then went to our bunks and slept till 7  then began a day, full of sensation. Had not been on deck long when several  sharks were  sighted. Previous to that a shout was raised 'man overboard'. Some  said they  could  see his arms waving. There certainly was a hat floating,  but  it proved to be the Captain's cork helmet that he had purposely  thrown overboard to give the crew practice. Quickly a boat manned and the hat rescued, then  as soon as the boat was hauled up again the cry went 'sharks, sharks' and we  all rushed  to the bulwarks. I saw the head and fins of one, then we were  quickly hustled down below, the rain descended in torrents. They kept firing shots  at the sharks, but did not succeed in catching any. When the Captain had his  gun raised  to shoot, a swallow alighted on the barrel. The poor birds  are  tired and  seem so tame. Had to keep below owing to the continual downpour of  rain, such  as  we have never seen at home. Some women had their  husbands  carrying tubs of rainwater down to hide under their bunks in readiness for washing  the next day. The doctor getting wind of it, came in searching with a lantern.  He went  to one mess and they said 'they had none hid'. He searched however,  and found one, had it taken away. In a few minutes, I heard a roar of laughter. He had just gone back to them, not being satisfied and discovered one more.  That was taken away, then he requested them to shift the form they were sitting on, and  underneath he found another. He took it good temperedly,  considering  he had,  had so much trouble and they had tried to deceive him so. We  had  water enough (as I told him, when he searched our place), without having it standing in tubs, the deck was a complete puddle.

 

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 25th 1882 Rain  again. Much cooler, squalls driving us along rapidly, wind very  strong, torn  2 sails to pieces. Very changeable. In an hour we may be  becalmed.  All our women sick again and turned into my bunk very bad for a while, but went on deck  about 7.30 and stayed till 10 feeling much better. Beautifully fine  and moonlight. I have great dread of the rats. Many have been seen, fortunately  I have seen none yet.

 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 26th 1882 Been  on board 5 weeks today. Mrs Roberts, next mess to ours, got a  daughter. Both doing well. Went on deck early and weather was fine then, but soon had to run  down again. You may go on deck and find the sun shining brightly and  sea quite  calm, then you may see far away a dark cloud and line across  the  sea, beyond  that the waves are larger and larger than those near you. The  sailors can  tell you to a minute how soon the rain and the wind will reach  us,  this the latitude for rain and waterspouts. We are much behind time in reaching the equator.  The winds are so unfavourable for us and sometimes we are  becalmed. We stayed on deck till 10, beautifully moonlight and very calm then.

 

FRIDAY OCTOBER 27th 1882 Squally  weather. Went on deck, fine then. Just got our chairs opened out  and my sewing out when the constable came and said we must all be down in half  an hour. Sailors began preparing for a storm, uncoiling ropes and taking in sail. We  could  see  the  rain in the distance. We did not  get  such  a  storm  as expected, chiefly rain.

 

SATURDAY OCTOBER 28th 1828 Weather  rather better. Had heavy rain during the night. Much cooler owing  to Southerly  winds. It seems strange to think of cool South winds and hot  North winds  but we are going towards the land of contra dec...... .  William  baled some  water out of the sea for Nellie and I to have a cold bath. The water  in the bathroom being always hot. It was very enjoyable.

 

SUNDAY OCTOBER 29th 1882 Nice  morning. Mustered and inspected as usual then service. We are all  going along  splendidly  now  and the ship is very  steady.  After  dinner  Doctor's assistant distributed sweets among the children. There was a scramble.  Nellie shouted  with  glee when she saw the bottles and held out her hands  like  the rest.  Doctor  stood on the Poop watching, seeming highly amused.  Looks  like Sunday  today,  all  seems well and happy. We had a singing  service.  In  the evening  had  sung 2 hymns, when Captain ordered all women and  children  down below.  Squall  coming.  Went very dark. Put Nellie to bed and  went  on  deck again.  Wind sweeping us along grandly. Rain ceased, stayed till 10,  saw  two vessels pass, homeward bound. I watched them till the lights disappeared.

 

MONDAY OCTOBER 30th 1882 Quite squally. Took Nellie to the Doctor again. She coughs badly. Am afraid it will  prove  to be hooping cough. She says at night 'God  bless  Granny'.  She repeated all their names at home then seemed thinking of some others. At  last she added "and Unkin Ted then Harry and Sonie". If this wind keeps up,  expect to cross the line tomorrow. Are now at latitude 2-10.

 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 31st 1882 Beautiful  morning. Sun very hot, nice breeze. Crossed the equator between  10 and  11 today. Was about 12 mile behind when the log was published (as  it  is daily  at  12).  There was a deal of joking about it. Some believe  it  to  be visible. One of the young men spread the rumour that there would be a  steamer waiting  to tug us across it and there would be many ships waiting their  turn to  be  taken across. Some credited the story. The question  was  going  about asking  us "What were you doing when we crossed ?". I was mending up  my  warm dress  ready  for the cold weather again. The heat in the sun is  intense.  We have  to  keep well under the awnings. I have many a chase after  Nellie.  She darts  about,  heedless of sun and tropical heat and will not keep  a  hat  on long. Together, if I tie them on ever so tightly, she runs away, pulls it  off and hides it away among the ropes and presents herself laughing before me. The Doctor scolds her too but she does not care. A girl of 12 taken into  hospital just  now, in violent pain from cramp. Diarrhoea very prevalent. Sat  watching the waves till 10, lovely night.

 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1st 1882 Going  along splendidly. Gone 168 miles from 12 yesterday. Did 120  today.  Mrs Roberts baby (born on board) died. Many children ill. Nellies cough still bad.

 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2nd 1882 Good  breeze.  Done 230 miles the last 24 hours. Getting through  the  tropics well.  Mrs  Roberts  baby buried this morning. Nellies  cough  rather  better. Doctor gave me some more sago and condensed milk to make puddings for her. She is  a great favourite with the Captain. He often finds a peppermint  for  her. His  manner  is very gruff at times and he is not liked generally, but  he  is very  kind  to the children. He wanted to take Nellie on the bridge  with  him today but she would not go.

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3rd 1882 Good breeze and nice weather. We are enjoying the voyage heartily now. On deck nearly  all  day  and  enjoy our food there too. We  get  our  bread  toasted. Sometimes it is a nice change. People who knew what emigration was years  ago, would  scarcely credit the comforts we have now. Of course it is rough but  we can  make many things to vary our diet. The bread is very good, tho' a  little sour  now, owing to the heat, certainly. When the ship rolls a good  deal,  we have  the  pleasure of having our tea soup and a seat rolling  about  and  can scarcely  keep  our seats. One of us may have to make a grab at the  tea  pot, another  the bread and butter but it causes a merry and hearty laugh. Some of the times one end of the table is empty and the next minute we have everything there that is not on the floor.

 

DAY NOVEMBER 4th 1882 We are quite busy at our mess today preparing tarts and cakes for tomorrow and doing a general clean up. We have usually done some cooking on Sunday but have decided  in future to start on Saturday. Rained a little today but  not  much. The  Captain was trying to coax Nellie to go up to him on the poop  but  could not  induce her to do so. While he sent one of his boy sailors into his  cabin for  some lump sugar and when Nellie saw that she quickly came up to  him.  He kissed her and gave her some large lumps and she came back in high glee.

 

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5th 1882 Raining  fast when I went on deck to get toast done for breakfast. Cleaned  up after  we  had muster and inspection. They would be amused at home to  see  us passing  by the Doctor and Captain in rotation. The schoolmaster  reading  out our  names. Our mess goes, William Parkin, wife, one child;  William  Jackson, wife,  two  children; B.T. Lister, wife, three children, and so our  mess  has passed  and  I often wonder if we shall all be there another  mustering.  Then comes service, then dinner. Then the young men are allowed to go and see their friends on the poop. It is amusing to see them dressing up to go. The  sailors are regretting they cannot go too. They are not supposed to speak to them  and are  punished  by fines if caught doing so, but somehow they have  managed  to send  and receive notes from the girls. Harry Cowap has gone quite  smart.  We have had some toffy made as it's 5th of November and very good it is too,  and a splendid sunset in lieu of fireworks.

 

MONDAY NOVEMBER 6th 1882 Much  rain  during the night. Plenty of water for us to wash  our  clothes.  I washed  a lot of towels and little things and William put them in the  rigging to dry. They smell salty but are better than left dirty. There was fine fun on deck today. The young men dressed up a figure to represent our steward (who is greatly disliked) painted across his breast was 'Justice' in large letters and he  had a sea biscuit fastened as a medal, beside being embellished  in  other ways,  impossible to describe. The figure was borne shoulder high by a  troupe with  blackened faces headed by Harry Cowap. The procession started  from  the forecastle,  followed up by the single men with concertinas and as much  noise as possible. When they reached the main deck the Captain quickly stopped them. He  was in a great rage. There was a regular stampede back again.  Nellie  was terrified.  I had to take her below and remain there till they had  dispersed. When   they  got  back  to  the  forecastle  they  had  a   Christy   Minstrel entertainment.  Nellies cough proves to be hooping cough and she  has  violent attacks.  Doctor gave me some more medicine, sago etc. Just seen a large  bird called a Booby, perched on the rigging.

 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 7th 1882 Weather  getting colder but very pleasant. We have been doing over  200  miles  daily.  The last 3 days had lots of fun on deck last night. The sailors  began skipping  and it was soon taken up by others. I should think many that  had  a good  skip  last night had not practiced the game for years. Then  the  ship's cook  and Doctors assistant got a lot of the youngsters together and they  had plenty  of lively games. William and I turned into our berth about 10 and  had fallen  asleep when we were awakned by a strange noise and commotion and  such screaming. On looking through the curtain we saw the Doctor and quite a  crowd gathered  and  on  the floor strugglung terribly lay our  next  messmate,  Mrs Jackson  in a kind of a fit. It appears she was just going to climb up to  her bunk  when  a  rat ran across her feet and she fell back,  striking  her  head against the form. The fright caused the fit. She was a long time coming around and  tore  her  hair  out by handfulls. The rats are  very  numerous  but  I'm thankful I've never seen any yet and I try my best not to do so.

 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 8th 1882 Mrs  Jackson  very  ill from the effects of last night and  Nellies  cough  no better.  Doctor  gave me a liniment to rub her back and chest with.  Have  had quite a hospital day, putting mustard plasters on Mrs Jackson and attending to her  and  Nellie alternately. Nellie dislikes her medicine  greatly.  I  dread giving it to her. She says 'No nassy menson Mama'. A flying fish was caught on deck tonight. We see great numbers of them. Another baby 14 months old dead.

 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9th 1882 Ship signalled (Clyde) same course as ours. It is quite an event now to see  a ship and we all heartily glad to get a sight of one though each so indistinct. Nothing  but  sea and sky and the birds. Plenty of mother Careys  chicken  and swallows.  We are going along splendidly. It is grand to sit on  the  bulwarks and  see the waves rolling away from the ships side, covered with foam and  to feel  that we are skimming along so well in our good stout ship, best  of  all with good health and nerves braced to a buoyancy that only the sea breeze  can give.  Nellies cough keeps bad but she bears up well. Poor little  woman,  Mrs Jackson a little better.

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10th 1882 Wet  cloudy morning. A large Albatross following us, wings apparently about  9 feet  across. I got a good view of him as he came right alongside.  Sighted  a vessel  a long way off. Had our box's up. Shall not see them again till a  few days before landing.

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 11th 1882 Very  wet and miserable morning. Vessel we saw yesterday came right  alongside us this morning and heartily glad we were. It seemed such a treat to see other human  beings,  as we have seen none other than our ship mates since  we  left Plymouth. The vessel proved to be a smart American trader and very pretty  she looked.  All her canvas spread and the canvas so clean. She came close  enough for  us to read her name (Mary Whiltrick). They could not muster such a  crowd as we did, being only the crew on her. They would think we were a large party. Everywhere  seemed teeming with people. The single men crowded in the  rigging and  the  girls  all on the poop and such cheering and  waving  hats  and  the Captain  spoke each other and she then moved away but kept alongside  us  some distance till we spread all sail and then soon left her behind. We have had to keep  below more than ever today. The rain being succeeded by a white  squall. Miserable  on  deck.  I prepared the food ready for tomorrow.  Made  our  last apples up in a tart and some cakes and a marmalade tart. When I had  finished, Nellie came to me wet through. I had to change all her things and put her in a bath.  The  Doctor  came  around just now and said 'Mrs  Parkin,  I  saw  your youngster  on  deck in the rain, nothing on her head and  suffering  from  the hooping  cough too', so I told him I had been busy cooking and she had run  on deck un-noticed. I told him I had bathed her, changed all her clothes.  'Thats right then' he said. He is very watchful and attentive to the children.

 

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 12th 1882 Very squally and cold. Cant keep warm below and not fit to be on deck at  all. No mustering or service. Went on deck for a little air after tea but could not stand it long. Lots of Cape Pigeons, Albatross and Molly Hawks flying  around. Cape Pigeons are very pretty, such pretty doppled wings. It looks dreary   all around. The sky a leaden colour.

 

MONDAY NOVEMBER 13th 1882 Rain and wind with heavy sea. Ship rolling dreadfully. Sat in the bunk all day with Nellie as its the safest place. Things are flying about so we had secured all  on  our table but a bottle of pickles and that soon  came  down  covering Williams  coat. He was sitting astride a form trying to read. The ship gave  a heavy  roll  and off, the form started with him. It came into  collision  with another  then another roll and back he came bang up against the ships side.  I could  not help laughing, he looked so droll but he stuck to the form.  Nellie screamed out "Oh, my Dada". She was afraid. Soon after that I heard the galley was  on  fire. I felt alarmed at that, but the firemen soon had  it  out.  The rolling had caused it. The fire brigade practice every Saturday just as though there was a fire. The jets play into the sea. The fire bell rings and the  men rush out and the pumps are going in a few minutes.

 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 14th 1882 assed a rough night tossing from side to side in our bunks. Rougher now  than yesterday.  Nellie  and I stayed in the bunk during the day as it  would  have been impossible to stand. Its dreary work to stay there all day but its by far the  safest place as there is continually something falling about.   The  seas break  over  the  decks with great force. There has been a  lot  of  accidents today. One man got his eye cut, another his hand, one knocked down on deck and badly bruised. Several others injured slightly. I never saw such a heavy  sea. It  is  terrible  to look at the mountains of water we rise out  of  and  meet again. The ship tossing about like a cork

 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 15th 1882 almer  today.  Went on deck with Nellie, well wrapped up as  it's  blistering cold.  The Captain has had some swings put up for the children, so Nellie  had one and was very unwilling to leave it. There was plenty of rain water in  the tanks so I got a tub from the sailors and washed some things. It is better  to do if possible as they would laid dirty in the bags.

 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16th 1882 right  sun, feels like a touch of English winter, keen air, decks  quite  dry and beautifully clean after the rain, and sea was king. Then and we all unable to dirty them. They are well scrubbed daily, but so many of us soon makes them look dirty again. Nellie saw the Captain standing on the poop and he tried  to coax  her  up but she would not go, so he came down and carried her  into  his cabin,  showed  her the pictures and a pretty canary then gave her  a  lot  of sugar. She was delighted. We have just the old trouble with her climbing as at home.  We  have a large cannon near the poop (to be fired in case  we  are  in distress).  I  often find her playing horses on that. I'm most afraid  of  her climbing the bulwarks. Mrs Lord confined of a son.

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17th 1882 Fne weather and light wind. We are scarcely moving along, but it is  pleasant to be able to go on deck and stay nearly all day. Many are the conjectures  as to  when we reach our destination. Some say not before Xmas. Certainly not  at the rate we are going now, but the wind changes often and a good one to  drive us  on  for a few days, would make a change of opinion. Nellies cough  is  not better. Doctor changed her medicine today. William had a bottle too, not being well the last few days.

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18th 1882   Welcome  change. We are cutting through the water rapidly. It is  grand  to look  over  the ships side and see how swiftly and steadily we are  going  and then  to  look up the masts and see every sail filled out. I do wish  they  at home  could take a glimpse of us. I'm sure they would be delighted to see  our ship.  The  mast head seems a dizzy height for the sailors to reach  but  they often  have to go up. I pitied one poor lad today. He was sent up 4 times.  We have had a good negro entertainment tonight. Commenced 6.30 on the main  deck. They did their business well. Had a violin, bones and tamborine. They draped a sort  of stage with the ships flags and borrowed a dozen chairs.  They  looked well  when the curtain was drawn and there they all sat. Plenty of frills  and alltogether  a good get up. They afforded us any amount of fun and we  laughed till our sides ached. Nellie quickly recognised Harry Cowap through his  burnt cork and also James Killip and kept calling to them.  Harry Cowap is a  really good singer and he has a good selection of songs. He sang 'Far away' and  'See that  my  grave's kept green' and 'Blue Alsatian Mountain'. Killip  sang  'Thy voice  is  near me in my dreams' and 'In the days of old' and he  was  equally good. He sang with great taste, quite like a finished vocalist. Harry is  well liked  aboard. He is such a careless, good hearted fellow but  very  reckless, quite a favourite with all the sailors and in every scrape he can possibly get into, quite in contrast to Killip, who is a thorough steady going. Manxman  is equally  good natured but quieter and all together of a more  reliable  nature than  poor careless Harry whom I hear has lost all his money at cards  and  is offering his breast pin in a raffle, but I'm quite straying from the concerts. To  conclude  they had a farce, the barbers shop. I had lent  my  folding  arm chair  for  the conductors use but rather regretted it when I  saw  the  knock about business commence. However when William received it, plentifully smeared with whitewash, fast intact, I was relieved. Nellie at the commencement, cried out  "Dats my Mama's chair". I thought of poor old Ted. He would have been  in his  element among them. We went below at the conclusion and I put  Nellie  to bed. Went on deck again and sat on the bulwarks watching the sea and sky  till 4 bells went (10 o'clock) then we retired.

 

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19th 1882 Had a good tossing in the night, being calm when we went to bed. We left a lot of  things on the table and William had to turn out about 4 o'clock to  gather up  the  rolling articles and secure them, luckily we had put  our  tarts  and which  we  had prepared for today in our lockers or we would  have  been  left lamenting them. William said at dinner today they will be just about be dining at  home. We are in the same meridian as Greenwich, a week or two ago  it  was quite  dark, now it is light at 8.  I have just taken Nellie for her share  of sweets.  It  is amusing to see the rush the youngsters make  to  them.  Nellie holds  out both hands for them and they quickly disappear when she gets  them, then  she  is  ready  for raisons. We get them  issued  out  on  Tuesdays  and Wednesdays, together with flour. The raisons are splendid fruit.

 

MONDAY NOVEMBER 20th 1882 Just change of weather, no wind and a warm sun shining. We are able to sit  on deck  comfortably. The sea is like a fish pond, scarcely a ripple,  and  birds innumerable, are flying around us. We have a new species of bird in sight now. They  are called whale birds. It is said they follow a whale. It  is  reported yesterday  that a whale was spouting near us, but I dont know whether  it  was correct  or  not. Doctor Bremners assurance that a sea  voyage  would  greatly benefit  me is being verified. I never felt so well. The meat I  never  touch, but have capital relish for the other food. Our Doctor told me today he  could see I had gained flesh. I went to him for something for my arm, as it has been rather painful lately. The medicine I brought with me being done.

 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 21st 1882 Little wind with a white mist with drizzling rain. Cleaned up at noon, but  as it was so cold on deck, we stayed below and I read some Chambers Journals then made  some cakes to have hot for tea. We are as anxious to get  something  hot now as we were to get cold a short time ago. At night I take a pint  pannikin, filled with bread and get boiling water poured over it, then mix with a  table spoonful  of  condensed milk, makes us a nice supper. Nellie  enjoys  it  very much. Her cough is much better now and she has grown taller. She is well noted for mischief all over the ship.

 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 22nd 1882 Strong  wind and heavy sea, bitterly cold. Cannot go on deck. There  was  snow this morning. We have to sit in our bolsters and shawls to keep warm below and many   are the wishes for a nice warm fire. Our feet get so cold.   Nellie  is wearing her long hose and gaiters over and her coat and furs. Then she came to me crying with her little red hands. I got her some hot milk and bread and she soon  ran  away  again. Again all night the waves  kept  dashing  against  the portholes  making our corner quite dark for an instant, and the noise  of  the water  when it strikes the ship is terrible. I have lost all fear now  but  at first I used to think the ship would be dashed to pieces.

 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23rd 1882 Good wind. Done 286 miles last 24 hours, cannot go on deck, seas washing  over continually  and  bitterly cold. Nellies cough is greatly  aggravated  by  the cold,  but with that exception we all keep good health. When we get very  cold indeed, we make coffee and that warms us up for a while.

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24th 1882 Strong gale, rain and snow. I went on deck well wrapped up for a little  while o  watch the sea and a good spectacle it was. Waves like huge  mountains  and foam like snow, our ship flying through them like a cork, driven by the  wind, The sky a dull leaden colour. I could not stay long, nor was it safe. The  sea at times over the deck. Done 250 miles. Passed Cape of Good Hope.

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25th 1882 Weather repetition of yesterday. Done 253 miles. That speed kept up, will soon land us at Sydney. The Mate says it may probably last a week then falls. It is gratifying  to know we are going fast, but we don't like being cooped up  down below  so much. I keep my warm jacket on alltogether now and this is  a  great comfort.  I  wish  we could have sent off a letter during  our  voyage  as  we expecred to do, but they say it is steamers that put off letters.

 

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26th 1882 No going on deck again today. Captain and Doctor called a roll below.  Captain said as he lifted Nellie in his arms that she was getting very light and asked me if I was taking care of her. He does not seem to think anyone should be ill on  board a ship. She is certainly thinner owing to her hooping cough but  not near  so  reduced as some of the children are with it. The cold is  very  much against  it. The baby born on the 16th is doing well but cries  terribly  when the ship rolls badly. Distance 254 miles. Are in latitude 46, longitude 34-20.

 

MONDAY NOVEMBER 27th 1882 No change in the weather. The sails are not squared so we do not rock so much. Makes it a little better. Distance 245 miles.

 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 28th 1882 Heavy  continuous rain adding greatly to our discomfort. The air is  so  damp, making the cold cling to us more. we are still keeping a good pace. 248  miles on the log today.

 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 1882 Decks covered with snow. Sighted Crozet Island. It was also covered with snow. The season is summer in these parts. What the winter will be like I should not care  to prove. The Bosun told us today we were in 53 South so  that  accounts for  the excessive cold (as further south we go on this side of  the  equator, the  colder it is). They have on the log, Lat 53-4-1, Long 47-5, distance  295 miles. The best one we have made. The Captain ought not to go further than  46 South but he is keeping this wind to make up for lost time. They think we  may reach Sydney in 15 days. I went on deck a little while this afternoon and  the sun was shining brightly. The sky quite a glittering blue and the sea the same colour.  It looked icy cold all around though the sun was out. The ship  seems to be almost flying. We should record a good score tomorrow if she keeps  this pace.  Poor little Nellie cried with cold hands and feet. I took her into  the engine  house  and she got well warmed. Harry Cowap was there too,  getting  a toasting. He said he could not keep warm any how.

 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30th 1882 Wind light again, still cold. We had a dance last night, below. Two single men came to play the violins for us. We enjoyed it immensely. When Nellie went  to bed I joined the dancers until after 10. We had Roger de Coverly Scotch reels, Irish Jigs and almost every kind of dance. I had a bad cold and had never been warm all day, but the dancing warmed me and made our place warmer alltogether. I  have had to live on sago etc today. My throat is so sore, nearly all of  us admit they prefer the tropics to this. We could enjoy ourselves on deck  then. Now  we don our warmest clothing and still keep shivering. Distance  only  199 miles

 

FRIDAY  DECEMBER 1st 1882 Rather  warm  today,  the sun is shining and light wind. The  Doctor  gave  me medicine  to gargle for my throat. It is very painful. Mrs Mayo confined of  a son, both doing well. We have made a greater distance than we thought. The log gives 207 miles. There are many guesses and also bets made as to what it  will be  before  it  is published. Nellie and I spent a short time  on  deck  today  watching the birds.

 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 2nd 1882 Cold  and squally, seas washing over continually. We are all getting  heartily tired of this. Being kept below, day after day. Distance 218 miles.

 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 3rd 1882 Worse than ever. I had a very  rough night. Could hear the sailors hauling the ropes all night long and hear them singing away through the noise of the  wind and  the  waves and rolling moveables. The sea is very heavy  and  mountainous waves  keep breaking over continually. We are in dry quarters at present,  but at  the opposite end to us, they are quite the reverse. When the men  went  to the galley with the tea pots for hot water, they came down in various plights, some  drenched, some bruised. The sea had knocked one man down and rolled  him from  side to side. Mr Castley was knocked down with two pots of hot water  in his hands. He narrowly escaped scalding. One poor child got its head  scalded. It  was standing near the hatch as the men were coming down and one man  fell, the  contents  of  the teapot going over the childs head. We  had  no  serious mishap  with our lot but had to tie the pots fast. When we did get  them,  the sailors  carried 4 buckets of water out of the Doctors cabin and surgery.  The single  womens quarters were deluged. 21 bunks flooded out, beds  and  bedding saturated. Distance 268 miles.

 

MONDAY DECEMBER 4th 1882 Still  rough. Nellie and I stayed in the bunk till near dinner  time.  Another arrival amid the squalls in the shape of a fine boy. Makes the third boy  born on board.

 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 5th 1882 Rather  warmer but still rough. William was on watch from 10 to  12.  Distance 248 miles.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 6th 1882 I might just write ditto, as the day latterly are pretty nearly alike. We hail a  meal gladly as a relief from the monotony more than relish, for  we  cannot enjoy  our food. Now we cannot go on deck and breathe the fresh air.  We  sigh now  for  the  bright sunny days we spent entirely on deck, but  we  have  the satisfaction  of  knowing we are going rapidly along. Distance  today  is  250 miles. Lat 47-17, Long 94-37. Nellie startled us at tea time. She wanted to go in  the  bunk,  so I lifted her in, and directly remembered  my  satchell  was there.  I  quickly took it away as it contained my sewing  materials,  medical bottles  and so. I examined it to see if she had taken anything out,  but  all seemed as before, so I resumed my tea. When William, on looking up to  Nellie, cried  out,  'she  has got my razor there'. She had it open as  if  to  shave. William  had  put it in the satchell and her quick fingers had seized  on  the most  dangerous  article. She cut her cheek slightly, but I  was  thankful  no worse happened.

 

THURSDAY DECEMBER 7th 1882 No change in the weather. We shipped some tremendous seas during the night. We have  all  the hatches closed but the water still keeps coming down.  I  could hear it washing about as the ship rolled last night. To us, lying as we do  at the  ships  side, we get the noise of the waves in their full force.  I  often think, as I lie, 'what very little there is between us and the world of water' but  I feel very safe generally. I did hold my breath 2 or 3 times last  night wondering  if the ship could stand against such force. The sailors  say  there never  was  a better one built for rough weather. We had  very  little  canvas spread yesterday, but have more today. Distance 292 miles.

 

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8th 1882 Calm sea and light wind with warm sun. William, Nellie and I had a brisk  walk on deck and heartily glad we are to be able to do so. Then Nellie joined  some little ones in a ring. I remarked to the Doctor what a lovely morning it  was. He  answered,  'yes its rather too lovely. I would rather have  you  all  down below with a howling wind round you than lessen the speed'. It is rumoured  we shall  reach Sydney in 9 days. We stayed on deck nearly all day.  When  Nellie had gone to sleep I went up again and stayed till 9.30. Distance 243 miles.

 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 9th 1882 Beautiful  weather. Most of us on deck. Captain took Nellie on the  poop  then sent one of the single girls to tell me to go for her. It is quite a privilege to  go  there and I had never been up. They all seem very happy. They  have  a good swing fixed up. Several of the girls came to speak to me and asked me  to have a swing, which I declined, but the Captain said 'Oh have one', So I  had, and enjoyed it too. Nellie did not seem to approve of it, she turned her  head away,  then he took her into his cabin and gave her a lot of sugar.  She  went back to him 3 times during the day and each time got sugar. He is very fond of little girls, but Nellie is a special favourite, but boys he wont tolerate.  I hear he has never reared a daughter but has 2 sons. I felt amused when I  came on deck today as the Mate said 'Oh, now we'll get a fair breeze when you  have ventured on deck little woman'. I hear that is the way I'm described by  those that dont know my name. The least woman on the ship. So I measured today  with Mrs  Roberts in the next mess and felt rather gratified on finding it was  not so. I was half an inch taller than her. Went on deck again in the evening  and it  was raining and misty. Wind getting up. They had taken in the skysails  so must expect more wind.

 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 10th 1882 Fine  bright morning and good wind. Went on deck for muster. It seems  a  long time since we had an inspection on deck. The sea looks grand all covered  with foam. Stayed on deck till 8 bells (12 o' lock) then went below for dinner.  We are  off the Australian coast today. Nearest point Cape Lewin. After tea,  Mrs Lister and I got permission to go on the poop and we had a look at the  single girls quarters below. They are much better accommodated than we. The baths and several  other  parts are just in for first class passengers.  The  fact  they occupy  the  part  of the ship that 1st class passengers  would.  The  Captain allows  two plum puddings daily (from his cook) to each mess, then he gives  a pot of jam to the girl that guesses the distance we make in a day. Several  of them  have  won it. Nellie got some sugar and after, joining  in  the  singing service. Reported distance 218 miles.

 

MONDAY DECEMBER 11th 1882 Wet  drizzly  day.  Have to keep below. Not sailing very  fast.  Distance  186 miles.

 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 12th 1882 Still wet but a little warmer. Went on deck a short time.

 

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 13th 1882 Weather much warmer but we cannot keep on deck long. Beginning to clean up the ship and as is the custom when nearing port.

 

THURSDAY DECEMBER 14th 1882 No  material  change  in  the weather. We busy ourselves  now  by  talking  of landing.  I have begun to crotchet  William a Tam O'Shanter cap to  go  ashore in. Distance 272 miles.

 

FRIDAY DECEMBER 15th 1882 Very  hot  but  good wind. Heavy sea. They expect  we  should  sight  Tasmania tomorrow. The carpenter has been at work today getting a landing place  fixed. They say a Doctor will come on board before we drop anchor. The Mate says this has been the worst and longest voyage they have made. We are overdue at Sydney and they will be anxiously looking out for us. We have a disease on board that will necessitate our being quarantined. That is one blessing.

 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 16th 1882 Wretchedly wet morning. A great shouting was raised just now. I wondered  what caused  it.  William  ran on deck to see and it turned out  they  had  sighted Tasmania.  It was only like a cloud, then the rain ceased about noon and  then we had an enjoyable time on deck. The sun was out and it was delightfully warm and  the sky beautiful and what is better in our eyes it is an Australian  sky what  we have been so long travelling towards. Nellie enjoyed herself  running about  above the decks. We went on the forecastle to see the anchors they  had ready. They are tremendous. Huge through, and one is hung over the side ready.There  is a splendid view around from the forecastle but I should not care  to be there in rough weather. Then we walked along the bridge to the poop, so  we had  gone from the stem to stern. Distance 242 miles. The land did not  become very  distinct. We went on deck again after Nellie fell asleep. The night  was delightful and many stars shining. We saw the Southern Cross for the first and the  comet  faintly  visible. Mrs Castly and I were sitting  on  the  bulwarks chatting  away  when  William came up and said "I've been  having  a  game  of cribbage  with  the  carpenter in the single mens hospital  when  the  Doctors assistant  came  and told us he had orders from the Doctor to prepare  it,  as there  would be Mrs Castley coming in tonight".  Mrs Castley and I had a  good laugh. She had not the least idea of going in then.

 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 17th 1882 Glorious  day, not too warm. It made us all turn out on deck. Had  muster  and service. We expect it will be the last on board. Mrs Castley (contrary to  her expectations)  went into hospital in the evening and I went to stay with  her, as  the nurse was ill. It is a more comfortable hospital than the  one  below. The occupant in that is Mrs McCan, just recovering from paerperal fever. There are only two bunks in this one. We had a good laugh when we shut ourselves  in for  the  night.  The  Doctor had brought  a  plentiful  supply  of  arrowroot condensed  milk, tea and lump sugar and a tin of beef tea. We laughed till  we were tired then went to bed and slept till 4.30.  Then I got up and made  some tea. We had also a nice spirit lamp and kettle.

 

MONDAY DECEMBER 18th 1882 Beautiful morning. Mrs Castley lingered on till about 6.30. Then came  another emigrant.  A fine little girl. The nurse was able to come then but  could  not stay through the night so I stayed. The Doctor sent a large easy chair for  me to sit in and I did not take off my clothes. We had our boxs up during the day to take out our shore going clothes. I took out my album, glad to peer at  the dear  old faces. Nellie too was pleased to see them. We are  nearly  becalmed. Mrs Langshaws Baby died last night.

 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 19th 1882 Had a very rough night. Mrs Castley and baby capital. I began vomiting  during the  night  and was worse than ever I had been during the voyage.  We  have  a dreadful  sea  and  wind ahead. The ship pitches terribly. The  scene  in  our hospital was worth seeing. The easy chair containing, saw me going to and  fro from  side to side of the hospital and the things on the table tumbling  about in  awful  confusion.  The spirit lamp ran from one end of  the  line  it  was suspended from. In the other I had to heat some sago bats. It was all work  to do  it.  My  sickness  prostialed me so much that I had  to  give  up  in  the hospital. Mrs Jackson from mess relieved me. I went to my bunk and Wiliam  got me  some  brandy.  I  shall never forget that night and  day.  The  vessel  is considerably  lighter  now.  So  much of her cargo  being  consumed  and  that together  with  a strong headwind and rough sea gives us the tossing  we  had. Tons  of  water  came  over. There was several accidents.  One  man  was  just emerging from the hatchway when he was pitched right to the bulwarks, crushing his  chest  badly  and cutting his ankle. A child was  scalded  with  tea  and several  others got bruises. Nellie was in the bunk with me. She wanted me  to put  her  shawl  on  and then she said she would go to  the  Doctor  for  some 'menson' for me. Albatros caught and measures 9 feet across the wings.

 

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20th 1882. [ nothing written ]

THURSDAY  DECEMBER 21st 1882 Great  preparations such as scrubbing the bulwarks and cleaning up  generally. Mrs Walker joined Mrs Castley in hospital was confined of a son. They think we shall  drop  anchor  tomorrow. Sighted land about 6  tonight  and  Jarvis  Bay Lighthouse  about 9. We were all eagerly looking for it. They turned the  ship right  round and all we are doing now is beating from the land. Only 70  miles from Sydney. We have a headwind. If we had a fair wind we should soon run  in. It  is a grand night, so moonlight. Captain and all officers are  watching  on the bridge. My sickness has ceased but I feel weak. Mrs Roberts took my  watch in hospital tonight.

 

FRIDAY DECEMBER 22nd 1882 Lovely  morning.  Some  say we shall go into Port to night,  others  not  till morning.  The steward gave no salt meat out today. They expect we  shall  have fresh  tomorrow. About 8 pm. we sighted the coast. They say it is Botany  Bay. We  could see strips of sandy beach glittering in the moonlight. We are  about 20 miles from Sydney now. I stay in hospital tonight. The patients are not  so well tonight. Going rather misty when I went up to look before turning in  for the night.

 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23rd 1882 Thick fog. All night the fog horn was blown. We all quite  expected  to  see Sydney  by day break and it is disappointing,  we cannot see a yard  from  the ship. I thought, what a good chance. I should have to see land early, being up all  night, but the fog covers all. Mrs Fisher came on deck at 1 am,  to  look for land, however the fog gradually cleared and at noon it was clear. About 10 the  Doctor  told me to go to my bunk and make up for the nights  rest  I  had lost. So, went and was soon asleep. When I was awakened by Mrs Fisher  calling me, she said the tug boat had come to take us into Harbour. I quickly  dressed and ran on deck and there she was. The 'Glenelg'. The excitement was  intense. We  crowded everywhere on deck to see what was to be seen. The Captain of  the Glenelg  called out to ours "We'll tow you in if you like", and as he  agreed, quickly  a  monstrous  rope was attached, and then there was nothing  to  fear from contrary winds etc as during our long voyage. They threw us a package  of newspapers  on  board  and never was newspaper more  gladly  hailed.  We  soon sighted a long stretch of land and the Mate pointed out this faintly  visible, some large rocks, Sydney Heads. The scenery opened out as we went along, grand beyond  all  description.  Lovely  bays and  islands  covered  with  beautiful foliage, some men passing us in a little boat, threw on board some  Australian holly  with dark glossy leaves and in lieu of berries, a pretty red flower.  I cannot  describe the feeling that came over me on seeing vegetation again.  It seemed so long since I saw a flower or a green leaf. That alone was a  welcome sight  to me. The scenery for about 5 miles surprised and delighted  all,  and loud  were  their expressions of admiration on all sides. Then the  boats  and steamers became more numerous and one Union Jack was twisted and all the sails stowed. I could not help thinking as I watched the sailors stowing them though we had seen them furled so often. We might never see the good old ship in full sail again. Then the pilot came on board, a bitter but stout man. Our  Captain shook  hands  with him then presenting him to us said "This is a  specimen  of Australian beef and mutton". Then quickly followed the Doctor we had to muster on deck and pass before him. Our Doctor said he was very proud of us for  with few  exceptions, all look the picture of health and happiness. Lots  of  small boats  came  round  us, some threw us fruit and others, flowers.  All  in  the steamers  waved their handkerchiefs or hats. One lady in what seemed to  be  a private  steamer, waved a basket of lovely ferns that appeared to be a  picnic party  and  the dresses worn were very pretty. Oh, how I wish  those  at  home could  be  with us now. The sky so beautiful and sunny and the  grand  scenery around.  We  dropped anchor opposite Port Denison, surrounded  by  many  other ships who were very near us. As soon as we anchored, Harry Cowap stood on  the fore capstan and sang 'Our Jacks come home from sea today' and all took up the chorus.  The  crews on the ships around cheering us heartily. This  day  makes amends  for many uncomfortable ones we have passed on board and will  live  in our memories while life lasts.

 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 24th 1882 Beautiful  day  when I awoke this morning. I heard someone say  'we've  got  a headwind again'. I thought surely I haven't been dreaming we were in port, but the  thought  passed as quick as it came. I heard someone answer  'bother  the headwind'. We dont mind them now. Mrs Castleys friends came on board before  7 o'clock  and  brought  lots  of fruit, bananas,  pears,oranges  etc  and  good accounts  of  trade. It is nice to be in Port to watch the  ships  around  and steamers  continually passing, loaded with people who give us a cheer as  they pass. At 8 o'clock an order was issued that no friends were allowed to come on board.  And  many  boatloads  come and go  away  again,  disappointed.  It  is Christmas  Eve and nothing more unlike it could be imagined, seeing it  as  we have  done  previously. I am spending the night in hospital. My  patients  are doing  well  and  are now asleep and I am writing  letters  home,  till  early morning.  They will despatch any letters or newspapers free of cost  to  Great Britain.  Mr  Wise,  Immigration agent, told us to have them  ready  by  4  am tomorrow. The scenery at night is so beautiful. I can scarcely leave it and go to bed. I keep going out of hospital to take another peep. Sydney and  suburbs with  its lights and hills around beautifullw wooded. There is no moon but  it is not very dark at night now.

 

MONDAY DECEMBER 25th 1882 Tis  Christmas in Old England. Tis Christmas on the sea (in the language of  a well  known poet). Those lines popped into my head, first thing this  morning. Fancy  Christmas day. Very hot and all the trees I can see from here,  covered in  lovely foliage. I made a plum pudding yesterday and got the Captains  cook to boil it with the cabin puddings all night. It turned out very good. We  had a  nice dinner party. Harry Cowap and Jim  Killip dined with us. Harry said  a month  ago if we were on board Christmas day he should come and dine with  us. They  had  to bring their own knives, forks and plates and we all  enjoyed  it immensely.  Some  cases of oranges and apples were sent on board  for  us  and distributed  after  dinner. Boats laden with people continually  came  to  the ships side. A sailor is stationed at the ladder, to call out the names of  the people asked for. One boat capsized, the water being rather rough and the boat heavy  laden.  Four  men were launched into the  sea.  Our  Captain  instantly ordered the lifeboat to be put out and they were soon rescued. I wonder  there are no more accidents. The boats are so light. There are beautiful yachts keep passing  and  sailing  boats that look like butterflys on  the  water.  It  is amusing to hear them call out from passing boats. Things we have been used  to hearing such as "Single men for butter" or "now for Bargoo" (porridge) showing they  have passed through the same routine as we. We hear it will no doubt  be Thursday  before  we leave the ship. Owing to the hollidays  all  business  is suspended.  The bag went before I had finished all I had intended to  post.  I had  part  written a letter to Sheffield but had to leave it out.  Mrs.  Nunns baby died today.

 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 26th 1882 Boxing  Day,  a quiet day for pleasure here. Steamers pass rapidly  one  after another  laden  with  gaily  dressed people. Girls  in  light  pompadoars  and enormous  white  hats.  Several  bands of music passed and  each  gave  us  an appropriate  tune. One played "Cheer boys cheer" (and cheer we did  too)  then "Home  sweet  Home"  and  "Auld  Lang Syne"  and  Nellie  has  heard  so  much "Hurrahing"  lately,  that  she  is quite ready to shout  when  she  sees  any excitement.  She  shouted with the rest when first land was  sighted.  We  get plenty  of fresh food, beautiful bread, beef, mutton, vegetables,  milk,  etc. Much  more  than  we  can eat. The single girls went off  in  a  steamer  this morning. So that is the first break up of the party. Some were shedding  tears at  leaving the ship. They are going to the depot. We were told today that  we might  go ashore for a few hours tomorrow but we should have to pay our  fares to  and from the ship, so a lot of us agreed to pay so much each and engage  a steamer, to take us ashore and bring us back at night.

 

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27th 1882 Very hot. Am busy getting ready to go ashore. Nellie is  going to stay in  the hospital.  Mrs. Roberts is taking charge of her. About 3 we came off and  once on the steamer we have had a good look at the 'Peterborough' from the outside. The Captain hales and stood watching us off and after giving three good cheers for  them,  we  were off. Soon Princess stairs landing stage.  There  was  Mr. Castleys friend waiting and bid us hearty welcome to Sydney. There was quite a  crowd  to  see  us land and all seemed surprised to see such  a  lot  of  well dressed  people.  No one would have thought we had just come  on  an  Emigrant Ship.  The first place we steered was the G.P.O. I omitted to mention that  we passed  before the Commissioner before leaving the Ship and was asked  whether we  had any complaints to make. As William, Nellie and I passed  and  answered what  questions  were asked, a telegram was handed to us  from  Brisbane,  Mr. Potts  just  said there was those letters awaiting us at the G.P.O.   He  must have  seen a notice of the arrival of our ship and wired at once. On  arriving we  found  letters  from  Mr. P. Lired and Annie, each one  urging  us  to  go straight to Brisbane and they would keep us till we got settled and we were to wire  back if we decided to start and they would meet us. We were  pleased  to receive such letters on arriving in a strange land but thought it best not  to start  from Sydney. On leaving the ship I liked the appearance of Sydney,  but we  could not find a suitable house. The rents where we were making  enquiries were  20/-, 25/- and 30/- per week. Our friends took us to a Grand  place  for tea.  Really  a  aristocatic  place, large  room  with  marble  topped  table, beautifully set out with plates. Mr. Williams handed the Menu to me but it was beyond  my  comprehension.  I selected what appeared to me  the  simplest  and enjoyed  ourselves thoroughly. The tea alone drank out of nice cups and  after so  long  using our tin ware was a treat in itself. We went back to  the  ship about  7.30  after a most enjoyable day (I felt funny walking on dry  land  at first  but that soon wore away). We took some mutton chops aboard with us.  4d per pound.

 

THURSDAY DECEMBER 28th 1882 Mr. Castley and William went ashore at eight this morning to look for a  house so that we could move our luggage. The steamer came back at night but our  men were  missing.  Mrs. Castley was very uneasy but I was not. I felt  sure  they must have got too far away to catch the steamer and it was not safe to venture in a small boat as the sea was rather rough. I sat on the bulwark till  eleven then  I  knew they would not come after that, so I went into hospital  and  to bed.

 

FRIDAY DECEMBER 29th 1882 At eight came the missing ones as I expected. They missed the steamer and  put out  in  a  little boat but had to turn back, the sea being  too  rough.  They brought a lot of beautiful fish for breakfast and have succeeded in getting  a nice house in Woolahra 15/- per week and we could  .....[ END

 

 

PETERBOROUGH: Built approx 1875, and 1680 tons.

Master: William Gardner;

Surgeon: H.C. Button;

Matron: Mrs Stevens.

 

                                ADULTS                                                                     CHILDREN       

                                marr                    single                                                 1-12          U 1           total

                                M   F                    M   F                                                M   F        M   F

EMBARKED         65  65                 100  73                                               65  57        3   9           437

DEATHS                  -    1                     -    -                                                   2   1         2   2              8 

                               65  64                  100  73                                              63  56         1   7          429

BIRTHS                                                                                                                          4   2              6

TOTALS                65  64                   100  73                                             63  56         5   9          435

 

William John PARKIN   31.12.1853 - 3.2.1938   Mary Ann PARKIN (nee DEAR) 12. 7.1856 - 6.1.1944

 married 24.6.1877 at St Stephens Church of England, City road Manchester, Eng.

 

And their two children were;

 

 1. Ellen PARKIN 1.9.1880 - 16.8.1963.b. 12 King St, Manchester. ENG   married John McSKIMMING

     on  28.2.1903 at Summer Hill, SYD.

 

2. Winnifred PARKIN 30.5.1888 - 22.11.1966.b. Woolloongabba Qld   married Frederick B HOLLINGWORTH

     on 30.4.1909 at Dorrigo. NSW

                                                                        .ooOOoo..

 

 2006… the original handwritten diary is in the possession of Shirley Freeman of Woolgoolga