The Apprentice’s Tale

Day One

“We hove up our anchor to the strains of various shanties. We’re bound for Rio Grande being sung with great lustre and were on the move at about 10 am. Gave a hale to the Westfield and dipped colours as we left Double Bay. I wondered if any of the inhabitants of “Sunny Brea” were watching us go as they might have been crossing on the ferry.

I cast one look on Milsons Point and the surrounding country. We towed out pretty fast and Manly soon hove in sight. I thought of our pleasant afternoon there and then some nice looking rocks claimed our attention and we wished we could give them a knock but our luck was out. I bid Sydney Harbour farewell and went very reluctantly through the grand old Sydney Heads.

Wheat has leaked through into the pump well thereby clogging the pumps. The five of us set to to clear it a distinctly awful job but we got clear of setting sail which was some consolation. We proceeded under all sail except the fore upper topga’n’sail but had a head wind. A tug innocently came off to take us in and we watched it with deep regrets as it turned away finding we were outward bound.

Jock and I had several rows with the mate but of little importance. We were running north and got too close to the land so we tacked ship and while doing so the mate made a fool of himself much to everyones delight. I then went to the mate in a quiet way regarding the side lights they being old ones he had raked up refused to burn. He got nasty and started calling me impolite names. I answered him sharply and he then got out of his bunk to see to the lights himself while I adjourned for tea.

At nine o’clock the coast lights were faintly visible astern and it was Good – Bye to sunny Australia. The wind freshened and changed to a fair one so we headed to the Eastwards. The Steward borrowed a cat and forgot to return it to the tug so we now have 1 dog, 1 cat, 5 fowls, and 2 Cockatoos with other animals I will not mention. I went below at midnight for four hours repose feeling somewhat tired having had no sleep for seventeen hours.”

Day Two

No location was recorded.

“When I awoke I found a good fresh breeze blowing and the two lower top ga’n’sails furled. I had just finished clearing up the Half Deck and at 7 am the first sea came aboard. I very nearly got my sea-boots full up and five minutes later I just missed getting completely wet.

At 8 am all hands took in the mainsail. At 8.45 I was called out as it was all hands to wear ship. When I came on deck at noon I had the pleasant job of sending down the signal halyards from the foremast. We then took in the fore and main upper topsails and it was blowing a moderate gale.

At 8 pm all hands wore ship and during the operation a rain squall came down on us and we consequently got wet.”

Day Three

No location recorded

“My next watch on deck 12 – 4 am was quite peaceful and nothing at all happened. At 8 am when I next appeared the breeze had moderated & the fore topsail and also the staysails were set. We then set the main topsail, lower and upper topga’n’sails and also the fore lower topga’n’sail and outer jib.

At 4 pm I spent three quarters of an hour sweeping the after-deck. I then finished W le Queux’s “Room of Mystery”. A good yarn, very tragic but extremely blood-curdling.

8 pm We spent the time discussing the good times we had in Sydney.

At 11 pm the Second mate and I proceeded to make tea on a patent stove he had bought in Sydney for the price of thirty shillings. We got it going but not as it should go and at 11.15 the cabin was filled with dense volumes of smoke and reeking of kerosene fumes. 11.30 The tea was made and it looked very strong so we looked at one another in a satisfied sort of way but on tasting it was more like flavoured water than tea.

There were now brilliant flashes of lightening on the horizon.”

Day Four

No location recorded

“At 4 am I found the main upper and fore lower topga’n’sails furled and also the staysails down. We squared the yards and I spent the time till 8 am cleaning the Halfdeck.

I heard the seas coming aboard in the forenoon and heard that Jock had got his bunk wet. I have had that experience on one or two occasions and find it rather unpleasant. We set the fore topga’n’sail and Reggie washed clothes for the mate, he did not ask me. The second Mate took his stove for ard and we proceeded to experiment but after making a lot of smoke nothing happened but he decided to make tea on deck or in some place where the smoke will do no damage.

We set the main upper topga’n’sail. At 6 pm the fore upper topga’n’sail was set and the weather threatening. It was black astern when we squared in the yards with continual flashing of lightening accompanied with loud claps of thunder.”

Day Five

No location recorded

“In the early hours of the morning there were rain squalls at intervals but otherwise all was peaceful. At 8 am we set the main topga’n’sail. I had a delightful job, it was to grease down the main topgallant mast. With greasy hands, greasy rigging and a greasy pot makes it a slippery job but I came through safely. The day continued fine but towards evening the sky clouded but the rain squalls were very light.”

Day Six

No location recorded

“As soon as it was daylight I commenced washing clothes and continued till breakfast. During the early hours of the morning a flying fish did the very unwise act of flying without looking where it was going and therefore ended up nicely placed on deck. Reggie picked it up and so for breakfast we had a fish course.

At midday it suddenly struck me it was my birthday. I advertised the fact and greetings came fast and furious but anything more substantial was not forthcoming excepting the gift of one Capstan cigarette from Reggie. I turned my sea chest out in the afternoon and gloated over the large amount of gear I have not got.

In the evening the port watch took in the main upper topga’n’sail. Weather became unsettled towards nightfall.”

Day Seven

No location recorded

“At about 3 am we came out to pull in the fore braces and result a wetting. We had nearly finished when I heard a bang against the side and so I decided to go. A sea arose over the rail. Two of us escaped. I sustained a slight amount of spray down the back of my neck and the other chap was out of it altogether.

The rest of the watch, Reggie included, received the water in grand form. The still night was then broken by the unusual thing at sea, namely profane language, while we two dry beings stood by and laughed at the dripping crowd.

At about 10.30 am we had a very heavy squall and the rain came down like a sheet. I was for’ard at the time and we requiring rain water I got a large barrel and started aft. I, having not been in a brewery my skill at barrel rolling is not to perfection. I reached my destination but not before getting a wetting through. I put oilskins on and then as if by magic the rain ceased.

We set the main upper top ga’n’sail at 11 pm. A most unearthly hour to set sail and we found another flying fish during the operation.”

Day Eight

No location recorded

“We had fish for breakfast and Reggie is preserving one of the wings of the fish. The weather continues fine and we have a good breeze. We have had a quiet day.

There were hundreds of porpoise by the ship today. They can travel at a tremendous pace. The water was alive with them. They were speeding along and jumping clear of the water looking very nice and graceful. We lost our harpoon a little while ago while trying to harpoon a large dolphin so we had no means of catching them as they will not take a hook. We also saw some large whales spouting forth large volumes of water.”

Day Nine

No location recorded

“At 2 am this morning was just contemplating a nice repose when the still night was broken by the loud cry of “Stand by the top gallant halyard” and then as the squall struck “Lower away”. The spanker and outer jib were also taken in and my “repose” faded as if it had never been thought of.

I was in our famous dinghy this morning scraping the paint as it had been used for painting the ships side in port and was more red paint than white. It is in an exposed position and was a cold job but with plenty of clothes and working hard I kept warm.

The cat has disappeared. The sailmaker who prides himself on being a smart detective (hereditery I think. His father was a Sydney policeman or jail warder, his yarns vary somewhat) confidentially told me he suspected it had been helped over the side and if the suspected man were to tell the truth on being asked he would point him out. I suppose secrecy is one of a detective’s great assets for he would not devulge the suspect’s name and remain in blissful ignorance although I think he suspects the second mate of doing the deed.

During the evening we had various discussions on film actresses and actors. The humerous and other sides of Charlie Chaplin and other comic actors. Also on uncanny plays including the 13th Chair.

At 9.45 our watch had the job of taking in the mainsail. It was pitch dark there being no moon and an overcast sky. There were seas coming aboard which looked very nice from a distance. A wall of water, foaming white lit by millions of atoms of phospherous and as the water left the deck it was left shining with little points of bright phospheric radience. Nobody got drenched through but we all got somewhat damp with the spray but our sojourn on the yard while furling the sail dried our clothes.”

Day Ten

No location recorded

“Today the mate had some clothes to wash but he could get none of us to do them although he bribed in various ways. Eventually he went and got one of the men to do them for him. I washed a couple of things for the second mate and washed my own clothes at the same time.

The sailmaker diplomatically tackled the second mate on the subject of the cat but got no satisfaction at all. The dog is a nuisance and I am afraid the little mongrel will meet its doom in the form of a watery grave before very long. The two cockatoos are fading fast and the one named Bill will be no more in a few days. The other, Cocky, will probably last a bit longer though not long. I today suggested putting “Bill” out of its agony and the owners are considering it. The fowls are alright, an egg comes now and again. They lay one in two days on the average.

We set the mainsail this afternoon as the “Old Man” says he wants to try and get two Sundays this time. I was informed today by one of the men that if a man’s brains, after seven years on sailing ships, were made of dynamite, there would not be enough to blow his hat off. I shall not go near a sailing ship after this one. We both agreed this would be the last. Discussed Liverpool, though not to its credit, with Reggie.”

Day Eleven

No location reported

“From 1 am till 1.30 am I walked the poop for the second mate while he had a smoke. That was his reason but I think he had a good book in his room which had magnetic powers over him. He gave me a piece of “Apple Daddy”, commonly called Apple Tart and then I suppose he thought me sufficiently remunerated.

The port watch set the main upper topga’n’sail this morning and at 8 am we set the fore upper topga’n’sail. I did several odd jobs up aloft and round about.

We are to get no more puddings for dinner from now on as we do not eat them but give them to the men. The cook told the steward we gave them away. He used a whole tin of milk in a rice pudding for us today and as usual it went to the men much to his disgust. Towards evening the wind ceased to blow and we became becalmed. There were light puffs and then a dead calm.”

Day Twelve

No location recorded

“The calm was still over us broken with a light breeze at intervals. The first thing this morning about 7 am I was repairing one of the backstays which got the protective covering of spun-yarn round it chafed off.

In the afternoon Bosun and I finished clearing the pump well and then tightened up the wind screens round the poop while the watch washed down decks fore and aft.

During the evening the sailmaker came to borrow a book. We lent him one of Nat Goulds and then he started to entertain us. He related several yarns and talked about books he had read and we had the tale in each book related very vividly. He then proceeded on to plays. Some wonders he had seen at the “Victorian” Theatre, Sydney and one other. He knew Maggie Moore quite well. He used to see her every morning as he went to his daily toil, she passing him on horseback or driving. He picked her whip up for her once. She was, he says, a fine actress, born in Sydney at the back of the University. He also gave us bits of her songs such as he could remember.

All hands were deeply grieved this afternoon as it was decided for humane reasons to end the Boson’s cockatoo, Bill’s life. It has been suffering from rheumatism, pip and I am afraid other complaints that its life became a burden to it. The method of its execution was decided to be strangulation. The ceremony took place at 3.30 this afternoon and was well attended. It died without a murmer and its remains were reverently cast to the keeping of the deep. Its sad existance now being ended I hope it is enjoying a happy and peaceful time in the Happy Hunting Ground. Amen. A dead calm prevailed for the rest of the day.”

Day Thirteen

No location recorded

“Every thing peaceful and still becalmed.

At 1.30 am the Bosun and I brailed in the spanker. 2.30 am we went about ship. It is a long job hauling the yards round when there is no wind to help them round. We finished at 3.30. When I came on deck at 8.00 am I found the port watch had hauled them round again. At 9.00 am we had the pleasure of going about ship again and we repeated the performance again at 10.30.

At 12.15 pm we caught a shark, a vicious looking bottle-nosed blue back shark. We put him on deck and out knives to cut him up. We drained the oil from a cell in the head and put his tail on the end of the jib boom. There were no rings or other ornaments of value inside him. Although while cutting his heart out we cut it, it went on beating till sunset. In the end there was the mangled remains amid its blood which was dark red in a great patch on the deck. The sharky smell is horrid and clinging, it is still on our knives and will stay for a week. The shark was about 6 feet long. I have been calling it a “he” but it was really a shark of the female sex. Its “hubby” was hanging round and was much larger. It had a pilot fish which led it to the hook but it only tasted the bait and would not bite.

We squared the yards this evening but it is still a calm. Everything is quiet, a block creaks here and a yard groans there. The water is like a sheet of glass. The sails hang and flap now and again. The still night is broken by the loud clangs of the bell, first aft then for’ard. Then comes the lookout’s low cry of “All’s Well” and the mate’s answer “alright. Then quietness. Over the water the sound of a whale spouting is discernable at times. For the rest peace and quietness reigns supreme.”

Day Fourteen

No location recorded

“All went well today. We had a light breeze part of the day but mostly a calm.

I was with the carpenter this afternoon and during the repairing of the boat things went wrong. The wood snapped and other little things refused duty. In one of his spasms of disgust he went to sit down but forgot there was a brace and bit with the bit up just behind him. He sat down alright but got up quicker. He then began to sware profusely, the only thing he can do well in english. I was greatly amused but suppressed my mirth as he, being a Chilano, might get excited and play with a knife and I, having no knife at hand, was defenceless.

The second mate cut his finger pretty badly but should have been more careful. The rest of the day went well and we are still becalmed.”

Day Fifteen

No location recorded

“All went well until the forenoon then the calm was broken by a rain squall and we made a few miles but after a few more it became calm again. I managed to miss getting wet this time.

The mate apparently thought I was going to annex his paint locker. I was mixing some paint for the second mate and in comes the mate. He accused me of taking the oil in there but I denied it as I could find none. I walked out and met the second mate. Told him and things became bearable again.

It was a dead calm for the rest of the day. We braced the yards up a bit at about 10.45 pm.”

Day Sixteen

No location recorded

” At 4.30 am we hauled down the main topmast staysail as the cook could not light his fire owing to the back draught of wind.

At 5.30 we braced the yards right up on the starboard tack and set the main topmast staysail again. All went peacefully and it was still a calm.

At 8 pm the Australian was in the halfdeck and declared we could not put him out, stakes one pound of tobacco each. Needless to say Jock, Joe, Bosun and myself promptly ejected him through the door. Unfortunately he had Joe in a grip and he went also. They landed on the deck in a heap. Excepting some minor bumps and bruises no damage was done. Joe’s elbow met my nose in the midst of the confusion but did no damage. He then mentioned knives but on finding four healthy looking knives pointing in the vicinity of his heart on second thoughts rejected the idea.”

Day 17

No location recorded

“This morning I had a nice job, taring some parts of the braces and painting the wire penants. I had a pot of grey paint and a wad with which  to put the paint on with. There is nothing I loathe more than putting my hands in tar or paint but of course it does not do to say so. As soon as I had finished I took some of the mate’s precious oil and soon removed all traces of tar and paint. We have a nice breeze although we are braced up we are jogging along.”

Day 19

No location recorded

“From 12 mn to 4am it was squally and raining frequently. The wind increasing we furled the staysails and main lower topga’n’sail at 1.30 am. The rain had made the canvas as hard as a board and we were about half an hour getting it made fast as it was raining most of the time and being encumbered with oilskins it was no joke. With the rising sea water was beginning to show itself over the rail but we did not get wet. The furies are descending upon us and water is coming aboard in grand style.

At 12 md we lowered down the fore upper topsail and the port watch furled it. The port watch set the yards dead square this afternoon and then braced them up a slight bit this evening. During the latter operation Davis got one of his sea boots full-up. It is blowing best part of a gale but the “Red Clipper” is running like a race-horse under the main upper topsail.

I have just saved the half-deck getting full up. The ship filled up the deck fore and aft and I perceived water rising over the step of the half-deck. I estimate that about three buckets of water came in before I could unhook and shut the door.”

Day Twenty

No location recorded

“We set the fore topsail this morning at 7 am. Great amount of water coming aboard. My sea boots got filled up with water while pumping fresh water. It amused the ‘Old Man’ for a little while.”

Day Twenty One

Lat. 39° 7′ S   Long. 168° 27′ W  Dist. 153 miles

“The port watch set the lower topga’n’sails and we set the upper topga’n’sails and mainsail. The lower topgallant brace carried away in a squall while the port watch were on deck. There is a heavy swell and we are still shipping seas.

We squared the yards at 11 pm and the second mate got wet. He then asked me to go and watch the stove. The atmosphere being unbreathable and soot falling in large quantities in the room, I promply declined to be made to resemble a sweep but he got excited, called me by various names and made the tea himself.”

Day Twenty Two

Lat. 39° 26′ S           Long. 164° 51′ W          Dist. 169 miles

“The port watch being “Jonahs”, brace the yards up again. I was working aloft this afternoon and it is cold we being a good bit south.

We played cards in the dog-watch, 6 – 8 pm and had a bit of a concert. Heavy swell and we are rolling heavily.”

Day Twenty Three

Lat. 39° 40′ S    Long 161° 28′ W   Dist. 159 miles

“The port watch squared the yards a bit. I was in the boat scraping it ready for painting. The carpenter has repaired it after all the banging about it received during our adventurous voyages from Woolwitch pier to the ship. It being a calm, we hauled the mainsail up to prevent it banging to pieces against the mast and rigging.

We were having our sing-song in the dog-watch and the “Old Man”, after hearing “Wales, Wales” being sung, gave orders to make the mainsail fast. We braced the yards up a bit at about 10.30 pm.”

Day Twenty Four

Lat. 40° 6′ S     Long. 161° 28′ W   Dist 159 miles

“The port watch took in the upper topga’n’sails and braced up the yards a little more. We set the mainsail at 7.30 am. I spent the afternoon swinging on the end of a rope sitting on a piece of wood similar to a swing chipping and scraping the mizzen mast.

We had a real good sing-song in the dog-watch. “Wales, Wales” and “Men of Harlech” for the Old Man’s benefit, although he did not appreciate it. The concert party consists of four with the Australian and any within hearing as audience. Davis converses with the steward in his room every dog watch. I don’t envy him (Davis). The Old Man retaliated by making the port watch furl the mainsail at 8.15 pm.”

Day Twenty Five

Lat. 40° 45′ S    Long. 156° 2′ W  Dist. 161 miles

“We had peace until about 2.30 am and then we squared the yards. It was blowing a good breeze and we do some quick travelling. We finished scraping the mast and as it was beginning to blow harder we made the fore lower topga’n’sail fast at about 11.50 am.

We had some light rain squalls and the sea rising consequently water began to come aboard. During the afternoon Jock and Joe finished off the mast and painted it and we braced the yards a bit at 4.30 pm. I took no part in it as I had a job of reeving off a rope which necessitated my scrambling round and about the spanker boom.

Our concert was brought abruptly to a close by the cry of loose the fore topga’n’sail. There is an old song about a sailor who sealed a note in a bottle and threw it overboard. We know one line of it and it is the line that was written on the note. It is “Whoever finds this bottle finds the beer all gone”. Very pathetic I assure you. We sing it after every song and before the next. It nearly makes the Australian weep every time he hears it.

We braced up the yards at 10.30 pm. A heated argument about Australia with the Australian but made no impression on him.”

Day Twenty Six

Lat. 40° 45′ S  Long. 156° 2′ W    Dist. 155 miles

“We set the mainsail at 4.45 am owing to us causing the second mate to be nasty. The second mate and I spent a bad time till 8 am because in his estimation everything I did was wrong. We braced the yards right up at 12md.

I made sennet and listened to the sailmaker’s yarns all the afternoon. The cook declared some person had stolen a pot of his water during the night but I do not put much faith in his statement.

We had our sing-song in the dog-watch and no work came. The port watch squared the yards 8 pm – 12mn.”

Day Twenty Seven

Lat. 41° 34′ S    Long. 148° 38′ W  Dist. 156 miles

“At 1.30 am it was blowing hard and we furled the mainsail. It was a long job and took us an hour. After a respite of 10 minutes we squared in the yards and furled the fore topga’n’sail.

At 8 am we braced up the yards a bit and set the fore topga’n’sail. The port watch squared the yards this afternoon.

We had combs and paper to accompany the singing this evening. It was a delightful noise alright. We hoisted the staysails at 11 pm.”

Day Twenty Eight

Lat. 42° 06′ S  Long. 137° 35′ W  Dist. 163 miles

“We started rigging around at 5.30 am. Braced the yards a bit, set the inner jib and hauled taut sheets.

Bosun made a mess of the half deck scraping a piece of wood to make a picture frame. I made a hand brush out of rope-yarns to sweep the table with.

The port watch set the mainsail this morning. The wind dropped and we became becalmed but the sea was coming in large rollers and we were doing some large and mighty rolls.

We spent a reading evening, it being Sunday we allowed the “Old Man” a little peace. We squared the yards in at 7 pm and hauled the mainsail up. The port watch set the main upper topga’n’sail at 8.30 pm.”

Day Twenty Nine

Lat. 42° 47′ S  Long. 142° 17 W  Dist. 120 miles

“Nothing happened until this afternoon and then we squared the yards at 9 am.

The port watch cleared grain out of the pump well this afternoon and this evening Joe and I played crib. Davis conversed with the steward and Jock read while Bosun did nothing.

We braced the yards up a bit and set the mainsail as there is a light breeze this evening. Bosun is carving his picture frame and has succeeded in cutting his finger once up to the present. I have been cutting a stencil for the mate so that he can paint the ship’s name on the new lifeboat.”

Day Thirty

Lat. 43° 05′ S  Long. 140° 20′ W  Dist. 90 miles

“At 5.30 am we tightened the topsail and topgallant halyards and set the fore upper topga’n’sail.

This afternoon I was under the jib boom cleaning the figurehead. I do not think it has been scraped clean for the last ten years at least. It was a tricky business cleaning her hair of which there is an abundant amount. She is very sweet and graceful. I think she has had some trouble. She has a small embroidered handkerchief pressed to her bosom and the other hand hanging at her side. She has a nice dress somewhat like an evening dress of a neat design and embroidered also. Of jewelery she has two necklaces and two rings, one an engagement ring.

We read all the dog-watch and Bosun continued his frame, he has cut himself about six times. The breeze continues steady.”

Day Thirty One

Lat. 43° 30′ S  Long. 137° 35′ W  Dist. 123 miles

“Everything alright, the wind unchanged. I was at various things this morning and up aloft from 4 till 4.45 pm also working.

The dog-watch was spent in reading and talking. During the rest of the day nothing happened.”

Day Thirty Two

Lat. 44° 14′ S  Long. 134° 13′ W  Dist. 153 miles

Everything A1. I scraped paint all the afternoon and read and sang and played cards in the dog-watch.”

Day Thirty Three

Lat. 44° 36′ S  Long. 131° 04′ W  Dist. 138 miles

“We are 31 days out today and still have a steady breeze on the quarter.

I had a tinsmith’s job this morning and with sheets of tin for chafing plates I punched holes all round the edges.

I played crib and we had a sing-song and dance which ended in a rough and tumble fight owing to the Wild Welshman, Davis, becoming dangeous.

The breeze dropped during the day and we were nearly becalmed. We braced the yards up at about 8.30 pm and set the jibs and staysail.”

Day Thirty Four

Lat. 45° 10′ S  Long. 129° 02′ W  Dist. 91 miles

“The port watch hauled the mainsail up during the middle watch and we set it at 5.30 am. I washed the half-deck out and then had breakfast consisting of a cup of so called coffee and some bread and butter and marmalade. Curry and rice was on the menu but I detest it.

We washed down at 12 md and then finished but not for long. It began to blow and at 1 pm we furled the upper topga’nsails and outer jib. At 2 pm we furled the mainsail and at 2.45 pm we furled the two lower topga’n’sails. During the first dog-watch the port watch hauled down the main topmast staysail.

Joe, Jock and I sang songs in the last dog-watch. At 9.30 pm the port watch furled both upper topsails.”

Day Thirty Five

Lat. 45° 59′ S  Long. 127° 41′ W  Dist. 79 miles

“We were called ten minutes early as it was all hands furl the foresail. It was raining and very cold.

At one o’clock the second mate laid up and I had to walk the poop for the rest of the watch. It was raining hard all the time and needless to say I felt like a drowned rat.

At 3 am I had to come down from the poop and put on dry oilskins as mine were soaked. No oilskins will keep out three hours of perpetual rain. The last half hour seemed like a lifetime and I was jolly glad to turn in at 4 am.

The port watch squared the yards at 7.30 am and at 9.30 am we canted the yards a bit as the wind had hauled to the starboard quarter. We set the foresail at 10.30. The port watch set the main topsail at 12.30 pm. We set the mainmast quivering with our singing during the dogwatch”

Day Thirty Six

Lat. 46° 15′ S  Long. 125° 46′ W  Dist. 84 miles

“The port watch braced the yards a bit in the middle watch and at 5.30 am we set the fore topsail and the lower topga’n’sails. The port watch set the main upper topga’n’sail this morning. It is getting very cold and much growling was around when two men were sent aloft to work.

I won in fair wager this afternoon a pound of tobacco. One of the men bet me a pound of tobacco it was the 22nd Sept. and I said it was the 23rd. I was doubtful but 5/- would not break the bank so I bet and on referring to a calender found it was the 23rd. So I am a pound of baccy to the good. More singing in the dog-watch.”

Day Thirty Seven

Lat. 48° 18′ S  Long. 121 58′ W Dist. 168 miles

“The port watch set the fore upper topga’n’sail at 7 am this morning.

I washed clothes this morning in delicious hot water. Work has ceased for a bit, I think, as the weather is so cold.

The port watch squared the yards in at 3.45 this afternoon.

We had a sing-song and a talk this evening. The Australian brought a big cigar aft and we passed it round. Bosun when he had it went green at once. Joe would not have any. Davis had one draw. Jock looked bad but held out. The Australian, Jock and I finished it.”

Day Thirty Eight

Lat. 47° 25′ S  Long. 118° 31′ W  Dist. 141 miles

“At 4.10 am we hauled down the main topmast staysail as the cook could not light his fire. We set it again at 7 am.

I chipped and scraped paint all afternoon under the foc’s’le head. The carpenter made an implement for burning paint off It consists of a piece of flat iron riveted onto a piece of rod iron. The operator heats the flat iron on the forge and then presses it on the paint causing much smoke and a delightful odour. Operator No 2 then scrapes the burnt paint off.

We had a talkable evening and a free fight after. Joe nearly choked the Australian and then the Australian returned the compliment in the same manner on the Bosun, much to his disgust. “

Day Thirty Nine

Lat. 47° 51′ S  Long. 115° 34′ W  Dist. 137 miles

“The port watch set the mainsail at 6 am this morning and braced up the yards a bit. I spent the morning in the sail locker sorting the potatoes. Dumping the rotten ones and after cutting off the rat-eaten portions of the potatoes the rats had satisfied their hunger on and placing them for immediate use.

We squared in the yards at 10.30 am and hauled down the staysails. At 5.30 pm we made the mainsail fast and the port watch braced up the yards and furled the upper topga’n’sails at 7 pm. At 9 pm we braced the yards up a bit more and set staysails. We furled the lower topga’n’sails at 11 pm and I came down and had some tea and pie.”

Day Forty

Lat. 47° 47′ S  Long. 111° 38′ W  Dist. 155 miles

“We set the main lower topga’n’sail at 3 pm this afternoon and everything went well all day. We squared in the yards at 7 pm.”

Day Forty One

Lat. 48° 11′ S  Long. 107° 13′ W Dist. 79 miles

“The port watch squared the yards this morning and we set the fore lower topga’n’sail at 10.15 am. The wind began to increase during the evening and we had to furl the lower topga’n’sails. The fore at 9.45 pm and the main at 10.45 pm. Wind increasing and sea rising.”

Day Forty One

Lat. 50° 13′ S Long. 103° 37′ W Dist. 190 miles

“The port watch have furled the upper topsails and as it was 3.45 am the mate called us. Blowing a gale and the sea steadily rising. At 9 am we were called out to make the foresail fast. At 12 md a fierce gale with hurricane squalls and a mountainous sea running. I was trying to reach the half deck for my camera but she put the rail under and a sea came rushing aft along the deck and I could not open the door or move so just hung on while the water washed nearly up to my waist filling my sea boots up.

The cook was living in fear of the galley being washed away and when I went to the galley with some stuff for the steward he cautiously opened the door and looked as though he had seen about 3,000 ghosts and they had all condemned him.

At 6 pm all hands braced the yards on the starboard tack. No one got wet but Joe sat down suddenly much to the “Old Man’s” amusement.”

Day Forty Two

Lat. 51° 09′ S  Long. 100° 42′ W  Dist. 120 miles

“Weather the same. Port watch braced the yards on the port tack this morning. It cleared up a bit this evening. I walked the poop this watch from 11 pm for three quarters of an hour while the second mate made tea. It required some skill to walk up and down the poop as the rolling and pitching is heavy but I came through safely.”

Day Forty Three

Lat. 51° 35′ S  Long. 95° 32′ W Dist. 197 miles

“The port watch set the foresail at 3.30 am and we set the upper topsails between 6 & 8 am. It was blowing a strong breeze with clear weather. Drizzling rain this evening but wind the same.”

Day Forty Four

Lat. 52° 06′ S Long. 93° 08′ W Dist. 94 miles

“We braced the yards up at 1.30 am this morning and the port watch furled the fore upper topsail at 7 am. All hands took in the foresail at 8 am. We squared the yards at 9 am and 11.30 am. It was misty and damp.

The expected blow did not come so the port watch set the foresail at 3 pm. We set the fore topsail at 5.30 pm.

At 6.30 pm the port watch set the main lower topga’n’sail. There is a fine strong fair wind although the drizzle has returned and it is very cold.”

Day Forty Five

Lat. 53° 07′ S  Long. 88° 47′ W  Dist. 212 miles

6 am Tightened the lee braces.

12-4 fixed the topgallant sail buntlines and sorted potatoes.

6-8 It was drizzling rain.

8-12 port watch braced the yards a bit on the starboard tack.

Day Forty Six

Lat. 53° 32′ S  Long. 86° 14′ W  Dist. 96 miles

1.30 am braced up the yards and again at 3.45. 5.30 am the port watch set the mainsail, fore lower topga’n’sail and main upper topga’n’sail.

We set the fore upper topga’n’sail at 8 am. Port watch squared the yards 7 pm. 8 pm all hands furled the mainsail. Good fresh breeze.

Day Forty Seven

Lat. 54° 32′ S  Long. 82° 48′ W  Dist. 135 miles

“12 – 4 pm We furled the fore and main upper and lower topga’n’sails as the breeze freshened. Good breeze and clear weather.”

Day Forty Eight

Lat. 55° 34′ S  Long. 78° 05′ W  Dist. 169 miles

“2 am Set the main lower topga’n’sail. Played cards in the dogwatch and at 9.30 pm furled the fore topsail and the main topsail at 9.45 pm. Squally and drizzly rain.”

Day Forty Nine

Lat. 56° 19′ S  Long. 76° 31′ W  Dist. 70 miles

” 12 mn Furled the foresail. 7 am set the fore sail. 3.45 pm It was a dead calm but the barometer very low and atmosphere heavy with overcast sky.

Hauled the foresail up and at 4.30 port watch furled it. 6.30 caught aback from Mon the lee bow. Braced the yards round on the starboard tack.”

Day Fifty

Lat. 56° 31′ S  Long. 72° 57′ W  Dist. 59 miles

“12 mn hove to blowing a gale of wind. 4 am furled the fore lower topsail, port watch on the yard furling it while we hauled it up. 8 am hove to under main lower topsail.

10 am set the fore lower topsail and squared the yards. 1 pm “Old Man” and mate threw snow down our ventilator on to the cup-board. Balaclava helmet came into use and a blessing it was for we are getting plenty of snow and hail like marbles.

4 pm port watch have set the foresail and main upper topsail and loosed the fore upper topsail and we hoisted it. 6.30 port watch set the staysails. Played crib and patience. 9 pm snow is deep under foot and we are nearing the Horn. 50 days out.”

Day Fifty One

Lat. 56° 21′ S  Long. 68° 00′ W  Dist. 171 miles

“6 am squared the yards in. 6.30 set the main lower topga’n’sail. 7 am Diego Ramirez is now in site, they are about 55 miles SW of Cape Horn.

8 am braced the yards up a bit. 2 pm Cape Horn in sight but sky is heavy and overcast and it is not very plain. Very cold with strong breeze.”

Day Fifty Two

Lat. 55° 25′ S  Long. 63° 26′ W  Dist. 169 miles

” 12 mn other watch have braced up the yards. 3.30 braced up the yards. 4.15 Port watch furled the main lower topga’n’sail. 8 am port watch have squared in the yards a bit. 10 am squared the yards.

Fine breeze and clear weather. 2.30 pm port watch set the main lower topga’n’sail. 5 pm set the staysails. 6.10 pm port watch set the fore lower topga’n’sail.”

Day Fifty Three

No location recorded

” 4-8 am clear weather, fine breeze. 5.30 am braced up the yards a bit. 9.45 am port watch furled the two lower topga’n’sails.

Cook is ill and groans horribly when anyone is near. Gets no sympathy as the general opinion is he is bluffing. The men tell him he is rather too small to make an Albatros but may make a Mollyhawk. They also remark on the good cooking now. Joe is doing duty as cook. Good strong breeze. “

Day Fifty Four

No location recorded

“3.15 am squared in the yards. 8 am port watch have set the lower topga’n’sails and the fore upper topga’n’sail. We fixed the main topgallant halyards and set the sail. 4 pm port watch have set the mainsail. 5.20 braced up the yards. 6-8 played patience. 10.20 pm brace up the yards.

Fine and clear although the moon has a halo round it which is supposed to be a bad sign.”

Day Fifty Five

No location recorded

“5.30 am Hauled tight the braces. The cook is still in the same condition and Joe has an absess on one of his teeth and his jaw is considerably swollen.

It (the weather) has gone much colder today. We sailed along quite peacefully all day.”

Day Fifty Six

No location recorded

“At 2 am we ran into a fog-bank and the mist enveloped us completely. We squared the yards a bit at 11.45 am.

Bosun is laid up today. He did not get up at 8 am this morning and when the mate asked why he said he had a pain in his back as an excuse. The mate told the “Old Man” and he gave me some turpentine liniment to rub on his back.

The other watch squared in the yards at 7 pm this evening and the mist cleared. The mate has kept a look-out man on all day as he is terribly scared of ice-bergs. I think there is ice somewhere near as the weather has gone so much colder these last two days.

I am sorry to report two deaths today. The cockatoo lost at sea and one of the hens. The cockatoo was on one of the men’s shoulders on the fo’castle head when it felt inclined for a flight. It chose a bad moment for it had no sooner spread its wings when a puff of wind caught it and it glided over the side and was seen no more. The hen at 2.40 pm was on the perch in the hen-coup but was five minutes later doing its death kicks on the floor of the coup. At 3 pm the steward began plucking it. Hold a post-mortem examination on it. It was found to have one egg of ordinary egg size and three smaller ones all shellless in its interior. The conclusion was it was egg-bound. Another theory by the steward was it had slipped off the perch and death was caused by internal injuries. The verdict was death from being egg-bound.”

Day Fifty Seven

No location recorded

“5 am. Dead calm and we hauled the mainsail up at 5.30. At 6 am, 7 am, 7.45, we braced up the yards. At 9 am the other watch braced the hard up and brailed in the spanker and hauled down the mizzen staysail. At 3.45 pm we were caught aback on the lee bow and tacked ship. 7 pm a breeze came and we set the spanker, mizzen staysail and mainsail and squared in the yards a little bit.

The cook made his will today in favour of one of the men. The said man being the eldest in the fo’castle and just about able to walk as he suffers greatly from rheumatism and various other ailments, some being imaginary ones. The cook is better one minute, dying the next and middling the next. Joe and Bosun are better but one other man is laid up.”

Day Fifty Eight

No location recorded

“2 am a mist descended upon us and we have been going all day with a good breeze. The breeze increased at 6.30 pm and the mist cleared a bit but became thicker a bit later.

The cabin had chicken for dinner today and after five had had a meal of the poor thing none was left. Bosun had its liver or something but I did not relish it. Its looks took my appetite away.

At 10 pm we hauled down the staysails and furled the two upper topga’n’sails. It being misty the rigging and sails were all wet and the yard not being down properly we had a lively time. 11 pm brailed in the spanker.”

Day Fifty Nine

Lat. 48° 17′ S  Long. 39° 57′ W  Dist. 222 miles

“At 5.30 am we squared in the yards a bit and the mist cleared.

Helped the steward in the store room and cleaned the windlass this afternoon. We had some fierce arguments on socialism and various other subjects.

We got some Jones’s famous IXL Tasmanian jam today, 27 oz. tin Melon & Pineapple between two. It is good.

At 4.30 pm the port watch set the main upper topga’n’sail. 6 pm mist descended again. “

Day Sixty

Lat. 46° 00′ S  Long. 37° 00′ W  Dist. 130 miles

“Port watch set the fore upper topga’n’sail this morning at 6.30, also the staysails and spanker.

Wind same and misty all day so did nothing.

Have about 2 ozes of the jam left and the cook turned to again at 12 md. Played crib in the dog-watch. Mist cleared 10 pm.”

Day Sixty One

Lat. 44° 54′ S  Long. 34° 52′ W  Dist. 163 miles

“6-8 am Washed down aft. Washed down for ard 12 md. 5 pm port watch squared in the yards. 7 pm squared in the yards dead square, hauled down staysails, brailed in the spanker. “

Day Sixty Two

Lat. 44° 11′ S  Long. 31° 32′ W  Dist. 143 miles

“Bosun broke our lamp glass and as four have been broken in the last week, he breaking one yesterday, decided not to ask the steward for another but when the steward went to the galley for dinner he (Bosun) went into the store room and took one.

Everything alright. 2 pm port watch braced the yards on the starboard tack and set staysails and spanker.

Startling developements during the dog-watch. Davis had been in for his usual talk with the steward and at 7.30 when he appeared brought with him a small strap. He reported the steward had found the strap at the store room door this afternoon. The strap belongs to Bosun dropped on his expedition for the glass. We have given to Davis instructions to tell the steward the strap belongs to no one in the half-deck and if necessary to say the owner is the second mate.

It is very misty now, 10 pm. 11 pm we canted the yards on the port side”

Day Sixty Three

Lat. 43° 57′ S  Long. 28° 01′ W  Dist. 153 miles

“4 am mist cleared, good breeze. 6 am started “sougee mougee” on the teak wood and paintwork. Work continued all day.

In the evening we played cards and we heard no more about the strap and we presume the steward has missed nothing.”

Day Sixty Four

Lat. 42° 58′ S  Long. 24° 16′ W  Dist. 172 miles

“Good breeze all night. Finished cleaning the paint at 5 pm and ship looks bright and shining.

A large school of porpoise came by at 4.30 pm and went under and around the ship and passed on. We regret we have no harpoon for several were in easy throwing distance.

Played crib and then started cutting cards for [fun] from which developed into cutting for tobacco. I have lost about 3/4 pound tobacco and won a box of matches.

7 pm port watch braced up the yards on the port tack. Good breeze. 10 pm weather became misty. ”

Day Sixty Five

Lat. 42° 26′ S  Long. 22° 00′ W  Dist. 105 miles

“5.30 am braced the yards sharp up. 6-8 washed down. 12 md mist cleared.

Did various jobs around the deck. 6 pm wind increasing steadily. 10 pm port watch furl the upper topsails and spanker.”

Day Sixty Six

Lat. 41° 57′ S  Long. 17° 43′ W  Dist. 193 miles

” 12.30 am hauled down the main topmast staysail. 1 am squared in the yards a bit and at 2 am hauled down the mizzen staysail. Very strong breeze but we slacked off the sheets and let her go.

8 am other watch have furled the lower topga’n’sails and all hands furled the mainsail at 8 am. 9 am squared in the yards. 10.30 am set the lower topga’n’sails and 11.30 set the main upper topga’n’sail.

12 md other watch set the fore upper topga’n’sail and mainsail and mizzen staysail and spanker.

7.30 pm other watch squared the yards and brailed in the spanker. 8.30 pm We put the staysail sheets over and hauled the port clue of the mainsail aft and hauled the starboard clue up as wind on the starboard quarter.”

Day Sixty Seven

Lat. 41° 32′ S  Long. 15° 33′ W  Dist. 100 miles

“4 am port watch braced up the yards on the port tack. 4.30 am braced the yards up more.

12-4 Bosun greased the mizzen topmast down and I the main topgallant mast. About 3 pm Bosun reported missing but the second mate found him lying full length in the mizzen top having a forty winks.

7.30 pm we took in the upper topga’n’sails. Good strong breeze.”

Day Sixty Eight

Lat. 41° 09′ S  Long. 12° 33′ W  Dist. 138 miles

“8 am all hands hoisted the fore upper topga’n’sail. Good breeze all day. Port watch furled the fore upper topga’n’sail at 7.45 pm.”

Day Sixty Nine

Lat. 40° 37′ S  Long. 9° 56′ W  Dist. 123 miles

“7.30 am Gough Island in sight on the port bow. Good breeze.

2.30 pm Gough Island out of sight astern.

5 pm four masted barque on the starboard quarter. 8 pm strong breeze”

Day Seventy

Lat. 40° 53′ S  Long. 7° 11′ W  Dist. 126 miles

“Strong steady breeze all day. 6 pm began drizzling with rain and wind hauled aft a bit.

Continual drizzle of rain 8 – 12 pm. 1282 miles to Cape Town.”

Day Seventy One

Lat. 40° 52′ S  Long. 4° 25′ W  Dist. Not recorded

“12 mn All hands furled the mainsail. Rained all day.

Played nap in the dog watch.. 9 pm other watch squared the yards and set the upper topga’n’sails.”

Day Seventy Two

Lat. 40° 00′ S  Long. 2° 03′ W  Dist. 119 miles

“1 am braced up the yards on the starboard tack. 3.30 am set the mainsail. 8am braced the yards up more. Nice fine weather. 10 am braced up the yards a point.

We caught two Albatros this afternoon and killed one of them. Bosun has its head and I one of its feet. Played poker for matches this evening and I came off best, winning seven boxes. Jock won two, Bosun lost three and the Australian six boxes.

7.30 port watch braced the yards sharp up.”

Day Seventy Three

Lat. 39° 27′ S  Long. 00° 24′ W  Dist. 87 miles

“Nearly becalmed all day. Played poker in the dog-watch. All lost except me and I won. My winnings now are 20 boxes.”

Day Seventy Four

Lat. 38° 09′ S  Long. 1° 34′ W  Dist. 95 miles

“Breeze sprang up at 1 am and steadily increased but it is a dead head wind. 6 am other watch furled the upper topga’n’sails. 9.30 am we furled the mainsail. Rain started. 11 am we furled the lower topga’n’sails.

It was a mistake to kill the Albatros as we have now a head wind and not getting nearer port. 4 pm all hands wore ship. 7 pm port watch squared in the yards a bit. Still a nasty drizzle. 10 pm blowing half a gale of wind.

Lost about four boxes of matches tonight.”

Day Seventy Five

Lat. 37° 49′ S  Long. 00° 26′ W  Dist. 9 miles

“5.30 am we set the lower topga’n’sails and 7 am the mainsail. 7.30 am squared in the yards. 12 md the other watch have braced up the yards and it is now drizzling.

Lost three more boxes at poker. 8 – 12 other watch squared in the yards a bit. Good breeze.”

Day Seventy Six

Lat. 37° 59′ S  Long. 2° 49′ E  Dist. 154 miles

“2 am squared in the yards. Good strong breeze. 8 am other watch have set the upper topga’n’sails and it is fine weather. Hoping the wind will hold as we have only 793 miles to go.

I ended playing poker with exactly the same amount as I started with. Bosun and Jock won and the Australian lost heavily. 10 pm still a good breeze.”

Day Seventy Seven

Lat. 37° 23′ S  Long. 5° 24′ E  Dist. 124 miles

“Continued all day in fine style. The Cape Town girls are pulling hard

At 7 pm we braced up the yards a bit. At poker I lost nine boxes and Jock won them. We are all pretty well square now. The Australian has [been] losing but his losses have been used by us for smoking.

Wind increased during the 8-12 pm watch. 666.2 miles to go.”

Day Seventy Eight

Lat. 36° 38′ S  Long. 8° 21′ E  Dist. 150 miles

“We did some cracking on during the first and morning watch. During the morning watch the other watch squared in the yards. It drizzled with rain all night and we had a bonsor squall with heavy rain and the wind came aft.

At 5 pm we jybed ship, the wind coming round on the starboard quarter. I invested in two dozen boxes of matches out of the slop chest costing 1/- dozen. I lost continually up to seven boxes and then dame fortune smiled and I regained all but two. And then the time to finish was at hand.

Continued calculation as to when we will get in. At the rate we are going now we expect to arrive about Friday night or Saturday morning. But I expect it will be Sunday. We have 514 miles to go today and 10 pm still a strong breeze.”

Day Seventy Nine

Lat. 35° 40′ S  Long. 10° 56′ E  Dist. 138 miles

“12-4 am Port watch jybed ship onto the port tack again. 6-8 got up the anchor cables and shackled them onto the anchors. We have started painting the ship for port and cleaning the brass. I got the standard binnacle cover and rubbed for four hours but as the brass has been exposed for 14 months in all weathers and not cleaned once during that period it is rather a big undertaking. I cleaned for four hours and Jock relieved me keeping going for one hour.

Winning 2 boxes of matches from when we started. Still a good breeze. 382 miles to go to Cape Town.”

Day Eighty

No location recorded

“Sailed quietly all day with nothing to report.”

Day Eighty One

No location recorded

“Expecting to get into Cape Town early tomorrow but wind failed towards night”

Day Eighty Two

Cape Town

” Looking for land since daylight and sighted Table Mountain about 9 am. Crawled up to the land and got in the lee of the land at 5 pm this evening and consequently, the wind was gone. Close to shore we gave a display of hauling round yards and turning round in circles. A tug came out and we made all sails fast and towed in dropping the anchor at 6.30 pm. 81 days 8½ hours en route.

Heard the armistice was to be signed at 11 am on the 11th November.

This is the log of the passage completed.

(signed) E. Andersen

Au Revoir.”