Emigrants on the deck of a sailing ship in the 1840s

Leaving from Liverpool

Day 27

We have been out for 27 days and have not seen land for almost as long. I have much to report.

The first few days were terrible, but now we have a routine and feel a little happier. Sarah was sick before we left the river, and I must admit I also suffered greatly with seasickness in those first days. Others fell over, with one old man breaking his leg.

William and Joseph were unaffected and ran wild, but now complain of boredom - I don’t blame them. Everyday we talk of the same things – the poor food, the weather, how long we will be at sea , where we’ve come from and where we are going.

One Irish child has fever and cries constantly, another has sunburn. Feeling amongst the English passengers is turning against the Irish although I am not sure it is warranted. First tobacco and keepsakes went missing, for which they were blamed, and now they are accused of infesting us with lice (although I am sure that accusation is fair!) The surgeon is not surprised and says we will all be loused by time we see Sydney.

The deck is as busy as steerage with animals, provisions, crew and passengers. Nowhere is there peace or quiet.

The weather has got hotter since we sailed and today we crossed the equator. Some people expected to see a line in the sky and were laughed at. Last night I saw a comet – I hope it does not bring bad luck.

Setting sail - Day 27 (continued)