A poster advertising a machine used to plant seeds. It was promoted as being ideal for emigrants Larger version [opens in new window]

Leaving from Liverpool

Day 55

We have been out for 55 days, and since we crossed the equator three weeks ago the days have been getting slightly shorter, and now there is a definite chill in the air.

Today the ship saw two bodies sent into the sea – the Irish child and the old man with the broken leg. Both died in the night. I don’t think they will be the last. It seemed that no sooner had the old man vanished from sight than his belongings were auctioned to the other passengers.

We met with another ship this morning, almost missing it in the fog that has come down. We exchanged mailbags, the crew spoke briefly and then we parted.

Shark - Day 55 (continued)