‘Tayleur’ shown here was an iron sailing ship, built at Warrington. She was wrecked on the Irish coast on her maiden voyage in 1854, while travelling from Liverpool to Australia. 370 emigrants were lost.

Leaving from Liverpool

Storm

It is day 28. Last night the storm came as predicted and it was terrible. The thunder and lightning was so much louder than in the city, and I felt sure the ship would break apart. My hands are still sore from grasping the rough, wooden bunk.

The access hatch into our deck was closed and the air became thick with the stench of vomit. In the blackness we were thrown around, with groans and retching greeting every lurch of the ship. The Irish mumbled what I think were prayers in their strange Irish language, and I prayed in my own way.

Joseph was very sick and very hot – I hope it is seasickness. In the blackness he became more and more scared and breathless until I thought he would pass out. I considered opening the hatch to let in some fresh air, or perhaps lighting a lamp to provide some comfort.