Diary and Ships Log.
Captains Log of the clipper WELLINGTON, 1878/79 voyage,
Greenock to Pt Chalmers.
P.H. WELLINGTON sh 1247
Voy 5
Nov 29 Sld: Greenock
Dec 1 off Tuskar
5th Cape Finistarre
15 Spk Warwick bound
London to Nelson
Psd Inside CV. Is
26 Equator 26.50 w 27d
31 Spk Gledaurel 15 s
31 w bound Frisco to
L'pl
1879
Jan 16 Mer. Greenwich 41s
20th Mer.CGH 43 s 52d
27 Psd S of Pr. Edw Is
Feb 6 Mer. Leeuwin 50 S ave 300 mpd several days
Mer. Tasmania 74d 51 S
17 Arr. Pt Chalmers 79 d and to anch
14 + 381 passengers
May 19 Sld Pt Chalmers for London
Aug 18 Arr. Gsnd (ANZC) 28.7.79
London cable dated Aug 19 W--had
arrived. Press.
Diary of the 1878/79 voyage.
We have been sailing S.W. since we left the light house on the coast of France. We saw fish for the first time on
Monday called porpoise.
Tuesday very calm nothing happened of any consequence only the hoisting of the sail poles and the sailors firmness
in getting up to the top of the mast with one rope bit on. On December 4th we sailedabout 8 knots an hour and the
weather being very fine we were in lat. 46`6 North, Lon 13`52 W.
Dec at 3 o'clock Lat 43`25 N, Lon 15`23 W.
On Friday we sailed 364 miles in 24 hours. We had a storm came on which broke the jib boom spar and stopped us a
little and put us in danger and broke it in two places and the sails flew into the air and one into the sea. On Saturday
we sailed 280 miles and were in Lat 39`46 N, Lon 21`37 W.
On Sunday we sailed 260 miles and were in Lat 31`25 N, Lon 22`26 W.
On Monday we sailed 56 miles and were in Lat 30`40 N, Lon 23`1 W.
On Tuesday we sailed 125 miles and were in Lat 28`35 N, Lon 22`10 W.
There was a school started for all who had a mind to attend. The Rev. D. Gordon gave his first sermon on Tuesday and
he preached again on Wednesday.
On Wednesday we sailed 167 miles and was Lat 26`1 N, Lon 19`1 W.
On Thursday we sailed and was in Lat 26`4 N, Lon 20`21 W.
On Friday we sailed 135 miles and was in Lat 25`8, Lon 18`5 W. And they put on a new jib boom which was 60 feet
long.
On Saturday we sailed 37 miles Lat 24`30 N, Lon 18`20 W.
On Sunday we, after a long calm which lasted till evening we sailed 177 miles and was in Lat 21`50 N, Lon 19`40 W.
Mr. Gordon preached in the morning from the 16th chapter, 30 & 31 verses and in the afternoon he gave an address to
the young men which he touched on leaving home and friends and the parting with relations which made me think of
those at home, it was also the first day that we did not see another sail.
On Monday we sailed 235 miles and was Lat 18`00 N. Lon 21`33 W.
We did see flying fish in great shoals, there was also sheep shearing on board and sheep riling.
On Tuesday we sailed 144 miles and was in Lat 15`39 N, Lon 21`48 W. We caught fish with a hook and line (dolphin).
On Wednesday we sailed 103 miles and was in Lat 13`57 N, Lon 22`19 W.
On Thursday we sailed 74 miles and was in Lat 12`47 N, Lon 22`46 W. We were formed into companys for fire and
boat drill.
On Friday we sailed 71 miles and was in Lat 11`36 N, and Lon 22`52 W.
On Saturday we sailed 97 miles and was in Lat 10`41 N, Lon 23`20 W. We had a concert in the evening with a few
good singers.
On Sunday we sailed 92 miles and was in Lat 8`30 N, Lon 22`32 W. There was again service in the morning but I
could not hear there was a great thunder storm on the Sunday the 22nd of December the lightning was very vivid. That
in our own country was nothing compair with it and the rain came down in torrents for about one hour, 10 to 11 O'clock.
We could see it coming hours before it came to us and they took all the sails in, expecting a squall with it but there
was nothing of any consequence but we were on the right side.
On Monday we sailed 71 miles and was in Lat 7`24 N, Lon 24`22 W.
On Tuesday we sailed 57 miles and was in Lat 6`24 N, Lon 24`00 W.
On Wednesday we sailed 134 miles and was in Lat 4`14 N, Lon 24`33 W.
On Thursday 322 miles and was in Lat 1`2 N, Lon 22`26 W.
On Friday we sailed 220 miles and was in Lat 1`35 S, Lon 28`55 W.
On Saturday 230 miles and was in Lat 4`40 S, Lon 31`12 W.
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We had a concert in the evening which made the hours go rather quicker.
On Sunday the 29th we sailed 225 miles and was in Lat 8`12 S, Lon 32`28 W.
On Monday we had death on board of an infant 16 months old and they dropped it into the sea at 5:15 pm and we
sailed 201 miles and was in Lat 11`34 S, Lon 32`30 W.
On Tuesday we sailed 233 miles and was in Lat 15`6 S, Lon 31`53 W.
On Wednesday Jan 1st we had the pleasure of watching the new year come in. When the clock sruck 12 O'clock
the bells were ringing and the fog horn blowing.
On Thursday we had a case of theft of a leaver watch in the evening which was found in the thief's posession.
On Thursday 9th Jan we had a case of stabbing between an Irishman and a Scotsman. We sailed 98 miles
Lat 35`50 S, Lon 28`5 W.
On the 12th we sailed 172 miles Lat 38`40 S, Lon 27`39 W. We caught the trades.
On Saturday the 11th we sailed 130 miles Lat 39`59 S, Lon 25`46 W. We got sight of a school of whales in the evening.
On Sunday we sailed 116 miles Lat 40`36 S, Lon 21`6 W.
Monday 13th we sailed 272 miles and was in Lat 41`5 South and Lon 15`14 West.
On Tuesday the 14th we sailed 295 miles and was in Lat 42`6 South and Lon 8`44 West.
On Wednesday the 15th we sailed 240 miles and was in Lat 40`35 South and Lon 9`5 West. Whilst in the latitude of
the cape we did see some beautiful birds called albertross they were nearly 4 ft. across the outstretched wing.
On Thursday the 16th we sailed 210 miles and was in Lat 41`10 South Lon 1`7 East.
On Friday we sailed 220 miles and was in Lat 41`23 South and Lon 6`00 East.
On Saturday the cooking place got on fire about 4 A.M. but was soon put out without much damage being done to it
and we sailed 215 miles and was in Lat 40`45 South and Lon 10`4 East.
On Sunday the 19th we sailed 185 miles and was in Lat 41`35 South and Lon 41`33 East.
//note above Lon 41`33 must be wrong
We had a service from Exodus the 20th Chapter and 8th verse and in the afternoon we had one to the young men
from the first of Corinthians and the 16th Chapter and 18th verse and he spoke of the danger of temptation that we
had to go through and he urged us to hold fast and stand firm in all things.
On Monday we sailed 230 miles and was in Lat 43`14 South and Lon 19`24 East.
On Tuesday the 21st we sailed 150 miles and was in Lat 44`11 South and Lon 22`44 East. We had the cooking
place on fire again about 8 P.M. but it never got properly held.
On Wednesday the 22nd we sailed 170 miles and was in Lat 45`19 and Lon 26`26 East and in the evening the Rev.D.
Gordon gave a lecture on Perseverence which was a very good one.
On Thursday we sailed 203 miles and was in Lat 46`50 South and Lon 30`22 East.
On Friday the 24th we sailed 230 miles and was in Lat 47`40 South and Lon 33`15 East.
On Saturday the 25th of January we sailed 240 miles and was in Lat 40`00 South and Lon 40`35 East and it was very
cold. It was the coldest day we have experienced.
On Sunday the 26th we sailed 290 miles and was in Lat 48`24 South and Lon 47`4 East and in the morning about
2 A.M.we passed by large iceburgs but we had no service owing to the weather being very cold.
On Monday the 27th we sailed 264 miles and was in Lat 48`24 South and Lon 53`00 East.
On Tuesday the 28th we sailed 273 miles and was in Lat 48`11 South and Lon 59`6 East.
On Wednesday the 29th we sailed 250 miles and was in Lat 46`40 South and Lon 65`8.
On Thursday the 30th we sailed 330 miles and was in Lat 48`2 Lon 72`9 the wind was very strong and there was very
heavy sea and water came over the bulwarks in tons and very few escaped getting a good drenching.
On Friday the 31st we sailed 344 miles and was in Lat 48`31 South and Lon 79`56 East and one of the cabin
passengers caught an albertross which was 9 feet from tip to tip of the wings and was a very beautiful bird it was grey
and white speckled.
------------------
On Saturday the 1st of Feburary we sailed 170 miles and was in Lat 48`40 South and Lon 83`40 East and we had
another death on board it was a twin infant 18 weeks old out of a family of eight children and it was put into the deep
at 5 P.M.
On Sunday we sailed 256 miles and was in Lat 48`19 South and Lon 89`23 East.
On Monday 3rd Feb we sailed 272 miles and was in Lat 49`18 South and Lon 102`19 East.
On Wednesday the 5th we sailed 250 miles and was in Lat 48`40 South and Lon 108`25 East.
On Thursday the 6th we sailed 170 miles and was in Lat 48`56 South and Lon 112`35 East.
On Friday the 7th we sailed 226 miles and was in Lat 50`16 South and Lon 118`6 East.
On Saturday the 8th we sailed 252 miles and was in Lat 50`49 South and Lon 124`42 East.
On Sunday the 9th we sailed 260 miles and was in Lat 50`49 South and Lon 131`36 East.
On Monday we sailed 280 milesssss and was in Lat 52`00 South and Lon 138`55. On the evening it came on squally
and they had to take in nearly all the sails the order was given for all hands to shorten sail an order that was never given
before since we started and when we got up in the morning the sails were still in and there was a good strong wind and
we sailed 288 miles and was in 50`55 South and Lon 146`16.
On Wednesday the 12th we sailed 310 miles and was in Lat 49`9 South and Lon 153`52 East and we had another death
on board of an infant 2 years old which was consigned to the deep in the evening by the Reverend David Gordon. It was
thought at first that they would land with it being so near port but the Seargeant of the ship soon let them know different.
They were cleaning the deck all day with sand and holy stone so as to be respectable when they got into port.
On Thursday the 13th we sailed 200 miles and was in Lat 48`42 South and Lon 159`4 East and they were varnishing and
painting all day and they swung the anchor over the side to be ready for use.
On Friday we sailed 200 miles and was in Lat 49`15 and Lon 164`00 East and we was driven out of our course two points
owing to the wind being direct in front of the course that we wanted to go.
On Saturday the 15th we sailed 120 miles and was in Lat 48`52 and Lon 167 East. Caught three albertrosses the largest
of them being 10 feet from tip to tip of the wings and the small 9 feet. We had a very strong wind but it was against us
and sent us out of our course a little but the man at the wheel kept her up to the wind so that we did not sail so very far
out but the wind changed 12 P.M. and we got a favourable one and none of us were sorry as we were all anxious to see
land.
They took all the sails but three the wind being so strong and when they are all spread there is 26 in all, we got the
sight of the land of our adoption on Sunday morning at 30 past 10 A.M. and we sailed along the coast and it was the
most beautiful sight that I ever did see, we could see the corn growing in the fields and the dwellings of the farmers which
were all whitewashed and there was some of the most beautiful cliffs all covered with trees and it was the most beautiful
day that we have had since we came on board which set off the crew thatbwe got off the course but when we got to the
harbour it came on very squally and it was a very dangerous place to enter. The pilot came on board about 4 P.M. and
he took the vessel about 3 miles from the mouth of the harbour and at 5 P.M. we were safely in.
PS. This copy of the diary is as near as we can make out from the original. It was written in pencil and some parts were
difficult to decypher. Some of the pages at the beginning and end may be missing.
Joan & Jock Rhodes Gore July 11th 1986
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Have just found out (Jan 08) that an article printed in the Otago Daily Times,
18 Feb 1879, mentions the death at sea of a Robert Foster, aged 2 years old.
Also, National Archives, UK has microfishe records of Births at Sea which may
be viewed free at their address in Kew, Surrey, just out of London. These
records are not yet digitized.
-------
Have just visited (5 Oct 08) National Archives, UK, and have found on micro-film, (folio 134,
Deaths at Sea, Scotland, 1879), the record of the death at sea of Robert Foster, of Motherwell,
from dropsy, on 13 Feb 1879.
-----------------------------------------
An article from the Otago Daily Times, Dunedin, 18 Feb 1879.
The Arrival of the "Wellington"
The ship reported by us in our issue of the 17th of February proved to be the Albion Company's ship Wellington, under
the command of our old friend Captain Cowan, and bringing 14 cabin passengers, with 381 Government immigrants from
Glasgow, together with 1200 tons of cargo, of which 700 tons consists of measurement goods and the rest dead weight.
She was brought up to the Quarantine-ground, and anchored at 10 a.m. on that day, and shortly afterwards was boarded
by Mr Colin Allan, the immigration officer; Dr Drysdale, medical officer of the Immigration Board; Captain Thomson,
health officer, and Mr Thomson, Customs boarding officer. The vessel having been inspected, and the immigrants mustered,
Captain Cowan was at liberty to render the Press representative a report of the vessel's passage from Glasgow, which
on this occasion has occupied 79 days from anchor to anchor - four days in excess of her last voyage out. This is
easily to be accounted for by the fact that she experienced nothing but light adverse winds and calms on entering and
leaving the tropics. The surgeon superintendent is Dr Rogers, who was last here in the ship Marlborough, and from
the appearance of the immigrants it is most evident that every care has been bestowed upon them by both the medical
officer and Captain Cowan. In all there are 381 immigrants, composed of 45 married couples, 79 single females, 121
single men, 10 infants, and 73 children. The whole of the passengers are of very superior class, and both the
surgeon-superintendent and commander speak in terms of the highest commendation of them. There has been a wise
and constant employment of the people during the passage; boat and fire drill, inspection of the children on Thursdays,
muster and inspection of the adults Sundays, and the practice of Divine worship were duly observed, the Rev.
David Gordon being the officiating clergyman. The single females were birthed in the fore compartment of the saloon and
after-part of the 'tween decks, and were under the charge of Miss Ferguson, who evidently kept her charges up to their
work, this compartment being clean and in beautiful order; the married people, with their families, were located in the
midship part of the 'tween decks, and we have seldom seen this part of an immigrant ship (which is necessarily the
most used, in consequence of the children) in so cleanly a state. The single men were birthed forward, and although there
were 121 persons in the compartment it was in perfect order. There have been no births throughout the passage, and but three
deaths, all being of children of tender age. The first was that of Mary Peters, aged 18 months, of hydrocephalus, on
30th December; the next, that of Francis McGill, aged four months, of congestion of the lungs, on 1st February
(this child was a twin, and came on board in a very delicate state of health); while the third, that of Robert Foster, aged
two years, took place on 13th February, of inflammatory dropsy. Of the ships passage out it may be said to equal any made
this season, and had it not been that she was retarded by light adverse winds and calms on entering and leaving the tropics,
she would certainly have borne away the palm from any vessel that has been reached us this season. As it is, the run out
has been made in 79 days from anchor to anchor (just four days more than her last year's passage), and has been to all
intents and purposes a fine weather one throughout, the vessel only having been hove-to off the Snares, and that in
consequence of thick weather. She left the Tail of the Bank at 2 p.m on November 29th, experienced light southerly
winds and calms, and cast off the tug steamer at 8 a.m. on the 30th, proceeded as far as Rathlin Island, and landed the pilot
at 4 p.m.; went down the north channel, when the wind suddenly veered to N.W. and freshened to a strong gale, which compelled
her to take the south channel, down which she scudded at the rate of 11 knots an hour. Tuskar Island was signaled at 4 p.m. on
the 1st of December, and the wind veering into N. and N.E., she crossed the Bay of Biscay and passed Cape Finisterre on
the 5th December; passed the Island of Madeira on the eighth day out, and thence encountered a fresh easterly gale,
scudding through which she carried away her jibboom; thence she had light variable and southerly winds for five days,
and then light southerly breezes until December 13th, when she took the N.E. trades in lat.22 N. (at this time she was
close on the African shore). On December 15th she signaled the ship Warwick, from London to Nelson with immigrants,
"all well", and passing inside the Cape de Verde group, in company with a large fleet of vessels. Lost the N.E. trades in
latitude 14 N.; light airs and calms prevailed from latitude 14 N. to latitude 8 N., where the first of the S.E. trades were
picked up on December 25th; they took her across the equator on the following day, in longitude 26.50 W., 27 days out, and
three days behind her last passage out. On December 31st she spoke the ship Glendaruel, from San Francisco to Liverpool,
latitude 15 S., longitude 31 W. The South-east trades were good, and enabled her to lay a good course; they gave out in
latitude 26 S., and were followed by light northerly winds until the ship reached latitude 38 S. on January 12th; and
in latitude 40 S., longitude 21 W., she fell in with a perfect school of whales. The westerly winds were taken up on
the same day, and the meridian of Greenwich was crossed on January 16th in latitude 41 S, and she rounded the Cape of
Good Hope four days later, in latitude 48 S., 52 days out from Glasgow, and six days behind her last passage. Thence she
experienced light westerly winds and fine weather until January 25th, when a strong N.W. breeze and thick weather set in.
She passed to the southward of Prince Edward's and Marion Island on January 27th, and thence had light N.W. winds and
foggy weather, which took her to the southward of the Crozet Group on January 30th; strong S.W. winds followed, and she
passed to the northward of Kerguelen's Land with thick foggy weather, and crossed the meridian of Cape Leuwin on
February 6th, in latitude 50 S., thence she had favourable and strong westerly winds, and averaged 300 miles per day for
several days, the best day's work being logged at 340 miles. The Island of Tasmania was passed on the 74th day out, in
latitude 51 S., on February 11th; strong westerly winds carried her up to the land, and she passed to the southward of the
Snares on the 15th, meeting a strong northerly gale, which she veered from N.W. to S.W. along the coast, and brought her
past the Nuggets at 10 a.m. on the 16th instant; she took Mr Pilot Kelly on board at 4 p.m. same day, anchored outside for
the night, and was towed up to the Quarantine-ground at 10 a.m. yesterday.
The Voyage of the ALPINE, Glasgow to Pt Chalmers 1859
The Voyage of the ALPINE, Glasgow to Pt Chalmers 1859
Otago Witness, 28 September 1899, Page 59
REMINISCENCE. VOYAGE OF THE ALPINE. By Jas. McIndoe.
It was a bright, sunny day, that Thursday, 10th June, 1859, when at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the anchor of the
good ship Alpine was hove from the tail of the bank, Greenock, and in tow of the powerful tug Hercules, the first part
of her 16,000 miles journey began. Before entering into details of the passage I may be permitted to make a few remarks
regarding the ship herself. She was built at Ardrossan by the then celebrated firm of Barr and Shearer, who in due
course immediately afterwards launched the Pladda and the Lady Egidia, named, in honour of the eldest daughter of the
Earl of Eglinton, the three being designed for the trade from Glasgow to Otago, and each making successful records, the
Alpine inaugurating, but not being destined to make a second visit. Our ship was well appointed, officers and crew being
efficient. Captain Crawford was a bluff old salt, who had made many voyages to different parts of the world as thorough
sailor, deemed a little over-cautious. Mr Mann, the chief officer, was to the manner born, and would willingly carry on
whilst his superior hesitated. Mr Gray, the second, had much less experience, but did his duty faithfully, and was a
favourite with the ladies.
As an auxiliary official, who had a large share of responsibility, we had also Captain Neil Smith, who was a veteran in
nautical affairs, long engaged in the China trade, and who brought, the first intimation of Queen Victoria's accession to
Tasmania in 1837. On our arrival here Captain Smith filled many - important positions under Mr Balfour, marine engineer,
and the Otago Harbour Board, departing this life in December 10, 1898, aged 92 years. Dr Cochrane, who held the position
of health officer, was always attentive and kind, lacking perhaps a little in enforcing his orders for medical comforts
when the captain demurred. The crew, almost every one of; them, were as good as ever was shipped on any vessel ready and
willing to attend every call of duty, obliging and attentive to all the passengers.
What shall I say of the passengers. We were a mixed lot, not all Scotties, as the other "two minor kingdoms " contributed
a small proportion. To please and satisfy nearly 500 souls confined in a small space for nearly three months, with limited
resources, would be a more difficult job than for a Parliamentary representative to please all his constituents.
However, in the sequel the story will evolve the details of- our trip.
On towing us down the Clyde Firth beyond Pladda light, the tug -steamer cast us adrift, leaving us to our own resources.
It was then past midnight, with a clear, balmy atmosphere, and the major part of the male passengers being on deck, gave
a faint cheer to the departing Hercules, and took a long, and, to most of us, a last farewell of the land of our birth,
a parting which every leal hearted soul on board keenly felt.
Appearing on deck again, all who were able to do so realised the fact that we were alone on the ocean, how or where going
few could tell. Our skilful captain and officers truly set their course, and the little helm kept the ship closely to it.
There was not a large consumption of victuals for several days afterwards. A little experience, however, inured the great
majority to a life on the ocean wave, and each fell to on his or her tucker as the not very tempting viands stimulated. Not
being so accustomed, and a remaining feeling of uneasiness, prevented a general enjoyment of the meals. As the voyage
progressed, and people felt themselves again, grumbling and growling became loud and imperative, and as subsequently will
appear, not without reason. Passengers air riving now by steamer can have no idea of the discomforts of a crowded sailing
ship. Among the other representatives of animated nature on board privileged with a free passage may be mentioned an
assortment of fowls, several sheep, and a herd of swine, which latter had at times the liberty of wandering round the decks,
but not the poop, thus not at all contributing to the comfort of the passengers. The position was aggravated from
the known fact that the whole of these domesticated creatures were destined for the cuddy table, and 'tween decks would not
share in the luxury. One great omission had been made by the providore in not putting on board a basket or two of eggs, and
it so happened that one of the saloon passengers took a longing for an egg in addition to fried ham, and it being known
through the doctor that one of the steerage passengers had a good stock, which was given without stint to shipmates around,
a demand came from aft that a share should be given up for those- in the stern sheets. The prompt reply was made. Not by
any means. They are now enjoying their good things without a thought of us, so we shall keep what we have got to ourselves.
As to the provisions on board they must have been ample, as they were certified for by the Government agent at Glasgow.
Judging from the one fact that water was put on board in hogsheads to the extent of 80.000 gallons, there was no idea of
a necessity arising of making fresh water out of salt, and the skies were looked to for supplementing any deficiency.
This was all very well, but no sooner were the casks emptied than they were knocked into shooks and stowed away in some
part of the hold. The result was that all the generous rain falling from the clouds ran info the lee scuppers and was
eventually swallowed up in the briny deep. In the equatorial latitudes the water served out was on the most limited scale,
but on reaching colder regions the allowance was greatly increased. The provisions were of a fair quality, after their kind.
The cooking was not up to much, and boiled tea was not appreciated.
Another very serious caus for complaint were the conveniences, which, both in regard to position and condition, were
absolutely disgraceful. On arrival at our destination complaints were lodged with Mr Monson, the immigration officer, who
promptly brought the captain before a bench of magistrates, by whom, in most cases, the charges were found proven,
substantial fines being imposed, and a special allowance made to each passenger claiming damages. The captain declared it
was the first cargo of immigrants he had carried out, and it would be the last ; and so it proved. His disgust was
aggravated considerably by the desertion of a large number of his crew at Port Chalmers, who, by various attractions,
were induced to run away and so forfeit the wages earned on the voyage, and in their action they were assisted by many of
the passengers, who packed up the men's clothing with their own belongings, and so got them safely ashore, to be delivered
up on the first convenient occasion.
In spite of the discomforts which obtained, the passengers were a contented lot, trying to make each other as happy as
possible, not an easy matter as we were a company of strangers huddled together, to- the number of 460 souls, on
a sailing vessel of 1100 tons, a big ship in her day, but not one-tenth the size of some of those now frequenting our
ports. Our small crowd almost equalled one-half the first year's population. There was not much room for exercise on
the deck, hampered as was with the accommodation for the intermediate hospital, galley, pigsty, etc. We met in companies in
various ways, however, played cards, sang songs, told yarns, read aloud from books, and published a weekly newspaper,
consisting of a single copy in MS., which, made its way round, and the file of which is extant to this day. The weather
during the voyage was highly favourable. On one occasion only had we a gale compelling the hatches to be closed down.
Neither were incidents of an exciting nature common, beyond carrying away some -of the top rigging, the discovery of a fire
in one of the ship's boats close to the caboose, and sharks paid us but little attention. There were four births during the
voyage, the first born receiving the name of Alpine Crawford Cochrane Black, after the ship, the captain, the doctor, and
the parents. Nine deaths also occurred, mostly among the young. Only one ship was spoken, and that close to the coast,
bound for Auckland.
As the end of our voyage drew near, excitement increased. Having a view of the land as we glided up from the south and off the
Ocean Beach some of the far-sighted declared they could see lights ashore ; the old captain himself was for a time wondering
if this could be the entrance to Otago Harbour. By good luck there was on board one old sailor who had on a former occasion
made the voyage, and we had also with us a Shetlander, Magnus Calder, who had been here and gone Home to fetch his own wife
and his son's sweetheart. Mr Calder held a peculiar position. He represented a distinct lot, known in Scotland as "The Men of
the North." This was more than half a century ago, and Hugh Miller, in an article in the Edinburgh Witness, graphically
described their character and peculiarities. These men were an embodiment of Calvinism, and by then earnestness and consistent
action exercised an immense influence.
Now we are safely anchored inside the Heads, carefully piloted by that rogue Dick Driver, who played merry tricks on the
unsuspecting passengers. A few visitors came to welcome us, among whom were my brother-in-law, the late Robert Gillies, and
also old Mr Kirkland, who came down to receive his friends, the Tanocks.
The weather was glorious on our arrival, and so everyone on board was loud in expressing the delight felt on reaching out
haven in safely, and finding everything up to expectations. All were landed safely, without any incident. But where are
we now. The great majority of the adults have gone to Kingdom Come, and are long the remainder will follow to the Great
Unknown. Others have scattered everywhere. A few returned to their native land. Others, confining ourselves to New Zealand, are
to be found from the North to the South Cape. Australia, Japan, India, the Cape, and America have received their
contribution, and one youth selected the Holy Land as his domicile, intending to grow lentils on the banks of the Jordan.
Those remaining, and to whom this record may prove interesting and if any are omitted it is not from design are : Alexander
McMillan, painter, George street ; A. Millar, Mornington ; James Bryce, William Knox, Emanuel Turner, A. C. Begg, Andrew Lees,
and the writer, Dunedin ; Walter Park, Blueskin ; William Smith, Mosgiel ; .John M'Donald. West Taieri ; Peter Dick
watchmaker; Peter Lindsay, Mrs Wallace. Waugh, and Allan; William Blackwood, Caversham.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Otago Witness 17 September 1859 p. 3
Shipping News
ARRIVED
September 11 Alpine, 1164 tons, R Crawford, from Glasgow.
Passengers- Intermediate and Steerage :
William Walker, wife, five sons and two daughters. The above list includes 22 carpenters, 6 blacksmiths, 1 cabinet maker,
1 miller, 1 miner, 2 masons, 1 teacher, 1 saddler, 1 shoemaker, 4 gardeners, 17 farmers, 41 ploughmen, 11 shepherds, 32 labourers,
4 dressmakers, and 33 domestic servants.
SUMMARY
Adults (65 married couples) 130
Single males of 12 years & up 116
Single females do 56
Male children <12 years of age 85
Female children do do 73
___
460
Equal to (adults) 368
BIRTHS DURING THE VOYAGE: - Mrs Black of a son; Mrs Cosgrove of a son;
Mrs Dick of a son; and Mrs Park of a daughter.
DEATHS Elizabeth Walker, aged 4 months; Catherine McNaughton 2 years: William Bryce, 3 years: John Robertson,
2 years and 9 months: Mrs Gilchrist, of consumption, 34 years; Colin Campbell, 18 months, Catherine Frew, 7 months:
Elspeth Buchan, 10 months; and Janet Davidson, 18 months.
The ALPINE
This vessel, which is one of the finest that has ever anchored in our harbour arrived here on Sunday the 11th Inst with
immigrants. She left the Clyde on the 10th June with upwards of 500 souls on board, and passed Eagle Island the following
day. Light winds and fine weather were experienced for the first six weeks of the passage, and the Equator was crossed on
the 24th of July. The meridian of the Cape was passed on the 7th of August. On the 26th the iron reefing gear of the main
topsail yard was carried away, which prevented any sail being set on the main yards for three days, during which the accident
was repaired. Off the coast of New Zealand, spoke to the Aatoaka for Auckland. Made the Snares on the 10th inst. And on the
next day anchored at Otago, after a fair passage of 93 days from land to land, during which no very heavy weather was
experienced, nor anything calling for more special remark.