Monday April 13th Ran up the east coast of Tasmania and got off the mouth of the Bass Straits
Tuesday April 14th Got off Cape Howe today but was too far to the eastward to see land.
Wednesday April 15th The wind being ahead we had to go about and although there was hardly a breath of wind we (steering a course of south west) came in sight of Cape Howe at 4 p.m. At 7p.m. we went about again and steered North by West � West. The breeze began to freshen at 10 p.m. and the course was altered to North.
Thursday April 16th Made a splendid run up the coast, close in, having sighted land at daybreak. At 6 p.m. we were abreast of Woolangong and only had 40 miles more to run to Sydney Heads and as the Captain didn�t want to get there till the next morning (as no vessel to go into harbour after sunset) we began shortening sail, but as fast as we shortened sail so the wind rose until at 8 p.m. we were running 10 knots an hour and only 3 lower topsails and fore topmast staysail set. At 8.10 p.m. we sighted the electric lighthouse of Sydney Heads. Cheer upon cheer rose from the decks at the sight of our destination. At 10 p.m. we were abreast of the heads and so we had to heave to until the morning. The wind blew a southerly buster.
Friday April 17th At 6 a.m. we steered straight for the Heads. A little tug came out to take us in named Irresistible. When she came alongside the sea was frightfully heavy and we were rolling fearfully. Once or twice she seemed as though she were coming over our taffrail . We could have got her on our poop as easy as possible she was so small. She was just like a little toy by the side of us. We smashed the line twice which was fastened to her tow rope to bring it aboard. She towed us inside the Heads then (the weather being very squally) she could not manage us at all and we were just drifting on, the breakers to leeward so she signalled 4 other tugs to help her keep us off, and they managed between them to get us along to our anchorage in Pinchgut Bay, where we anchored to unload our gunpowder before going up to the wharf.
Saturday April 18th Unload our gunpowder. Have not got ashore yet. Unbent & stowed most of our sails. Sydney Harbour is one of the prettiest places possible. The scenery all round the harbour is magnificent. The harbour is full of bays and islands
Sunday April 19th Nothing to do all day but write letters. Yesterday there was a regatta held here and the chief race was between Hanlan & Beach and I believe Hanlan was beaten.
Monday April 20th The stevedores came aboard this afternoon to fix up their gear, ready for discharging cargo.
Tuesday April 21st Still waiting in the Bay, because a vessel is laying at Adelaide Wharf now, 7 as there is only room for one vessel at a time, & as we have got to go to that wharf we have got to wait till that vessel comes out which is expected to come out tomorrow.
Wednesday April 22nd Was on gangway duty today so got out of all the dirty work of mooring to the wharf which we did this afternoon at � past 2.
Thursday April 23rd We began discharging cargo today. We went ashore this evening & took my letter of introduction to Mr Shadler. He seems a very nice man. He invited me up to tea tomorrow night.
Friday April 24th Went up to tea to Mr Shadler�s. Was introduced to Mrs Shadler & her two younger sisters & brother.
Sat. April 25th As most of the crew have deserted & been discharged the work of washing decks fell very heavily on the midshipmen & apprentices. We began at 12.30p.m. & finished at 4.30p.m.
Sunday April 29th Quite a day of rest nothing to do whatever, and very thankful we all are for it, after the extra hard work we have had lately.
Monday April 27th Went to tea at Mr Shadler�s again & afterwards went to a smoking concert where I enjoyed myself very much. When I got home I found a letter waiting for me from Mrs Woods urgently requesting me to go to Uralla for a visit directly. Found out my cousin Herbert in Sydney and a jolly fine chap he is too. Went to the Australian Wax Works & pretty good they are.
Wednesday April 29th On gangway duty today. Got leave of the captain to go to Uralla, also the money to go with. Packed up my bags & prepared myself for going. Captain gave me leave to go & get my tea so that I might get away directly afterwards. It happened that the other hands were getting the ship astern, & the 1st mate came into our berth and me taking my tea. He flew into a passion and taking up my cup he threw the tea all over me and began jawing me like mad, but when he heard that Captain had told me to get my tea of course he could say nothing more. At 11p.m. I went aboard the Maitland (steamer) bound for Newcastle. Herby saw me off aboard.
Thursday April 30th Got into Newcastle at 4.30 a.m. Had some breakfast and then waited about the station for 3 hours until 8 a.m. Then began the most tedious journey. I did not get into Uralla until 7.15 p.m. & it is only 287 miles, but the train goes like a snail. In some parts anyone could have walked faster than the train went. When I got to Uralla Mrs Woods & Percy & May & Miss Gissing & her sister Polly met me at the station. We got home & had tea and glad enough I was to get to bed.
