1853 Sep 23
A most solemn crisis in my History. In company with Revs JS Waugh (from Ireland) W Hill from Ceylon, WP Wells from Newfoundland, C Akrile from Horncastle & J Albiston from Manchester I embark on board the "Beulah" (owner Captain Lidgell Commander W Garland) at Gravesend for Australia as a Missionary. We were accompanied to the ship by Revs Dr Bunting, Dr Beecham, E Hode, G Osborn, W Arthur, J Scott (Ex president) & C Prest with Captain Lidgell, J Vamnes Esqre and several ladies. With these honoured fathers & brethen dined and were then specially commended to the blessing of the God of Missions. After which we took our leave of them and the "terra firma" of England and tore ourselves away from ten thousand things & persons rendered dear by association rich and hallowed. As that land recedes my mind is filled with much humility as I call to memory the ten thousand marks (?) it bears which tell of my sins and ingratitude; but when I remember that here it was that I was born from above my soul adores and loves. The high position of honour and responsibility which this dispensation involves throws me down at the feet of the Crucified exclaiming "What am I or my Father's house that such honour should be conferred upon me". But send Lord by whom thou wilt send, only let thy son be honoured, thy name adored, thy glory & Kingdom advanced and precious souls redeemed. Retired to rest full of peace and joy & hope.

Sep 24
Was awake at two by the crowing of the cock: could scarcely realise my position it being more like a sound peculiar to the farm yard than board vessel. At 4am weighed anchor and set fairly for our destination. Twas a most beautiful sight the moon shedding her silvery beams athwart a clear blue sky, adorned by thousands of stary lamps. At six the scene was changed by the rising of the orb of day who shed his refulgent light to cheer our path and warm our hearts by reminding us of the state when "Sun of (?) Righteousness". The hills of Kent rose in the distance and by their undulating appearance and peeping now and then from their midst the turret of the Noblemans Palace, intermingled with the roofs of the Lowlier cottages gave to the whole scene a beautiful effect. We proceeded smoothly along at the rate of six knots per hour until 9am when on account of low water anchored for two hours. At 11am again pursued our course with fair wind and fresh breeze until we reached Deal when a strong south west wind arose which obliged us to cast anchor and remain all night.

24
Strong gale continues blowing which still binds us to our present position. The motion of the vessel violent. Nearly all on board sick. I confined to my cabin for a few hours after which quite recovered.

25
A strong north west wind continues blowing obliging us still to remain at anchor. Thro mercy quite recovered from my sickness and but for being weather bound should be very contented & happy.

26
The wind settled but still in the west quite in our teeth. Patience is called into exercise and must have her perfect work. My mind calm & peaceful. Feel Jesus sensibly near and trust in his own good time to be brought to our voyage.

30
The wind being more favourable picked up anchor and continued our voyage clearing the Straits of Dover.

Oct 1
During night a strong gale arose obliging us again to anchor at Dungeness.

3
Yesterday was calm & peaceful in every respect. The gale abated and day bright and clear. Being Sabbath we had two services on board. That in the morning conducted by bro Waugh and that of the evening by bro Wells in such circumstances these services were specially sweet and refreshing.

Oct 3
This morning at two the wind being turned more in our favour we again weighed anchor and gently proceeded for about 60 miles. The evening was fine and calm. Retired to rest with the full hope of seeing the Isle of Wight early in the morning.

5
Yesterday morning instead of realising our expectations we found ourselves encountering a strong SW wind which blew most violently rendering it necessary to hasten back with as much speed as possible to Dungeness Roads. Whence we sailed on Monday morning. This we did arriving about 6pm and were glad once more to cast anchor. This morning our hearts are filled with devout gratitude to almighty God for his merciful preservation during a most terrific night. So violent have the elements been that one large vessel close to us was driven from her anchor. It ran into another breaking her bow sprit. Still more disastrous there lies close to us a complete wreck. Driven from her anchor was dashed ashore and now nothing is seen but the mast head. Whether passengers and crew saved we cannot tell. The gales continues to blow with great violence but here we are still safe. To God be all praise not only for his preserving care in the hour of danger but for that fortitude and peace of mind which he gives me to feel.

Oct 5
The 2nd verse of Hymn 272, always inspiring and precious, is specially so this morning and adopt it as the appropriate language of my heart

"When passing through the watery deep,
I ask in faith his promised aid,
The waves an awful distance keep,
And shrink from my devoted head;
Fearless their violence I dare
They cannot harm for God is there!"

6
During the evening a heavy rain fell which has stilled the winds and waves. The morning clear with scarcely a breath of wind. What little there is, is in our favour but with it because is slight not able to move from our present anchorage. Such are the tests sent to try us at the commencement of our voyage. But we arraing not the wisdom of Him under whose control are those elements upon which we are so dependent. He who "watches every numbered hair and all our steps attends" will doubtless in his own good time speed us across the great deep to the land whither we go "The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusted in Him and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth: and with my song will I praise Him".

7
Learnt that in addition to the disasters mentioned above the Sautipore that lay next us in London Docks and sailed same time bound for Hobart Town was wrecked early on Tuesday morning off Folkestone, a few miles above us. Dashed against the rock. All the passengers and crew saved but vessel entirely lost. So near have danger and loss been to us, but we are safe and no damage whatever happened. Another instance of that care of heaven which has attended my steps ever since I (?). The sea this morning very calm. Smooth as glass. Not able to proceed. Mind variously exercised but kept in perfect peace being stayed on God.

8
Last evening again picked up anchor and are now slowly pursuing our way off Hastings.

9
Still a favourable wind. When in sight of Isle of Wight it was announced that on account of illness of mate we should have to anchor for at least 24 hours. At this my heart leaped for joy as it gave me another opportunity of seeing my beloved Narcissa she being a visitor at Mr Cooper's Woolen Farm, Isle of Wight. I reached the farm at 8pm and had the happiness once more of resting in the embrace of my dearest on earth.

11
Spent until 12 o'clock this day in the above circumstances when I once more bade adieu to the "Isle of Beauty" and my dearest friends and came on board. All was ready for starting and we were in full sail at 2pm. Wind quite fair and day exceedingly fine. Filled with peculiar emotion as I take another last look of shore.

12
Still fair wind and fair weather promising to speed us on our voyage. Since we sailed have come without hindrance 6 knots per hour. Will soon be out of English Channel.

13
Wafted swiftly by a fair breeze we are now far away from sight of English shores. The last view was last night 12 o'clock when Lisard point receded. We are now N Lat 49 W long 7 just about to skirt the Bay of Biscay.

22
Being one month at Sea and prosecuted only 400 miles of our voyage. After 3 days fair winds a foul one arose which has tossed us about most violently in the Bay of Biscay all the week. The Captain has had his clothes off only 5 times / excepting the time at Spit Head / since we left Gravesend, and says that we may take 50 voyages without meeting with so much rough weather as we have thus far had. The wind at times blew a perfect blast raising the waves mountains high. The sight terribly grand but the violent shaking distressingly trying to the nerves of us inexperienced sailors. Excepting Bro Albiston, however, we have been mercifully preserved in health and have found our God a very present help in time of trouble. This morning fine, but wind still foul. How helpless are we! Tis in vain to hoist canvas till merciful heaven send us favourable breezes. Am trying to leave it all to him saying still "Thy will be done"-

27

The above untoward weather continued until last evening when to our great joy a favourable change overtook us. Thus far it proves permanent and today the sailing is most beautiful 8 knots. During this short time we have accomplished 121 miles and are now quite clear of the Bay N Lat 42.45 W Long 12.22. During the heavy gales which hindered us, we have lost a portion of our Bulwarks and were under the necessity of throwing part of cargo (vitriol) overboard. With these exceptions our Beautiful Beulah has braved the blast admirably. Her ride is very smooth for a position on the raging elements. Her conduct has fully established our confidence in her sea worthiness. Above all gratitude arises to our almighty friend above whose power and love have thus far conducted us in safety.

31
Sailing has continued good. The weather now exceedingly enchanting and breezes fresh and exhilarating. My health improving and have abundant matter to furnish me with song. Yesterday was a sweet Sabbath. Far away from those sanctuaries of which I have been wont to worship and adore. Twas refreshing to join in service on deck Bro Waugh preached in morning and in the evening I had the privilege of doing so for the first time on ship-board. Text Ps 46.4.5 This morning wind a little adverse (SW) taking us out of our course to SE unless it changes we must tack and go NW. Yesterday we were N Lat 38°50 E long 15°4.

Nov 7
On evening of the above entry another foul wind set in which gave us a severe tossing until Friday last. Friday evening it changed in our favour and has continued steady wafting us away at 8 knots. Yesterday we sighted Deserters' Islands. In appearance like two huge desolate deserted rocks as if cast up by some freak of nature to relieve the dreary monotony of the ocean waves.

When seas are calm and skies are clear and we being borne swiftly on our passage nothing can be more beautiful than life on the briny billow but when the elements are disquieted anything rather than being at their mercy. Thus far however although we have had a good share of shaking and delay we are brought in safety.

North Lat abt 30° W long abt 18°

14 North Lat abt 16° W long abt 26°
The week just past has presented a perfect contrast to former ones. The wind which set in on Friday 4th proved to be the NE trades which have brought us since last Monday, beneath a clear sky and tropical sun without interruption abt 1100 miles on our voyage. The sailing has been smooth and delightful. Today we are passing Cape de Vera Islands. Yesterday was a peaceful and profitable Sabbath. Two services that in the morning conducted by Bro Waugh and evening by bro Akril. In addition we took the Lord's supper which was truly a means of Grace.

21 North Lat 3°22 W long 25°40
The North E Trades which were wafting us along last Monday ceased on the 16th. Since which we have had variables accompanied with heavy falls of rain. Our progress therefore has been comparatively small. Of the rain we were glad in as much as it has replenished our casks with an abundant supply of (at Sea) that luxury water and also considerably cooled the atmosphere which would otherwise have been intolerable so that although delay tries ones patience we yet prefer such a dispensation far above a dead calm and melting sun. Yesterday on account of bad weather only one service which I had the happiness to conduct in the evening while I proclaimed the saviours grace (2 Cor 8:9) the crew seemed to drink it in with joy and my own heart was brought sweetly under the influence of that love which I endeavoured to set forth. During the week as a party we have been subjected to a peculiar trial. Our fellow passengers themselves scoffers at all that is good have heaped upon our head a great amount of continuely and insult. Without the least provocation on our part they took upon them to threaten us with violence if we dared to do certain things which they esteemed grevious etc. However after getting the assurance of the captain that in such a case he would interfere for our protection we cast the whole affair upon the Lord praying for wisdom to walk circumspectly and thus far he has sustained us and restrained them. Trying it is, but we include in the "all things" which our divine master assures us shall work together for our good.

24
Sighted the Brigg Dido from Liverpool bound to Melbourne. Spoke her and found she had been out 50 days ie 7 more than ourselves reckoning from Spit Head.

28 N Lat 1°25 W long 26°
During week we have been at the mercy of the variables rightly so called. At one moment a calm the next a hurricane. And wind chopping about into all quarters except the right one. In consequence our progress small indeed not so near the Line as 4 days ago. We have now caught the SE trades but so much S of east that we are driven in a course which if pursued would take us to the American Coast. Spoke the Alexandrina this morning which left London abt same time as ourselves bound for Calcutta. Her fate has been that of the Beulah. Adversity and delay. Two services yesterday. JS Waugh and Bro Albiston. Expect to cross Line tomorrow.

Dec 5 S Lat 11° W long 29°
Crossed the Line 9.0am Tues 29th Novr. Since which the weather and sailing have been most exquisite. Wind SE sailing smooth at 2 degrees per day without interruption. Sky clear seas calm sun nearly vertical and evenings radiate with stellar light. Yesterday a happy sabbath. Two services Bros. Waugh & Wells. Also Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Mind though oft times sad at the thoughts of friends far away. Yet sweetly sustained by the conscious approval of Heaven of the way that I take "He knoweth the way that I take and when I have been tried I shall receive the crown of Life" ...

12 S Lat 21° W long 26°
During the week a continuance of most beautiful weather. The wind light progress small. Thrice a calm lasting for about 12 hours. On one of which occasions the captain kindly lent us his boat in which we very much enjoyed a row. Numbers of fish have been about us. A shark amongst the rest. This morning the sailors have caught 4 Bonitoes weighing abt 15 lb each. Yesterday a very peaceful day. Two services Bros Waugh & Akrile. Upon the whole am much enjoying the voyage yet feel very much the tedium of its monotony. This I endeavour to relieve by various reading. Mind at times very much exercised with hope & fears yet thro mercy am enabled to put my trust in the Lord Jehovah and am abundantly comforted and sustained.

19 S lat 31°13' W long 12°29'
A week of most beautiful sailing and fine weather until yesterday when the wind shifted round from NE to S. The change which this occasioned in the temperature was very marked. From a heat quite oppressive to cold which rendered it comfortable to wear a top coat.

Thursday last saw a huge fish named "Thrasher" so called because it overcomes the whale. In size it appeared equal to the bulk of 4 men and of great strength. Yesterday 2 services Bro Waugh & Albiston.

26 S Lat 38°40 E long 8°7'
A prosperous week. Breeze fair & strong to relieve the monotony of the scenery we have had quantities of birds about us. Cape pigeons Albatrosses & other birds. Yesterday was one of peculiar interest. The first Xmas day spent at sea forcibly reminding us of loved scenes and fond friendships far removed. But sorrowful though I was yet my mind sweetly refreshed with Grace Divine. Two services and sermons on the subject of the Saviour's Nativity Bro Waugh from 2 Cor 8:9 & Bro Wells 1 Tim 1.15. The day was exceedingly fine and favourable to devotion all of which united to fill ones mind with sweet and yet melancholy reflection.

29
Spoke the Dutch Barque "Hong Kong" from London bound to Melbourne. Found she had been out only 57 days ie just 40 less than ourselves.

31
During night a strong gale of wind arose which not only gave us a violent tossing but also blew our mis'n sail into the sea. Making it necessary to lessen sail and turn the ship aback. One of the BumKins was also torn off the stern and several studding sail booms. Thro mercy no further damage happened to us. This morning the sea presents an aspect of terrible grandeur. The wind blows a gale and sea runs mountains high, every now and then washing over the decks and even splashing into our cabins. There is nothing in nature to compare with this. Tis a chapter that speaks of the might & majesty of our God with a voice loud & distinct. But He who bids the storm arise also defends us by his might. It is in such circumstances I am bidding adieu to another year. A year upon which I cannot look back without being filled with astonishment & love. At its commencement all was dark as to my destiny in the mission field. At its close I am found on my way to a field of labour connected with it responsibilities which to encounter in my own strength would be overwhelming. Associated with this dispensation are painful separations and peculiar trials. But it is the Lord. Beneath his wings I rest and am screened from the heat of the day. To him who merits all my love I anew consecrate my days. A week ago caught a severe cold and am suffering much from my weak chest. This on ship board is very trying but the brethen are very kind so that have to sing of mercy & of Judgement.

1854 Jan 2 Lat 39°38 E long 34°17'
A very prosperous week as to our voyage. Have quite cleared the Cape of Storms with out suffering the least adversity the strong gale on the 30th being in our favour. Distance since last Monday 1232 miles, still proceeding at a rapid rate. We are encouraging the hope of being in Melbourne by the last day of the month. Yesterday was kept mostly in bed thro my cold. Was enabled however to join my brethen in renewing the covenant and received once more the 'Lords' Supper: Bro Akrile preached in evening from Acts 13.38 39

Jan 16 Lat 41°30' E Long 80°
Since last entry it has been with me a time of trial. The weather so changeable and severe, caught a severe cold which severely affected my chest and rend me unfit for anything but bed. This on ship board is peculiarly trying but through mercy am now much recov'd. Our voyage continues prosperous and we are looking forward with some anxiety to its termination whch we hope will not exceed three weeks. Yesterday much comforted and profited under a sermon by Bro Hills upon the exit of Elijah to heaven etc Sailors caught an albatross a huge bird measuring 10ft from the tip of one wing to the other. The weather continues changeable sometimes fine at others exceedingly rough.

23 S lat 41° E long 108°
Thro mercy am recovered from cold, and was able last evening to preach. Twas a precious season while I discoursed from Ps 132:14. Found the truth of the Text verified even on the great wide sea far from the earthly sanctuary. The week has been highly favourable for the prosecution of our voyage fair winds but dull hazzy weather. We are now drawing near to the termination of our voyage and looking forward with many hopes & fears to the work which lies immediately before us.

30
Yesterday very happy one. Two services Bros Waugh & Wells. In the evening a strong gale arose from NW. It is in our favour and is wafting us on at a rapid rate.

Feb 2
After much anxious looking out to our great joy land was announced on the Port Bow at 3.30pm. And after sunset the lighthouse was distinctly to be seen which told us it was Cape Otway. This was an anxious and trying night because that while we were making land which is the most critical part of the voyage. The captain took to drink and was completely intoxicated and was not able to even to hold either compass or chart in his hand. In these circumstances we committed ourselves to the care of Divine Providence and retired to rest.

3
Thro mercy preserved and found ourselves gently pursuring our way to Port Phillip Head and at 3 hailed with great delight the Pilot who safely conducted us into the Heads. When these were entered the wind veered round against us and were obliged to cast anchor for the night.

4
Exceeding tried by adverse winds detaining us when only 30 miles from Harbour. To add to our perplexity 7 of the crew absconded. The number left not sufficient to work the vessel.

6
Made an effort to move but fruitless because of change of wind.

7
By our assistance the vessel was got under weigh and we proceeded 6 miles when wind again changed and anchor was dropped for the night.

Feb 8
This morning wind favoured us and thro mercy arrived at Port in the afternoon. Anchor was dropped at 4.15pm. The length of voyage reckoning from the day we embarked at Gravesend 138 days. Upon a review of the goodness of my God as manifested in thus conducting us safely in health & strength to our destination. My soul doth magnify and praise the Lord. I give myself wholly to Him who merits all my love. Once more my heart and voice unite in saying

"My talents gifts and graces Lord
Into thy blessed hands receive
And let me live to preach thy word
And let me to thy glory live
And every sacred moment spend
In publishing the Sinner's friend"

9
This afternoon were met at Williams Town by Revs W Butters & J Harding with Mesr Stevens and Merz who gave us a hearty welcome to this Colony. Took tea with friends at Mr Butters and remained over the night with Mr Harding whom I had known intimately at Doncaster.

10
Called upon several friends and examined the Town. Am quite taken by surprise. Here I find the ground work of the most splendid City I ever saw and a society completely English. Am quite at Home already and rejoice at the many comforts which seem to exist around me. In the evening rode over to St Kilda a retired village 3 mile out of Melbourne with Mr Cocker from Huddersfield Yorkshire at whose house I am to be entertained until my station & I am fixed ___ Here I am at home at once and find every convenience and comfort that heart could wish.