THE HONOURABLE EAST INDIA COMPANY SERVICE

This is the Journal of the Honourable East India Company Ship, the True Briton on her voyage to Whampoa 1804-1805. Commanded by Captain Henry Hughes.


EXTRACTS

THE JOURNAL AND SHIP'S LOG

OF THE HON. COMPANY'S SHIP

TRUE BRITON

(DEPTFORD, LONDON, ENGLAND)

Written by the Commander, Captain Henry Hughes,

Voyage to Whampoa, China,

18 Jan 1804 - 20 Nov 1805

(British Library Ref: L / MAR / B / 297P.)

Extracted by
Bryant G. Bayliffe & Julian A. Rawes
July 2020

Contents

The HEICS


Company Flag 1600-1707

East India House, Leadenhall Street, London, 1796-1861
from Trade in the Eastern Seas 1793-1813.

Company Flag 1707-1808

Company Flag 1801-1858

The Honourable Company was granted a Royal Charter by Elizabeth I on 31st December 1600 and until its closure in 1858 had amassed a vast archive. The Library of the Honourable East India Company Service is housed in the British Library in Euston, London. The HEICS library contains many thousands of records including hundreds of ships’ journals, logs, ledgers & pay books. They are contained in large ledgers, the journals & logs in one tome with the ledgers and pay books in separate books. A catalogue of these records was published in 1999 by the British Library, titled ‘Catalogue of East India Company Ships’ Journals and Logs 1600-1834’ and edited by Anthony Farrington. Most of these records have not been microfilmed. If a copy is required then a microfilm copy is made at the expense of the purchaser to whom a photostat or CD is given. A useful site for the explanation on the HEICS library is: www.barnettmaritime.co.uk/mainheic.htm.

HEICS ships would leave from and return to London using a number of stopping points both in the Thames estuary and the south coast. Passengers would more than likely embark and disembark at these stopping points. The first and major point was at Gravesend or more exactly Longreach. This was a priority for the larger vessels which would on occasion have their guns removed to lighten the ship before proceeding up the river to Deptford or Blackwall for the East India docks.


Map of the Thames estuary indicating some of the navigational points mentioned in the journals.

Until the opening of the East India Docks at Blackwall in 1806, Company ships moored on the tidal river alongside the Royal shipyards at Deptford. Deptford was the anchorage at the start of the Port of London. The ships moored alongside lines of moorings called tiers and all goods were offloaded on to lighters, hoys or barges and carried by them to wharves on shore or further up river.

Deptford from the South London Guide


1806 - the new East India docks at Blackwall
from Trade in the Eastern Seas 1793-1813.


Circa 1830 - East India docks at Blackwall
from WWW.British-History.ac.uk.

A major embarkation point for passengers and soldiers in particular was at Motherbank close to Culver Cliff and Spithead near Portsmouth. This was also where, in times of war, a Royal Navy escort would join the annual fleet. The Isle of Wight, with its healthy climate, assumed some importance to the Company, Newport, Cowes, Ryde, St Helens and Carisbrooke attracted Company officials and the Isle itself acted as a granary with production of malt, salt, flour, poultry and biscuit. A number of HEIC ships officers both came from and retired to the Isle. The naval docks at Portsmouth was close to hand for exchange of ships, crew information etc. For the Isle of Wight's connection with the Company see: http://www.hantsfieldclub.org.uk/publications/hampshirestudies/digital/2010s/Vol_68/Thomas.pdf

Most Company ships were used as troop carriers for soldiers needed in India and the Far East. These were mostly regiments created for and employed by the Company to serve in India. One of the Company's training depots was opened at Newport in the Isle of Wight in 1801. This was superceeded by the Brompton Barracks at Chatham in 1815. Recuitment lists are held in the British Library under Ref: IOR/L/MIL/9/1-106, L/MIL/9/1-28, 1817-1860, L/MIL/9/29-84 for military depots, 1801-1861. and L/MIL/9/85-106 for embarkation lists, 1753-1861. References from: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=742726.0.

Hoys & Lighters
Ships logs often mention these little craft, usually with names attached, such as Baring Hoy or Coromandel Hoy, names which often relate to ships of the same name, or perhaps firms trading with the Honourable Company.

A hoy was a shallow bottomed manoeuvrable sloop-rigged vessel ideally suited to an estuarine or coastal environment. Lighters were flat-bottomed and usually manpowered by single long oars called sweeps. Hoys, lighters and similar craft were essential for ferrying cargo and passengers between ship and port. The Thames still sees lightermen and their barges albeit powered. See under Wikipedia for more on these important vessels.

Packet ships
Log entries occasionally mention the term Packet. This refers to medium-sized ships that ploughed the seas between ports, usually on a regular basis and either owned or hired by the Company to carry post, passengers and cargo. They acted as the arteries of the Company and Empire helping to keep the flow of communication constant, An example was the Georgiana, a Company packet built by Wells of London circa 1795, a three-masted vessel, length 95ft and 285 tons. She sailed to Bengal four times and to South Africa twice and was stationed at St Helena for over three years, where she sailed between South America and South Africa, probably keeping a watchful eye on passing traffic. Others would have been based throughout the British world of influence. America also relied upon them at their ports and on the Mississippi.

Every attempt has been made to produce a faithful 'abridged' copy of the Journal and Log Book. A glossary along with explanatory notes has been added to help the reader to understand the transcript along with information of other ships and people noted in the Journal. It is realised that errors are possible owing to the difficulty of transcription. The Editor's notes can be found throughout set within square brackets.

Journals and Log Books,
as well as Ledgers, Payment Books, Absence Books, Imprest books, Receipts &c.

The following can be divided into two types of document, Journals sometimes called Deck or Dock Logs), Logs were created during the voyage by Officers on board ship to record every day events; Ledgers, Pay Books, Absence Books and Imprest Books were created by Company Officials based in London, and dealt with payments to the crew. In the Journal of the Wexford the 1st and 2nd Officers sign the daily entries on behalf of the Captain.

Journal & Log Book
A journal is a generic term for logs that covers any document that logs events. It is a fascinating record of day-to-day events on board ship such as location, weather, repairs, washing decks, including the gun deck where the crew slept, discipline, loading and unloading, embarking and disembarking and external events. The Journal records everyone on board, their positions and status whether or not they left ship or perished, including passengers. There is also a distinction between the 'Harbour Journal' and the 'Sea Log'. The ledger starts as large blank pages given to the Commander, Purser or other Officers at the commencement of each voyage. The journal and log was dutifully created by the Commander or assigned officers and the resulting document, signed by the Commander and handed in at the end of the voyage. It was the duty of the ship's Purser to deposit the ship's journals etc. at Company headquarters.

A fascinating survival is a printed form found in the front of the Journal for the Company ship Wexford 1803-4. It is a detailed description of the duties that the Captain and senior officers have to perform in regard to recording the ship's progress and every day events.


Printed form dating to 1803 from
the Journal of the Wexford 1803-4

Duplicate logs written on HEICS forms still survive in private hands as in the case of the Warren Hastings in 1825-6 and the Repulse in 1831-32. These have the appearance of being soiled and original as opposed to the rather clean copies handed in to India House. It is not known how many of these copies were kept on a particular voyage or are still extant but their survival must be rare. The keeping of copy journals by midshipmen and junior officers was probably encouraged for training purposes. On a rare occasion such as with the 1822/3 voyage of the ship 'London' to Madras and China, the Captains, the 3rd mate's, a midshipman's and another journal was lodged at Company Headquarters.

Under normal voyages Farrington's Catalogue of East India Company ships' Journals and Logs, usually lists a Journal (and Log Book), a Ledger and a Payment Book. There are occasions however, such as when the voyage of a ship is cut short, the Ledger and Payment Book are often replaced by that of an Absence Book and an Imprest Book. With that of the voyage of the Asia 1780-1783 however there is a surviving Journal, Ledger, Pay Book as well as an Imprest Book and Receipt Book. There does appear to be a direct correlation between the loss of a ship and the Absence, Imprest and Receipt books confirming that these were records based at Company Headquarters and never went to sea with the ship.

Absence Book
The Absence Book was an internal document used by Company Officials to keep a track on interim and final payments relating to individual members of the crew and was often accompanied by an Imprest Book. The Absence Book is as its name implies, an account of payments made to a representative of the crew member concerned such as a wife, mother, relative or friend. An example being Thomas Ainsley Cook, Boatswain on board the Ganges 1805-1807. In the Imprest Book he signed a receipt for £7 on 7th February 1805, presumably when or shortly after he entered service. In the Absence Book, while Thomas was at sea, Mary Cooke, presumably a relative, signed for and received £3.10 on 13th October 1805, "being one month absent". she again received interim payments of £3.10 on 15th April 1806, 15th October 1806 & 15th April 1807. He died at Bombay on 3rd February 1807. The Absence Book of the Ganges, which we have transcribed, is a volume containing payment forms, dealing with one crew member per page. Each page carries six printed receipt forms, usually only partially filled in.

Deck Log
Is a form of a Journal and Log Book.

Imprest Book
An Imprest Book, sometimes accompanied by an Absence or Receipt Book, is similar to a Pay Book but is a listing of payments made to the Crew member upon being hired. A more familiar term is the enforced 'pressing' or pressed used by the Royal Navy to hire seaman by force, hence the term 'Press Gang'. In our sense it is usually an advance payment to the hired seaman. Imprest records appear to survive when a voyage for whatever reason, whether shipwreck or otherwise, had been cut short. The money was often released by increment, sometimes after a considerable period, to either the crew member or his representative, which could be a member of his family. For more information see the Journal of the ship Ganges under the transcription of its Imprest Book.

Ledger
The following is based upon the transcribed Ledger of the ship Juliana. This is a book originally of blank forms prefaced by index pages. The index is arranged in alphabetical manner on pages divided in two so that columns for names beginning with A B appear on the first page. The forms are arranged two per page and are set out as per the following image.

The ledger is only partially filled, probably because the Juliana was only in service for two voyages. The first entry begins on 2nd May 1810 with image 16, with a voyage under Captain Toussaint to Bengal. The voyage under Captain Rawes begins with image 136. The last entry is on 24th September 1813, after the completion of a voyage under Captain Rawes from Batavia. There are blank pages both between the two voyages and after.

There are two forms per crew member, including the captain, and they are spread across two pages therefore when one opens the ledger there are two pages one and so on. Form one gives wages and deductions while the second form gives length of service and the amount received per month. There are usually two crew members on each two page. Each form can have two or more entries as they represent both salary and expenses covering the voyage.

Payment Book
Often accompanying a Ledger, the Payment Book is a book of printed receipts filled in and signed, either by the crew member or his assignee, depending on whether he was unable to sign or deceased etc. Each receipt is numbered which refers one back to the Ledger. There are four receipts per page. There is an image of the Ledger in the Journal & Log of the Juliana.

Receipt Book
A receipt Book is a Company document and is believed to be similar to a payment Book and often all there is left when a ship is lost with no surviving journal and log book. On another occasion a ship remained in India and there is only a Receipt Book and an Imprest Book, while on another occasion it accompanies a Ledger and Pay Book.

Approaches to Whampoa


Whampoa
Whampoa anchorage, now called Huangpu, on the Pearl river, was the import and export port
for all foreign ships entering China at Canton (Guangzhou), which is about 12 miles further up river.


Taken from The Opium War 1840-1842 by Peter Ward Fay.


Taken from The Opium War 1840-1842 by Peter Ward Fay.

Landmarks:
Directions for Sailing to and from the East Indies

John Horsburgh, The India Directory or Directions for sailing to and from the East Indies, China, Australia, and the interjacent ports of Africa and South America: originally compiled from the Journal of the Honourable Company's Ships, and from observations and remarks. First published in two volumes plus supplement in 1811, is a most interesting book which describes the route and landmarks to the Far East, including approaches to the ports of India and China. An electronic version of the book is available on the Internet.

  • Vol. 1: London to the Bay of Bengal.
  • Vol. 2: Bay of Bengal to China, &c.

True Briton (4)


True Briton in two positions and calling for a pilot off Dover by
Thomas Whitcombe.
Extracted from Wikipedia

Farrington describes the True Briton as follows: She was the 4th of that name, built by Wells and launched 1790; 3 decks, 4in bottom, length 165ft 2in, keel 134ft ½in, breadth 41ft 2¼in, hold 17ft, wing transom 25ft 8in, port cell 28ft 11in, waist 3ft 7½in, between decks 6ft 3in & 6ft 6½in, roundhouse 6ft 6½in, ports 14 middle & upper deck range 98ft, 1209 tons. Principal Managing Owners: 1-4 Robert Wigram, 5-8 Robert Wigram jun.

There is a description of the True Briton, along with her voyages, on Wikipedia. On her 8th voyage to the Far East, commanded by Captain George Bonham, she had called at Bombay and was bound for Whampoa when she parted company from a convoy on 19th October and was never seen again. Lloyd's reported on 31 July 1810 that she had not arrived at China by 5th March and her cargo was valued at £22,000.

Farrington extract for this voyage:-
The extract from Catalogue of East India Company Ships’ Journals and Logs 1600-1834, edited by Anthony Farrington:-

6 1803-4 China
L/MAR/B/297P Journal 18 Jan 1805 - 20 Nov 1805*
L/MAR/B/297HH(1) Ledger
L/MAR/B/297HH(2) Pay Book
Capt Henry Hughes
Portsmouth 9 Jun 1804 - 17Aug Rio de Janeiro - 12 Jan 1805 Whampoa
- Second Bar 15 Feb - 30 Jun St Helena - 8 Sep Downs.
* inc illus

What the Papers Said

We found no images relating to the departure and arrival of the True Briton.

The Convoy

Honourable East India Company Service ships, were generally well armed and capable of holding their own against single adversaries. The Journals often mention the cleaning of guns and drills taking place. However, especially in times of war, Company ships would set sail in convoy, accompanied by a Royal Navy ship with the captain described as a Commodore. During the long voyage there would be a fair amount of 'watching out', both for each other and for 'strangers'. If a stranger was not identified quickly then the Royal Navy ship would peel off and give chase. Royal Navy ships would not necessarily be any larger than merchant ships, which had to provide space for cargo but they were specifically prepared and better armed with their crew trained for war. A convoy would not remain fixed as there would be ships, both HEICS, Royal Navy ships and others leaving or joining. This would be especially the case when the convoy reached its port of destination. Seasonal weather patterns such as prevailing winds would play a part in when ships or convoys would leave England. January to July seems to have been the favoured time to set sail for the Far East.

Orders of Sailing and Defence
Bound in the volume containing the Journal and Log of the Indiaman True Briton, are five pages containing illustrations giving the name, position and vignettes of the individual ships in the Convoy, both outward-bound and inward-bound. Also included is an attractive array of identifying pendants, which the ships had to fly for identification purposes. It appears that ship carried a collection of assorted flags which they stored in a 'colour-chest'.

Please refer to the section on 'Illustrations' within the page dealing with the True Briton for a fuller understanding of their function.

List of Ships noted in this journal.

Every journal contains sightings of other craft, whether in passing, in a convoy, or in or near to a port. There was a good reason for this in that, before the age of telecommunication, it helped to keep record of ships encountered. These sightings were entered in to the journal on a daily basis. There is also the occasional mention of Royal Navy ships in the crew lists where crew have been pressed. Sometimes there is just one note of a passing ship, other times, especially in a convoy, the particular vessel is mentioned on a number of occasions.

Encounters Page:
is a list of all ships encountered in the transcripts we have done so far. Additional details of these ships have been added by the Editors from a number of sources. The main sources for the HCS ships and for their commanders come from Farrington: Catalogue of East India Company's Ships' Journals. Another site used is: eicships.threedecks.org, a useful source for 'country' ships. Information on HM ships comes from the website: https://sites.rootsweb.com/~pbtyc/18-1900/C/01156.html, and there is also the Internet, mostly Wikipedia.

Only the first sighting in the Journal has been recorded, unless there is a particular event that is thought worthwhile recording. Therefore it is worthwhile searching this journal for other references to a particular ship. Please click:-

~ Encounters ~.

Contents of Ship's Log


 Log Pages Description Date

1 Title Page: Captain Hughes' Log


2-5 Crew & Passenger List


Pages 6-17 Harbour Log - Blackwall 18th January - 29th May 1804

Pages 18-54 Sea Log - The Motherbank 30th May - 17th August 1804

Pages 54-56 Harbour Log - Rio do Janeiro 18th August - 1st September 1854

Pages 56-114 Sea Log - from Rio do Janeiro 2nd September - 28th December 1804

Page 63 Sea Log - passing Gough Island 16th September 1804

Page 75 Sea Log - passing Amsterdam Island 19th October 1804

Page 84 Sea Log - passing King Island 28th October 1804

Page 85 Sea Log - passing Kent Group of Islands 29th October 1804

Page 90 Sea Log - passing Norfolk & Philip Islands 9th November 1804

Page 93 Sea Log - passing Walpole Island 14th November 1804

Page 93 Sea Log - passing Vanuatu Islands 14th November 1804

Page 106 Sea Log - passing Browns Range Islands 10th December 1804

Page 109 Sea Log - passing Mariana Islands 17th December 1804

Pages 115-117 Harbour Log - Hong Kong 29th December 1804 - 11th January 1805

Pages 118-124 Harbour Log - Whampoa 11th January - 7th March 1805

Pages 125-181 Sea Log - Whampoa 11th January - 30th June 1805

Pages 181-182 Harbour Log - St Helena 1st July - 11th July 1805

Pages 183-212 Sea Log - St Helena 12th July - 8th September 1805

Pages 213-219 Harbour Log - English Channel 8th September - 20th November 1805

Pages 220-223 Illustrations

The Journal & Log of the True Briton 1804-5.

[Page 001:]


First page of journal and an example
of Captain Hughes' handwriting.

[Stamp] 18 Oct. 5 / 297 / P

This is my original Journal
Hy Hughes [signed]
Witness: C Collingwood [signed]

[Page 002:]

[?]

A list of the True Briton Ships Company.
No, Names Stations Dead, Run, or Discharg'd
1 Henry Hughes Commander [Henry Hughes, was born Wexford 17th Oct 1767, son of Abraham, gent. Seaman HMS Adventure sloop 1780 (3m); seaman Vansittart (3) 1782; 6th mate General Goddard 1785/6; 3rd mate Lady Juliana to Jamaica, home as 1st mate Princess Mary; 3rd mate Ganges (1) 1788/9; 3rd mate True Briton (4) 1790/1; 2nd mate Triton (3) 1792/3; Captain Contractor 1797/8; Captain True Briton (4) 1803/4; Captain Tottenham 1807/8. Abraham Hughes, his father married 8th Jan 1867 Jane, youngest daughtrer of Colonel Robert Clifford and had, apart form Henry, six sons and two daughters. Henry died unmarried, not known when or where. Within the journal of the True Briton on Thursday 2nd August 1804 is written: "This day I got my head shaved for the benefit of my Eyes". Assuming from this comment he must have had a good head of hair!]
2 Mr Henry Upton 1st Officer [Henry Upton was born Colworth, Sussex 28th January 1769. Midshipman Rockingham (1) 1788/9 & 1791/2; 4th mate General Goddard 1793/4; 3rd mate Lascelles 1795/6; 2nd mate Lady Jane Dundas 1799/1800 & 1801/2; 1st mate (4) 1803/4; 1st mate Walthamstow 1805/6; 1st mate Windham (2) 1808/9; 1st mate Ceylon 1809/10 (from Apr 1811); 1st mate Glatton (4) 1813/4.]
3 Mr Richard Rogers 2nd Officer [Richard Rogers, was born in Norwich, Norfolk 28th August 1778. Midshipman Rockingham (1) 1793/4 & 1795/6; 4th mate Rockingham (1) 1797/8; 3rd mate Hugh Inglis 1799/1800; 1st mate Tottenham 1801/2; 2nd mate True Briton (4) 1803/4, 2nd mate Dover Castle 1805/6; 1st mate Glatton (4) 1808/9; 1st mate David Scott (2) 1811/2; 1st mate Cuffnells 1814/5; 1st mate Herefordshire 1816/7 & 1818/9; died 26th January 1820.]
4 Mr John Stewart 3rd Officer [John Stewart, 3rd mate True Briton (4) 1804/4.]
5 Mr George Betham 4th Officer [George Betham, born Shadbrook, Suffolk 29th September 1782, son of Rev. William of Stonham Aspall, Suffolk. Midshipman Castle Eden 1799/1800; seaman & gunner Walthamstow 1801/2; 4th mate True Briton (4) 1803/4; 3rd mate Hugh Inglis 1805/6; 2nd mate Hugh Inglis 1807/8; 1st mate Hugh Inglis 1809/10. The previous is from Farrington, George Betham was the son of Rev William Betham 1749-1839) and Mary Damant 1754-1841) and his wife was Maria Frederica Dent 1770-1842), whom he married at Boldre, Lymington, Hampshire on 21st September 1809. George died Cazapore 13th June 1828 and buried Calcutta, the same day (Ancestry.co.uk).]
6 Mr George Hughes 5th Officer [George Hughes, 5th mate True Briton 1804/4.]
7 Mr Hugh Cathro 6th Officer [Hugh Cathro, born Dundee 5th June 1784, so of William, Shipmaster & Rosanna Savage. 6th mate True Briton (4) 1803/4; 3rd mate Tottenham 1805/6; 3rd mate Apollo (2) 1811/2; 2nd mate Apollo (2) 1814/5.]
8 Mr George Agnew Surgeon [George Agnew. Surgeon's mate Lady Jane Dundas 1801/2; surgeon True Briton (4) 1803/4; Madras Asst Surgeon 15th July 1805; cashiered 19th December 1811; drowned 2nd March 1812 homeward bound on the Streatham.]
9 Mr Robert Hughes Purser [Robert Hughes, purser True Briton (4) 1803/4; Wexford 1806/7 & 1809/10.]
10 Oliver Leech Midshipman
11 Joseph Wm Belcher Midshipman
12 John Sempleton Midshipman
13 Thomas Dudman Midshipman
14 George Longstaff Midshipman
15 Francis Parson Surgeon's mate [Francis Parsons, was surgeon's mate True Briton 1803/4; surgeon Marquis Wellesley 1805/6; Dover Castle 1808/9; Minerva (7) 1816/7 & 1818/9; Winchelsea (3) 1821/2.]
16 Thomas Hillman Boatswain
17 Joseph Jones Gunner
18 Richard Syer Carpenter
19 Henry Gaines Ship Steward
20 William Shaw Captain's Steward Died at Sea the 6th May 1805.
21 Christian Frederick Caulker
22 Richard Lane Cooper
23 Philip Kelly Captain's Cook
24 John Ward Ship Cook pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
25 Henry Collins Boatswain's Mate
26 William Tomlin Boatswain's Mate pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 12th 1805.
27 Thomas Selwood Gunner's Mate
28 Morris Fitzgerald Gunner's Mate Died at Sea 6th November 1804.
29 John Hebband Carpenter's Mate
30 William Craft Carpenter's Mate pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
31 Edward Broadbrook Caulkers Mate
32 [blank] Cooper's Mate
33 John Hersey Sail Maker Died at sea 24th May 1805.
34 Edward Reigly Armourer
35 Michael Murphy Master a Arms
36 Charles Lane Quarter Master
37 Thomas Smith Quarter Master Died at sea 28th July 1804.
38 Sailes Shintoft Quarter Master [Relieved of duty on 8th May 1805 and turned to the mast as being incapable of performing his duty.]
39 James Plumer Quarter Master Run at China 1st March 1805.
40 James Johnston Quarter Master Run at Rio do Janeiro 27th August 1804.
41 William Hauley Quarter Master
42 John Mathews Baker pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
43 Thomas Edmeads Butcher pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
44 James Etridge Butcher Died at sea 12 June 1805.
45 Thomas Leath Captain's Servant
46 Robert Smith Captain's Servant Run at Portsmouth 27th May 1804.
47 William Goodier 1st Officer's Servant
48 Thomas Bondeau 2nd Officer's Servant
49 Thomas Dixon Surgeon's Servant Run at Portsmoth 27th May 1804.
50 Thomas Ship Boatswain's Servant
51 John Underwood Gunner's Servant
52 David Syer Carpenter's Servant
[Page 003:]
No, Names Stations Dead, Run, or Discharg'd
53 William Girl Seaman
54 Robert Newman Seaman
55 John Vass Seaman
56 Charles Bampton Seaman Died at sea 26th August 1805.
57 Joseph Antonys Seaman 1st
58 Samuel Paine Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
59 John Laugton Seaman
60 George James Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 12 1805.
61 Silvester Cummins Seaman
62 Mathew Simpson Seaman
63 Edmund Chapman Seaman
64 William Wood Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9th 1805.
65 James Bayle[?] Seaman
66 Hugh Garland Seaman Died at dea 1st April 1805.
67 Garret Conner Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
68 John Rowland Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9th 1805.
69 Thomas Phillips Seaman Drowned at sea [fell overboard] 10 October 1804.
70 George Blanchfield Seaman
71 Richard Martin Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
72 Richard Bead Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
73 Michael Munk Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
74 Jeremiah McCarty Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
75 Thomas Paine Seaman
76 James Flyn Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
77 Robert Cunningham Seaman
78 Olif Smith Seaman Died at sea 14 March 1805.
79 John Bridgeman Seaman
80William Broaks Seaman
81 James Hudson Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
82 Peter Williams Seaman Run at China 1st March 1805.
83 Jacob Browne Seaman Run at China 1st March 1805.
84 Laurence Holson Seaman
85 Olif Barnson Seaman
86 Lewis Verret Seaman Run at China 1st March 1805.
87 Joseph Antonys Seaman No.2.
88 Andrew Oxon Seaman Run at China 1st March 1805.
89 Jacob Johnston Seaman
90 Frederick Brankoman Seaman
91 Christian Hartman Seaman [Became Quarter Master on 8th May 1805.]
92 Charles Bell Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
93 William Luston [Leyster?] Seaman Run at Rio do Janeiro 21 August 1804.
94 James Walsh Seaman
95 John Keith Seaman
96 William Smart Seaman
97 John Bodell Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
98 Frederick Laurence Seaman
99 John Millan Seaman
100 Thomas Upsal Seaman
101 John Lattin Seaman
102 William Harrison Seaman
103 John Dayle Seaman
104 John Murphy Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
105 John Kilby Seaman
[Page 004:]
No, Names Stations Dead, Run, or Discharg'd
106 Jeremiah Hudson Seaman Ran at Rio do Janeiro 31st August 1804.
107 James Davidson Seaman Ran at Rio do Janeiro 23 August 1804.
108 Robert Waterston Seaman Ran at Rio do Janeiro 23 August 1804.
109 Alexander McEntire Seaman
110 Alexander Martin Seaman
111 Francis White Seaman
112 John Garret Ordy seaman
113 William Taggat Ordy seaman Run at Rio do Janeiro 25 August 1805.
114 James Quin Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
115 Edward Griffiths Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
116 Lewis Evans Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
117 John Williams Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
118 Thomas Dixon Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
119 William Lew Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
120 William Jones Ordy seaman Run at China 1 March 1805.
121 Samuel Tilly Ordy seaman
122 Thomas Lee Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
123 Alexander Walsh Ordy seaman Run at Rio do Janeiro 31 August 1804.
124 William Smith Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
125 John Collin Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
126 George Allen Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
127 James Henderson Ordy seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
128 James McCulloch Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
129 John Southy Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
130 Christian Willenberg Seaman
131 John Gordon Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
132 Rolof[?] Nelson Seaman Run at China 1st March 1804.
133 John Millems Seaman Died at sea 22nd September 1805.
134 Peter Weins Seaman Run at China 1st March 1804.
135 Joseph Fayrary Seaman
136 Samuel Marks Seaman
137 Joseph Consolves Seaman
138 Antony Joseph Seaman
139 Antony Marasane Seaman Run at China 1st March 1804.
140 Frank Reneir Seaman
141 Henry Ley Seaman
142 Charles Farary[?] Ordy seaman
143 Mathew Johnston Seaman
144 Fransisco Lucas Seaman
145 Jacob Johnston Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9 1805.
146 Oliffe[?] Aushorn Seaman
147 John Jacobs Seaman pressed [on board HMS Ariadne] September 9th 1805.
[Page 005:]
No, Names Stations Dead, Run, or Discharg'd
1 Ahing
2 Ashee
3 Assing
4 Ahoo
Sent on board the Cuffnells 10th July 1805. [Received back at Longreach on Tuesday 19th September 1805.]
5 Allay
6 Achong
Sent on board the Cuffnells 10th July 1805. [Received back at Longreach on Tuesday 19th September 1805.]
7 Acun
8 Apat
9 Assee
10 Achoco
11 Assam
12 Appo
13 Assick
Sent on board the Cuffnells 10th July 1805. [Received back at Longreach on Tuesday 19th September 1805.]
14 Ayune
15 Ayues
16 Acaw
17 Atong
18 Atung
19 Shimmit
Sent on board the Cuffnells 10th July 1805. [Received back at Longreach on Tuesday 19th September 1805.]
20 Asheu
21 Ashing
22 Awaa
23 Ayee
24 Achur
25 Ayaue/Ayor
Died at sea 11th May 1805.
26 Asing
27 Alin
28 Awo
29 Anoe
Sent on board the Cuffnells 10th July 1805. [Received back at Longreach on Tuesday 19th September 1805.]
30 Ayur
31 Mckenzie
I do declare upon Honor that the above are true
and correct Lists of the Ships Company to the best
of my knowledge and belief not having any
Passengers.
Hy Hughes

Witness: C Collingwood

[Page 006:]

[Start of Harbour Journal]

Ship True Briton in Blackwall Dock

Wednesday 18th January 1804.
Fresh breezes from the SE with thick hazy weather, at 3pm came on board Mr Sceaf Hon’ble Company’s Inspector and Mr Feltham Surveyor & Inspected the Ship. Remained on board Mr Feltham. Received 38 New Butts of 180 Gallons. Riggers about the Rigging. Officers on board 1st & 3rd.

Thursday 19th.
Fresh breezes from the NW with rain. Swayed up the Top Mast and Rigged them. Holders levelling the Hold & stowing Butts. Officers on board 1st & 3rd.

Friday 20th.
Ditto wind & weather. Riggers on the Rigging, lumpers scraping the Upper Deck. Officers on board 1st & 3rd.

Saturday 21st.
Fresh SW breezes from with hazy weather. Riggers clothing the Yards. Lumpers as necessary. 19 Lumpers. On board 1st & 3rd Officers.

Sunday 22nd.
Light breezes with fair weather.

Monday 23rd.
Fresh SW breezes with hazy weather. Riggers as per days past. Lumpers as necessary. Draft of water 14.6 fwd 13.2 aft. Received on board 62 New Butts of 180 Gallons. 1st & 3rd Officers on board.

Tuesday 24th.
Light SW breezes with pleasant weather. Employed setting the Rigging up fore & aft. Draft of water 14.6 fwd 13.6 aft. 1st & 3rd Officers on board.

Wednesday 25th.
Moderate SE breezes with pleasant weather. People employed scraping and cleaning the Ship. Riggers rigging the Ship. 1st & 3rd Officers on board.

Thursday 26th.
Light SW breezes with fine weather. At 1pm came on board Mr Slaney, Pilot and took the Ship out of Dock and lashed alongside the Lower Tier not being able to take the Ship up to new Moorings the tide being done. At 11pm hauled alongside the Upper Tier and took in our Moorings. Officers on board 1st & 3rd.

[Page 007:]

Friday 27th January 1804.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. AM Received on board two new 19 inch Cables Stores otherwise employed Filling Water. PM Lashed alongside the Neptune. Officers on board 1st & 3rd.

Saturday 28th.
Fresh West breezes with constant rain. Employed stowing Butts and filling water. AM crossed the new Top Sail Yards and swayed the Lower Yards up. Officers on board 2nd & 3rd. Draft of Water 15 fwd 13.5 aft.

Sunday 29th.
Moderate breezes with pleasant weather. AM filled 42 Butts of Water. Officers on board 2nd & 3rd. Draft of Water 16.1 fwd 13.6 aft.

Monday 30th.
Fresh SW breezes with small rain. Received on board some empty Butts, Pitch & Tar and 20 of the Ships Guns. AM Bent Sails. Officers on board 2nd & 4th.

Tuesday 31st.
Wind SWbS cloudy weather. Received 38 Casks of Store Beef and 32 of Pork and Stream Sheet and Spare Anchors. Officers on board 2nd 3rd and 4th. Draft of Water as yesterday.

Wednesday 1st February 1804.
Wind SW. AM set up the Fore Top Mast Rigging At Noon Mr Slaney Pilot came on board to take the Ship to Gravesend. At 3.30pm cast off from the Tier and made Sail at 6 came too with the best Bower in the Upper part of Gravesend Reach Moored the Ship with a Cable each way. Captain & Officers on board.

Thursday 2nd.
Wind WSW with pleasant weather. AM unbent Sails otherwise employed under the Boatswain. Officers on board 2ns, 3rd & 4th. Draft of Water 16.9 fwd 14.2 aft.

Friday 3rd.
Wind SW with fine weather. AM Struck the Top Masts at 1pm came alongside the Inglis Hoy with Lead on acct of the Hon Coy. Employed under the Boatswain. Officers on board 2nd & 4th.

Saturday 4th.
Fresh NW breezes with a hard Frost. Received 1090 Pigs of Lead on acct of the Hon Cy. Officers as yesterday.

Sunday 5th.
Moderate breezes in the part, middle and latter squalls with rain and Snow. Officers as yesterday

[Page 008:]

Ship True Briton at Gravesend

Monday 6th February 1804.
Moderate NW breezes with frosty weather. AM came on board Mr Slaney, Pilot with 20 men. Unmoored Ship and Trips the Best Bower, dropped up a Cable length and moored Ship. Employed in the Hold stowing Lead. Officers on board 1st & 4th.

Tuesday 7th.
Fresh breezes with fine frosty weather. AM came alongside a Craft with Flints. Employed receiving them and hoisting up Butts of Water out of the After Hold and under the Boatswain. Carpenter & other Tradesmen as necessary. Officers on board as yesterday. Draft of Water 17.1fwd 14.7 aft.

Wednesday 8th.
Moderate breezes variable with fine weather. Received on board 55 tons of Flints on acct of Capt Hughes. At 4pm came alongside the Harriet Hoy with Bales. Boatswain and his Gang about the Rigging.

Thursday 9th.
Fresh SW Gale with rain and thick weather. Employed receiving Bales from the Harriet Hoy on acct of the Hon Coy and stowing them in the After Hold. Boatswain with his Gang about the Rigging. Draft of Water 17.7 fwd 14.8 aft. Officers on board 1st & 4th.

Friday 10th.
First & middle part moderate breezes with fine weather, latter hard squalls with rain. AM alongside the Prince of Wales Hoy. Employed receiving Bales and stowing the Hold. PM cleared and dispatched her. Draft of water 17.7 fwd 15.2 aft. Officers on board 1st & 4th.

Saturday 11th.
Fresh breezes with cloudy weather and rain. Employed clearing the Woodford Hoy. Received 390 Bales of Cloth the Holders stowing the Hold. Boatswain on the Rigging. Draft of water 17.0 fwd 18.6 aft. Officers on board 1st & 4th,

Sunday 12th.
Strong NE Gales wit rain throughout. Visited the Ship. Officers on board 1st & 4th.

Monday 13th.
Strong NE Gales with frosty weather. At 8am came alongside the Albecore Hoy with Hon Coys Bales. Received 341. Employed in the Hold and under the boatswain. Officers on board 1st & 4th.

Tuesday 14th.
Fresh NE breeze with fine weather. At 8am came alongside the Inglis Hoy with 79 Bales on acct of the Hon Coy. At 11 cleared & dispatched her. Received in all 1442 Bales of Cloth etc. AM Swayed up the Fore Top Mast & set the Rigging up. Holders stowing Bales and Provisions etc. Officers on board 1st & 4th.

Wednesday 15th.
Wind NE with pleasant weather. People employed setting up the Rigging. At 6pm came athwart Hawse a Dutch Gulliot [Galiot] and carried away the Sprit Sail Yard. Officers on board 1st & 4th.

Thursday 16th.
Wind & weather as yesterday. Received 888 Pigs of Lead on acct of the Hon Coy otherwise employed under the Boatswain. Officers on board 2nd & 4th. Draft if water 17.6 fwd 17.3 aft.

[Page 009:]

Ship True Briton at Gravesend

Friday 17th February 1804.
Wind at NE with fine weather. Received 55 tons of Flints on acct of Captain Hughes. Officers on board 2nd & 4th.

Saturday 18th.
Wind ENE blowing fresh with fine weather. AM cleared Hawse & received some Sundry Stores. Employed in the Hold stowing the Lead and levelling the Flints. Officers on board 2nd & 4th.

Sunday 19th.
Wind ENE with small rain. A washed Decks. At 11am visited the Ship. Officers on board 2nd & 4th.

Monday 20th.
Wind North with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Received some small Stores. Officers on board 2nd & 4th. Draft of water 18 fwd & 17.3 aft.

Tuesday 21st.
Wind NW with fine weather. Received on board 40 tons of Flints on acct of Captain Hughes. Officers on board 2nd & 4th. Draft of water 18.4 fwd 17,3 aft.

Wednesday 22nd.
Light variable wind with pleasant weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Officers 2nd & 4th. Draft of water 18 fwd 17.3 aft.

Thursday 23rd.
Wind WNW with pleasant weather. Employed under the Boatswain. Officers on board 2nd & 4th.

Friday 24th.
Wind NNW blowing fresh with rain. Variously employed under the Boatswain. Officers on board 2nd & 4th. Draft of water 18.4 fwd 17.3 aft.

Saturday 25th.
Wind NNW blowing fresh with fine weather. Received some small Stores otherwise employed under the Boatswain. Officers on board 1, 2nd & 4th.

Sunday 26th.
Wind & weather as yesterday. AM Visited the Ship. Officers 1st 2nd & 4th.

Monday 27th.
Wind NNW with fine weather. Received 6 Boxes of Candles. Employed under the Boatswain. Officers 1st 2nd & 4th.

Tuesday 28th.
Fresh North breezes with hard squalls and snow at times. Received on board 65 casks of Provisions and many Sundry Stores otherwise employed under the Boatswain. Blacking the Yards & Officers on board 1st, 2nd & 4th.

Wednesday 29th.
Moderate North breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain and receiving Stores etc. Officers 1st & 4th.

[Page 010:]

Ship True Briton at Gravesend

Thursday 1st March 1804.
Moderate breezes variable with fine weather. Set up the Fore Rigging and otherwise as necessary. Cleared Hawse. Officers on board 1st, 2nd & 4th.

Friday 2nd.
Light variable winds with fine weather. Set up the Main Rigging. Received part of the Bread [biscuit] and all the dry Provisions. At 7pm came athwart the Hawse The John & Thomas West Indiaman and carried away part of our Cutwater and her Mizzen Mast, Draft of water 18.11 fwd 17.5 aft. Officers on board 1st, 2nd & 4th.

Saturday 3rd.
First & middle part moderate breezes variable latter part squally with snow. Received on board the Ships Rum & Brandy etc. came on board 10 Riggers. Officers on board 1st, 2nd & 4th. Draft of water 19 aft 17.6 fwd.

Sunday 4th.
Fresh breezes with snow and unsettled weather. AM Visited the Ship. Officers on board 1st, 2nd & 4th.

Monday 5th.
Moderate breezes with rain at times. Riggers employed under the Boatswain fitting the Top Gallant Rigging. At noon came alongside the Baning Hoy with Hon Coys Bales and Private Trade. Employed clearing her. Officers on board 1st, 2nd & 4th.

Tuesday 6th.
Moderate breezes variable with showery weather. Received Private Trade etc. Rigger on the Rigging. Tradesmen as most useful Officers on board 1st, 2nd & 4th. Draft of Water 18.9 fwd 18.2 aft.

Wednesday 7th.
Light breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain Set up the top mast Rigging. AM Cleared the Hawse, Draft of Water 19.2 fwd 18.0 aft. Officers on board 1st, 2nd & 4th.

Thursday 8th.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. AM Fidded the Top Gallant Masts and Set the Rigging up, otherwise employed under the Boatswain. Officers all on board.

Friday 9th.
Light Airs with small rain throughout. Received the Store Sails. Employed under the Boatswain . Officers all on board.

Saturday 10th.
Wind from the East with pleasant weather. AM received on board the Raft and some Small Stores. Employed chiefly under the Boatswain Officers all on board.

Sunday 11th.
Moderate breezes with fair weather throughout. Visited the Ship. Officers all on board.

Monday 12th.
Light breezes from East with fine pleasant weather. People stowing the Booms and about the Booms & Rigging. Carpenters and other Tradesmen as necessary. AM cleared Hawse. Officers all on board.

Tuesday 13th.
Light breezes and Calms. People stowing the Booms and Bending Sails. Riggers rousing the Running Rigging. Received on board the Powder. Tradesmen as necessary. Officers all on board.

[Page 011:]

Ship True Briton at Gravesend

Wednesday 14th March 1804.
Light breezes with fine weather. People employed receiving Potatoes and under the Boatswain. Bent the Main Top Sail. Caulker caulking the Gun Room Ports. Armourer about the Hammock Stanchions, came down & anchored the Hon Coys Ship Ceres. Officers all on board.

Thursday 15th.
Moderate East breezes with fine weather. People employed under the boatswain. Setting up the Main Rigging etc.

Friday 16th.
Light variable breezes with foggy weather, people employed about the Rigging and receiving Stores etc. Officers all on board.

Saturday 17th.
First part hard rain hailed and latter moderate breezes with fine weather. Employed receiving Stores and about the Rigging. Draft of water 19.7 fwd 18.7 aft. AM cleared Hawse. Officers all on board.

Sunday 18th.
Fresh NE breezes with rain throughout. AM Washed the Ship out & in. PM Came on board to remain all Officers on board.

Monday 19th.
Fresh NE Gale with snow and rain throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Carpenter building the Bulk Head in the Great Cabin. Captain & Officers on board.

Tuesday 20th.
Strong East Gale with cloudy weather. People employed under the Boatswain working up junk. Carpenter and other Tradesmen as necessary. Captain & Officers all on board.

Wednesday 21st.
Fresh East Gales with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain working up junk, making Nippers etc. Captain & Officers on board.

Thursday 22nd.
Fresh East breezes with cloudy weather. People employed under the Boatswain making Sinnets and Gaskets. Captain & Officers all on board.

Friday 23rd.
Light variable Airs. At 6am came on board Mr Stalker Pilot and took charge of the Ship as Pilot and unmoored the Ship. At 10 weighed and dropped down to the Lower Hope. At 4 came to and moored Ship about one Mile below the Block Ships.

Saturday 24th.
Moderate North breezes. People employed under the Boatswain Setting up the Fore Rigging Carpenter as necessary. Armourer at the Forge. Captain & Officers on board.

Sunday 25th.
Fresh SW gale with fine weather. Washed & Cleaned the Ship. Captain & Officers on board.

[Page 012:]

Ship True Briton in the Hope

Monday 26th March 1804.
Moderate SW breezes with fine weather. Employed Fleeting the Fore & Main Top Mast Rigging. Tradesmen as necessary. Officers on board. AM passed by the Hon Coys Ship Walpole for Long Reach & the Hon Coys Ship Asia outward bound. Carpenter rising on Poop. Armourer at the Forge.

Tuesday 27th.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. Set up the Top Most Rigging. Other Tradesmen as necessary. Anchored here the Hon Coys Ship Perseverance. Officers on board.

Wednesday 28th.
Fresh NE breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain making the top Nettings. PM Bent the Main Sail and Top Gallant Sails. Officers on board.

Thursday 29th.
Fresh NW breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain, armourer at the Forge. Carpenter Rising the Bulwark on the Poop. Officers on board.

Friday 30th.
Moderate NW breezes with fine weather. People under the Boatswain fitting the Boarding Nettings. Tradesmen as necessary. Officers on board.

Saturday 31st.
Strong breezes with hard squalls and hail at times. People employed under the Boatswain. Tradesmen as necessary.

Sunday 1st April 1804.
Light West breezes. Washed & cleaned the Ship.

Monday 2nd.
Light West breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain making Points and Robands etc. Tradesmen as necessary. Officers on board.

Tuesday 3rd.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. Loosed Sails to dry otherwise working up junk and Rattling down the Top Mast Rigging.

Wednesday 4th.
Fresh breezes with hard squalls at times and rain. People Rattling down Lower Rigging.

Thursday 5th.
Strong West breezes with hail and rain. AM Received 30 tons of ----. People otherwise as necessary working up junk etc. PM Came on board Mr Stalker Pilot to take the Ship down. Paid the officers.

Friday 6th.
Moderate West breezes with fine weather. Came on board Mr Wigram and paid the Ships Company. AM Unmoored and at 4pm weighed and run down to Shell Haven and anchored with the best Bower in eight fathoms water.

Saturday 7th.
Light breezes variable with fine weather. At 5am weighed with a light North breeze but the wind coming to the NE. Anchored again and at 11 weighed and worked down to the Upper Buoy of the Oaze and anchored with the best Bower in 7 fms water. At 5 came alongside a Craft with Flints.

Sunday 8th.
Moderate East breezes with fine weather. AM Came alongside a Craft with Flints. Employed clearing her. At 11am weighed and worked down to the Nab and anchored with the best Bower in 9 fms water the Culvers bearing SSE.

[Page 013:]

Ship True Briton towards Portsmouth

Monday 9th April 1804.
Strong East breezes with cloudy weather. At 11am weighed and made Sail and at 6pm passed through the Downs. At 8pm Dungeness Lights WBN, South Foreland Light NE. Course WbS.

Tuesday 10th April 1804.
At Daylight Isle of Wight NW. fresh breezes with cloudy weather. At 10am came to with the best Bower at the North Bank in 16 fms veered away and moored the Ship with a Cable each way. When moored the following bearings Portsmouth Church NEbE. Got the Top Gallant Yards down upon Deck. People otherwise employed about the Rigging.

Wednesday 11th.
Fresh NE breezes with fine weather. Employed under the Boatswain and scraping the Sides for painting. Other Tradesmen as necessary.

Thursday 12th.
Ditto wind and weather. Gunner painting the Lower Masts. People under the Boatswain making Points etc. PM arrived the Royal Charlotte from Gravesend.

Friday 13th.
Moderate North breezes with fine weather. People as necessary. Gunner painting the Sides. Tradesmen as most useful Sailmaker reducing the Main Top Sail. Draft of Water 20.0 fwd 19.2 aft.

Saturday 14th.
Light breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain Sailmaker as yesterday. Armourer at the Forge. Gunner painting the Sides.

Sunday 15th.
Fresh NE breezes with fine weather, Gunner as yesterday.

Monday 16th.
Strong NE wind with showers of rain at times. People employed under the Boatswain making a Splinter Netting. Gunner painting the sides, Armourer at the Forge. Carpenter Nailing on the Scuppers etc.

[Page 014:]

Ship True Briton at the Mother Bank

Tuesday 17th April 1804.
Fresh breeze with fine weather, People under the Boatswain, Sailmaker finishing the Main Top Sail. Gunner painting the Sides. Armourer at the Forge.

Wednesday 18th.
Fresh NE breeze with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain Gunner painting the Ship Tradesmen as necessary.

Thursday 19th.
Fresh breeze with rain at times, People as per days past. Gunner as yesterday. Armourer at the Forge.

Friday 20th.
Fresh NW breeze with cloudy weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Gunner as per days past. Tradesmen as necessary.

Saturday 21st.
Moderate breezes and variable with fine pleasant weather. AM Set up the Backstays Fore and Fore Top Mast Rigging. Gunner painting the Stern, other Tradesmen as necessary.

Sunday 22nd.
First & middle parts moderate breezes with fine weather latter squally with rain. PM Set the Main Top Mast Rigging up. PM Arrived & anchored here the Hon Coys Ships Bengal and Earl St Vincent from the Downs.

Monday 23rd.
Fresh SW Gales with rain throughout. People employed under the Boatswain making points and Gaskets. At 11am came on board Mr Hughes Purser with the Dispatches.

Tuesday 24th.
Strong SW Gales with much rain. People employed under the Boatswain making Points. PM Captain Hughes received Orders from Mr Linderguard to moor the Ship. AM Further Orders from the India House. AM Arrived here the Hon Coys Ships Lord Duncan and the Extra Ships from St Helena.

Wednesday 25th.
Strong SW Gales with rain at times. People under the boatswain and other Tradesmen as most useful.

Thursday 26th.
Strong SW Gales with rain in the latter part. People & Tradesmen as per days past.

Friday 27th.
Strong SW Gales with rain in the first part latter fair. Loosed Sails to Air. People otherwise employed under the Boatswain.

Saturday 28th.
Fresh SW breezes with cloudy weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck otherwise employed under the Boatswain.

Sunday 29th.
Light Airs and Calm with pleasant weather.

Monday 30th.
Light breezes variable with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Carpenter fitting a Cross Tree in the Main Top. Armourer at the Forge. Butcher sent on shore Sick.

Tuesday 1st May 1804.
Light Airs variable with fine weather. People employed as most useful.

Wednesday 2nd.
Light Airs and calm in the first & middle parts, latter Thunder & Lighting and rain. PM Arrived here the Hon Coys Ship Walthamstow from the Downs.

[Page 015]

Ship True Briton at the Mother Bank.

Thursday 3rd May 1804.
Light breezes variable wind & and fine weather. People employed as necessary. Tradesmen as most useful.

Friday 4th.
Light breezes variable with pleasant weather. People under the Boatswain, Gunner painting the Quarter Deck, other Tradesmen as necessary.

Saturday 5th.
Light SE breezes with fine weather. Gunner painting the Quarter Deck, Boatswain getting a new Jib Boom out, other Tradesmen as necessary.

Sunday 6th.
Light breezes variable with pleasant weather. Loosed Sails to air.

Monday 7th.
Light breezes variable with fine pleasant weather, People employed under the Boatswain, Carpenter making Cross Trees for Fidding Royal Masts. Gunner painting the Quarter Deck. Sailed the West India Convoy.

Tuesday 8th.
Light Airs & Calm throughout. At daylight got under weigh and Sailed Hence HMS Couregeaux [Courageux] with Hon Coys Ships Walthamstow, Earl St Vincent, Asia, Bengal, Lady Burges, Dover Castle, Marquis Cornwallis, The Largie Family County Ships.

Wednesday 9th.
Moderate breezes with fine weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain making Masts etc. Carpenter making & Setting Royal Mast. Armourer at the Forge, washed the Gun Deck and exercised the Guns.

Thursday 10th.
Light Airs and variable. People and Tradesmen employed as yesterday.

Friday 11th.
Light breezes with fine weather. People under the Boatswain, Carpenter making & fitting Royal Mast. PM Cleared Hawse.

Saturday 12th.
Moderate breezes variable with fine pleasant weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Shipped the Top Gallant Mast with the Fidding Royal Mast. AM Arrived here HEICS Tottenham from the Downs.

Sunday 13th.
Light Airs variable with fine pleasant weather.

Monday 14th.
Moderate SW breeze with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain. AM Cleared Hawse Tradesmen as necessary.

Tuesday 15th.
Light breezes variable with fine pleasant weather. Set the Rigging up Fore & Aft and AM Anchored here The Hon Coys Ship Ceres and Taunton Castle from the Downs.

Wednesday 16th.
Moderate breezes with thick weather in the First part latter much rain. AM Washed the Gun Deck otherwise employed under the Boatswain.

[Page 016:]

Ship True Briton at the Mother Bank.

Thursday 17th May 1804.
Light SW breezes with rain at times. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker making Sails for the Cutter. Armourer at the forge. Tradesmen s necessary.

Friday 18th.
Light breezes variable with a thick fog. People under the Boatswain Tradesmen as most useful.

Saturday 19th.
Light breezes with fair weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck and loosed Sails to air. Tradesmen as most useful.

Sunday 20th.
Light East breezes with fine pleasant weather. Anchored here HEICS Alnwick Castle, Cuffnells, Lord Eldon and Experiment from the Downs. AM Performed Divine Service on the Quarter Deck.

Monday 21st.
Light breezes with fine pleasant weather. AM exercised the Great Guns, loosed Sails to Air. People otherwise under the Boatswain.

Tuesday 22nd.
Fresh SW breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Tradesmen as most necessary.

Wednesday 23rd.
Moderate West breezes with fine weather. At 7am unmoored and at 11 weighed and run to the outward part of Spithead and came to with the best Bower in 14 fathoms. People & Tradesmen as most useful.

Thursday 24th.
Strong SW Gales with much rain. Down Top Gallant Yards. AM struck the Royal Masts. PM Moored Ship with a Cable each way when moored, had the following bearings Portsmouth Church NEbN Bembridge Point SbW.

Friday 25th.
Fresh SW Gales with rain. People employed under the Boatswain tradesmen as necessary

Saturday 26th.
Strong breezes with rain in the first & middle part, latter part moderate with fine weather. PM Loosed the Top Sail to dry. AM Washed the Gun Deck and exercised the Great Guns.

Sunday 27th.
Moderate SW breezes with fine weather. Run from the Ship Robert Smith Captains Servant and Thomas Dixon.

Monday 28th.
Fresh SW breezes with fine weather, loosed Sails to dry. People under the Boatswain Making up junk. Tradesmen as necessary.

Tuesday 29th.
Strong South breezes with rain at times. People under the Boatswain Tradesmen as necessary.

[Page 017:]

Wednesday 30th May 1804.
Strong breezes with cloudy weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck & loosed Sails to dry. PM Unmoored and Hove in to a half Cable Server.

Thursday 30th.
Ring West breezes with fine weather, at 6am weighed and moved to St Helens and at 7.30am came too with the best Bower in 10 fms water. Portsmouth Church North St Helens Reach WbS and Bembridge Point SWbS. People and tradesmen as necessary.

Friday 1st June 1804.
Fresh West breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain & picking Oakum. Tradesmen as necessary.

Saturday 2nd.
Moderate SW breezes with pleasant weather Light Airs and Calm with fine weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck.

Sunday 3rd.
Light Airs and calm with fine weather.

Monday 4th.
Light breezes with fine weather. AM weighed[?] the Anchor and at 1pm a Royal Salute People and Tradesmen as necessary.

Tuesday 5th.
Light breeze variable with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain and Picking Oakum loosed Sails to dry. AM the Athenian made the Signal for all Captains. At 1pm She made the Signal to unmoor.

Wednesday 6th.
Light SW breezes first part middle & latter strong East breezes. People employed under the Boatswain Tradesmen as necessary.

Thursday 7th.
Strong west breezes with cloudy weather. People & Tradesmen as necessary, at 11pm confined John Matthews for Drunkenness, insolence and disobedience of orders. Filled our Water up. Water now on board 24.400 Gallons in 140 Butts. Draft of Water 20.3 fwd 19.1 aft.

Friday 8th.
Fresh WSW breezes with cloudy weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Tradesmen as necessary.

Saturday 9th.
Moderate breezes variable with fine weather. At 10am Athenian made Signal for weighing. At 11am weighed and made Sail in Company with HMS Athenian and the following Indiamen; Perseverance, Neptune, Royal Charlotte, Taunton Castle, Ceres, Alnwick Castle, Cuffnells and Arniston China Ships Ships the Tottenham, Lord Eldon and Experiment, Extra Ships for Bengal, this log contains 12 hours and ends at Noon.

[End of Harbour Log]

[Start of sea log]

[Page 018:]


Image/page 18.


Order of sailing from England.

[At 11am on Saturday 9th June 1804, the convoy set sail escorted by HMS Athenian. Merchant ships included were India plus Extra Ships for Bengal: Perseverance, Neptune, Royal Charlotte, Taunton Castle, Ceres, Alnwick Castle, Cuffnells and Arniston; China: the Tottenham, Lord Eldon and Experiment, and of course True Briton.]

At the end of this journal are four illustrations relating to the order of sailing followed by a sheet similar to the above.

[Page 019: - blank]

[Page 020:]

Ship True Briton towards China

Sunday 10th June 1804.
C&D SW 66. At 8am St Albans Head NW, Culvers NE, Dunnos NEbN, Needle Point NNW dist off shore 9 miles. Made Sail. Commodore NW 1. At 8am French Land from WSW to SE. quantity of Water now on bord 24,400 Galls. Lat – Long -.

Monday 11th June 1804.
C&D West 77. First part fresh breezes middle and latter parts light breezes with fine weather. Commodore WNW. At 8pm the Bill of Portland NW, St Albans Head & extremes of the land to the West dust off shore 5 miles. At 4pm Portland Bill ENE. People under the Boatswain. At 6pm Berry Head NWbN the extremes of the Land W½NNE dist from the nearest shore 5 or 6 Leagues. At Noon Start Point NNW, Berry Head NWb½E dist from shore 6 or 7 miles. Lat (obs) 50 N. Long --.

[Page 021:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 12th June 1804.
C&D WNW 37. Winds ESE variable fair. At 6pm the Eddystone Lighthouse NW, Start Point EbN. Extremes of the land to westward NWbW. At 8pm Eddystone Lighthouse NWbN Start Pont EbS. 12 Ships in Company. At Noon the Lizard bearing NW. In Company with the Fleet, Lat (obs) 49.53N. Long ----.

Wednesday 13th June 1804.
C&D WbS 51 miles. Light West breezes throughout with fair pleasant weather. Commodore North. At 12pm the Lizard Lights NbW 6 miles distant. At 4am the Lizard NEbE about 10 miles. Sent a boat on board te Commodore for Signal. Returned in a short time with a letter to me. At 8am the Lizard ENE. At Noon the Lizard EbN. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Fleet in Company. Lat (obs) 49.47N. Long ---.

[Page 022:]

Towards China

Thursday 14th June 1804.
C&D S57W 46. Calm. Light breezes with fine weather. At 8pm Lands End N½E. dist 7 or 8 Leagues the Lizard EbN. Signal for Ships astern to make more Sail. AM Stowed Anchors, unbent the Cables. Commodore WbN 2. All the fleet in Company. Lat 49.32N Long 10.13W.

Friday 15th June 1804.
C&D S67W 27. Light Airs calm throughout with fine weather. PM Paid the Cables down in the Hold. Armourer at the Forge. All the fleet in Company. Lat 49.22N Long 10.46W

[Page 023:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 16th June 1804.
C&D S54W 59. Winds SWbW first part moderate with pleasant weather middle & latter hard squalls with rain. Passed by a Sloop under Danish Colours. Signal to make more Sail. Struck the Royal Yards. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 48.43N Long 7.51W

Sunday 17th June 1804.
C&D S23W 47. Fresh Gale NNW with cloudy weather. The weather being unsettled prevented us Performing Divine Service. Total Water expended this week 1129 Gallons remaining 23,280. Lat 48.05N Long 8.16W

[Page 024:]

Towards China

Monday 18th June 1804.
C&D N16W 39 Wind WSW thick hazy weather throughout. Signal to tack. All Fleet in Company. Lat 48.4M Long 8.27W.

Tuesday 19th June 1804.
C&D S17 49. Light variable breezes NW throughout. People under the Boatswain picking Oakum. Lat 47.4 Long 8.8W. Commodore NW1.

[Page 025:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 20th June 1804.
C&D S64WC&D S64W 37. Light West breezes with heavy swell from the NW. Pumped Ship 12 inches. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 47.1N Long 8.54W.

Thursday 21st June 1804.
C&D S40W 152. Fresh SEbE breezes throughout with pleasant weather. A Strange Sail SSE She proved to be the [blank] Frigate and sent a boat on board the Commodore. PS 12 inches. People under the Boatswain Picking Oakum. Made more Sail. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 45.4N Long 11.9W.

[Page 026:]

Towards China

Friday 22nd June 1804.
C&D S53W 27. First & latter parts light SEbS breezes with fine weather middle part Calm with heavy swell from NW. PS 12 inches. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 44.29N Long 11.39W.

Saturday 23rd June 1804.
C&D.S11W 27. Light SSW breezes throughout with fine weather. Saw a Strange Sail standing to the East. PS 12 inches. People employed under the Boatswain. Saw a Strange Sail bearing SW. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Lat 44.1N Long 11.46W.

[Page 027:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 24th June 1804.
C&D S10W 39. First & middle parts light Airs & Calm latter part WSW breezes with fine weather. PS 12 inches. AM Mustered the Ships Company. Prevented from performing Divine Service in consequence of speaking the Spanish Ship. Saw 3 Strange Sail to the East. Spoke a Spanish Ship from Cadiz to Russia. Water expended 1120 Gallons Remaining 22,160. Lat 43.25N Long 11.56W

Monday 25th June 1804.
C&D S5W 73. Light ESE breezes with pleasant weather. Three Strange Sail bearing East. PS 12 inches. People under the Boatswain. Passed a Strange Sail. In Company with all the Fleet. Lat 42.8 Long 12.4W.

[Page 028:]

Towards China

Tuesday 26th June 1804.
C&D S5W 78. Light SE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. AM Exercised Small Arms. PS 12 inches. Signal to the Royal Charlotte No. 125. Passed a Strange Sail standing to the East. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 40.54N Long 12.23W.

Wednesday 27th June 1804.
C&D S40E 45. Light WNW breezes with fine weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck. A Strange Sail standing to the South. Signal 138. Spoke the Strange Sail per Signal She proved a Swedish Brig bound from Leyhorn to Embden. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 40.7N Long 11.35W.

[Both Leghorn and Embden are in Frisia, on the north German coast, whereas the encounter was in the Atlantic.]

[Page 029:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 28th June 1804.
C&D S46W 55. First & latter parts light SbW breezes and middle squally with rain. Made Sail. Saw two Strange Sail to the South. AM signal 138. Hove too. Spoke a Brig under Danish Colours. Made Sail. Wore. People employed under the Boatswain. PS 12 inches. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.33N Long 12.27W.

Friday 29th June 1804.
C&D S9W 28. First & middle part light West breezes with fine weather latter fresh breezes with drizzling rain & cloudy weather. Commodore made Signal for the Convoy to Close. Signal for outermost Ships to bear Down. Squally with rain. AM Signal No.75. In company with the Fleet. Lat 39.20N Long 12.32W.

[Page 030:]

Towards China

Saturday 30th June 1804.
C&D S31E 66. Fresh WbS breezes with cloudy weather throughout. PS. Washed the Gun Deck. A Strange Sail SSW. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 38.24N Long 11.48W.

Sunday 1st July 1804.
C&D S47E 69. Moderate SWbW breeze throughout with fine weather. Spoke a Portuguese Ship bound for the Brazils. Being indisposed prevented from Performing Divine Service. Drizzling rain. Water expended this week 800 Galls Remaining 21,360. PS. In company with the Fleet. Lat 37.38N Long 10.44W.

[Page 031:]

Ship True Briton

Monday 2nd July 1804.
C&D S3W 58. First & middle parts fresh SWbS breezes with thick cloudy weather and rain at times. Latter light breezes and fair weather. Wore per Signal. Signal to steer WSW No 49 Signal to observe the Commodores Motions during the night. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.40N Long 10.48W.

Tuesday 3rd July 1804.
C&D S42W 96. Moderate NNW breezes with pleasant weather. Signal for the stern most Ships to make more Sail. PS. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 35.30N Long 12.7W.

[Page 032:]

Towards China

Wednesday 4th July 1804.
C&D S48W 132. Fresh North breezes throughout with pleasant weather. Signal to steer WbS. PS. The Commodore made Signal for Longitude per Lunar to the Ceres 12.30W, Neptune 12.47, Alnwick Castle 12.37, Royal Charlotte 12.45, Taunton Castle 12.20, Cuffnells 12.30, Perseverance 12.43, Athenian 12.37 and True Briton 12.33. Tradesmen as necessary. AM Washed the Gun Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 33.49N Long 14.5W.

Thursday 5th July 1804.
C&D SSE 10. Fresh NE breezes with fine weather. PS 12 inches. At 4.30am Saw the Land bearing North dist about 8 or 9 Leagues. At 6am Porto Santo from NE½N to N¼E. The Deserters SWbS½S to WSW. At 6.30 the Extremes of Madeira. WbN¼N to NWbN. At 8am Porto Santo from NEbE to NNE. Extremes of Madeira from N to WbN½N. dist of Shore 8 or 9 Leagues. At Noon Funchal N½W. Extremes of the Deserters to the East SEbE½E dist of Madeira about 9 or 10 Leagues. Parted Company with the Lord Eldon, Experiment and Tottenham. Lat 32.30N Long 16.59W.

[Page 033:]

Ship True Briton

Friday 6th July 1804.
C&D S13W 189. A fresh ENE Trade with pleasant weather. PS 12 inches. AM Shifted the Fore Sail and Main Top Sails and Main Top Gallant Sails with the old ones. Var. for Azimuth 19.19W. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 29.27N Long 17.48W.

Saturday 7th July 1804.
C&D S35W 180. Strong ENE Trade with pleasant weather. PM Shifted the Jibs & fore Top Mast Stay Sail with the old ones. PS 12. Hove to as per Signal. At 3.30pm saw the Island of Palma bearing SbW. And at 4 the extremes of the Island from SSE to SW¼W dist 10 or 11 miles. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Top Sail. Caulker on the Waterway Seams on the Upper Deck. Other Trades as necessary. AM Scraped & cleaned the Gun Deck. Signal for stern most Ships to make more Sail. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 27.00N Long 17.45W.

[Page 034:]

Towards China

Sunday 8th July 1804.
C&D S30W 184. Fresh NE Trade throughout with pleasant weather. Taunton Castle made Signal A man overboard. Hove to. PS 12 inches. Signal to steer SW, could not Perform Devine Service on account of Ship rolling too heavy. Water expended 960 Gallons remaining 20,400. Lat 24.26N Long 21.27W

Monday 9th July 1804.
C&D. S29W 168. Steady NE breezes with fine weather throughout. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Tore Top Mast Sail. AM Shifted the Mizzen Top Gallant Sail with the old one. Allow ½ point to the South these 24 hours for bad steerage and an error of nearly ½ point South in one of the Compasses. Lat 21.39N Long 23.3W.

[Page 035:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 10th July 1804.
C&D S31W 178. Moderate NEbE breezes throughout with pleasant weather. PS 12 inches. Caulker and other Tradesmen as yesterday. AM Washed the Gun Deck. All the fleet in Company. Lat 18.53N Long 24.40W.

Wednesday 11th July 1804.
C&D SWbW 118. Moderate EbN Trade and fair weather throughout. Signal for all Captains. Hove to. PM Went on board the Commodore, soon returned with leave to go ahead during the night to enable to get out Lower & Top Mast Rigging up in the morning it being very slack. Kept a good look out for the Island of St Anthony, [Cape Verde Islands]. At 5.30am saw the Land bearing SSW. At 7am the extremes of St Anthony from SWbW½W to SW distance 4 or 5 Leagues. At Noon the extremes of the Island from NE to SE dist 3 or 4 miles. PS 2 inches. AM Set the Lower Top Mast and Top Gallant Rigging up Fore & Aft. Shortened Sail to let the Fleet astern to come up. Lat (obs) 16.59N Long ----

[Page 036:]

Towards China

Thursday 12th July 1804.
C&D S10W 100. Moderate NE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. PS 12 inches [every 4 hours] Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Top Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Caulker on the Waterway Seams on the Upper Deck. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 15.24N Long 25.46W.

Friday 13th July 1804.
C&D S 123. Moderate Trade NE throughout with fine weather. Caulkers & other Tradesmen as yesterday. PS 12 inches. People employed under the Boatswain Squaring the Ratlines of the Lower Rigging. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 13.26N Long 27.7W.

[Page 037:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 14th July 1804.
C&D South 64. Light variable EbN breezes with hot sultry weather, squally and rain. Hove to for Signal 126. Made Sail. Lightning all round. AM Washed the Gun Deck and exercised the Great Guns. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 11.59N Long 26.6W

Sunday 15th July 1804.
C&D SE 48. Light SE breezes with showers of rain at times. Signal to steer SbE. PS. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 1120 Gallons. Remaining 19,280. Signals 129 & 126. All the Fleet in Company. Lat 11.8N Long 25.52W.

[Page 038:]

Towards China

Monday 16th July 1804.
C&D S22E 67. Light variable NNE breezes with sultry weather. Signal 174 to the Royal Charlotte to make more Sail. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Top Sail. Caulkers on the Waterway Seams on the Gun Deck. Other Tradesmen as necessary. People under the Boatswain. PS. At 4.30am made the Signal for seeing a Strange Sail. Sent a boat on board her. She proved to be a Spanish Brig from the River Platt bound to Cadiz. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 10.6N Long 25.11W.

Tuesday 17th July 1804.
C&D S37E 54. C&D Throughout the 24 hours unsettled WSW with rain. Hard rain. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Top Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Caulker on the Waterway Seams on the Gun Deck. In company with the Fleet. Signal 93 to the Ceres. Lat 9.26N Long 24.53W.

[Page 039:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 18th July 1804.
C&D S69E 70. A moderate breeze SWbS with fine weather. Sailmaker repairing the 2nd best Fore Sail. Caulker on the Waterway Seams on the Gun Deck. Armourer at the Forge. PS. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 8.59N Long 23.47W.

Thursday 19th July 1804.
C&D S62E 71. First & middle parts light SSW breezes with pleasant weather latter cloudy with a hard Squall from the SE & heavy rain. PS. At 3am the Foot Rope of the Fore Top Sail gave way which caused the Sail to Split. Shifted it with the 2nd best one. Signal to steer SbW. At Noon came on a Severe Squall which Split the Main top Sail and Mizzen Top Mast Stay Sail. Being very thick could not see any of the Fleet. Signal to steer SbW. Lat 8.22N Long 22.43W.

[Page 040:]

Towards China

Friday 20th July 1804.
C&D S18E 34. Light East winds variable with Squalls and rain. Wore. Calm. AM Unbent the Main Top Sail and repaired it in Top. At Noon brought it to the yard again and Set it Single Reefed. In Company with the Fleet, Lat 7.50N Long 22.33W.

Saturday 21st July 1804.
C&D S14E 69. Unsettled weather WbS with Squalls & rain. Wore to join the Fleet. PS. At 6pm the Leech Rope of the main Top Sail broke. Shifted it with the 2nd best & set it single reefed. AM Scraped and cleaned the Gun Deck. Bent the Driver. Squally and rain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 7.20 Long 21.30W.

[Page 041:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 22nd July 1804.
C&D S53E 81. Moderate SW breezes with cloudy weather, frequent Squalls & rain. The weather being squally prevented our performing Divine Service. At 9am got the Royal Yards down and struck the Masts. Water expended this week 960 Gallons. Remaining 18,320. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 6.34N Long 20.24W.

Monday 23rd July 1804.
C&D S66E 50. Strong SWbS breezes with Squalls and rain. Middle and latter fresh breezes with fine weather. Signal to steer SSW. At 5pm confined William Smith and Garret Conner in Irons for Drunkenness and Riotous behaviour. At 5am got the Royal Masts down on deck. At 5.30 saw a Strange Sail standing to the NW. At 10am Punished William Smith with one Dozen Lashes and Released Garret Conner on his promise of good behaviour for the future. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 6.8N Long 19.38W.

[Page 042:]

Towards China

Tuesday 24th July 1804.
C&D S74W 89. Fresh South breezes with cloudy weather. Passed a Strange Sail standing the North. Signal to steer SSW. PS. Sailmaker middle stitching the 2nd best Main Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 5.44N Long 21.3W.

Wednesday 25th July 1804.
C&D S84W 85. First part squally SbW middle & latter strong breezes and cloudy weather. Hove to. At 4pm sent a boat on board the Stranger she proved to be the Spanish Brig St. Jago from Cuba bound to Montevedio [Montevideo] At 5 the boat returned. Made Sail. Sailmaker as yesterday other Tradesmen as necessary. AM Washed the Gun Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 5.34N Long 33.37W.

[Page 043:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 26th July 1804.
C&D S69W 79. Fresh SSW breezes with cloudy weather. PS. AM Set the Mizzen Top Mast Rigging. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 5.6N Long 23.40W.

Friday 27th July 1804.
C&D S51W 100. Steady South breezes with fine weather throughout. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Main Top Sail. Caulker on the Waterways on the Gun Deck. The Commodore made Signal for Longitude t the Perseverance 21.21, Taunton Castle 21.34, Arniston 21.0, True Briton 20.32 & Athenian. 2.59. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 4.00N Long 24.57W.

[Page 044:]

Towards China

Saturday 28th July 1804.
C&D S51W 103. Fresh South breezes throughout with pleasant weather. Signal to steer SSW. At 2pm Set up the Main & Fore Top Mast and Top Gallant Rigging. Sailmaker repairing the Mizzen Top Mast Stay Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Tradesmen as necessary. PS. AM Washed the Gun Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.50N Long 26,17W.

Sunday 29th July 1804.
C&D S37W 91. Moderate SSE Trade with fine weather. Signal to steer SbW. At 1pm Committed the Body [Thomas Smith, Quarter Master] of the Deceased to the Deep. AM Performed Divine Service on the Quarter Deck. Water expended this week. 1130 Galls, remaining 17,200. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 1.18N Long 27.10 W.

[Crossed the Equator]

[Page 045:]

Ship True Briton

Monday 30th July 1804.
C&D S26W 102. Steady SSE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. Sailmaker middle stitching the 2nd best Fore Top Sail. Bent the Mizzen Top Mast Stay Sails. The Leech rope of the Fore Top Sail broke which split the sail. Unbent it. Repaired in the Top and bent it again. At 5am got the Royal Masts up and crossed the Royal Yards. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 012S Long 27.54W.

Tuesday 31st July 1804.
C&D S16W 100. Steady SE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. PS. PM Performed the usual Ceremony on Crossing the Line. Sailmaker on the 3nd best Fore Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Other Tradesmen as necessary. AM Shifted the Main Top Sail with the Old One. AM the Commodore made Signal for one Officer from each Ship. Sent a Boat on board the Commodore and received some additional Signals. At 11 the Boat returned & hoisted her in. Made Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 2.0S Long 28.21W.

[Page 046:]

Towards China

Wednesday 1st August 1804.
C&D S16W 120. Fresh SE Trade with fine weather. PS [every 4 hours] People employed under the Boatswain and Picking Oakum. Sailmaker middle stitching the 2nd best fore Sail. Armourer at the Forge. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.57S Long

Thursday 2nd August 1804.
C&D S6 134. Steady SEbE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. Signal to steer SbW. Sailmaker as yesterday. People Picking Oakum. This day I got my head shaved for the benefit of my Eyes. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 6.13S Long 29.20W.

[Page 047:]

Ship True Briton

Friday 3rd August 1804.
C&D S17W 84. Moderate SEbE Trade throughout with pleasant weather. Shortened Sail. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Man Top Gallant Sail, other Tradesmen as necessary. People under the Boatswain. At 6pm the Commodore made the Signal know how many days Water I had at full allowance. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 7.33S Long 29.44W.

Saturday 4th August 1804.
C&D S27W 101. Strong breezes variable and squally with rain at times. Signal to steer SbW. At 4pm the foot rope of the Inner Jib broke which Split the Sail. Unbent to repair. SM Scraped & cleaned the Gun Deck. At 8am the Leech Rope of the Fore Top Sail broke which Split the Sail. Unbent it from the Yard and repaired it in the Top. Set it double reefed. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 9.6S Long 30.30W.

[Page 048:]

Towards China

Sunday 5th August 1804.
C&D S22W 119. Cloudy weather SEbE with squalls and rain throughout. At 9pm Shifted the Jib & unbent it. At 11pm the foot of the rope of the Fore Sail gave way and split the Sail all to pieces condemned it to repair the Old Sails and bent the 2nd best. The weather being very Squally and unsettled prevented our performing Divine Service. At 6am unbent the 2nd best Jib. Expenditure of Water this week 1080 Gallons. Remaining 16,120. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 10.54S Long 31.15W.

Monday 6th August 1804.
C&D S1W½W 144. First & middle parts squally ESE with rain at times, latter part fresh breezes and fair. PS. Caulker caulking the Long Boat. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Main Top Gallant Sail. Other Tradesmen as necessary. People employed under the Boatswain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 13.8S Long 31.58W.

[Page 049:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 7th August 1804.
C&D S11W 132. Fresh ESE breezes with had Squalls and rain. Sailmaker repairing the old Jib. Shortened Sail for the Fleet. Hard Squalls & rain. AM Shifted the Fore and Main Top Sails with the 2nd best. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 15.25S Long 32.24W.

Wednesday 8th August 1804.
C&D S½W 112. Fresh ESE Trade with Squalls and rain at times. Signal to steer SbW. Sailmaker repairing the old Jib. Armourer at the Forge. Caulking the Long Boat. AM Washed the Gun Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 17.25S Long 32.36W.

[Page 050:]

Towards China

Thursday 9th August 1804.
C&D S7W 108. Moderate ESE Trade with fine weather and long Swell from SE. Signal to steer South. PS. AM Roused the Cables up and Served them. Sailmaker as yesterday. Caulker caulking the Long Boat. Gunner painting the Jolly Boat. Crossed the Royal Yards. Signal to steer SSW. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 19.12S Long 32.50W.

Friday 10th August 1804.
C&D S25W 65. Light East breezes with Squalls & rain at times. Gunner painting the Jolly Boat. Caulker caulking the Yawl. AM the Commodore made Signal to prepare to Anchor. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 20.29S Long 33.18W.

[Page 051:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 11th August 1804.
C&D S25W 50. Light variable NE winds with rain. Sailmaker repairing the old Jib. Armourer at the Forge. Other Tradesmen as necessary. Washed the Gun Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 21.05S Long 33.40W.

Sunday 12th August 1804.
C&D S48W 76. First & middle parts light NEbN breezes and variable increasing latterly with pleasant weather. Lat 22.13S Long 34.46W.

[Page 052:]

Towards China

Monday 13th August 1804.
C&D S77W 124. Moderate NbW breezes the first & latter parts middle variable and Squally. AM Bent the Cables and unstowed the Anchors. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 22.56S Long 36.50W.

Tuesday 14th August 1804.
C&D West 79. Fresh SbW breezes with Squalls and rain. Sounded 65 Fathoms. Small rain. Saw the Land bearing WbN. At 10am saw a small Round Island bearing W½S. At Noon Cape Rio SW½W. The Extremes of the Land to the Northward NbW. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 22.57S Long 38.16W.

[Page 053:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 15th August 1804.
C&D S72E 57. Strong South breezes with frequent Squalls and rain at times. Sailmaker on the Main Top Mast Stay Sail. People under the Boatswain. The Foot Rope of the Main Top Mast Stay Sail broke which caused the Sail to split. Unbent it for the Sailmaker to repair. PS. The Neptune made Signal for a Strange Sail bearing South. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 23.5S Long 37.24W.

Thursday 16th August 1804.
C&D – 73 miles. First part fresh SbE breezes middle light breezes variable latterly Calm. Sailmaker repairing the Main Top Mast Stay Sail. Sounded 56 Fathoms. At 6pm saw the Land from the Mast Head bearing WNW. At 2am the Land bearing NNW. At 6am the extremes of the Land NE to NWbW 14 or 15 Miles. At 8am Cape Rio NE the extremes from NEbE to W¼N. At Noon the Sugar Loaf WbN. Cape Rio NE dist off shore 15 Miles. In Company with the Fleet. Lat (obs) 23.11S.

[Page 054:]

Towards China

Friday 17th August 1804.
C&D. WNW 35. Moderate Land & Sea breezes with fine weather. AM the Sugar Loaf NW the entrance of the Harbour NW½N. Extremes of the Land from WSW to ENE. At 11am came on board a Pilot to take the Ship into the Harbour. At Noon the Fort NNW the Entrance to the Harbour NWbW. The extremes from East to SSW. Round Island SW. Commodore at Anchor SE. At Noon passed the Fort and at 3 Anchored with the best Bower in 14 fathoms Water. Moored with half a Cable each way. When moored had the following bearings, Santa Crux, Fort SE½S Sugar Loaf S½W. Body of the Town SW. Hoisted out the Long Boat. This Log contains 36 hours and at midnight commence Harbour Logs. Lat – Long –

[End of Sea Log]

[Start of Harbour Log]

Saturday 18th August 1804.
Light Land and Sea breezes with fine weather. PM Sent the Long Boat on shore for Water otherwise under the Boatswain. Tradesmen as necessary. Draft of Water 19.0 fwd, 19.3 aft.

Sunday 19th.
Moderate breezes variable with much rain throughout. Employed Watering the Ship and under the Boatswain. Sailmaker repairing the 2nd best Main Sail.

Monday 20th.
Light Land & Sea breezes with fine weather. AM loosed Sails to dry. People employed under the Boatswain and Watering the Ship. Sailmaker as yesterday. Caulker caulking Buts round the Bends. Carpenter securing the Cap of the Bow Sprit, Armourer at the Forge.

Tuesday 21st.
Light breezes variable with fine weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain Fleeting the Top Mast Rigging and Watering the Ship. Tradesmen as necessary. Run from ship William Leyster [Luston?] Seaman.

Wednesday 22nd.
Light Land & Sea breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain Setting up the Fore & Fore Top Mast Rigging. Armourer at the Forge. Carpenter & other Tradesmen as necessary.

[Page 055:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 23rd August 1804.
Wind and weather as yesterday. People under the Boatswain. Setting up the Main Top Rigging otherwise as necessary. PM Confined in Irons James Plumer Quarter Master and John Guideon [Gordon] Seaman on a Charge of having committed theft on the Ship. Run from the Ship Robert Waterston and James Davidson Seaman. Completed our Water.

Friday 24th.
Light Land and Sea breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain, Tradesmen as necessary. AM Held a Court of Enquiry on James Plumer Quarter Master and John Guideon Seamen who were yesterday Confined in Irons on a Charge of theft. And on the Evidence of James Johnston Quarter Master and Richard Read Seaman found the Prisoner John Guideon guilty of having broken open the Box or Chest of John Vass one of the Captains Servants and stealing thereout a Watch & some Money for which crime Punished him with 2 dozen Lashes and acquitted James Plumer not sufficient Evidence having appeared against him. Run from the Ship Charles Bell Seaman.

Saturday 25th August 1804.
Ditto wind & weather. People as yesterday. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Anchored here a Danish Ship from Denmark. Run from the Ship William Taggat.

Sunday 26th.
Light Land & Sea breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain. PM Anchored here a Spanish Ship from the River Plat[e].

Monday 27th.
Fresh Land & Sea breezes with fine weather. People and Tradesmen as most useful. Anchored here a Portuguese Ship. Run from the Ship James Johnston Quarter Master.

Tuesday 28th.
Light Land and Sea breezes with fine weather. People under the Boatswain. PM unmoored and Hove in to a half Cable Server. Sailmaker repairing the old Main Top Gallant Sail.

Wednesday 29th.
Light variable breezes with fine weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck.

[Page 056:]

At Rio Janeiro

Thursday 30th August 1804.
Light breezes with fine weather. AM Roused all the Sails up and made them all up afresh. Returned to the Ship Charles Bell.

Friday 31st August.
Light breezes variable with fine weather. People employed as necessary. Run from the Ship Jeremiah Hudson and Alexander Walsh. Draft of Water 19.1fwd 19.0 aft.

Saturday 1st September 1804.
Light Land & Sea breezes throughout with fine weather. At 4am came on board a Pilot to take the Ship out. At 5am Weighed and made Sail with the Fleet. At 7 passed the Forts at 8 the Pilot left the Ship. At Noon Round Island WNW Sugar Loaf NbW½W, the entrance to the Harbour NbW. Extremes of the Land to the Eastward NEbE ditto to the westward WbS dist from shore 5 or 6 Leagues. NB this Log contains but 12 hours to Commence Sea Logs. Lat 23.12S Long 42.50W.

[End of Harbour Log]

[Start of Sea Log]

Sunday 2nd September 1804.
C&D SSE 141. Fresh breezes with fine weather throughout. Hove to Signal for a boat with an Officer. PM Stowed the Anchors, unbent the Cables and coiled the Harbour Gear away. The People not being sufficiently clean after taking the Ship out of Harbour could not have Divine Service performed. PS. Water on Board leaving Rio Janeiro, 24,000 Gallons. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 25.22S Lat 41.56W.

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Ship True Briton

Monday 3rd September 1804.
C&D S25E 114. Steady SE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. PS [every 2 hours] AM Took the Service of the Cables and payed them down in the Hold. Passed a Strange Sail standing to the Northward. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 27.13S Long 40.56W.

Tuesday 4th September 1804.
C&D S20E 146. Moderate EbN breezes throughout with thick hazy weather and rain at times. Signal to steer SSE. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the Middle Stay Sail, other Tradesmen as necessary. Signal 134. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 29.57S Long 39.58W.

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Towards China

Wednesday 5th September 1804.
C&D S36E 162. First & middle parts fresh ENE breezes with rain at times. Latter Squally with much rain. People employed as necessary. Signal to steer ESE. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 32.14S Long 38.06W.

Thursday 6th September 1804.
C&D S75E 61. Fresh SbW breezes with cloudy weather. PM Got down Royal Yards. PS [every 2 hours] Got the flying Jib Boom in and unbent the Royal Stay Sails. Signal for an Officer. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 32.30S Long 36,58W.

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Ship True Briton

Friday 7th September 1804.
C&D S32E 189. Strong ENE breezes throughout with thunder & lightning and rain at times. Signal to steer SEbS. PS. The Boat returned hoisted her up and made sail. Handed the Main Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 35.17S Long 34.57W

Saturday 8th September 1804.
C&D S69E 161. Strong NNE Gales with Squalls and rain at times and heavy Sea from the SW. Signal to steer ESE. PM Punished William Tomlin with 2 dozen Lashes for disobedience of Orders. Got the Top Gallant Yards down on Deck and handed the Mizzen Top Sail. Signal 426 to steer East. Close reefed and Handed the Fore Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.25S Long 31.52W.

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Towards China

Sunday 9th September 1804.
C&D N84E 97. First part Fresh SbW breezes middle and latter light variable winds with cloudy weather. PM Got the mizzen Top Gallant Mast down on Deck. The weather being unsettled could not perform Divine Service. Water expended this week 1153 Remaining 22,847. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.12S Long 29.51W.

Monday 10th September 1804.
C&D S43E 151. Strong ENE breezes throughout with frequent hard Squalls and rain. At 5 unbent the Driver. At 10pm split the Main Sail. AT 10am unbent the Main Sail to repair. Sailmaker on ditto. Tradesmen as most useful. People under the Boatswain. PS [every 2 hours] Only seven Sails in sight. Lat 38.5S Long 27.42W.

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Ship True Briton

Tuesday 11th September 1804.
C&D S52E 148. Fresh Gale WbN with fine weather. Signal to steer SE. People & Tradesmen employed as most necessary. AM Roused the Sails out of the Sail Room and payed them down in the Hold. Signal to steer EbS. The Ships which are Mizzens are the Taunton Castle, Cuffnells and Arniston [later to founder at the Cape SA, an epic story with the loss of most of her crew and passengers. Ed.] Lat 39.54S Long 25.14W.

Wednesday 12th September 1804.
C&D EbS 217. Strong West breezes with small rain throughout. Set the Main Stay Sail split being Rotten. The Commodore and remainder of the Fleet in Company as yesterday. Lat 40.34S Long 20.37W.

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Towards China.

Thursday 13th September 1804.
C&D EbS 190. Fresh NWbW breezes throughout with thick hazy weather. PM bent the Mizzen Top Sail and set it double reefed. Rain. PS [every 2 hours] People employed fitting the New Fore Top Sail. Sailmaker repairing the 2nd best Mizzen Top Sail. Tradesmen as necessary. Split the Jib. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 41.11S Long 16.32W

Friday 14th September 1804.
C&D N87E 164. First & latter parts Strong North breezes and Fair, middle Squally with rain. Signal for Longitude. Shifted the Fore Top Sail with the best. At 3.30am a sudden Squall of wind came which split the Main Top Mast Stay Sail, Main Top Gallant Sail and carried away the Main Yard in consequence of the weather Brace being let go through mistake. The Commodore made Signal for an Officer on Board who shortly after returned with Carpenters and an Armourer to assist in making our New Main Yard. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 41.1S Long 12.56W

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Ship True Briton

Saturday 15th September 1804.
C&D N80E 182. First & latter parts Fresh NNW Gales with fine weather middle blowing excessively hard with sudden Gusts of wind squalls & rain. Handed the Mizzen Top Sail. Carpenter employed making the Main Yard. Sailmaker repairing the Main Top Gallant Sail and whipping the Points of the new Main Sail. People employed getting the Rigging ready for clothing the Main Yard. Armourer at the Forge making Hoops for the Main Yard. Signal to steer EbN. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 40.30S Long 9.2W.

Sunday 16th September 1804.
C&D S85E 176. First part fair, middle and latter Strong Increasing Gale with thick hazy weather & rain at times. Ps. At 2.30pm the Commodore made Signal for discovering Land bearing East. Signal for Longitude. At 4pm the extremes of Gaugh [Gough] Island EbN½N to E½S. Dist 5 or 6 Leagues. At 6pm Gaugh [Gough] Island from ESE to NEbE. The body of the Island NEbE dist about 7 or 8 Leagues. The body of the Land NbE 10 Leagues. Carpenter & Armourer as yesterday. Could not perform Divine Service in consequence of the very bad weather. Water expended this week 1153 Gallons, remaining 21,694. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 40.45S Long 5.13W.

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Towards China

Monday 17th September 1804.
C&D N86E 147. First & middle parts fresh NWbN breezes latter part light breezes variable with rain. PS [every 2 hours] Carpenters finished the Main Yard. People employed under the Boatswain clothing the Main Yard. Variable with rain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 40.35S Long 2.22W.

Tuesday 18th September 1804.
C&D N82E 180. Fresh SSE breezes throughout with frequent hard Squalls, rain & hail. Handed the Fore Top Sail. At 1pm Swayed the Main Yard up. People employed as necessary, Sailmaker on the Main top Gallant Sail. Other Tradesmen as necessary. Got several of the Company’s Bales in the Round House to Air. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 40.10S Long 1.51E

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Ship True Briton

Wednesday 19th September 1804.
C&D S88E 153. First & middle parts moderate WNW with haze increasing latter with Squalls and rain at times. Signal to steer ESE. People under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday Caulker on the Waterway Seams in the Orlop Deck. AM Scraped and cleaned the Gun Deck. Split the fore Top Mast Studding Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.55S Long 2.2E.

Thursday 20th September 1804.
C&D East 165. Strong NWbN breezes with fine weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Caulker as yesterday. Sailmaker repairing the Mizzen Top Sail. Got several of the Company’s Bales to the Round House to Air. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.52S Long 8.45E.

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Towards China

Friday 21st September 1804.
C&D East 207. Strong Gales SW with violent hard Squalls rain and a Heavy Sea which occasion the Ship to strain very much and makes me very uneasy least the Company’s Cargo should receive any Damage. Handed the Mizzen top Sail. The Main Top Sail Strut gave way. At noon 4 Ships in sight, very much dispersed. Lat 39.52S Long 13.13E.

Saturday 22nd September 1804.
C&D E¼N 185. First & middle parts strong WNW Gales with hard Squalls and rain at times latter part more moderate with cloudy weather. 5 Ships in sight. At 10.30pm departed this life John Williams Seaman. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the 2 best Jib other Tradesmen as required. All the Fleet in sight. At Noon Committed the Body of the deceased to the Deep with the usual Ceremony. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.47S Long 17.14E

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Ship True Briton

Sunday 23rd September 1804.
C&D E72N 143. Strong SW breezes throughout with frequent Squalls and rain. PS [still every 2 hours] Prevented from performing Divine Service in consequence of the Squally weather. Water expended this week 1153 Gallons, remaining 20,541. Carried away the Fore Top Mast Studding Sail Boom. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.33S Long 20.17E.

Monday 24th September 1804.
C&D N84E 160. First & middle parts strong WNW breezes with Squalls and rain. Latterly variable winds with fine weather. AM Washed and Smoaked the Gun Deck. Bent the new Main Sail. Armourer straitening the Boom Irons of the Fore Yard. Sailmaker on the old Mizzen Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.4S Long 22.42E.

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Towards China

Tuesday 25th September 1804.
C&D S66E 62. First part moderate SE breezes and fine weather middle and latter thick hazy weather with drizzling rain at times. Shifted the Fore Sail with the best. At daylight hove to supposing the Fleet to be astern. At 10 saw a Sail from the Mast Head bearing South. Bore up for her and made the private Signal not being answered and she hoisting American Colours immediately hauled up East in hopes of seeing the Fleet. At Noon None of the Fleet in Sight. Deferred opening my Sealed Instructions till tomorrow. Lat 39.11S Long 23.54E.

Wednesday 26th September 1804.
C&D East 187. Fresh North gale with hard Squalls in the first part middle & latter more steady. At 1pm Called a Consultation of my Officers to have their opinion whether the Commodore likely to be ahead or astern of us when they unanimously gave their opinion that they must be ahead therefore resolved to stand on till 4 o’clock under heavy press of Sail and then not seeing him to heave to for 2 hours in case he should be astern. People under the Boatswain. Sailmaker repairing the 2nd best Fore Top Sail. At daylight none of the Ships in Sight from the Mast Head. At Noon opened the Secret Instructions. Lat 39.14S Long 27.55E.

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Ship True Briton

Thursday 27th September 1804.
C&D EbS¾S 123. First & middle parts light variable winds SWbS latter an increasing breeze with fine weather. Drizzling rain. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Top Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Carpenter making Hawse Plugs other Tradesmen as necessary. PS [every 2 hours]. Lat 39.07s Long 30.28E.

Friday 28th September 1804.
C&D E72S 223. Strong NEbN Gale throughout with frequent Hard Squalls and rain. Handed the Mizzen Top Sail. Handed the Main Sail. At 8am Split the Main Top Sail in letting a Reef out furled and repaired it in the Top. Lat 39.22S Long 35.14E.

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Towards China

Saturday 29th September 1804.
C&D S88E 198. First & middle parts hard NWbW Gales with violent hard Squalls accompanied with Thunder & Lightning and rain. With a very high Sea which causes the Ship to Labour and strain and ship a large quantity of water. Latter more moderate, People & Tradesmen as necessary. Set the Mizzen Top Sail. I am fearful that from the quantity of water shipped the Company’s Cargo must receive some damage. Lat 39.33S Long 39.28E

Sunday 30th September 1804.
C&D S87E 221. First & middle Strong NW Gales with hard Squalls and rain. Latter fresh Gale with Dark cloudy weather and very heavy Swell which occasions the ships to Labour very much and ship a great quantity of Water. Causes me a vast deal of uneasiness least the Company’s Cargo may be damaged. Ship rolling very much prevents our performing Divine Service, Water expended this week 1020 Gallons. Remaining 19,121. Lat 39.45S Long 44.16E

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Ship True Briton

Monday 1st October 1804.
C&D N81E 206. Strong NW breezes throughout with Squalls and rain in the first & middle parts. Latter fair with pleasant weather. At 7pm confined William Jones Ordinary Seaman in Irons. People employed Picking Oakum. Tradesmen as necessary. Squally with rain. At 8am Punished William Jones with 2 dozen Lashes for refusing to go to the Pumps when ordered. Lat 39.14S Long 48.38E.

Tuesday 2nd October 1804.
C&D East 149. First & middle parts fresh NWbW breezes with fine weather. Latter part fresh Gale Squalls & rain. Set the Main Sail. Carried away the Fore Top Mast Studding Sail Boom. Lat 39.14S Long 31.50E.

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Towards China

Wednesday 3rd October 1804.
C&D N73E 136. First & middle parts Strong North Gales. Latter part variable winds with hard squalls and constant rain. Lightning. Lat 38.36S Long 54.37E.

Thursday 4th October 1804.
C&D S29E 38. Variable SE breezes with unsettled weather. Wore Ship. People under the Boatswain. Tradesmen as necessary. Loosed the Main Sail. Drizzling rain. Lat 39.09S Long 55.00E.

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Ship True Briton

Friday 5th October 1804.
C&D East 182. Fresh SW Gale throughout with thick weather Squalls & rain at times. [PS still every 2 hours] People employed as necessary. Lat 39.9S Long 58.55E.

Saturday 6th October 1804.
C&D S86E 194.Fresh WSW breezes throughout with a heavy Swell which occasions the Ship to Roll very much. Variation for Azimuth 26.34W. People employed Picking Oakum. Carpenter making a Studding Sail Yard. Armourer at the Forge. Lat 39.19S Long 63.4E.

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Towards China

Sunday 7th October 1804.
C&D N88E 219. Fresh NW Gale throughout with Squalls and rain at times. Blowing strong and the Ship Rolling Heavy. Could not perform Divine Service. Water expended this week 1020 Gallons. Remaining 18,501. Lat 39.02S Long 67.44E.

Monday 8th October 1804.
C&D N89E 236. Fresh NbW Gale throughout with fine weather. Lat 38.57S Long 72.48E.

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Ship True Briton

Tuesday 9th October 1804.
C&D N86E 191. First & latter parts fresh NNW breezes with pleasant weather. Middle part light breezes with heavy rain. People employed Picking Oakum. Armourer at the Forge, Carpenter making a fore Top Mast Studding Sail Boom. Sailmaker on the old Fore Top Sail. Heavy rain. Lat 38.41S Long 76.53E.

Wednesday 10th October 1804.
C&D [var] East 126. First and middle parts strong SWbW Gale latter light breezes with pleasant weather. At 5pm fell overboard Thomas Phillips. Hove to lowered the boat down and used every possible means of saving him but was unfortunately Lost. At 11pm Saw the Island of Amsterdam bearing ESE. Hoisted a light at the Main Top Gallant Mast Head and burned a blue Light. At 12 the Body of Island EbS. Saw a light bearing EbS½S. At Daylight the Island of Amsterdam SEbS 9 or 10 miles extremes of the Island at SE to SbE. At 6am the Island of St Pauls ENE, 8 or 9 Leagues. At 10am Saw 8 Sail which is the whole of the Fleet except for Taunton Castle. Made the private Signal and our number. At 8am the bearings of the Southernmost part NbE by Compass EbN. At Noon the extremes of the Island of Amsterdam from WbS to WbN½N. The Body of the Island W½N dist about 10 miles. In Company with all the Fleet except the Taunton Castle. Lat (obs) 38.44S Long 77.28E.

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Towards China

Thursday 11th October 1804.
C&D Eastward 84. First part Light NW breezes and fine weather. Middle strong breezes and fair. Latter strong breeze with thick hazy weather. At 11am the Commodore made the Signal to bear up. Bore up and made Sail. At 8am the Island of Amsterdam NNE about 8 Leagues. At 10am the Island bearing NbE. In Company with the Fleet except for the Taunton Castle. Lat 39.02S Long 77.20E.

Friday 12th October 1804.
C&D S76E 201. Fresh North breezes with Squalls and rain throughout. People employed Picking Oakum. Set the Mizzen Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.50S Long 81.31E.

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Ship True Briton

Saturday 13th October 1804.
C&D East 213. Signal to steer ESE. First & middle part strong WSW breezes with Squalls and rain at times. Latter fresh breezes with pleasant weather. Carried away the Studding Sail Boom. At 6pm Confined William Smart Seaman in Irons. People employed under the Boatswain. Armourer at the Forge. Sailmaker on the old Fore Top Sail. AM Scraped and cleaned the Gun Deck. At Noon Punished William Smart with one dozen Lashes for Drunkenness and Neglect of Duty. Lat 39.45S Long 86.05E.

Sunday 14th October 1804.
C&D E¼S 156. First & middle part fresh WNW breezes with fine weather. Latter part Squally. The weather being Squally & unsettled prevented performing Divine Service. Water expended this week 1020 Gallons Remaining 17,481. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.49S Long 89.29E.

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Towards China

Monday 15th October 1804.
C&D S86E 246. First & middle parts fresh NNW Gale with pleasant weather. Latter part strong Gale with Hazy weather and small rain. Carried away a Top Mast Studding Sail Yard and split the Sail. Carpenter making a Studding Sail Yard. Sailmaker repairing the sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 40.02S Long 94.50E.

Tuesday 16th October 1804.
C&D S84E 235. First & middle parts strong NNW Gale with thick hazy weather and small rain. Latter fresh breezes with cloudy weather & Drizzling rain. [still PS every 2 hours] People Picking Oakum. Sailmaker on the old Fore Top Sail. Other Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 40.26S Long 99.53E.

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Ship True Briton C&D N84E 158. Moderate SW breezes throughout hazy with Squalls & rain at times. Sailmaker as yesterday. Armourer at the Forge. People under the Boatswain and Picking Oakum. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.50S Long 103.18E.

Thursday 18th October 1804.
C&D E½N 198. Fresh WbN breezes with cloudy weather throughout. PM Confined James McCullock in Irons for abusive language to Mr Cathro 6th Officer. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker repairing the old Main Top Sail. At Noon liberated the prisoner James McCullock on his promise of good behaviour in future. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.27S Long 107.32E.

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Towards China

Friday 19th October 1804.
C&D E¼N 150. First & middle parts moderate WSW breezes and fair. Latter fresh breezes with Squalls and rain at times. People employed under the Boatswain making Points and Gaskets & Picking Oakum. Sailmaker as yesterday. Other Tradesmen as necessary. PM The Commodore made Signal for Longitude per Chronometer When I found both my Watches to be 60’ to the Westward of all the Fleet which I suppose was owing to my not taken the Proper Longitude of the Island of Amsterdam when correcting my Watch. AM asked the Perseverance for the Longitude of the Island She said 78.9 instead of which I allowed it to lay in 77.20. That I must have been 50’ Eastward of the Chronometer every day since I had taken my Departure. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.13S Long 110.45E.

Saturday 20th October 1804.
CD E¼N 211. Strong West breezes with hard Squalls and rain at times with a high confused Sea from the SW. Sailmaker and People as per days past. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 38.59S Long 115.17E.

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Ship True Briton

Sunday 21st October 1804.
C&D East 152. Moderate WSW breezes with cloudy weather throughout. Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 1020 Gallons remaining 16,461. [still PS every 2 hours] In Company with the Fleet. Lat 38.49S. Long 118.33E.

Monday 22nd October 1804.
C&D E¼S 220. Fresh NWbN breezes throughout with Squalls and rain at times. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the old Main Top Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Other Tradesmen as necessary. Loosed the Main Sail. In Company with the Fleet, Lat 38.58S Long 123.15E.

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Towards China

Tuesday 23rd October 1804.
C&D East 218. Fresh WbN Gale throughout with Squalls and rain at times. Rove a new Tiller Rope. PM Shifted the Main Sail with eh 2nd best. The New Main Sail being too square Sailmaker employed reducing it. People under the Boatswain and Picking Oakum. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 38.38S Long 127.55E.

Wednesday 24th October 1804.
C&D S86E 220. A fresh SWbS breeze with thick cloudy weather throughout. AM Roused the cables up and Quartered them in the Orlop Deck ready for Bending. Sailmaker as yesterday. [PS still every 2 hours] In Company with the Fleet. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.14S Long 132.37E.

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Ship True Briton

Thursday 25th October 1804.
C&D S86E. First part strong SSW breezes and cloudy. Middle and latter light breezes and variable. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker on the old Main Top Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Other Tradesmen as most useful. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.20S Long 135.13E.

Friday 26th October 1804.
C&D S83E 133. First part light WbN breezes & variable with thick hazy weather. Middle and latter strong breezes with thick cloudy weather. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Sail. Signal to steer East. Signal 13 to prepare to Anchor. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.31S Long 138.3E.

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Towards China

Saturday 27th October 1804.
C&D N82E 179. Fresh NbE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. Signal to steer EbN. AM Bent the Cables out & fidded the Mizzen Top Gallant Mast & crossed the Yard. Sailmaker as yesterday other Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.23S Long 141.51E.

Sunday 28th October 1804.
C&D SbE 117 miles. Strong West breezes throughout attended with Thunder, Lightning Squalls and hard rain. At 10pm Sounded 75 fathoms white Sand. At 11pm Sounded 72 fathoms white sand. At 12pm 70 fathoms white sand with black speck. Hove to. At Daylight saw the Land from NNE to NbW made Signal for ditto. At 9.30pm Commodore made Signal for seeing Land the body of Kings Island [Bass Strait] SEbS the Extremes to the Eastward SEbE½E dist about 8 or 9 Leagues. At Noon the body of Kings Island SSE½E the extremes from SE¾S to S½W. dist about 5 or 6 Leagues. Water expended this week 1020 Gallons remaining 15,441. Signal to steer SEbE. Could not perform Divine Service consequence of the Ship Rolling very Heavy. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.31S Long 144.16E.

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Ship True Briton

Monday 29th October 1804.
C&D EbS 162 miles. Fresh West Gale with Squalls and rain at times. The Coast of New South Wales. At 6pm bearings from NWbW to North 10 or 12 Leagues, People employed as necessary. At Daylight the extreme Point of Wilsons Promontory NE½E. dist about 8 Leagues. High Peak NEbN dist 4 Leagues. At 8am Wilsons Promontory NbE High Peak N½E. High Island E½N. At Noon Kents Group from NEbE to North. The Passage between them NNE Small Group from West to WbN dist of Kents Group 5 miles. In company with the Fleet. Lat 39.36S Long 147.35E.

Tuesday 30th October 1804.
C&D N76E 239. Fresh WSW breezes with cloudy weather and Squalls throughout. PM Stowed the best Bower Anchor. Sailmaker as per days past. At 1.30pm saw the Pyramid bearing EbS 7 or 8 miles. The Easternmost Island of Kent Group bearing North. At 2pm saw the Rock bearing SbE and the 2 Sisters SE dist about 4 Leagues. I take a Departure from the Westernmost Island of Kent Group. At Noon allowing it to be on Latitude 39.31 South and Longitude 147.35 East of Greenwich. Signal to steer NEbN. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 38.39S Long 152.33E.

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Towards China

Wednesday 31st October 1804.
C&D NE 160. First & middle parts fresh SW breezes and cloudy. Latterly light winds with pleasant weather. [still PS ever 2 hours] People employed under the Boatswain and Picking Oakum. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Sail other Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.46S Long 154.50.

Thursday 1st November 1804.
C&D N47E 106. First & middle parts light Airs variable. With fine weather latter part fresh breezes attended with Thunder Lightning and rain. Sailmaker as per days past. People Picking Oakum. Lat 35,39S Long 156.26E.

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Ship True Briton

Friday 2nd November 1804.
C&D N58E 77. Variable winds with hard Squalls Thunder and Lightning and rain throughout. Signal to steer NE. Sailmaker on the old Mizzen Stay Sail. Calm. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 34.58S Long 157.46E.

Saturday 3rd November 1804.
C&D N62E 74. First part Light Airs and Calm with Thunder and Lightning. Middle & latter moderate breezes with pleasant weather Signal to steer NEbN. People employed under the Boatswain Knotting Yarns and Picking Oakum. AM Scraped and cleaned the gun Deck. Signal to steer NEbN. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 34.58S Long 159.6E.

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Towards China

Sunday 4th November 1804.
C&D N33E 54. Light EbS breezes with fine pleasant weather and smooth Water. PM Shifted the Fore Sail and Mizzen Stay Sail with the 2nd best. AM Performed Divine Service. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 33.48S Long 159.30E.

Monday 5th November 1804.
C&D N67E 123. Pleasant North breezes with cloudy weather throughout. Signal to steer NE. AM Fidded the Royal Masts and crossed the Yards. Sailmaker on the old Main top Mast Stay Sail Armourer at the Forge other Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 33.0S Long 161.45E.

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Ship True Briton

Tuesday 6th November 1804.
C&D N78E 134. A moderate NNW breeze with pleasant weather throughout. PM shifted the Fore Top Sail with the old one. At 2pm departed this life Morrice Fitzgerald Gunners Mate. People employed Picking Oakum. Sailmaker as yesterday. Caulker on the Water Way on the Gun Deck, other Tradesmen as necessary. At 6am Committed the Body of the Deceased to the Deep with the usual Ceremony. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 32.34S Long 164.22E.

Wednesday 7th November 1804.
C&D N72E 116. First part moderate NbW breezes with pleasant weather middle & latter strong breezes and cloudy with a Confused Sea. Signal to steer NNE. AM split the Fore Top Sail by the foot Rope breaking. Shifted it with the 2nd best. People employed as necessary. Sailmaker on the old Main Top Mast Stay Sail. AM Got the Royal Yards down on Deck and struck the Masts. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 32.3S Long 166.32E.

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Towards China

Thursday 8th November 1804.
C&D N5E 132. Fitst part fresh NW Gale with hard Squalls and rain. Middle and latter fresh breezes with pleasant weather. AM Fidded the Royal Masts. People employed Picking Oakum. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Top Mast Stay Sail. At Noon Signal to steer NbW. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 29.59S Long 166.44E.

Friday 9th November 1804.
C&D NE 94 miles. Fresh South breezes with fine weather throughout. At Sunset the extremes of Norfolk Island from NNE to NE. Philips Island from ENE to NEbE½E. At Daylight Norfolk Island EbN to SEbE dist 7 or 8 miles. Philips Island SE. At Noon Philips Island SEbS the extremes of Norfolk Island to the Eastward ESE the body of the Island SE½E. distance from the nearest shore 7 miles. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 28.65S Long ----.

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Ship True Briton

Saturday 10th November 1804.
C&D NbE 123. A moderate South breeze with pleasant weather throughout. At 6pm the body of Norfolk Island SE dist about 1 mile from which I take my Departure Allowing it to lay in the Latitude of 29.2SE and in Longitude 168.10 East of Greenwich. AM Crossed the Royal Yards, Bent the Royal Stay Sail, Mizzen Top Mast Stay Sail, Flying Jib and Driver. Unbent the Rigging stowed the best Bower Anchor and unbent the Cable. NB Brockbanks Watch Makes the Island 168.9East. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 27.12S Long 168.36E.

[https://www.cogsandpieces.com/pocket-watch-m157-brockbanks]

Sunday 11th November 1804.
C&D North 73. Moderate SSE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. [still PS every 2 hours] PM Shifted the Main Top Sail with the old one. Sent a Boat on board the Commodore. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 1028 Gallons remaining on Board 12,231. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 25.29S Long 168.36E.

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Towards China

Monday 12th November 1804.
C&D N10E 57. Light WSW breezes and Calms with fine pleasant weather throughout. Variation for Azimuth 9.7 East. AM Set up the Fore Top Mast and Fore Top Gallant Rigging. Signal to steer NbW. Sailmaker on the Fore Top Mast Stay Sail. Caulker on the Waterway Seam on the Gun Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 24.59S Long 168.47E.

Tuesday 13th November 1804.
C&D NNE 70. Light NWbW breezes with pleasant weather throughout. PM Shifted the Fore Top Mast Stay Sail with the old one. Hove to. Signal to steer NNW. People employed Picking Oakum, Sailmaker repairing the old Fore Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Caulkers as yesterday. Sent a Boat to the Commodore requesting the assistance of his Caulkers. Soon after returned with them. Hoisted her in. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 23.43S Long 167.15E.

[Page 093:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 14th November 1804.
C&D NW 118 miles. First and middle parts pleasant WNW breezes increasing latterly to a fresh breeze with cloudy weather and drizzling rain. People employed Knotting Yarn and Picking Oakum. Sailmaker and Caulker as yesterday other Tradesmen as most useful. At Daylight Walpole Island NWbN 8 Leagues. At 11am Walpole Island bearing South about 8 Leagues. Hove to. Small Sail. Signal to steer NNE. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 22.8S Long 169.8E.

Thursday 15th November 1804.
C&D NbW 190 miles. Fresh ESE Trade throughout with pleasant weather. Caulker on the Gun Deck. At ½ past 3am saw the Island of Annatom [Anatom (Aneityum), Vanuatu] bearing North about 2 miles. At 4 the extreme of the Island from NNE to NbW at Day light the Extreme of the Island from NbW to NEbE Distant [--?] 7 miles. At 9am saw the Island of Tanna bearing NW. At 10am saw the island of Erronan [also called West Futuna, Vanuatu] bearing NEbE. At Noon Annatom E½N dist 4 or 5 Leagues. Just in sight Annatom from the Poop S½E Inmar WNW. Wore as per Signal. NB Erronan is a small Island and flat at the top much like the Table Land at the Cape of Good Hope. Signal to steer NbE. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 19.29S Long 170.8E.

[Page 094:]

Towards China

Friday 16th November 1804.
C&D N7E 169. A Steady EbN Trade with pleasant weather. At 2pm the extreme of Inmar from WbS to SWbW½W. The body of Erronan SEbE ½ E. People employed Picking Oakum. Sailmaker on the old Job, Caulkers on the Gun Deck. Armourer at the Forge. AM Payed the sheet Cable down in the Hold. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 16.42S Long 170.29E.

Saturday 17th November 1804.
C&D N10E 172. Pleasant East Trade and fair weather throughout. Set up the Mizzen Top Mast and Top Gallant Rigging. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Caulkers on the Orlop Deck. Sailmaker as yesterday. Other Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 14.3S Long 170.57E.

[Page 095:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 18th November 1804 C&D N9W 169. Fresh NEbE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. AM Performed Divine Service. At 9am Mike Island bearing East, Cherry Island NNW½W. At Noon Cherry Island [Anuta, Solomon Islands] S20W dist 6 or 7 miles. Quantity of Water expended this week 1190 Gallons remaining 12,041. In company with the Fleet. Lat 11.19S Long 170.32E.

Monday 19th November 1804.
C&D N13W 145. Moderate East breezes with hot Sultry weather throughout and showers of rain at times. Employed Picking Oakum Sailmaker on the best Fore Top Sail. Caulkers on the Orlop Deck other Tradesmen as necessary. Thunder & Lightning. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 9.5S Long 170.1E.

[Page 096:]

Towards China

Tuesday 20th November 1804.
C&D N10W 53. Light variable NEbE winds and Calm towards the latter with Thunder lightning and heavy rain. At 8am Hoisted out the Long Boat per Signal and sent her to Ceres for Water to take on Board the Commodore. Caulkers as yesterday Sailmaker on the old Fore Top Gallant Sail. Armourer at the Forge other Tradesmen as necessary. AM Set the Main Top Mast and Top Gallant Rigging up. Hove to. Went on Board the Commodore. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 9.21S Long 169.52E.

Wednesday 21st November 1804.
C&D North 30. Light Airs first & middle parts with cloudy weather latter part squally with rain. At half past Noon returned from the Commodore. PM the Long Boat returned hoisted her in. AM Shifted the Fore Top Sail and Main Top Gallant Sail with the old ones. Caulker and other Tradesmen as for days past. In company with the Fleet. Lat 7.57S Long 169.52E.

[Page 097:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 22nd November 1804.
C&D North 22. First & latter parts light variable winds Calm with hot sultry weather. Sailmaker repairing the 2nd best Fore Top Sail. Carpenter building a Sail Room on he Gun Deck. Caulkers as yesterday. AM Shifted the Fore Top Gallant Sail with the old one and payed the Best Bower Cable down in the Hold. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 7.37S Long 169.52E.

Friday 23rd November 1804.
C&D NbE 97. Light breezes with hot sultry weather throughout. [still PS every 2 hours] People Picking Oakum. Carpenter and Caulkers as yesterday. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Main Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 6.26S Long 170.2E.

[Page 098:]

Towards China

Saturday 24th November 1804.
C&D N13W 28. Squally variable & unsettled weather throughout with much rain at times. Signal to steer North. People & Tradesmen as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 6.5S Long 169.56E.

Sunday 25th November 1804.
C&D N58W 47. Light variable winds with cloudy weather throughout. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 1200 Gallons remaining 10.841. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 5.56 Long 169.19E.

[Page 099:]

Ship True Briton

Monday 26th November 1804.
C&D N22W 75. Light NE winds throughout with pleasant weather. People Pick Oakum. Caulkers in the Gun Room. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Main Top Sail. Carpenter as necessary. Armourer at the Forge. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 4.59S Long 168.50E.

Tuesday 27th November 1804.
C&D N39W 82. Light NEbN breezes with fine weather throughout. Hove to Signal 176. People employed under the Boatswain Rigging the Long Boat. Picking Oakum etc. Tradesmen ar for days past. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.57S Long 167.58E.

[Page 100:]

Towards China

Wednesday 28th.
C&D N54W 50. Light variable North winds with pleasant weather throughout. Hove to for the Perseverance & Royal Charlotte. People employed under the Boatswain. Tradesmen as yesterday. AM mustered the People to Quarters. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.32S Long 167.18E.

Thursday 29th November 1804.
C&D N7W 47. Light North breezes throughout. Signal to tack. AM Exercised the Great guns. People & Tradesmen as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 2.41S Long 167.12E.

[Page 101:]

Ship True Briton

Friday 30th November 1804.
C&D N40W 33. Light Airs throughout with sultry weather. Signal for a Boat with an Officer. Caulker on the Orlop Deck Gunner painting the Hammock Cloths. Sailmaker repairing the 2nd best Main Top Sail. In Company with Fleet. Lat 2.7S Long 166.50E.

Saturday 1st December 1804.
C&D N9W 63. A light variable breeze with pleasant weather throughout. AM Washed the Gun Deck & Exercised the Great Guns. Latitude (obs) 1.58 South. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 00.59S Long 166.40E.

[crossed the Equator]

[Page 102:]

Towards China

Sunday 2nd December 1804.
C&D North 98. Moderate ENE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. Hove to for Ships astern. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 1200 Gallons remaining on Board 8,841. Latitude (obs) 0.42 North. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 00.40N Lat 166.40E.

Monday 3rd December 1804.
C&D N20W. Light NEbE breezes throughout. Signal to steer North. People employed as necessary. Gunner Painting the Long Boat. Carpenter building a Bulk Head in the Orlop Deck. Caulkers caulking the Orlop Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 2.12N Long 166.7E.

[Page 103:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 4th December 1804.
C&D N3W 57. Light ENE winds with ho sultry weather throughout. [PS still every 2 hours] Sailmaker and Caulker as yesterday. Gunner painting the Long Boat. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.7N Long 166.4E.

Wednesday 5th December 1804.
C&D N17W 76. First part light variable winds middle & latter part moderate breezes and pleasant weather. Signal to steer NNE. People Picking Oakum. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Main Top Gallant Sail. Caulker on the Orlop Deck. Carpenter raising on the Yawl. Armourer at the Forge. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 4.39N Long 165.42E.

[Page 104:]

Towards China

Thursday 6th December 1804.
C&D N16W 89. Fresh NE breezes with squally unsettled weather. Thunder & Lightning. Rain. Caulker on the Gun Deck. Carpenter as yesterday. Sailmaker repairing the old Fore Top Sail. The foot rope of the Fore Top Sail brake. Split the Sail, unbent it and bent the 2nd best, set it single reefed. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 6.1N Long 165.18E.

Friday 7th December 1804.
C&D N6E 83. Squally weather EbN with heavy rain throughout. Caulker on the Gun Deck. Sailmaker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 7.18N Long 165.26E.

[Page 105:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 8th December 1804.
C&D N6W 93. Squally unsettled weather EbN with heavy rain, thunder & Lightning during the night. Signal to steer North. People employed as necessary. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Main Top Gallant Sail. Caulker on the Orlop Deck. Carpenter on the Yawl. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 8.50N Long 165.16E.

Sunday 9th December 1804.
C&D N32W 161. Fresh NNE breezes with thick cloudy weather. AM Performed Divine Service. Quantity of Water expended this week 1200 Gallons remaining 7,641. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 11.4N Long 163.50E.

[Page 106:]

Towards China

Monday 10th December 1804.
C&D N52W 143. A moderate NE breeze with cloudy weather and rain in the night. At 4pm the Northernmost Island of Browns Range [Enewetak Atoll - site of an Atomic bomb test] NNE½E. Signal to steer NW. At 6pm Browns Range NbSE½E. dist about 4 Leagues. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Main Top Gallant Sail. Caulkers on the Top Sides. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 12.48N Long 160,57E.

Tuesday 11th December 1804.
C&D N65W 164. Fresh South breezes throughout with pleasant weather, set up the Main Top Gallant Rigging. People Picking Oakum and under the Boatswain. Caulkers as yesterday. Carpenters on the Yawl. Sailmaker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 13.59N Long 158.25E.

[Page 107:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 12th December 1804.
C&D N73W 125. Light East breezes with hot sultry weather throughout. [Still PS every 2 hours] AM Washed the Gun Deck and exercised the Great Guns with Powder. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 13.3N Long 156.21E.

Thursday 13th December 1804.
C&D N71W 140. A moderate EbS breeze with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the Fore Top Gallant Sail. Caulker as days past. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 15.17N Long 154.4E.

[Page 108:]

Towards China

Friday 14th December 1804.
C&D N80W 98. First part fresh South breezes and fair weather decreasing latterly to light variable Airs and hot sultry weather. People employed Picking Oakum. Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 15.40N Long 152.24E.

Saturday 15th December 1804.
C&D S71W 53. Light SWbW breezes and Squalls in the first and middle parts, latterly an increasing breeze with fine weather. AM Exercised the Great Guns with Powder. Caulker on the Top Side. Sailmaker making an Awning for the Cutter. Other Tradesmen as necessary. In company with the Fleet. Lat 15.36N Long 151.43E.

[Page 109:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 16th December 1804.
C&D S84W 2009. A fresh north breeze with pleasant weather throughout. AM Performed Divine Service. Quantity of Water expended this week 1200 Gallons remaining on Board 6,441. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 15.14N Long 148.7E.

Monday 17th December 1804.
C&D N79W 165. Fresh ENE breezes with fine weather throughout. People under the Boatswain overhauling the Boarding Netting and picking Oakum. Caulker on the Top Sides and Yawl, other Tradesmen as necessary. At 3.30pm Saw the Island of Saypan [Saipan, Mariana Islands] bearing from West to WbS. At Daylight the Island of Saypan [Saipan] S½W, the extremes from SSE to SbW½W. dist 4 or 5 Leagues. At 6am saw the Island of Tirnian [Tinian] from SbW to SWbS. Dist 7 or 8 Leagues. At 7am Saw Bird [Bird Island] from the Poop bearing North. At 8am the Island if Tirnian [Tinian] S ½ E the Body of Saypan [Saipan] SE extremes from SSE to SEbE. Bird Island bearing North. At 11am the Body of the Island of Saypan bearing SEbE½E. dist about 14 or 15 Leagues. Bird Island NEbN½N. In Company with the Fleet, Lat 15.40N Long 145.19E.

[Page 110:]

Towards China

Tuesday 18th December 1804.
C&D N73W 137. Moderate North Trade with pleasant weather throughout. People Picking Oakum scraping the Side and under the Boatswain. Caulker on the Top Sides and Yawl. Armourer at the Forge. Other Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 16.13N Long 143.2E.

Wednesday 19th December 1804.
C&D N79W 176. Fresh ENE breezes throughout. With Squalls & rain at times. People employed scraping the Sides. Gunner painting the Yawl. Caulker as yesterday. Armourer at the Forge. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 16.39N Long 140.3E.

[Page 111:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 20th December 1804.
C&D N78W 210. Fresh NEbN Trade throughout with pleasant weather. People employed Scraping the Sides and Picking Oakum . Caulker on the Top Sides. Gunner painting the Yawl. Armourer at the Forge, other Tradesmen as necessary. In company with the Fleet. Lat 17.22N Long 136.28E.

Friday 21st December 1804.
C&D N71W 154. First part strong East breezes middle & latter light breezes with pleasant weather throughout. People employed Scraping the Sides and Picking Oakum. Gunner painting the lower Masts and Sides. Caulker on the Top Sides. AM Set up the Fore Top Mast Rigging. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 18.13N Long 133.56E.

[Page 112:]

Towards China

Saturday 22nd December 1804.
C&D N71W 149. First part light EbS breeze s middle and latter parts fresh breezes with squalls and rain at times. At 2pm Alexander Martin fell over Board. Lowered the Jolly Boat down and Saved him. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Caulker as yesterday. Other Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 18.54N Long 131.28E.

Sunday 23rd December 1804.
C&D N68W 210. Strong NNE Gale throughout with a confused Sea. The Ship pitching heavy and it blowing Strong could not perform Divine Service quantity of Water expended this week 1200 Gallons. Remaining on Board 5,241. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 20.13N Long 128.2E.

[Page 113:]

Ship True Briton

Monday 24th December 1804.
C&D N57W 174. Fresh NE breezes with fine weather throughout. [Still PS every 2 hours] People employed rousing the Best Bower Cable up into the Orlop Deck. Gunner painting the Sides. Caulkers caulking the Top Sides. In company with the Fleet. Lat 21.46N Long 125.33E.

Tuesday 25th December 1804.
C&D N85W 111. Moderate ESE breezes throughout with cloudy weather and rain in the Night. PM Shifted the Mizzen Top Sail with the Best. People employed Scraping the sides. Gunner painting the Ship. In Company with the Feet. Lat 21.58N Long 123.33E.

[Page 114:]

Towards China

Wednesday 26th December 1804.
C&D West 82 miles. First & middle parts light East wind thick hazy weather and small rain, latter fresh breezes with rain. At 6am the extremes of Great Bottal [Botel] Island from south to SWbS dist about 10 miles. An Island to the northward bearing from WbN to North, Little Bottol [Botel] Island SbE At 8am the Island of Formosa [Taiwan] W½S dist 8 or 9 Leagues. Signal to make Sail. At 10am Bottal [Botel] Island SSE the southernmost end of Formosa SWbW. At Noon Bottal [Botel] Island East of the Southernmost end of Formosa SWbW. Could not see the NW extreme for the haze. AM bent the best Bower Cables. Wore per Signal. In Company with the Fleet. Lat --- Long ---

Thursday 27th December 1804.
C&D N85W 116. Strong NE breezes with cloudy weather throughout. AM Bent the Sheet Cable. At 1pm saw the Velerete [Vele Rete] Rock SWbS at 2.30pm the Velerete [Vele Rete] Rock bearing South dist 6 or 7 miles, the South point of Formosa bearing NbW½W. dist 10 miles. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 21.53N Long 118.56E.

[Page 115:]

Ship True Briton

Friday 28th December 1804.
C&D WbS 212 miles. First & middle part String NNE Gales with a high confused Sea. Latter part moderate breeze with Smooth Water At daylight several Chinese Fishing Boats in sight. At 8am the Commodore made Signal for seeing Land bearing NWbW. At 9am Saw Pedro Blanco Rock bearing W¼N. dist 7 or 8 miles. At Noon Fokai Point NNW, Mendozas [Pulo Xiaoxing shan] Island NW dist 4 or 5 miles the extremes from North to NWbN. The White Rock NE. At 5pm came to with the Best Bower Anchor in 7½ fathoms water. When at Anchor had the following bearings, the Town of Fokai EbN Fokai Point SEbE Mendozas [Pulo Xiaoxing shan] Island South. This Log contains 36 hours and ends at Midnight to commence Harbour Logs. Lat ---- Long ----.

[End of Sea Log]

[Start of Harbour Log]

Saturday 29th December 1804.
First part fresh breezes middle and latter light variable winds. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Gunner painting the Sides.

Sunday 30th December 1804.
LIGT Airs and Calms. AM Weighed and Run in nearer Shore and Anchored in 5 Fathoms Water. When at anchor had the following bearings, Takai Point SbE, mouth of the River East, Mendozas island SbW dist of Shore about 2 miles.

Monday 31st December 1804.
Strong East breezes with cloudy weather. People employed as necessary. Gunner painting the Ship. Caulkers caulking the Orlop Deck.

Tuesday 1st January 1805.
Moderate ENE breezes with fine weather. Tradesmen and People as yesterday.

[Page 116:]

In Harlem [Ping-Hoi] Bay

Wednesday 2nd January 1805.
Fresh NE breezes with fine weather. Roused the Sheet Cable up out of the Hold and coiled it in the Orlop Deck. Gunner painting the Ship and Cutter.

Thursday 3rd January 1805.
Moderate NE breezes with fine weather. People employed getting the Sails into the Sail Room and the Hold clear.

Friday 4th.
Light variable winds and Calms. People employed as necessary AM Loosed Sails to dry. Caulker caulking the Lazaretto. Gunner painting the Stern.

Saturday 5th.
Light variable winds with fine pleasant weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Gunner painting the Stern. PM Anchored here the HC Ship Taunton Castle.

Sunday 6th January 1806.
Light Airs variable. At 6am the Signal to Weigh at 7 Weighed and made Sail working out of the Bay. At Sun Set had the following bearings Peaked Rock WSW, Single [Chueng-Chow] Island, SWbW Mandogaz Island NEbE, Pedro Blanca SE. Sounded Ground 18 fathoms. Commodore NE 2 miles. 12pm saw the Great Lema bearing South.

[Page 117:]

Ship True Briton towards Whampoa

Monday 7th January 1805.
Light variable breeze with pleasant weather throughout. At 2am the Land bore SWbW dist 4 miles. At 6am the body of the Great Lema SWbW dist 4 miles, the extremes of Lema Island from NW to N½E. The body of Lema Island NNW ½ W dist 6 or 7 miles. At Noon Chicko [Chi-chow?] SE, Gralto North. Sound 18 fathoms. At 5.30pm came to with Best Bower in Macao Roads in 5 fathoms Water. Macao bearing W½S. Jaga Island East Lintin NNE. Nine Island NNW.

Tuesday 8th January 1805.
Light breezes with pleasant weather. At Sun Set Lintin Island ENE At 10.30am weighed with a light breeze at NNW and worked up to Lintin, At 7pm came to with the Best Bower in 6 fathoms Water. Lintin Island bearing North dist 4 miles. Caulker on the Orlop Deck

Wednesday 9th.
Fresh North breezes with cloudy weather. At 10.30am came on Board a Pilot. At 10 Weighed and made Sail. At 6pm the entrance of Bocca Sigris WbN, Small Rock NWbN. At 7pm came to with the Best Bower in 5½ fathoms Water.

Thursday 10th.
Fresh North breezes with cloudy weather. At 4am Weighed & made Sail. At 8am came to with the Best Bower in 8 fathoms Water about 2 miles below the Bocca Sigres the tide being done. At 2pm weighed and made Sail and worked within 2 miles of the 2nd Bar the tide being done. At 10pm to with came to with the Best Bower.

[Page 118:]

Ship True Briton at Whampoa

Friday 11th January 1805.
First & middle parts light variable winds latter strong North breezes. People employed as necessary.

Saturday 12th.
Light North breezes At 8am Weighed and made Sail and worked over the 2nd Bar. At 2pm came to the tide being done. At 4 Weighed and made Sail and crossed the first Bar. At 10 came to at Whampoa with the Best Bower

Sunday 13th.
Moderate breezes throughout. AM Weighed and dropped up a little above Junk River. Came to and moored Ship with half Cable each way. People employed under the Boatswain unreeving the Running Rigging. Unbending Sails, otherwise as necessary. Anchored here all the Fleet.

Monday 14th.
Light North breezes & fine weather. People employed shipping the Ship. Caulking the Bends.

Tuesday 15th.
Light variable winds with fine weather, employed delivering the Captains Stores and Private Trade. Boatswain & Gang overhauling the Rigging. Caulker as yesterday. Sailmaker on the Sails. AM Sent the Treasure up to Canton per Long Boat.

Wednesday 16th.
Light Airs & Calms. Employed delivering Company’s Cargo & under the Boatswain hauling empty Butts up and clearing the Fore Hold and Coal Hole. Caulker caulking the Bends. Sailmaker repairing Sails. 30 Lumpers employed on Board.

Thursday 17th.
Light variable breezes with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain overhauling the Fore & Mizzen Rigging. Delivered 420 Bales on acct of the Hon Coy. Caulkers and Sailmakers as yesterday. Carpenter building the Boatswains Store Room. Armourer at the Forge. 30 Lumpers employed on Board.

Friday 18th.
Light breezes with fine weather. Employed delivering Bales on acct of the Hon coy. And under the Boatswain. Cleared the Fore Hold and lifted the Limber Boards. Caulker caulking the Upper Works in the fore Rigging. Armourer at the Forge. Carpenter as necessary. Sailmaker as yesterday.

Saturday 19th.
Light Breezes with cloudy weather. Boatswain overhauling the Rigging. Delivered all the Company’s Bales and 300 Pigs of Lead. Caulkers caulking the Bends. Cleared the Fore Hold and lifted Limber Boards, also the After Hold.

Sunday 20th.
Light breezes with fine weather. AM washed the Gun Deck. At 9am confined in Irons Lewis Verret for being insolent to Mr Hughes 5th Officer and when in Irons making use of Mutinous Language threatening to murder the First man whom should dare lay hold of him. At 11 tied him up and gave him 3 dozen Lashes and confined him in Irons again. Also confined [Frederick] Braukeman for attempting to cut Verret down while receiving the Punishment. Sailed for England the Experiment and Ocean Botany Bay Ships.

[Page 119:]

Ship True Briton.

Monday 21st January 1805.
Light Airs & Calms. Employed delivering Flints on acct of Captain Hughes & under the Boatswain. AM Came on board the Hoppo who measured the Ship.

Tuesday 22nd.
Wind & weather as yesterday. Employed delivering flints on acct of Captain Hughes. Set the Fore Rigging up and got the Top Mast Rigging overhead. Tradesmen as necessary.

Wednesday 23rd.
Light variable winds with cloudy weather. Employed delivering Flints on acct of Captain Hughes. Boatswain about the Mizzen Rigging. Tradesmen as necessary. Sailed hence 2 American Ships. 30 Lumpers employed on Board.

Thursday 24th.
Light NE breezes with hot sultry weather. Employed delivering Flints and about the Rigging. Received 60 tons of Ballast, Tradesmen variously employed. Draft of Water 16 aft, 17.4 fwd. 30 Lumpers employed on Board.

Friday 25th.
Fresh breezes with pleasant weather. Employed delivering Lead on acct of the Hon Coy. Receiving Ballast. PM Got the Main Rigging over head. Caulkers on the Bends. Other Tradesmen variously employed. Draft of Water 16.3 aft 17.4 fwd. 30 Lumpers employed.

Saturday 26th.
Light breezes with pleasant weather. Employed delivering Lead and about the Rigging. AM Mr Bramston Super Cargo and Captain Hughes came on Board and Surveyed the Ship. 30 Lumpers employed

Sunday 27th.
Light Airs and Calms with constant rain. Employed delivering the last of the Coys Cargo. And about the Rigging. Draft of Water 15.6 aft 16.6 fwd. 30 Lumpers employed.

Monday 28th.
Moderate breeze with Showers of rain at times. Received 100 chests of Tea on acct of the Hon Coy. PM Fidded the Main Top Mast. Condemned the old Main Top Sail for parcling [parcelling] Tradesmen variously employed 30 Lumpers on Board.

Tuesday 29th.
Fresh breezes with rain in the night. Employed receiving Tea and Stowing the Hold. Fidded the Fore Mast. Caulker on the Bends other Tradesmen as necessary. Lumpers employed run from the Ship Peter Weirs & Antony Wood.

Wednesday 30th.
Wind & weather as yesterday. Employed stowing Tea in the Hold and about the Rigging. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Sail. Other Tradesmen as necessary.

Thursday 31st.
East wind with cloudy weather ad rain in the night. Employed Stowing the Hold and about the Rigging. Found the Main Top Sail Yard to be Sprung shifted it with the spare one. Caulkers on the Bends. Sailmaker as yesterday.

Friday 1st February 1805.
Light breezes with constant Showers of Rain. AM Visited the Ship. Employed chiefly about the Rigging. Crossed the Top Sail Yards. Caulker and Sailmaker as yesterday.

[Page 120:]

Towards St Helena [not left Whampoa yet]

Saturday 2nd February 1805.
Light East Airs with constant rain. 1500 Chests of Tea Employed Stowing them. Caulkers on the Water Way Seams on the Gun Deck. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Sail. Other Tradesmen as necessary. Draft of Water 15.3 aft 18.3 fwd.

Sunday 3rd.
Fresh breezes with pleasant weather. Received 500 Chests of Tea on acct of the Hon Coy. PM Sent the men on Shore as liberty.

Monday 4th.
Fresh breezes with small rain throughout. Received 1165 chests of Congo Tea on acct of the Hon Coy. Employed stowing them ad about the Rigging. Swayed the fore Yard up and fidded the Top Gallant Mast. Draft of Water 15.6aft 19.5 fwd. Tradesmen variously employed.

Tuesday 5th.
Light East breezes with small rain. Received 1156 Chests of Congo Tea on acct of the Hon Coy. Employed Stowing them. Swayed the Main Yard up. Carpenter Building Bulk Heads on the Orlop Deck. Caulkers on the Gun Deck. Draft of Water 16.6 aft 19.3 fwd.

Wednesday 6th.
Moderate breezes with pleasant weather. Received 1200 Chests of Tea on acct of the Hon Coy. Employed stowing them and about the Rigging. Caulkers building a Bread Room, other Tradesmen as necessary. Draft of Water 16.10 aft, 19.10 fwd.

Thursday 7th.
NE wind with pleasant weather, Received 1190 Chests of Tea. Employed stowing them. Boatswain Blacking the Yards and rattling down the Top Gallant Rigging. Carpenter as yesterday, Caulker finished the Bends. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Job. Draft of Water 17 aft 20.3 fwd.

Friday 8th.
Light variable breezes with pleasant weather. Received --- chests of Tea on acct of the Hon Coy. People employed stowing them and under the Boatswain. Caulkers caulking the Gun Deck. Carpenter building store rooms.

Saturday 9th.
Light variable breezes with fine pleasant weather. AM Sent 60 men up to Canton on liberty. Employed receiving Tea on acct of the Hon Coy and stowing them in the Hold. Caulkers caulking the Upper Deck. Carpenter building a Bread Room.

[Page 121:]

Sunday 10th February 1805.
Light NE breezes with sultry weather. Received 800 Chests of Tea. Employed stowing them in the Hold, bent the Jib and Stay Sails. Caulkers caulking the Orlop. Sent the Stream Cable on Shore.

Monday 11th.
Strong NE breezes with fine weather throughout. Received 100 Chests of Eyson [Hyson] Tea on acct of the Hon coy. Employed stowing them in the Hold and under the Boatswain.

Tuesday 12th.
Light variable breezes with fine weather. Set up the Top Mast Rigging Fore & Aft otherwise employed in the Hold Stowing. The Caulker caulking the Upper Deck. Got the Top Sails in the Tops.

Wednesday 13th.
Light Airs & Calms. AM Bent Sails. Employed receiving Private Trade Teas. PM unmoored and Weighed and dropped the Ship down within half a mile of the First Bar, came to with the Best Bower. Draft of Water 20.6 fwd 18,6 aft.

Thursday 14th.
Light variable breezes. At 3am Weighed and dropped closer the First Bar. Came to and warped the Ship over. At 10am Weighed and warped the Ship over, came to till the Ebb made.

Friday 15th.
First part light Airs, middle & latter a strong NW Gale. At 4am Weighed and dropped the Ship within 2 miles of the 2nd Bar and came to. At 10am a light West breeze sprung up. Weighed and made Sail. At 11am a heavy Squall came on took in all Sail had the Ship going at the rate of 7 knots over the Bar. On which the struck several times. At 2pm came to with the Best Bower in 7 Fathoms Water. Moored the Ship a Cable each way.

Saturday 16th.
Fresh North breezes with fine weather. Fleeted the Fore Rigging. Received Private Trade on acct of the Officers. Self Employed, in the Hold Stowing them.

Sunday 17th.
Light breezes with pleasant weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Employed Fleeting the Main Rigging and stowing Teas. Caulkers on the Poop. Other Tradesmen as necessary.

Monday 18th.
Moderate breezes with pleasant weather. Received 42 Butts of Water, otherwise employed under the Boatswain and stowing Teas. Caulkers as yesterday. AM Sent 30 men to Canton on Liberty. Draft of Water 20.6 fwd 20 aft.

[Page 122:]

Tuesday 19th February 1805.
Wind & weather as yesterday, Employed receiving Teas on acct of the Hon coy. AM Set the Main Rigging up. Carpenter building a Paddy Room. Caulker on the Poop. Armourer at the Forge.

Wednesday 20th.
Light breezes with hot sultry weather. Employed receiving and stowing Teas on acct of the Hon Coy. A gang about the Rigging Carpenter as yesterday, Sailmaker on the 2nd best Main Sail. Other Tradesmen as necessary.

Thursday 21st.
Wind & weather as yesterday. Received 720 Chests of Twankay Teas. Employed stowing the Gun Room and filling up the Main Hold. A gang about the Rigging. Tradesmen as most necessary, Draft of Water 20.5 aft 29.10 fwd.

Friday 22nd.
Fresh south breezes with Dark Cloudy weather. AM the Long Boat returned from Canton with part of the men who were at liberty. Employed as per days past. Receiving Teas and stowing them.

Saturday 23rd.
Fresh breezes with fine weather. Employed receiving Teas on acct of the Hon coy and stowing them in the Fore Tea Room and stowing the Booms and Water etc.

Sunday 24th.
Light Airs and Calms with fine pleasant weather. Received the remainder of 1380 Chests of Twankay Teas. Employed stowing the Teas in the Fore Tea Room and stowing Water on the Upper Deck and receiving Stores etc.

Monday 25th.
Light breezes with fine weather throughout. Received 300 Chests of Tea on acct of the Hon Coy. Employed stowing them and receiving Stores on acct of Captain Hughes. People otherwise as necessary. Draft of Water 22.8 fwd 20.9 aft.

Tuesday 26th.
Light Airs and Calms with hot sultry weather. Employed receiving Teas on acct of the Hon Coy and stowing Water etc. Sailmaker finishing the repair to the Main Sail. Draft of Water fwd 22.8 aft 20.11.

[Page 123:]

Wednesday 27th.
Moderate north breezes with fine weather. Received 20 Butts of Water, employed stowing them and getting the Ship ready for Sea.

Thursday 28th.
Light variable breezes with fine weather. Employed Setting up the Bobstays Fore, and Fore Top Mast Rigging. Received the Chow Chow Chop. 22.10 fwd, 21.00 aft.

Friday 1st March 1805.
Light Airs and Calms with Cloudy weather, Set up the Main & Main Top Mast Rigging. Received the Captains Live Stock and 18 Butts of Water otherwise as necessary getting the Ship ready for Sea.

Saturday 2nd.
Light variable breezes with hot sultry weather. Employed stowing the Butts on the Upper and Gun Deck. Set up the Mizzen Rigging. People otherwise employed under the Boatswain. Draft of Water 22.4 fwd 21.2 aft.

Sunday 3rd.
Variable winds with fine weather. People employed Working and clearing the Ship Out Side and In. 18 men in the Sick List

Monday 4th.
Moderate breezes with pleasant weather. AM Came on Board with Mr Bramston one of the Super Cargos and inspected the Ship. PM Came on board Mr Hughes Purser with Dispatches. 18 men in the Sick List.

[Page 124:]

Tuesday 5th March 1805.
At 6am unmoored and hove short but there being no wind could not Weigh. At 3pm weighed and worked down within a mile of the Boca [Bocca] Tigris. At 8pm came to with the Best Bower in 7 Fathoms. Draft of Water 22.4 fwd 21,2 aft.

Wednesday 6th.
Light breezes with fine weather. At Daylight Weighed and Worked down through the Boca [Bocca] Tigris. At 10pm came to with the Best Bower the Tide being finished. At 3pm Weighed again with a light South breeze and Worked down to Lintin Bay and came to with the Best Bower in 4½ Fathoms Water.

Thursday 7th March 1805.
Strong NE breezes with hard Squalls and rain at times. At 10 Weighed and made Sail. At Noon Joined HMS Athenien. Sent my Boat on Board for Orders. This Log contains 12 hours to commence Sea Logs.

[End of Harbour Log]

Page 125:]

[Start of Sea Log]

Ship True Briton

Friday 8th March 1805.
C&D South 79. A strong breeze with cloudy weather throughout. At 6pm Poll Pootoy Island SbW dist about 4 miles. [PS every 2 hours] AM stowed the Sheet and Small Bower Anchors and unbent the Cables. At 6pm the Great Ladrone [Wanshan Archipelago] bore South dist about 4 or 5 Leagues from which I take my departure. Allowing it to lay in Latitude 22.00 North and Longitude 113.56 East of Greenwich. Signal to steer SbE. Signal for an Officer from the Royal Charlotte, Arniston and Cuffnells. In Company with HMS Athenia and HC Ships Perseverance, Neptune, Taunton Castle, Ceres, Royal Charlotte, Alnwick Castle, Arniston & Cuffnells and Laugie Family Country Ship. Lat 20.41N Long 113.56E.

Saturday 9th March 1805.
C&D S19E 83. Fresh ENE breezes throughout with hazy weather. AM Scraped & cleaned the Gun Deck. Sailmaker on the old Mizzen Top Sail, other Tradesmen as necessary. AM Mustered the Ships Company to Quarters. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 19.31N Long 114.25E.

[Page 126:]

Towards St Helena.

Sunday 10th March 1805.
C&D S26E 171. First part moderate NEbE winds middle and latter string breeze with fine weather throughout. People employed making Sails & fitting lower Studding Gear. Could not perform Divine Service owing to the people being variously and particularly employed. AM Mustered the Ships Company. Water on Board 107 Butts containing 18,190 Gallons. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 16.54N Long 115.44E.

Monday 11th March 1805.
C&D S17W 161. A moderate SE breeze with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the old Mizzen Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 14.21N Long 114.55E.

[Page 127:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 12th March 1805.
C&D S36W 138. A moderate NEbN breeze with pleasant weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Stocking the Best Bower Anchor. Sailmaker as yesterday, other Tradesmen as necessary. At 10.30am went on Board the Commodore per Signal. At Noon returned hoisted the Boat in. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 12.55N long 113.32E.

Wednesday 13th March 1805.
C&D S42W 157. Moderate NE breeze with pleasant weather throughout. Shifted the Mizzen Top Sail with the old one. AM Washed the gun Deck and Mustered the Ships Company. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 11.3N Long 111.44E.

[Page 128:]

Towards St Helena

Thursday 14th March 1805.
C&D S27W 50. Steady NEbN breezes with pleasant weather throughout. People under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the old Fore Top Sail. At 12pm the Commodore made Signal to bring to on the Starboard tack. At 1am saw a Strange Sail in the SE Quarter made the Signal to the Commodore. At 1.30 made the Signal for seeing Land bearing WSW about 4 or 5 Leagues. At 2am signal made Sail after lying by. At 4pm Pulo Sapata bearing North 3 or 4 Leagues. At 5am departed this life Olif Smith. At Noon Committed the Body of the deceased to the Deep with usual Ceremony. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 9.16N Long 108.47E.

Friday 15th March 1805.
S25W 132. Moderate NE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Gunner painting the Jolly Boat. Carpenter repairing the Yawl. Sailmaker on the Old Fore Top Sail. AM Got the flying Jib Boom out and Swayed the Main Yard higher up. I take a fresh Departure from Pulo Sapata as it bore yesterday at 4am allowing it to be in Latitude 10.00 North and Longitude 109.10 East of Greenwich. In company with the Fleet. Lat 7.11N Long 107.49E.

[Page 129:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 16th March 1805.
C&D S23W 107. Light SE winds with pleasant weather and Smooth Water. People under the Boatswain working up Junk. Carpenter repairing the Boats. Sailmaker as yesterday. AM cleaned the Gun Deck and exercised the Great Guns. Signal for Sounding 42 fathoms. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 5.33N Long 107.7E.

Sunday 17th March 1805.
. C&D S23W 73. Light NEbE winds with hot sultry weather AM Performed Divine Service. Quantity of Water expended this week 1330 Gallons Remaining 16,860. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 4.32N Long 106.39E.

[Page 130:]

Towards St Helena

Monday 18th March 1805.
C&D S26W 75. Light SE winds with hot sultry weather. People under the Boatswain. Gunner painting the Ship. Sailmaker on the old Fore Top Sail. Other tradesmen as necessary. AM unstowed the Best Bower Anchor. Bent the Small Bower Cable. At 10am the Land Bore SSW 8 or 9 Leagues. At Noon the extremes of the Island of Pulo Tinaow from SWbS to S¾West dist 6 or 7 Leagues, a rock bearing SW, Pulo Pissang S½W, Pulo Aur S½E dist 8 or 9 Leagues. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.15N Long 106.5E.

Tuesday 19th March 1805.
C&D South 75 miles. Light NE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. At 1pm confined in Irons Richard Lane Cooper for theft. At 4pm confined in Irons John Dayle for insolence and neglect of Duty. At 8pm liberated him on a promise of good behaviour in future. At 3pm Pulo Aur SbE, Pulo Timoan SWbW. Pulo Pissang [Pisang] SWbS at 6pm Body of Pulo Aur S½E Pulo Pissang [Pisang], Pulo Timoan W½N. At 6am Pulo Aur NbW 7 or 8 Leagues. At 8am Pulo Aur N½W 9 or 10 Leagues. At 11am Punished Richard Lane with 2 Dozen Lashes. At Noon Binting Hill SW½W dist 4 Leagues extremes of the Land from SW½W to WNW. In Company with the Fleet. Lat (obs) 1.40N Long ----

[Page 131:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 20th March 1805.
C&D WSW 61 miles. Light NNE winds with hot & sultry weather throughout. At 4pm Pedro Blanco SW dist 2 miles. Two strange Sail in Sight. At 6pm Pedro Blanco ESE. Point Romanio NNW dist 6 miles. At 12pm St Johns Island WNW dist 2 miles, the Rabbit & Coney WSW. At 8am Rabbit & Coney WbS Red Island SW. AM Washed the Gun Deck. At Noon the North End of Great Carimon WbS Tree Island SEbS Point Tausong Boulus NWbW. In Company with the Fleet. Lat --- Long ---.

Thursday 21st March 1805.
C&D WNW 83 miles. First & latter parts light variable breezes middle fresh breezes with much thunder, lightning & rain. At Sun Set Pulo Pisang NWbN 5 or 5 miles. Mount Formosa NW. Balteo Ballo SW¼W, Great Carimon SSE, PM Pulo Pisang RNE at daylight saw the Water Islands bearing NWbN at 8pm passed the outer Water Island, at 9pm the Town of Malacca NNW Standing in with a light breeze. At Noon Anchored with the Best Bower in 7 Fathoms, the Flag Staff NE, Fisher Island NWbW the outermost Water Island SEbS dist off sore 3 miles. Lat --- Long ---.

[Page 132:]

Towards St Helena

Friday 22nd March 1805.
Light variable breezes with much lightning in the night. Set the Rigging up fore & aft. Gunner painting the Quarter Deck. Other Tradesmen as necessary.

Saturday 23rd.
First & middle part light variable breezes. AM Finished the Rigging. Gunner painting the Quarter Deck. Other Tradesmen as necessary. Received 12 Butts. Arrived a Danish Ship from Manila bound to Bengal.

Sunday 24th.
Moderate variable breezes with fine weather middle & latter parts much thunder lighting &Rain. Gunner as yesterday.

Monday 25th.
First part light Airs variable middle part fresh breezes with Thunder, Lightning and Rain, latter fresh North breezes. Signal to Weigh. At 6am Weighed and made Sail. At 8am Cape Richado [Rachado] WNW under an easy Sail for HMS Dedaigneuse. At Noon Cape Richado [Rachado] North dist 5 or 6 miles the extremes of the Land to the Westward NW, Sumatra SSW. Water on Board leaving Malacca 17,600 Gallons. In Company with the Fleet. Commodore NNW. SSW 23 miles.

[Sea Log continues]

[Page 133:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 26th March 1805.
C&D WNW 32 miles. First & latter part SSW Land & Sea breezes with fine weather. Middle much Thunder, Lightning & Rain. At 2pm Parcelar Hill bearing NW½W dist 9 leagues. At 6pm came to with the Best Bower in 18 Fathoms Water. Cape Richado [Rachado] SEbE½E. Parcelar Hill NWbN dist off shore 5 miles. At 5am Weighed and made Sail. At 8am Parcelar Hill N10W. Cape Richado EbN. At Noon Parcelar Hill N54E dist 10 miles extremes of the Land from North to East. Lat --- Long ---.

Wednesday 27th March 1805.
C&D NWW 63 miles. First & middle part light variable breezes with cloudy weather. At 6pm Parcelar Hill E2N, the Round Arro [Arroa] from the Deck W½S. At 6.30 it being dark could just discern Percelar Hill of the Poop bearing S89E being in 16 Fathoms Water. At Daylight the Long Arrows [Arroa] SSW. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker on the Best Fore Sail. In Company with the Fleet.

[Page 134:]

Towards St Helena

Thursday 28th March 1805 C&D WNW 46 miles. First & middle parts light variable winds and Calms with Thunder, Lightning and Rain. Latter cloudy with moderate breezes. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk. Sailmaker on the Best Fore Sail. At Daylight Pulo Jarra SEbE 8 or 9 Leagues. Signal to the Taunton Castle to make more Sail enforced with a Gun. Squally Rain.

Friday 29th March 1805.
C&D NWbW 56 miles. Light variable SE winds with hot sultry weather and Rain in the latter part. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday. At 10am Saw Pulo Pera from the Mast Head NbE. In Company with the Fleet.

[Page 135:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 30th March 1805.
C&D WbN 34 miles. Light variable EbS winds with Squalls and rain at times. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat --- Long ---

Sunday 31st March 1805.
C&D West 59 miles. Light variable EbS winds with Squalls and rain throughout. The wind being very variable and the weather unsettled could not perform Divine Service. Quantity of Water expended this week 850 Gallons. Remaining 16,830. In Company with the Fleet. Lat --- Long ---

[Page 136:]

Towards St Helena

Monday 1st April 1805.
C&D WNW 37 miles. Light Airs EbN and Calms with hot sultry weather throughout. At 9pm Departed this Life Hugh Garland Seaman. People employed under the Boatswain Sailmaker on the Best Fore Sail. Committed the Body of the deceased to the Deep with the usual Ceremony. At Noon saw the Land bearing SbE dist about 10 Leagues. In company with the Fleet. Lat (obs) 5.46N Long ---.

Tuesday 2nd April 1805.
C&D WNW 60 miles. Variable SW winds with Squalls and heavy rain in the night. Employed chiefly under the Boatswain. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the Best Fore Sail AM the extremes of the Land from WbS½S to SE½E dist 10 or 11 Leagues. At Noon the Western Extremity of Sumatra SW Pulo Way W½S. A strange Sail in sight bearing WbS. In Company with the Fleet. Lat (obs) 5.50N. Long ---

[Page 137:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 3rd April 1805.
C&D NW 74 miles. Moderate variable breezes with pleasant weather. At Sunset the Western extremity of Sumatra WbS½S. Pulo Way West, Pulo Roundo W½N. Wore per Signal. [Still PS every 2 hours] At Daylight the extremes of the Land from SW to SEbS. Pulo Way WSW, at 8am Pulo Way WbS½S. At Noon Pulo Way West extremes of Sumatra to the Eastward SSE Queens Peak SWbS dist of shore 7 or 8 Leagues. Commodore spoke the Stranger. In Company with the Fleet. Lat (obs) 5.46N. Long ---.

Thursday 4th April 1805.
C&D NNW 61 miles. Variable WSW winds with Squalls and rain. Bore up for the Commodore. People under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday. At 4pm Pulo Way W½S. At 6pm Pulo Way West. At 8am Pulo Way WbS Pulo Roundo [Rondo] WSW½W. At Noon Pulo Roundo [Rondo] West dist 7 or 8 Leagues. In company with the Fleet. Lat (obs) 6.18N. Long ---.

[Page 138:]

Towards St Helena

Friday 5th April 1805.
C&D WNW 54 miles. First & middle parts light NNW winds latter part Squally and rain. Pulo Way West the Northern end of Sumatra WbS½S. At daylight Pulo Way SW extremes of Sumatra from SSW to SE. At Noon Pulo Roundo [Rondo] SWbW. At Noon the Body of Pulo Way bearing South dist 8 or 9 Leagues. In Company with the Fleet. Lat --- Long ---.

Saturday 6th April 1805.
C&D NNW 40 miles. Light variable WbN winds throughout with rain in the night. At 6pm Pulo Roundo SW the Body of Pulo Way SbW½W. At 6pm the Dedaigneuse hoisted her Colours and parted Company. AM Washed the Gun Deck otherwise employed by the Boatswain. At 8am Pulo Roundo SbW½W. At Noon Pulo Roundo SbE½E. dist 9 or 10 miles. In company with the Fleet. Lat --- Long ---.

[Page 139:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 7th April 1805.
C&D W¼S 24. Light Airs EbS and Calms with hot sultry weather throughout. A6 6pm went on board the Commodore per Signal, returned hoisted the Boat in. endeavouring to keep the Ships Head the right way could not Perform Divine Service. At 5.30am Pulo Roundo E½S dist 8 or 9 leagues. At Noon Pulo Roundo [Rondo] 8 Leagues, Pulo Way E½S Pulo Brasso SEbE. Calms. Water expended this week 850 Gallons. Remaining on Board 15,980. In Company with the fleet. Lat 6.3N Long 94.49E.

Monday 8th April 1805.
C&D S47W 83. First part light NNW breeze and fine weather, middle and latter variable with heavy rain. Thunder & Lightning. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 5.8N Long 93.49E.

[Page 140:]

Towards St Helena

Tuesday 9th April 1805.
C&D S13W 62. First & middle part thick dark cloudy SW with hard Squalls and rain latter light Airs and cloudy. AM unbent the Cables & stowed the anchors. In company with the Fleet. Lat 4.9N Long 93,36E.

Wednesday 10th April 1805.
C&D S9W 46. Light variable winds with Squalls and heavy rain. At 10pm confined John Southy in Irons for Striking Mr Hugh’s 5th Officer. At Noon Punished him with One Dozen Lashes. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.21N Long 93,29E.

[Page 141:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 11th April 1805.
C&D NW 20. Light Airs & Calms throughout with thick cloudy weather and rain at times. Signal to steer SSW. People variously employed. In company with the Fleet. Lat 3.35N Long 93.15E.

Friday 12th April 1805.
C&D NW 13. Light Airs & Calms throughout. Small rain. At 7am a Strange Sail in sight bearing NW. AM Performed Divine Service. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.52N Long 93.6E

[Page 142:]

Towards St Helena

Saturday 13th April 1805.
C&D S43W 54. First & middle parts light variable wind with fine weather, latter Squally with thunder lightning & rain. Strange Sail EbN 3 miles. Scraped & cleaned the Gun Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.17N Long 92.30E.

Sunday 14th April 1805.
C&D S45W 46. Light variable Airs with fine weather throughout. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 850 Gallons Remaining on Board 15,130. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 2.45N Long 91.56E.

[Page 143:]

Ship True Briton

Monday 15th April 1805.
C&D S25W 76. Variable NE winds with dark cloudy weather and rain throughout. People employed as necessary. Hard rain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 2.22N Long 91.28E.

Tuesday 16th April 1805.
C&D S56W 58. Light variable winds with Squalls and rain in the latter part. Calm. Signal to steer SSW. AM Shifted the Jib with the old one. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk, In Company with the Fleet. Lat 1.50N Long 90.40E.

[Page 144:]

Towards St Helena

Wednesday 17th April 1805.
C&D S17W 39. Light breezes and Calms with dark cloudy weather and rain. AM Washed the Gun Deck. People under the Boatswain. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the 2nd best Jib. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 1.54N Long 90.29W.

Thursday 18th April 1805.
C&D S8E 39. Variable SbW breezes with Squalls and rain throughout. At 9am Split the Fore top Gallant Sail and found the Fore Top Gallant Yard to be sprung. Shifted it with the Spare One. Sailmaker repairing the Fore Top Gallant Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 1.39N Long 90.34E.

[Page 145:]

Ship True Briton

Friday 19th April 1805.
C&D S45E 60. First & latter part light SW breezes and variable middle part Squally and rain. At 3am the Foot Rope of the fore Sail broke which split the Sail. Unbent it. And Bent the Best. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk. Sailmaker repairing the Fore Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 1.18N Long 91.16E.

Saturday 20th April 1805.
C&D S25E 26. Light variable breezes with Calms. Sailmaker on the Best Fore Sail. People under the Boatswain. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Calm. At 8am Saw a Strange Sail bearing West. In Company with the fleet. Lat 1.14N Long 91.26E

[Page 146:]

Towards St Helena

Sunday 21st April 1805.
C&D S7W 37. Light variable winds with hot sultry weather throughout. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 850 Gallons Remaining on Board 14,200. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 00.59N Long 91.22E.

Monday 22nd April 1805.
C&D S43W 40. Light variable winds with Squalls and rain. In Company with the Fleet. Latitude (obs) 0.22 North. Lat 0030N Long 90.55E.

[Crossed the Equator]

[Page 147:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 23rd April 1805.
C&D S61W 54. Light variable winds with fine weather throughout. AM Shifted the Fore Sail with the old one. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk. In Company with the Fleet. Latitude (obs) 0.15 South. Lat 00.4 South Long 90.8E.

Wednesday 24th April 1805.
C&D S40W 58. Light variable winds with rain in the Night. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Lightning. Longitude observed and reduced to Noon makes 93.30 East of Greenwich. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 0.59S Long 89.31E.

[Page 148:]

Towards St Helena

Thursday 25th April 1805.
C&D S43W 84. Moderate SEbE breezes with fine weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk. From the Strong Easterly Currents which has been lately, I take a fresh Departure from the Lunar taken yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 2.4S Long 92.33E.

Friday 26th April 1805.
C&D S45W 94. A moderate SEbE breeze with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the best Fore Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet, Lat 3.8S Long 91.27E.

[Page 149:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 27th April 1805.
C&D S45W 55. First & Middle parts light East winds with fine weather latter Squally and rain. Hove to for Ships astern. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 5.52S Long 90.47E.

Sunday 28th April 1805.
C&D S45W 62. Light variable East winds with Squalls and rain and a heavy Swell from the SE. The weather being very unsettled could not Perform Divine Service. Water expended this week 850 Gallons Remaining 13,630. Calm. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 4.51S Long 90.3E

[Page 150:]

Towards St Helena

Monday 29th April 1805.
C&D S45W 114. First part light variable winds Squally with much Lightning in the night. Fresh Trade with fine weather [still PS every 2 hours] People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the best Fore Top Sail. In Company with Fleet. Lat 6.12S Long 88.42E.

Tuesday 30th April 1805.
C&D S50W. 161. A Steady SE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 8.22S Long 86.38E.

[Page 151:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 1st May 1805.
C&D S50W 128. Fresh Trade SEbS with cloudy weather and Squalls at times. Sailmaker finished Middle Stitching the Fore Top Sail. People employed under the Boatswain. AM Shifted the Main Top Gallant Sail with the 2nd Best. In Company with the Fleet, Lat 9.38 Long 84.59E.

Thursday 2nd May 1805.
C&D S50W 128. A fresh Trade SEbS with fine weather throughout. PM Shifted the Fore Top Sail and Top Gallant Sail with the 2nd Best. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the best Main Sail. Shorted Sail for the Taunton Castle. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 10.54S Long 83.20E.

[Page 152:]

Towards St Helena

Friday 3rd May 1805.
C&D S50W 150. First part fresh SE Trade middle and latter fresh Gale with hard Squalls and rain. At 3am Split the Jib Shifted it with the 2nd Best. At 8am the Clew Rope of the Fore Top Sail broke. Repaired it in the top and Set the Sail again. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 12.23S Long 81.23E.

Saturday 4th May 1805.
C&D S62W 181. A fresh SE Trade with fine weather. Handed the Main Sail. AM Scraped and cleaned the Gun Deck. Sailmaker repairing the Old Jib. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 13.48S Long 78.39E.

[Page 153:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 5th May 1805.
C&D S56W 197. Strong SE Gale with hard Squalls and rain at times. The weather being Squally could not Perform Divine Service. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 15.38S Long 75.49E.

Monday 6th May 1805.
C&D S50W 197. A fresh SEbE Trade with Squalls and rain at night. At 1pm departed this Life William Shaw Captains Steward. At 6 ditto committed the Body of the Deceased to the Deep. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the best Main Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 17.43S Long 73.12E.

[Page 154:]

Towards St Helena

Tuesday 7th May 1805.
C&D S45W 204. Fresh SE Gale with Squalls and rain at times. Carpenter making a Main Top Gallant Yard. Sailmaker as yesterday. In company with the Fleet. Lat 20.13S Long 70.39E.

Wednesday 8th May 1805.
C&D SWbW½W 190. Fresh EbN Trade with fine weather throughout. AM Washed the Gun Deck otherwise employed under the Boatswain. Got the Mizzen Royal Mast down on Deck unbent the Flying Jib and got the Boom in. Carpenter as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 21.38S Long 67.39E.

[Page 155:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 9th May 1905.
C&D SWbW¼W 162. Moderate ENE breezes with fine weather. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the Storm Stay Sails. AM bent the Try Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 23.4S Long 65.7E.

Friday 10th May 1805.
C&D S59W 58. Light variable NNW winds with heavy rain in the night. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday. Taunton Castle bearing NE 1 mile the weather being very thick and raining could not See the Commodore. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 23.34S Long 64.13E.

[Page 156:]

Towards St Helena

Saturday 11th May 1805.
C&D West 52. First & middle part light SbW variable winds latter part fresh breeze with cloudy weather. Departed this Life Ayor Chinaman. People variously employed. AM Got the fore and Main Royal Masts down on Deck. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the Storm Stay Sails. At 9 Committed the Body of the Deceased to the Deep. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 23.37S Long 63.16E.

Sunday 12th May 1805.
C&D N82W 62. Light variable SbW winds with a heavy Swell from the SW. AM Performed Divine Service. I allow half a mile an hour on account of the Swell from the SW. Water expended this week 850 Gallons. Remaining 11,730. Set up the Main Top Mast Rigging. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 23.21S Long 62.10E.

[Page 157:]

Ship True Briton

Monday 13th May 1805.
C&D S76W 157. A fresh SbW Breeze throughout with fine weather. AM Shifted the Fore & Main Course and Fore & Main Top Sails with the best. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 24.00S Long 59.24E.

Tuesday 14th May 1805.
C&D S75W 172. Fresh ESE Breezes throughout with cloudy weather. AM Bent the Storm Fore Stay Sail and rove New Sheets. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the best Mizzen Top Sail. In company with the Fleet. Lat 24.41S Long 56.22E

[Page 158:]

Towards St Helena

Wednesday 15th May 1805.
C&D S73W 174. Fresh East breezes with Squalls and rain throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. AM Shifted the Mizzen Top Sail with the best and set it double reefed. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 25.32S Long 53.19E.

Thursday 16th May 1805.
C&D S72W 108. First part light variable breezes with constant rain and Middle and Latter fresh breezes with Squalls and rain at times. All the Fleet in Sight. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the best Main Top Mast Stay Sail. Caulker on the Water way Seams in the Gun Deck, other Trades as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 26.5S Long 51.26E.

[Page 159:]

Ship True Briton

Friday 17th May 1805.
C&D S70W 92. First & middle parts Squally South unsettled weather latter part light airs variable. People under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 26.26S Long 49.51E.

Saturday 18th May 1805.
C&D S67W 64. First & middle parts North breezes latter increasing breeze with pleasant weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker repairing the Old Main Sail. At 6pm turned Sailes Shimtoft Quarter Master before the Mast being incapable of his Duty and made Christian Hartman Seaman Quarter Master in his Stead. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 26,54S Long 48.45E.

[Page 160:]

Towards St Helena

Sunday 19th May 1805.
C&D S39W 48. First part variable NbE with hard Squalls and rain, middle light breezes and fair, latter light Airs and Calms. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 850 Gallons. Remaining 10,880. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 27.30S Long 48.11E

Monday 20th May 1805.
C&D S62W 40. First & middle parts NW light Airs and Calms, latter light breezes with fine weather throughout. AM condemned the Main Stay Sail to repair the old Sails. Sailmaker repairing the old Fore Sail. People employed under the Boatswain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 27.39S Long 47.31E.

[Page 161:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 21st May 1805.
C&D S67W 122. First & Middle parts moderate East breezes with pleasant weather, latter part Squally with Thunder, Lighting & rain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 28.15S Long 45.14E.

Wednesday 22nd My 1805.
C&D W¼S 87. Moderate ESE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. People under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the old Fore Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Other Tradesmen as necessary. PM Informed the Commander by Telegraph Signal my Men and Self were Sickly. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 28.19S Long 43.36E.

[Page 162:]

Towards St Helena

Thursday 23rd May 1805.
C&D W ½ S 122. Fresh SSE breezes with a heavy Swell from the SW. People employed making Points and Gaskets. Sailmaker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 28.30S Long 41.19E.

Friday 24th May 1805.
C&D West 133. A steady SEbE breeze with pleasant weather throughout. People employed by the Boatswain. AM Fitted the New Top Gallant Sails. At 7am Departed this Life John Hersey Sailmaker. At Noon Committed the Body of the Deceased to the Deep. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 28.32S Long 38.48E.

[Page 163:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 25th May 1805.
C&D S75W 106. Light SEbE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. Signal to steer WbN. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker on the 2nd best Fore Top Sail. Armourer at the Forge, other Tradesmen as necessary. AM shifted the Jib with the New One. Signal to steer WNW. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 29.01S Long 36.52E.

Sunday 26th May 1805.
C&D S67W 60. First and middle parts moderate North breezes variable. Latter part pleasant breeze with fine weather. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 870 Gallons. Remaining 10,010. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 29.20S Long 35.49E.

[Page 164:]

Towards St Helena

Monday 27th May 1805.
C&D S76W 112. Moderate SSW breezes with pleasant weather throughout. Sailmaker on the best Fore Top Sail. People under the Boatswain. Lightning to the West. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 29.45S Long 33.45E.

Tuesday 28th May 1805.
C&D S71W 192. Fresh ENE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the 2nd Best Fore Top Sail. Other Tradesmen as necessary. Lightning NE. At 10AM Signal for seeing Land bearing NW. At Noon the extremes of the Land from W½N to N½E dist about 10 Leagues. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 30.35S Long 30.16E.

[Page 165:]

Wednesday 29th May 1805.
C&D S15E 33. Light Airs variable with cloudy weather. At 11pm Confined James Hudson in Irons for drunkenness and insolence to Mr Rogers and Mr Betham. Signal to steer SW. At Sunset the extremes of the Land from West to NNE dist about 6 or 7 Leagues. People employed under the Boatswain. At Noon punished James Hudson with 2 Dozen Lashes for the above offences. At Daylight the extremes of the Land from W to NbW. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 31.27S Long 30.25E.

Thursday 30th May 1805.
C&D S35W 120. First and Middle parts an increasing SbE breeze latter fresh breezes with hazy weather. Signal for Land bearing North. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker repairing the old Fore Top Sail. Signal to steer WNW. In company with the Fleet. Lat 33.57S Long 29.3E.

[Page 166:]

Towards St Helena

Friday 31st May 1805.
C&D N39W 30. First part Moderate NEbN breezes middle & latter an increasing Gale with Squalls and rain at times. At 3pm signal for seeing Land bearing W½N. At 4pm the extremes of the Land from WbN to NWbW. People under the Boatswain Tradesmen as needful. At Daylight the Perseverance not in sight. At 9am Saw the Perseverance from the Mast Head bearing SE, Bore up to join her per Signal. Reefed the fore Sail and close reefed the Fore & Main Top Sails and down Mizzen Top Gallant Yard and handed the Mizzen top Sail. At Noon the Perseverance joined the Fleet. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 33.54S Long 28.40E.

Saturday 1st June 1805.
C&D NE 2. First & middle parts Strong WNW breezes with Squalls & Lightning in the night. Latter moderate breezes with fine weather and heavy squalls from the West. At 4pm the Land bore from NE to NWbN. At Sunset the extremes of the Land from NEbE to NWbN 8 or 9 Leagues. Sailmaker repairing the old Fore Sail. People as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 34.20S Long 28.41E.

[Page 167:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 2nd June 1805.
C&D S67W 120. First part fresh NE breezes middle & latter moderate breezes with fine weather. At 5pm the extremes of the Land from NbE to NWbW. Dist about 20 Leagues. AM Performed Diving Service. Water expended this Week 870 Gallons Remaining 9,140. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 35.39S Long 26.26E.

Monday 3rd June 1805.
C&D S79W 48. Light Airs NbE and Calms with pleasant weather throughout. Commodore not in sight. Cuffnells WbN. Commodore burnt a blue light and fired Guns. People under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the old fore Top Sail. Other Tradesmen as needful. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.20S Long 25.28E.

[Page 168:]

Towards St Helena

Tuesday 4th June 1805.
C&D S67W 37. First & middle parts light NbW breezes with fine weather latter fresh Gale with hard Squalls and rain. Lightning in the night. At 11am the Commodore made Signal for seeing Strange Sails. At Noon Saw 8 Sail from the Mast Head bearing NW. Handed the Mizzen Top Sail. Handed the Main Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.50S Long 24.54E.

Wednesday 5th June 1805.
C&D S19W 25. A fresh variable Gale with hard Squalls throughout. Sailmaker repairing the Main Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 37.10S Long 24.44E.

[Page 169:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 6th June 1805.
C&D N13E 72. Fresh West breezes throughout with Squalls and rain at times. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the old Fore Top Sail. Other Tradesmen as necessary. At daylight made the Signal for seeing a Strange Sail bearing NE. At 9am She hoisted English Colours. At 10am the Commodore Sent a Boat on Board her. She proved to be the Diana Whaler from the Island of Desolation. At 11 Sent our Boat on Board the Commodore. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.17S Long 25.4E.

Friday 7th June 1805.
C&D S27E 34. Strong Gale with hard Squalls and rain at times and a high Sea from the NW. Wore per Signal. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 37.1S Long 25.23E.

[Page 170:]

Towards St Helena

Saturday 8th June 1805.
C&D S27W 34. First & Middle parts Fresh NW Gale with cloudy weather, latter part Strong Gale with hard Squalls. Set the Mizzen Top Sail. Carried away Step on the Brace block. Down Fore Top Gallant Yard and Mizzen Top Gallant Mast. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.35S Long 25.4E.

Sunday 9th June 1805.
C&D N63E 29. Strong Gales throughout with squalls and rain at times & hazy weather. Hove to under the Main Top Sail Stay Sail and Mizzen Stay Sails. In the Jib Boom. Bent the Try Sail. It blowing strong and the Ship Rolling could not Perform Divine Service. Water expended this week 880 Gallons. Remaining 8,260. Set the Fore Sail and fore & Mizzen Top Sails. Lat 37.31S Long 25.26E.

[Page 171:]

Ship True Briton

Monday 10th June 1805.
C&D N12E 44. First part Strong WbN Breezes. Middle latter light winds with a high Sea throughout. Set the Main Sail. Crossed he Main Top Gallant Yard crossed the Top Gallant Yard. Calm. In Company with the Fleet. Strange Sail SW. Lat 36.48S Long 25.48E.

Tuesday 11th June 1805.
C&D N36E 22, First & middle parts light variable winds. Calm. Latter fresh breezes with hard Squalls. Strange Sail SSW. At 11am Signal 30 with a Gun. Ditto to the Royal Charlotte and Perseverance with a Gun. Signal 93 to the Royal Charlotte with a Gun. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.31S Long 26.3E.

[Page 172:]

Towards St Helena

Wednesday 12th June 1805.
C&D N23W 78. Fresh variable Gale with hard squalls and rain throughout. At 10pm Departed this Life James Etridge Poulterer. At 10am Committed the Boy of the Deceased to the Deep. Signal to steer NWbW. Hard Squalls. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 35.20S Long 25.26E.

Thursday 13th June 1805.
C&D N7E 68. Fresh WbN breezes wit cloudy weather. Sailmaker repairing the old Main Sail. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk. Bore down to the Fleet. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 36.38S Long 25.36E.

[Page 173:]

Ship True Briton

Friday 14th June 1805.
C&D N4W 61. First part fresh NWbN breezes, middle and latter light Airs with pleasant weather. Signal for seeing a Strange Sail bearing NEbN. The Commodore sent a Boat on Board the Stranger. AM scraped & cleaned the Gun Deck. People employed under the boatswain. Sailmaker on the old Main Sail. 2 Strange Sail in sight Signal 139 to Perseverance and Ceres. Lat 35.00S Long 25.31E.

Saturday 15th June 1805.
C&D N68W 94. First part light SW breezes and fair latterly an increasing breeze with pleasant weather throughout. Hove to. At 1pm made Signal for seeing Land bearing ENE. Made Sail. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday. Other Tradesmen as necessary. Rove the Royal Rigging, unbent the best Jib and got the flying Jib Boom out. Being to the NW of the Cape of Good Hope opened my Secret Instructions in the presence of my Chief and Second Officers. At 5pm the Cape of Good Hope bearing ENE Distant about 15 leagues. In Company with the Fleet. I take my departure from the Land which I suppose to be the Cape of Good Hope as it bore at 5pm Distant about 15 Leagues, Latitude 34.30 South and Longitude 1.18.30 East of Greenwich. Also corrected my Chronometer. Lat 33.55S Long 16.46E.

[Page 174:]

Towards St Helena

Sunday 16th June 1805.
C&D N47W 110. Throughout the 24 hours moderate SSE breezes with fine weather. AM shifted the Fore Sail & Fore Top Sail with the old one. Fidded the Royal Masts. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended his week 880 Gallons Remaining 7,380. Lat 32.26S Long 15.10E.

Monday 17th June 1805.
C&D N38W 90. Light WSW breezes with fine weather throughout. Sailmaker on the old Main Sail. Bent the Jib, flying Jib and Fore Top Mast Stay Sail. Unbent the Main and Fore Stay Sails. Condemned the old Mizzen Top Mast Stay Sails. Signal 57 to the Perseverance. In company with the Fleet. Lat 31.29S Long 14.5E.

[Page 175:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 18th June 1805.
C&D. N41W 116. First part light WbS breezes and fair, middle & latter an increasing breeze with hazy weather. PM Shifted the Main Sail and Main Top Sail with the old one. Bent the Royal stay Sail and mizzen Top Mast Stay Sail. People under the Boatswain Sailmaker on the old Mizzen top Sail. Carpenter repairing the Head Rails which were carried away in the late Gale. Caulker on the Water Way Seams on the Gun Deck. Armourer at the Forge. Handed the Main Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 30.10S Long 12.37E.

Wednesday 19th June 1805.
C&D N45W. Fresh South breezes throughout with cloudy weather. People employed under the Boatswain squaring the Ratlines and scraping the Top Masts. Sailmaker finished the repairs of the old Mizzen top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 28.8S Long 10.15E.

[Page 176:]

Towards St Helena

Thursday 20th June 1805.
C&D N45. Fresh South breezes with cloudy weather. Signal to the Taunton Castle 94, 126 & 65. PM Hove to. Shifted the Mizzen Top Sail with the old one. Made Sail. People employed under the Boatswain squaring the Ratlines etc. Sailmaker on the old mizzen Stay Sail. Caulker on the Water Way Seams on the Gun Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 26.44S Long 8.21E.

Friday 21st June 1805.
C&D NW 136. Moderate SSE breezes with pleasant weather throughout. People employed squaring the Ratlines and blacking the Mast Heads and Rigging. Sailmaker as yesterday. Caulker on the Water Way Seams on the Gun Deck. Carpenter repairing the Yawl. Armourer at the Forge. AM shifted the Mizzen Stay Sail with the old one. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 25.12S Long 6.34E.

[Page 177:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 22nd June 1805.
C&D N45W 125. Moderate South Trade with cloudy weather throughout. People employed blacking Yards and tarring the Rigging. Gunner painting the Jolly Boat. Caulker as yesterday, other Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 23.49S Long 4.58E.

Sunday 23rd June 1805.
C&D N42W 73. Light SSE breezes with pleasant weather. People employed under the Boatswain getting the Ship ready for Harbour in consequence of which could not Perform Divine Service All Tradesmen employed at their different occupations. Water expended this week ----. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 23.5S Long 4.5E.

[Page 178:]

Towards St Helena

Monday 24th June 1805.
C&D N42W 27. First part light Airs variable and Calm. Middle part light breezes with fine weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the old Main top Mast Stay Sail. Gunner painting the Cutter. Caulker caulking the Long Boat. At 11am Sent a Boat on the Board the Commodore per Signal. At Noon she returned with additional Signals. Lat 22.54S Long 3.45E.

Tuesday 25th June 1805.
C&D N42W 18 Light Airs & Calms throughout with rain in the latter part. Gunner painting the Masts. People employed under the Boatswain. Calms. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 22,44S Long 3,22E.

[Page 179:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 26th June 1805.
C&D N42W 54. First part light Airs & Calms middle & latter light breezes with fair weather. [Still PS every 2 hours] Cooper employed under the Boatswain. Gunner painting the Masts. Caulker on Water Way Seams on the Gun Deck. Sailmaker on the old Mai Top Mast Stay Sail. Armourer at the Forge. Cooper setting up Butts. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 22.4S Long 2.43E.

Thursday 27th June 1505.
C&D N35W 122. Moderate SbW breezes with pleasant weather throughout. AM Roused the Cables up to bend and rove the Harbour Gear. Gunner painting the Larboard side of the Ship. Sailmaker on the old Middle Stay Sail. Caulker as yesterday. Latitude (obs) 20.38S. In company with the Fleet. Lat 20.31S Long 1.28E.

[Page 180]

Towards St Helena

Friday 28th June 1805.
C&D N28W 138. Fresh SSE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. Bent the Bower Cables and clapped a whole & half Cable Service on the Best Bower. Gunner painting the Ship. Sailmaker a yesterday. Caulker on the long Boat. In Company with Fleet. Lat 18.37S Long 00.19 East

Saturday 29th June 1805.
C&D N28W 166. Strong SbE Trade with Squalls and rain at times. AM scraped and cleaned the Gun Deck. Gunner as yesterday. Caulker on the Long Boat, Cooper setting up Butts. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 16.21S Long 1.3West.

[Page 181:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 30th June 1805.
C&D NbW 163. Fresh SEbS Trade with Squalls and rain at times. AM unstowed the Bower Anchor. At 8am Saw the Island of St Helena bearing WNW dist 12 Leagues. At Noon Barren [Barn Point] Point NWbW, the southernmost Point of the Island WNW½W dist 12 miles. At 3pm the Commodore Saluted the Admiral. At 4 Came to with the Best Bower in 10 fathoms Water and steadied the Ship with a Kedge. When at anchor the Church bore SEbS, Sugar Loaf EbN. Found riding here the China and Bengal Divisions. HMS Trident 4 [salute] Guns the Mediator Frigate with several other Ships amounting in all the 43 Sail under the Commodore of Vice Admiral Rainier This Log contains 36 hours and ends at midnight.

[End of Sea Log]

[Start of Harbour Log]

Monday 1st July 1805.
Fresh breezes with Squalls and rain at times. AM hoisted out the Long Boat. People employed sending empty Butts on Shore and under the Boatswain.

Tuesday 2nd July 1805.
Moderate breezes with frequent sowers of rain. Employed Watering the Ship. Blacking the Yards & receiving two Casks of Pork and two of Beef from the Lord Castlereagh PM the Bends blackened.

Wednesday 3rd July.
Light breezes with pleasant weather. received two loads of Water per Long Boat. Employed Stowing them and about the Rigging. Gunner painting the Ship. Other Tradesmen as necessary.

Thursday 4th July.
Wind and weather as yesterday. AM loosed Sails to air. Set the Fore Rigging up. And received two loads of Water per Long Boat. Gunner painting the Stern. Other Tradesmen as necessary

Friday 5th July.
Fresh breezes with frequent Showers on rain. Received two loads of Water per Long Boat. Employed Stowing Water and under the Boatswain, Tradesmen as necessary.

[Page 182:]

At the Island of St Helena

Saturday 6th July 1805.
Light breezes with pleasant weather. Received 6 Butts of Water which Completes the Compliment required. Set the Fore Top mast Rigging up, otherwise employed under the Boatswain.

Sunday 7th July.
Light breezes variable with Showers of rain at times. Washed and cleaned the Ship without & within.

Monday 8th July.
Light winds and calm with fine weather. People employed as necessary.

Tuesday 9th July.
First & middle parts light Airs and Calms, latter strong breezes with hard Squalls and rain. People under the Boatswain.

Wednesday 10th July 1805.
Strong breezes with rain throughout. People employed under the Boatswain as most useful. Tradesmen as necessary. Draft of Water aft 20. fwd 13.

Thursday 11th July.
Moderate breezes with fine pleasant weather, At 5am Unmoored Signal to unmoor. At 9 Ditto to Weigh. At 10 weighed and hove to with the Ships Head towards the Eastward. At Noon the Town bearing South 2 miles. At 11 the Admiral Weighed with the China Fleet of 16 Sail, Bengal & Bombay Fleet 11 Sail, 6 Extra Ships, 1 Botany Bay ship, 4 Whalers and a Swedish Ship under Convoy of HMS Trident Vice Admiral Rainier, HMS Athenian and HMS Mediator Frigate. This Log contains 12 hours and ends at Noon.

[End of Harbour Log]

[Start of Sea Log]

[Page 183:]

Ship True Briton

Friday 12th July 1805.
C&D N40W 97. Lead Ship bearing WbN. Moderate Trade with pleasant weather throughout. At Sunset the Body of the Island SEbS. At 8pm The Body of St Helena SSE 10 miles. Stowed the Anchor & unbent the Cables. Sailmaker repairing the best Main Sail. St Helena Latitude 15.55 South, Longitude 5.43 West. Water on leaving St Helena 14,675 Gallons. Lat 14.41S Long 6.47W.

Saturday 13th July 1805.
C&D N40W 107. Light SE Trade throughout with pleasant weather. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk. AM Bent the Main Sail. At 8am took the Walthamstow in Tow per Signal from the Admiral. Bearing of the Lead Ship NNW 12 miles. Lat 13.28S Long 7.58W.

[Page 184:]

Towards England

Sunday 14th July 1805.
C&D N49W 137. Light SSE Trade with cloudy weather throughout. AM Performed Divine Service. A 1am Carried away the hawser which was towing the Walthamstow. Water expended this week 663 Gallons. Remaining 14,012. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 11.48S Long 9.28W

Monday 15th July 1805.
C&D N40W 153. A moderate EbS Trade with cloudy weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk. Sailmaker on the best Main Sail. Caulker on the Water Way Seams on the Upper Deck. In company with the Fleet. Lat 10.3S Long 11.8W.

[Page 185:]

Tuesday 16th July 1805.
C&D N39W 164. Fresh SE Trade throughout with pleasant weather. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk. Sailmaker on the best Fore Sail. [Still PS every 2 hours] Caulker on the Water Way Seams on the Upper Deck. Signal to steer NWbN. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 8.6S Long 12.52W.

Wednesday 17th July 1805.
C&D NW 105 miles. First & latter part a pleasant SE Trade with fine weather. Middle part cloudy with rain at times. People under the Boatswain working up Junk. Sailmaker as yesterday. Caulker on the Water Way Seams on the Quarter Deck. Signal to steer NW. At 2am Saw the Island of Ascension bearing WbN½N. At Daylight the Island of Ascension WbN½N. At 8am the Island WbS dist 4 or 5 miles. At noon the Island SWbS dist 3 or 4 miles. Lat (obs) 7.53 South. Long 14.9W.

[Page 186:]

Thursday 18th July 1805.
C&D N37W 128. A moderate SE Trade with fine weather throughout. At 4pm the Body of the Island SEbS 3 or 4 Leagues. At 6am the Body of the Island SEbS½S 8 or 9 Leagues. AM Hoisted out the Yawl and Sent her on Board the Swede per Order of Admiral Rainier with one Butt of Water, also sent an Officer on Board the Admiral per Signal. People employed working up Junk. Sailmaker and Caulker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. at 6.15S long 15.34W.

Friday 19th July 1805.
C&D N87W 131. A steady ESE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain making Points and Rope Bands. Sailmaker on the best Fore Sail. Caulker on the Water Way Seams on the Quarter Deck. Signal 146 to the Arniston to take Walthamstow in tow. In Company with the Fleet. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 4.48S Long 16.53W.

[Page 187:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 20th July 1805.
C&D N26W 115. Light SEbE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker and Caulker as yesterday. AM Washed the Gun Deck and mustered the men to Quarters. In company with the Fleet. Lat 3.32S Long 17.43W.

Sunday 21st July 1805.
C&D N26W 119. A moderate EbN breeze with pleasant weather. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 1236 Gallons Remaining 12,776. At 10am Signal 146 to the Alnwick Castle to take Ocean in tow. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 2.7S Long 18.35W.

[Page 188:]

Towards England

Monday 22nd July 1805.
C&D N26W 76. Light ENE breezes throughout with fair weather. People employed under the Boatswain, Sailmaker on the best Fore Sail. Caulker on the Water Way seams on the Upper Deck. In company with the Fleet. Lat 1.7S Long 19.8W.

Tuesday 23rd July 1805.
C&D N26W 75. Light East breezes and fine weather throughout these 24 hours. Sailmaker middle Stitching the best Main Top Sail. People employed under the Boatswain. Caulker as yesterday, other Tradesmen as necessary. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 00.10S Long 19.41W.

[Crossed the Equator]

[Page 189:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 24th July 1805.
C&D N21W 116. Moderate SbE breezes with Squalls and rain in the night. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker and Caulker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 1.33N Long 20.22W.

Thursday 25th July 1805.
C&D N11W 142. Fresh East breezes throughout with pleasant weather. People under the Boatswain making Points and Rope Bands. Sailmaker as yesterday other Tradesmen as necessary. At 2pm saw a Strange Sail standing to the SW. She hoisted American Colours and sent her Boat on Board the Admiral. At 10am Saw a strange Sail bearing ESE standing to the SW. The American went in chase, the Stranger hoisted Portuguese and sent a Boat on Board the Athenian. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 3.48N Long 20.49W.

[Page 190:]

Towards England

Friday 26th July 1805.
C&D N11W 106. First & middle parts fresh SE breezes and cloudy latter part Squally and much rain. Signal 81 to the Mediator. People & Tradesmen as necessary. Hard rain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 5.39N Long 21.9W.

Saturday 27th July 1805.
C&D N10W 85. First & middle parts variable winds with heavy rain latter part light breezes and cloudy weather. Lead Ship not in sight. AM Washed the Gun Deck Sailmaker on the Top Gallant Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 7.3N Long 21.24W.

[Page 191:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 28th July 1805.
C&D North 136. Fresh West breezes throughout with Squalls and rain at times. AM Performed Divine Service. At 9am Saw a Strange Sail bearing NNE Standing to the SW the Mediator Signal to Chase. At 11 the Mediator hove to and sent a Boat on Board the Stranger who hoisted American Colours. Water expended this week 1127 Gallons Remaining 11,649. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 9.53N Long 21.24W.

Monday 29th July 1805.
C&D North 50. Unsettled WbN weather throughout with frequent Squalls and rain. People employed as necessary. Wore Ship. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 10.43N Long 21.24W.

[Page 192:]

Towards England

Tuesday 30th July 1805.
C&D N32W 74. Variable SSE winds with Squalls and rain throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Taken aback. Admiral burnt 4 blue lights. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 11.19N Long 22.4W.

Wednesday 31st July 1805.
C&D N26W 51. Light variable breezes with unsettled weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker on the old Main Top Gallant Sail. Taken aback. Drizzling rain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 12.7N Long 22.27W.

[Page 193:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 1st August 1805.
C&D N7W 56. Light West breezes variable with cloudy weather and rain at times. People under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday. Armourer at the Forge. At 7am Saw a Strange Sail to the NE Standing to the SW under American Colours. The Admiral brought her to and sent a Boat on Board. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 12.44N Long 22.35W.

Friday 2nd August 1805.
C&D N42W 57. First part light Airs and Calms, middle & latter an increasing breeze with pleasant weather. Signal to steer NWbN. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk, Sailmaker Middle Stitching the best Main Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 13.26N Long 23.14W.

[Page 194:]

Towards England

Saturday 3rd August 1805.
C&D N40W 53. Light NEbE breezes throughout with hot sultry weather. [still PS every 2 hours] AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the best Main Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 13.32N Long 23.49W.

Sunday 4th August 1805.
C&D N79W 66. Light NNE winds with fine weather throughout. AM mustered the Ships Company and Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 1120 Gallons Remaining 10,529. In Company with the Fleet. at 13.44N Long 24.55W.

[Page 195:]

Ship True Briton

Monday 5th August 1805.
C&D N33W 39. Light Airs variable with Calms throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the best Fore Top Sail. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 14.9N Long 25.17W.

Tuesday 6th August 1805.
C&D N55W 24. First & middle parts light SW Airs and Calms, latter increasing breezes with hot sultry weather throughout. People employed overhauling the Boarding Netting. Sailmaker on the best Fore Top Sail. At Noon a Strange Sail in Sight from the Mast head bearing NE. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 14.17N Long 25.37W.

[Page 196:]

Towards England

Wednesday 7th August 1805.
C&D N72W 117. First part light NEbN breeze middle & latter part fresh Trade with cloudy weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 14.48N Long 27.33W.

Thursday 8th August 1805.
C&D N57W 110. First & Middle parts fresh NNE breezes with cloudy weather. Latter part Squally with heavy rain. People employed under the Boatswain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 15.33N Long 29.8W.

[Page 197:]

Ship True Briton

Friday 9th August 1805.
C&D N27W 149. Fresh NEbE Trade throughout with Squalls and rain in the first part. At 6am the Leech Rope of the main Top Sail broke which split the Sail, unbent it & bent the best. Sailmaker repairing the old Main Top Sail. People under the Boatswain making Points and Rope bands. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 17.34N Long 30.19W.

Saturday 10th August 1805.
C&D N28W 152. Fresh EbN Trade with pleasant weather. People employed under the Boatswain, Sailmaker as yesterday. AM The Admiral made Walmer Castle Signal to take a Ship in Tow. Captain Bond made the Signal on Inability. Signal 146 and 65 to Walmer Castle. Lat 19.43N Long 31.34W.

[Page 198:]

Towards England

Sunday 11th August 1805.
C&D N28W 139. Fresh ENE Trade with cloudy weather throughout. PM the Admiral made a Signal to the Cirencester to take a Ship in Tow. Captain Robertson answered by Telegraph that his Ship was leaky and he thought it unsafe. The Admiral replied he was offended that his Orders were not obeyed. AM Performed Divine Service. Captain Robertson replied that he did not disobey Orders but only stated truly for the Admiral’s Information. Then the Admiral made his Signal No.73. Water expended this week 1,220 Gallons Remaining 9,309. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 21.41N Long 32.44W.

Monday 12th August 1805.
C&D N28W 116. Fresh ENE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the old Main Top Sail. AM stayed the Mizzen Top Mast and Set the Rigging up. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 23.10N Long 33.44W.

[Page 199:]

Ship True Briton

Tuesday 13th August 1805.
C&D N30W 123. Pleasant ENE Trade with fine weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker as yesterday. Other Tradesmen as necessary. Signal 61 to steer North. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 24.58N Long 34.52W.

Wednesday 14th August 1805.
C&D N34W 86. A moderate EbN Trade with pleasant weather. Shifted the Main Top Sail with the old one. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker on the best Fore Top Sail. Passed by some Gulf Weed. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 26.7N Long 35.51W.

[Page 200:]

Towards England

Thursday 15th August 1805.
C&D N3W 100. A Steady ENE Trade throughout with pleasant weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker on the best Fore Top Sail. Passed by some Weed. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 27.45N Long 36.35W.

Friday 16th August 1805.
C&D N17W 97. A moderate ENE Trade with pleasant weather throughout. People employed under the Boatswain working up Junk. Sailmaker repairing the Driver. Armourer at the Forge. Passed by some Weed. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 27.20N 37.8W.

[Page 201:]

Ship True Briton

Saturday 17th August 1805.
C&D North 94. A moderate East breeze with fair weather throughout. Signal to steer NbE. At 4pm the Admiral brought the Stranger to and sent his Boat on Board her she having hoisted American Colours. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker middle Stitching the mizzen. Passed some Weed. At 11 the Admiral sent a Boat on Board the Stranger. She also hoisted American Colours. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 31.1N Long 37.8W.

Sunday 18th August 1805.
C&D N11E 85. Steady EbS breeze with pleasant weather throughout. AM Performed Divine Service, At Daylight a Strange Sail in sight Standing to the Northward. At 10am the Athenien brought the Stranger to. Passed some Weed. Water expended this week 1282 Gallons Remaining 8,128. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 32.17N Long 36.49W.

[Page 202:]

Towards England

Monday 19th August 1805.
C&D N11E 50. Light EbS winds throughout with hot sultry weather. People employed under the Boatswain, Sailmaker repairing the best Mizzen Stay Sail. AM Bent the Mizzen. The Stranger seen yesterday bearing SE. Passed by some Weed. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 33.17N Long 26.38W.

Tuesday 20th August 1805.
C&D N11E 55. Light variable ESE winds with Squalls and rain in the latter part. Passed some Weed. 3 strange Sails in sight. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 34.2N Long 35.25W.

[Page 203:]

Ship True Briton

Wednesday 21st August 1805.
C&D N21E 54. Light variable breezes throughout with hot sultry weather. Wore Ship & bore up into our Station. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the best Jib. At Noon 2 Strange Sail in sight. Passed by some Weed. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 34.21N Long 36.2W.

Thursday 22nd August 1805.
C&D N20E 90. Moderate variable breezes with much rain at times. People employed as necessary. Sailmaker Middle Stitching the Jib. Passed by some Weed. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 35.46N Long 35.23W.

[Page 204:]

Towards England

Friday 23rd August 1805.
C&D N23E 92. Light SW breezes with fine weather throughout. AM Shifted the Main Top Sail and the Top Gallant Sails with the best Ones. At 6.30pm out Signal to take Walthamstow in Tow. My Carpenter informed me it would be very unsafe to do it as the Company Cargo would be in danger of receiving damage. Made the Signal of Inability. The Admiral fired 3 shots and made my Signal to come within hail. At 7.30pm Walthamstow hailed me and said it was the Admiral’s Orders that I should take her in Tow. I replied at would be very unsafe to do so as the Ship was making much Water and am obliged to Pump every two hours, and that I was going to inform the Admiral of it. At 8am I hailed the Admiral and told him that I did not think it safe or prudent to take the Walthamstow in Tow as my Ship was making much Water and very weak about the Counter and Stern. The Admiral replied he did not think so, In Company with the Fleet. Lat 37.0N Long 34.39W.

Saturday 24th August 1805.
C&D N19E 108. A moderate SSE breeze with fine weather throughout. AM Washed the Gun Deck. Sailmaker repairing the old Fore top Gallant Sail. At 10am made the Signal to send a Boat on Board the Admiral with a letter to communicate the true State of my Ship and also to inform him of my reason for hoisting the Signal of Inability to his Signal for me to take the Walthamstow in Tow least he might attribute it to disobedience of Orders. He answered in the Negative. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 38.36N Long 33.54W.

[Page 205:]

Ship True Briton

Sunday 25th August 1805.
C&D N10E 77. Light SE breezes with fine weather and Smooth Water. AM Performed Divine Service. Water expended this week 1, 313 Gallons Remaining 6,815. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 39.44N Long 32.52W.

Monday 26th August 1805.
C&D N31E 35. Light SE Airs and Calms with hot sultry weather throughout. At 9pm Departed this Life Charles Bampton Seaman. People employed under the Boatswain. Sailmaker repairing the old Fore Top Gallant Sail. Gunner painting the Ship. At 8am Committed the Body of the Deceased to the Deep. At 10am the weather being Calm took the Opportunity to Send my letter of the 23rd Inst with the Carpenters Report on Board the Trident. At Noon the Boat returned with a letter from Captain Page saying that the Admiral is of the same Opinion it was on the night. I hailed the Trident. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 40.36N Long 32.28W.

[Page 206:]

Towards England

Tuesday 27th August 1805.
C&D S71E 37. Light breezes variable throughout with pleasant weather. [still PS every 2 hours] Gunner painting the Ship. AM Condemned the old Fore Top Sail. Sailmaker repairing the old Main Top Gallant Sail. People employed under the Boatswain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 40.11N Long 31.42W.

Wednesday 28th August 1805.
C&D N41E 76. First & Middle parts light variable winds later part a Steady breeze with fine weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 41.10N Long 30.36W.

[Page 207:]

Ship True Briton

Thursday 29th August 1805.
C&D N56E Steady SbE breeze throughout with cloudy weather. People employed under the Boatswain. Signal 146 to the Ceres. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 42.39N Long 27.26W.

Friday 30th August 1805.
C&D N63E 153. Fresh South breeze with fine weather throughout. At 2pm Saw a Strange Sail to the East under American Colours. At 4the Admiral sent a Boat on board the Stranger. AM Shifted the Main Sail and Fore Sail with the best, also the Fore Stay Sail, Main Top Mast Stay Sail and Mizzen Stay Sail with the best. WSW rain. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 44.0N Long 24.20W.

[Page 208:]

Towards England

Saturday 31st August 1805.
C&D N23E 60. First & Middle parts NNW light variable winds latter fresh breezes with thick hazy weather. AM Washed the gun Deck. Heavy weather & rain. Signal 53 & 95 by the Atheniene At Noon the Admiral not in Sight but 37 Ships in Company. Lat 44.56N Long 23.47W.

Sunday 1st September 1805.
C&D N66E 146. Strong breeze throughout with thick hazy weather and rain at times. The weather being unsettled could not Perform Divine Service. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 25.48N Long 20.39W.

[Page 209:]

Ship True Briton

Monday 2nd September 1805.
C&D N53E First & Middle parts SW thick rain weather. Latter part a Strong breeze with fine weather. Admiral a Gun every 2 hours. No Ship in sight. A blue light North. The Ships in Company are the Canton, Cuffnells, Marquis of Ely & Dover Castle Indiamen, and Monarch, Sovereign, Sir William Bennesley [Bensley] and some Extra Ships and Active Whaler. At Daylight 8 Ships in sight. At 8, 10 Ships in sight. Admiral not in sight. Wore Signal steer WNW. Wore per Signal. Lat 46.30N Long 19.20W.

Tuesday 3rd September 1805.
C&D N76E 134. First & Middle parts fresh NNW breezes latter part light winds with pleasant weather. A Strange Sail bearing ESE. Our signal to close. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 46.53N Long 17.21W.

[Page 210:]

Towards England

Wednesday 4th September 1805.
C&D N63E 118. First part light breezes and fair Middle and latter parts fresh breezes with Squalls and rain at times. Gave up the Chase and Wore Ship for the Fleet. Burnt a blue Light answered by Canton. At 11am made Signal for seeing a strange Sail bearing ENE. AM Signal to Chase. Lat 47.35N Long 14.7W.

Thursday 5th September 1805.
C&D N63E 173. Hove to & sent a Boat on Board the Stranger. Made Sail. First part fresh breezes Middle & Latter strong Gale with Squalls and rain. Made Signal 145 to the Canton. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 48.44N Long 10.57W.

[Page 211:]

Ship True Briton towards England

Friday 6th September 1805.
C&D N79E 186. Fresh Gale with hard Squalls and rain throughout. Split the Fore Top Sail Shifted it with the best and set it close reefed. A Strange Fleet ENE. People employed under the Boatswain bending the Cables. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 49.20N Long 6.20W.

Saturday 7th September 1805.
C&D N80E 178. First & Middle parts strong WbS breezes with Squalls and rain at times, latter part moderate breezes with pleasant weather. PM Unstowed the Anchor. AM Washed the Gun Deck. At 10am made Signal for seeing Land bearing NNW, which I take to be the Lizard. Several Strange Sails in Sight. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 49.42N Long 2.6West

[Page 212:]

Ship True Briton up Channel

Sunday 8th September 1805.
C&D N73E Strong West breezes throughout with hazy weather. At 2pm the Land Bore North to NE. At 6pm the extremes of the Land from NbE to NEbE. At 5am Saw the Isle of Wight bearing NE distance 12 or 13 miles. At 6am the Needles Point NbW, St Catherine’s Point NE. Dunnose NEbE, the Body of the Island NNE. At 8 Hove to off Dunnose, at 9 took a Pilot on Board and sent the Packet on Shore per Purser. At Noon Brighton ENE, Little Hampton [Littlehampton] North the extremes of the Land EbN to NWbN. AM Unstowed the Sheet Anchor. In Company with the Fleet. Lat 50.32N 2.6E.

Sunday (Continued).
At 4pm West fair Beachy Head NbW the High Land of Fair Lee [Farleigh] NEbE½E distance off shore 5 or 6 miles. At 6pm Beachy Head WbN WbN, Farleigh NE½E. distance off shore 7 or 8 miles. At 7pm saw Dungeness Light bearing EbN½N. At 8pm the South Foreland light bearing NEbE the Dungeness Light NNE. At 10pm passed the South Foreland and at 11 came to in the Downs with the best Bower veered away to half a Cable Service, when at Anchor bearings South Foreland SW½W, Walmer Castle West, North Foreland NEbE in 9 Fathoms Water. This log contained 36 hours and ends at Midnight to commence Harbour Logs.

[End of Sea Log]

[Start of Harbour Log]

[Page 213:]

Ship True Briton towards Long Reach

Monday 9th September 1805.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. At 3am Came on Board Lieutenant Lewis of HMS Ariadne and impressed 32 of the Ships Company. At 7pm received 30 Ticket Men. AM received Beef, Beer, Bread and Vegetables for the Ships Company. AM Came on Board Mr Kenney Pilot and took charge of the Ship.

Tuesday 10th.
Light West breezes with pleasant weather. At 4am Weighed and made Sail. At Noon North Foreland SWbW. At 1pm came to with the best Bower in 10 Fathoms Water. The Buoy of Margate Sand SSW about 1½ miles. North Foreland SbE.

Wednesday 11th September.
Light West winds. At 8am Weighed and made Sail and worked up the Nobs Hole. At 2pm came to with the best Bower in 8 Fathoms Water. East Oose Buoy NWbW, Nab Buoy SE.

Thursday 12th.
Light breezes with fine weather. At 9am Weighed and worked up to the Nore. At 3pm came to with the best Bower and veered away to the half Cable Service. PM Sealed the Guns. Came on Board a Lieutenant and pressed William Tomlin Boatswain Mate and George James Seaman.

Friday 13th September 1805.
Moderate West breezes with fine weather. At 9am Weighed and worked up to the Hope Point and came to with the best Bower in 8 Fathoms Water, the Tide being done.

[Page 214:]

[Two Sheets received 22 November 1805]

Ship True Briton

Continuation of Captain Hughes’ Journal.

Saturday14th September 1805.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. At 1am weighed and worked up to Gravesend Reach. At 4 Came to with the best Bower in 7 Fathoms Water. At 8am Came on Board Mr Slaney and took charge of the Ship for Mr Kenney Pilot to take the Ship to Long Reach. At 9 Weighed and worked up into Long Reach. At 4pm came to with the best Bower and Moored Ship with half a Cable on the best Bower and a whole Cable on the best Bower about half way up Long Reach.

Sunday 15th.
Light winds with pleasant weather throughout. Received 10 Lumpers.

Monday 16th.
Light East winds with fine weather, AM hoisted out the Long Boat. Came alongside a Craft for the Guns, employed delivering them. PM Mr Pace came on Board and saw the Hatchways opened.

Tuesday 17th.
Fresh breezes with pleasant weather, employed delivering Sundry Stores. 1pm Came alongside the Richmond Lighter for Company’s Cargo. Employed loading her and delivering the Gun Powder.

Wednesday 18th.
East winds with pleasant weather. AM dispatched the Richmond Lighter. Employed getting the Booms out and delivering Stores. Draft of Water 20.3 aft 20.2 fwd.

Thursday 19th.
Fresh SE breezes with hard Squalls and rain, AM washed the Gun Deck. Struck the Royal Yards and Masts, no Craft alongside. Received five Chinese that were sent on Board the Cuffnells at St Helena.

Friday 20th.
Moderate breezes with fine weather throughout, employed clearing the Lazaretto. Discharged 12 Lumpers.

Saturday 21st.
Strong South breezes with fine weather, loosed the Stay Sails to dry and unbent them otherwise as necessary.

Sunday 22nd.
Strong breezes throughout with much rain in the Fore & Middle part.

Monday 23rd.
Moderate breezes with thick hazy weather and rain at times. Employed loading the Elizabeth Hoy. At Noon loaded her with 595 Chests of Tea.

Tuesday 24th.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. AM Loosed Sails to dry. No Craft alongside.

[Page 215:]

Wednesday 25th September 1805.
Light breezes with fine weather. Loaded and dispatched the Nile Lighter with Hon Coys Cargo and Private Trade. Draft of Water 19.6 fwd 20.6 aft.

Thursday 26th.
Light breezes with fine weather throughout. AM Washed the Gun Deck, otherwise as necessary.

Friday 27th.
Light breezes with pleasant weather throughout. Employed delivering some Small Stores.

Saturday 28th.
Light winds with fine weather. Employed as necessary. No craft down.

Sunday 29th.
Fresh South breezes with pleasant weather.

Monday 30th.
Moderate breezes with fine weather throughout. No craft down.

Tuesday 1st October 1805.
Fresh breezes with pleasant weather. Employed as necessary.

Wednesday 2nd.
Strong SE breezes with cloudy weather throughout.

Thursday 3rd.
Wind & weather as yesterday. At Noon came alongside the Hume Lighter, loaded and dispatched her at 4pm.

Friday 4th.
Strong SE Gale with fine weather throughout.

Saturday 5th.
Light breezes with fine weather. AM mended the Service of the best Bower Cable. No craft down. Draft of Water 19.3 fwd 19.8 aft.

Sunday 6th.
Light Airs & Calms with fine weather throughout.

Monday 7th.
Light variable winds with fine weather. Loaded & dispatched the Hume Lighter with Hon Coys Teas,

Tuesday 8th.
Fresh breezes with thick cloudy weather throughout and some rain at times. No Craft alongside. Draft of Water 18.9 fwd 19.11 aft.

Wednesday 9th.
Moderate East breezes with thick cloudy weather and rain at night.

Thursday 10th.
Strong breezes with cloudy weather and much rain in the Night.

Friday 11th.
Moderate breezes with cloudy weather. Loosed Top Gallant Sails to dry.

Saturday 12th.
Light breezes with fine weather. Loosed Sails to dry.

Sunday 13th.
Fresh breezes with cloudy weather and rain.

Monday 14th.
Moderate breezes with cloudy weather. Mended the Service of the best Bower Cable.

[Page 216:]

Tuesday 15th October 1805.
First & Middle parts cloudy with much rain latter fine weather. Sent empty Butts on Shore. Draft of Water 18.8 fwd 20.0 aft.

Wednesday 16th.
Fresh breezes with cloudy weather and rain at times. At 1pm came alongside the Surat Hoy.

Thursday 17th.
Fresh breezes variable. Employed loading the Surat Hoy & at 8am Dispatched her.

Friday 18th.
Light breezes with fine weather. AM cleared Hawse and loosed Sails to dry.

Saturday 19th./
Light breezes with fine weather throughout. No Craft down.

Sunday 20th.
Light breezes with fine weather throughout.

Monday 21st/.
Light East breezes with fine pleasant weather. At 7am Came along side the Liberty Lighter. Employed loading her. At 10am dispatched her with the Hon Coys Teas. Draft of Water 18.6 fwd 19.5 aft.

Tuesday 22nd.
Strong breezes with fine weather throughout.

Wednesday 23rd.
Strong breezes with fine weather throughout. Washed & cleaned the Ship.

Thursday 24th.
Strong breezes with cloudy weather and much rain in the latter part. At 6am Came alongside the Liberty Lighter. At 10am loaded and dispatched her. At 4pm Came alongside the Carnatic Hoy.

Friday 25th.
Wind & weather as yesterday. T 10am loaded and dispatched the Carnatic. At 4pm Came alongside the Sarah Bolt Lighter. Draft of Water 18.3 aft 18.7 fwd.

Saturday 26th.
First & Middle parts moderate breezes with cloudy weather latter much rain. At 10am loaded & dispatched the Sarah Bolt Lighter. At 6am came alongside the Sarah Bolt Lighter loaded and dispatched her at 4pm.

Sunday 27th.
Fresh breezes with thick weather and rain. At 7am came on Board Mr Slaney Pilot with 35 men to take the Ship to Blackwall. At 8 unmoored at 12 Weighed and made Sail. At 3pm came to at Blackwall dropped alongside the Tier lashed there and took in our Junks.

Monday 28th.
Moderate breezes with cloudy weather and rain in the latter part. Employed delivering Teas on acct of the Hon Coy.

Tuesday 29th.
Fresh breezes with cloudy weather and rain in the latter part. Employed loading the Woodford Hoy with the Hon Coys Teas.

[Page 217:]

Wednesday 30th October 1805.
Moderate breezes with fine weather, loosed Sails to dry and unbent them also delivering Hon coys Teas.

Thursday 31st October 1805.
Moderate breezes with fine weather. Employed delivering Cargo. Riggers unrigging the Ship.

Friday 1st November 1805.
Moderate breezes with fine weather, Riggers striking the Top Masts & stripping the Ship.

Saturday 2nd.
Wind & weather as yesterday, loaded and dispatched the Woodford with Tea on acct of the Hon coy. Riggers stripping the Ship.

Sunday 3rd.
Wind from the West with fine weather throughout.

Monday 4th.
Light variable winds with pleasant weather. Employed delivering Tea on acct of the Hon Coy and stripping the Ship. Draft of Water 18.2 aft 16.2 fwd.

Tuesday 5th.
Light NW breezes with fair weather. Employed delivering Tea on acct of the Hon Coy, loaded & dispatched the Charles Lighter.

Wednesday 6th.
Moderate breezes with thick hazy weather, loaded and dispatched the Lighter with Tea on acct of the Hon Coy. Draft of Water 16.2 fwd 16 feet aft.

Thursday 7th.
Light winds with thick unpleasant weather. AM Washed the Gun Deck otherwise employed delivering our Cables and other Small Stores, No craft alongside.

Friday 8th.
Wind & weather as yesterday. Employed delivering Tea on acct of the Hon Coy, loaded & dispatched the Liberty Lighter.

Saturday 9th.
East wind with thicj weather. Loaded and dispatched the William Pitt Lighter with Hon Coy’s Cargo. AM Hove up the small Bower Anchor and Raised the Cable in.

Sunday 10th.
< Light winds with cold weather throughout. At 8am Mr Slaney Pilot came on Board and Shifted the Ship to the Moorings higher up the River.

Monday 11th.
Wind & weather as yesterday. Employed delivering Tea on acct of the Hon Coy, loaded & dispatched the Bombay Lighter. Draft of Water 15.6 fwd 16 feet aft.

Thursday 12th.
Fresh East breezes with thick weather. Employed delivering Tea on acct of the Hon Coy, loaded & dispatched the Calcutta Hoy.

[Page 218:]

Wednesday 13th November 1805.
Wind & weather as yesterday. M came alongside the Canton Hoy for Cargo employed loading her.

Thursday 14th.
East wind with pleasant weather, loaded and dispatched the Canton Hoy with Hon Coys Teas,

Friday 15th.
Fresh breezes with pleasant weather, employed loading the Inglis Hoy on acct of the Hon Coy.

Saturday 16th.
East wind with pleasant weather, loaded and dispatched the Inglis Hoy with Tea on acct of the Hon Coy. PM Came alongside the Madras Hoy.

Sunday 17th.
East wind with fine pleasant weather throughout.

Monday 18th.
Moderate breezes with hazy weather. Employed delivering Hon Coys Cargo.

Tuesday 19th.
Light winds with thick Fog. Delivered the Hon Coys Cargo. Employed clearing the Limbers.

Wednesday 20th.
Light winds with fair weather. At 4pm Mr Flood Inspector came on Board and cleared the Ship.

This is the continuation of my original Journal.

H. Hughes [signed]

Witness: C. Collingwood. [signed]

[Page 219 blank]

END OF LOG

THE ILLUSTRATION IN THIS JOURNAL.

The chance survival of these fascinating illustrations (Farrington also notes that the Journal of the HCS ship Neptune possessed a copy of them), give us an insight into the care taken in attempting to place the ships into a defensible array. With the vagaries of the wind, tacking, speeds and manoeuvrability of the various craft involved, a good deal of sail adjusting and steering to tailor for the slowest craft within the Convoy must have been involved with instructions from the Admiral to increase speed or take another craft in tow. This was particularly the case on the return journey from St Helena back to England when there were many more craft.

We were at war with France and the Convoy, amounting to thirteen ships, had to be protected. It left the Motherbank off the Isle of Wight on 30th May 1804 under the Royal Navy escort ship HMS Atheniene, which stayed with the fleet throughout its long voyage to China and the Far East.

On the return to England a large number of ships gathered at St Helena. The Convoy set sail on the 12th July 1805 for the return leg back to England. It was large, amounting to 39 merchant ships and three Royal Navy escorts, HMS Atheniene, HMS Trident (the Vice-Admiral's ship) and HMS Mediator (at times a store ship). The following illustrations relate to the outward-bound convoy and its return in the following year.

The fact that these instructions have survived in the journals of the True Briton and the Neptune suggests that they had been distributed to at least some ships in the fleet. How normal and who or where they were commissioned is not known. The likelihood is that they were produced on board HMS Atheniene as she was the only Royal Navy ship to have accompanied the fleet throughout. Captain Fayerman was her commander, Vice-Admiral Rainier was on board HMS Trident and only joined the fleet at St Helena. We shall probably never know by whom they were produced, probably an officer on board the Atheniene, but he had some skill and probably had a draftsman or artists training. In the log of the Georgiana, on Friday 27th March 1807, is written 'Commadore (on HMS Sampson) telegraph signal to erase out of the order of sailing'. This suggests again that there was an order of sailing given to the convoy.

To keep the Convoy together the Royal Navy escorts had to be able to identify each ship from afar. These sheets enabled the fleet, within reason, to keep in touch by flying various pendants and jacks in various positions. A tabular pendant board was probably kept on board the Athenienne on which two or more pendants were assigned to each ship in the Convoy.

Taking the pendant below as an example, it was used on three ships: the True Briton on its main, Experiment on its fore, Tottenham on its mizen; at times a combination of the flags was used. What a majestic sight it must have been to see this fleet of ship with its sails, pendants and flags on the open ocean.

One illustration appears on page 18 and the remainder at the back of the Journal. The first two sheets deal with the outward-bound order of sailing.

The last three sheets relate to the return journey from St Helena. The names of the commanders have been added by the Editors.

Sheet 2: Note the difference sizes of the various ships depicted their corresponding tonnage along with the 'Flag' ship Trident.

Sheet 3: Note slight variations in the beautifully illustrated little ships, in particular the vignette of the ship Active, near the bottom or left of the page which is depicted as two masted. It is believed that these vignettes are individually tailored to help the officers identify a ship in the Convoy. The True Briton towards the bottom or on the right and the flag ship Trident have a particularly resplendent array of flags and pendants.

A useful source for flags, pendants Etc.is: British Flags and their early history by W.G. Perrin, Pub: Cambridge UP, 1922.

OUTWARD BOUND CONVOY:-


NAME FLAG CAPTAIN NAME FLAG CAPTAIN NAME FLAG CAPTAIN

Alnwick Castle HCS Charles E Prescott Arniston HCS James Jameson Atheniene HMS Francis Fayerman

Ceres HCS William Dunsford Cuffnells HCS Henry Halkett Experiment HCS Peter Campbell

Lord Eldon HCS Jasper Swete Neptune HCS William Donaldson Perseverance HCS James Tweedale

Royal Charlotte HCS Richard Francklin Taunton Castle HCS Thomas B Pierce Tottenham HCS James Dalrimple

True Briton HCS Henry Hughes






INWARD BOUND CONVOY:-


NAME FLAG CAPTAIN NAME FLAG CAPTAIN NAME FLAG CAPTAIN

Active Whaler ----- Alexander HCS John R Franklin Alnwick Castle HCS Charles E Prescott

Arniston HCS James Jameson Atheniene HMS Francis Fayerman Asia HCS Henry P Tremenheere

Bengal HCS Adam Cumine Canton HCS Thomas Lushington Ceres HCS William Dunsford

Cirencester HCS Thomas Robertson Cuffnells HCS Henry Halkett Dover Castle HCS George Richardson

Earl St Vincent HCS John Brook Samson Experiment HCS Peter Campbell Fame HCS John V Baker

Ganges HCS Williuam Moffat Georgiana HCS John Luard Glatton HCS James Halliburton

Lady Burgess HCS Archibald F W Swinton Lady Jane Dundas HCS Hon Hugh Lindsay Lord Castlereagh HCS George Robertson

Lord Nelson HCS Wemyss Orok Marquis of Ely HCS Andrew Hannay Marchioness of Exeter HCS Alexander Nash

Marquis Wellesley HCS Charles Le Blanc Mediator HMS Sir T Livingstone Monarch HCS Stephen Hawes

Neptune HCS William Donaldson Ocean HCS John Mertho Perseverance HCS James Tweedale

Recovery Whaler ----- Royal Charlotte HCS Richard Francklin Sir William Bensley HCS Robert Rhode

Sovereign HCS Richard Meriton Taunton Castle HCS Thomas B Pierce Thames HCS John Skottowe

Trident HMS Captain Page True Briton HCS Henry Hughes Walmer Castle HCS Henry Bond

Walthamstow HCS Donald Macleod Winchelsea HCS Walter Campbell

The forty two ships that sailed from St Helena did not include the ship Lord Eldon under Captain Jasper Swete, which only reached St Helena in September 1805.


Order of sailing for the Convoy from England
under the Command of HMS Atheniene.


Order of sailing and defence for the Convoy from St Helena.


Order of defence under Vice Admiral Rainier with HMS Trident.


Order of sailing to England.


Order of sailing to England.

The Ledger & Pay Book for this voyage has not been transcribed.

APPENDIX 1

Glossary of Abbreviations and Terms.

This section is now in a separate page of its own under:
Glossary.

APPENDIX 2

Bibliography.

This section is now in a separate page of its own under:
Bibliography.