Thursday, 28th August.—Cleared the Heads at 10.30 a.m. and at 11 a.m. the pilot left us. We passed Lake Liptrap about 9 p.m. and shortly afterwards carried away our port fore topmast studding sail boom, by which accident two men stationed at the look-out had a narrow escape of losing their lives.
Sunday, 31st August.—Lat. 46° 30′ S., long. 158° 46′ E. Distance 313 miles. Wind strong from N.W. We have been going 15 and 16 knots, astonishing all on board, particularly those passengers who have hitherto sailed in London clippers.
Monday, 1st September.—Lat. 49° 39′ S., long. 166° 35′ E. Distance 366 miles. Thick weather and drizzling rain, sun obscured. At 5 p.m. breakers on the lee (starboard) bow were unexpectedly observed, which by some at first were supposed to be icebergs; they soon, however, appeared to be rocks and high land loomed darkly in the background.
The ship was immediately hauled to the wind, when a bold bluff appeared through the fog on the weather bow. The helm was then put down and, contrary to the expectations of all on board, our ship came round; when all sails were trimmed she headed to clear the rocks. But the wind having fallen light and a heavy sea rolling towards the shore, a fearful period of suspense ensued. Thanks to the wonderful powers of our noble ship, she gathered headway and gradually passed the weathermost rocks. The prompt and cool conduct of our worthy captain, his officers and men cannot be too highly praised, as the smallest error or delay in the issue and execution of the order would have involved the certain destruction of the ship. On getting clear of the danger, the captain informed us that the rocks were the Bristows, off Enderby’s Island, near the Aucklands.
(Captain Enright allowed 40 miles for the usual southerly set, but, as the occasion proved, this was not enough.)
Tuesday, 9th September.—Lat 55° 08′ S., long. 148° 56′ W. Distance 208 miles. Wind increasing, ship scudding at 16 and 17 knots with all studding sails alow and aloft set.
Wednesday, 10th September.—Lat. 55° 33′ S., long. 138° 33′ W. Distance 355 miles. During the night our fore and main topgallant stunsails were split and also the main skysail, which was immediately unbent and replaced by a new one. Wind veering from W. to W.S.W., very cold with sleet showers. At 9 a.m. an iceberg was sighted right ahead. It was measured by Mr. Bartlett and found to be 420 feet high.
Wednesday, 17th September.—Lat. 57° 18′ S., long. 83° 28′ W. Distance 328 miles. The ship rolled much as she scudded under her topsails and courses with, at times only, the fore and main topgallant sails. We all know it must blow hard before our main royal and mizen topgallant sail are furled.
Thursday, 18th September.—Lat. 57° 35′ S., long. 74° 48′ W. Distance 377 miles.