Sunday, 5th April.—Lat. 45° 54′ S., long. 93° 31′ E. Distance 326 miles. Yesterday afternoon the fore topmast stunsail boom snapped like a carrot, the sail shook itself to pieces, then its yard dashed through the main topgallant sail, tore it, then tore a large hole in the main topsail.
Monday, 6th April.—Lat. 45° 34′ S., long. 99° 40′ E. Distance 260 miles. A fine day with the wind still dead aft. The sea is not so high as was yesterday, but the rolling of the ship brings it often very near our ports. The Lightning is, however, a very dry ship, and it is extraordinary
how few seas we have shipped. She rolled tremendously last night, her feelings appeared to be hurt, for she creaked piteously.
Thursday, 9th April.—Lat. 45° 34′ S., long. 118° 03′ E. Distance 302 miles. The spanker boom broke adrift and tore a large piece out of the starboard rail to the eminent peril of every person on deck, but also of the printing office of the Lightning Gazette.
Wednesday, 15th April.—7 a.m., Cape Otway bore N. 4¾° E., 30 miles. About 10 we signalised the William Miles on the other tack. We have run from the line to Cape Otway in 35 days 15 hours—9449 miles.
Thursday, 16th April.—Entered Port Phillip Heads at 8 a.m., having completed the passage in 69 days 6 hours.
Melbourne to Liverpool, 1857.
Saturday, 9th May.—We came on board the good ship Lightning and find her busily preparing for her journey, with steamers and lighters alongside, discharging their contents on to her decks. Passengers, their friends and luggage all pouring on board, amidst the noises of the sailors, the cackling and crowing of poultry innumerable, the squeaking of pigs and the occasional altercations of watermen; while, at the after end of the vessel, may be observed sundry small sealed boxes, many of them seemingly of ponderous weight, being lowered into their place of safety and containing the precious metal that has made Australia so famous.
Sunday, 10th May.—Got underweigh at 7 o’clock with the assistance of two steam tugs and slowly moved from Hobson’s Bay. Wind light and calm. At dusk we anchored off the Lightship.