MONDAY, OCTOBER 6TH.
Did not get up till eight as I had not slept so well in consequence of the ship rolling a good deal. Found we have only been going five or six knots during the night. All forenoon the wind light, not more than 4 knots per hour. Went upon deck after nine and was much amused at seeing the porpoises; some could be heard at a distance pushing through the water and soon pass the ship; others would come close to the vessel sometimes two abreast, then would separate and one come with such force that I thought I could almost feel it hit the vessel. Played at Shuffleboard which is done by sliding circular boards upon nine squares with figures making 15 each way.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH.
Did not rise till eight; a brilliant morning but found as expected, that we had had only light winds and made little progress through the night. A most delightful day, sunshine with fair wind. At five, a cry of "Land," we instantly went on deck and observed the Irish coast dimly on the horizon. Read the remainder of the "Youth's Letter Writer," and also Hamilton's "Men and Manners," also Meredith's "Orations." Soon after seeing the land I began to think of my late father and wept to think I should see him no more to relate my wonderful adventures. The wind has been favourable all day and improved still more since noon. About half past six we perceived a lighthouse supposed to be at Kinsale.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8TH.
Rose at six; found we had been going well all night; were then passing some high land called Saltees[34]. Two vessels astern, one inward, the other outward bound. Heard the Captain up several times. Passed Tuskar lighthouse at eight; one or two towers and several white cottages. Passed Holyhead at five o'clock about five miles off. A glorious sail all day till half past five, then the sky assumed a stormy aspect, the clouds dark and flying in different directions. At half past six a lighthouse hoisted us a signal for a pilot. In about fifteen minutes a light was observed which the Captain said was from a pilot's boat. In ¼ of an hour after the boat came up and sent off a small boat alongside, when a lusty pilot was at length pulled up into our ship. He brought a newspaper, Whitehaven, 15th July. Immediately the sail was hauled in so that it scarcely moved, though the gale had considerably increased; though a clumsy sort of fellow we all felt easier and no doubt shall sleep better. On coming opposite we hoisted signal 292 which is the number of the Hibernia.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9TH.
Last night the pilot came into the cabin at half past ten, and reported the gale to have abated. I turned in immediately to sleep on the favourable intelligence. At twelve, the gale again increased but I was unconscious. Rose before seven; found the wind still favourable. Passing Great Orme's Head; two or three vessels about us, one the Archer that I saw at Quebec, we passed close by. At half past ten a boat came up with four men to assist us in landing. They left Liverpool at twelve and therefore exposed to the gale and all for 17/6. So true as Goldsmith says, "One half the world does not know how the other half lives"; the boat 6½ yards long and only about one foot above the water abaft. Another boat comes alongside; arrived opposite to Prince's Dock a little before two; was nearly an hour in raising it, and then so long in hauling it into dock that I did not get ashore till half past three, too late to pass the Customs house this evening. The first person I saw on shore known to me was young Crook, then Miss Crook and Mary Ann Marsden. Went to the Crooked Billet and engaged a bed; put the letter into the Liverpool Post Office from Mr. Webster and called with Mr. Bowker's letter, but found the Aunt gone from home. Spent the evening at Mr. Crook's.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10TH.
Changed a 2¾ dollars into 11/2; paid my bill at the Crooked Billet, 3/6 for wine, bed and breakfast and servants; went to Custom House; paid for box of insects 1/6, not duty but entrance fee, 1/- for porterage from packet, they wanted much more, 6d. for calling a car, the carman asked 3/6 but on refusing he consented to take 2/6; not allowed to enter the yard therefore paid another 6d. to the porter, leaving me only 2/6 and the fare to Bolton was 4/-. I looked out for some person I knew. I spoke to a man that I thought was attached to the Bolton Branch, but he did not prove so. Went to the office to desire that I might pay at Bolton; he declined. I asked a lady but she shyed off, and it seemed as if I must stay till the afternoon's train. Luckily another gentleman who was quite a stranger, said he would give me 5/-, he never lent to strangers. The attendant at the Bolton Branch knew me and I borrowed the money and paid my friend indeed, and should have been glad to have asked him to dinner, but he was somewhat intoxicated. He wrote his name and asked me to call upon him at Birmingham, and enquire for Jack Norton.