Mrs. R. discusses navigation

The voyage of the convict transport Friendship from Capetown to the coast of New Holland, told from the point of view of the captain's wife

[December 26, 1799] On the second day, we spoke the Sir Edward Hughes, from Madras, having three other Indiamen in company; they had no news, but said they had met with very bad weather, off Lagullas Bank, for fourteen days past, and only made progress as the current impelled them against the wind. 

For five or six days after this, we experienced very bad weather ourselves, notwithstanding the wind was fair, and the ship running at the rate of from 140 to 150 miles in the 24 hours, with only the foresail set. Still we suffered; for during that time nothing could be cooked as the high sea came rolling in at both sides of the ship, constantly filling the decks with water; as for myself, if the best dressed victuals had been placed before me, I could not have looked at it, being sadly sea-sick the whole time. 

During the gale, the captain lost three fine horses, and a great quantity of other live stock; the only apprehensions they had, were of the helm-ropes breaking, but a kind Providence took care of us.

The late gales appeared to be the last blast of the old year; for the first day of 1800 was ushered in by fine settled weather; that the new years might be propitious to the poor prisoners, the captain ordered the fetters to be taken off an additional number of the best behaved amongst them, promising the rest, that if their conduct merited well, as soon as land was seen on the coast of New Holland, every prisoner should then be released from his irons, but that all depended upon a proper subordinate behaviour. Several of them had been relieved from the weight of fetters shortly after we left Ireland, and continued so all the voyage, having conducted themselves with every propriety. It was fortunate both for themselves and us, that there were amongst them men of education and sense; who doubtless contributed to restrain the others from evil and violence; one [Rev. James Dixon] was said to be a Roman-Catholic clergyman, and we trusted that his influence was beneficial.

After setting things a little to rights, from the derangement caused by the late gales; being at sea, one evening the captain said, he should next day have some of his stores up which the shipped waves had reached to dry. I seldom interfered or spoke on such a subject; but, in this instance, could not help observing, that if they intended drying any thing tomorrow, they would most likely be disappointed, for it would be wet, telling them I judged from my barometer, which was the little turtle, which had kept at the bottom of the tumbler all the evening. They laughed at my remarks; but so it turned out; as, for several days after, we had many squalls of wind and much rain. I was hence frequently asked about the weather, Whether it would be rain, or sunshine? This living barometer of mine did not always foretell the changes in the atmosphere exactly; but three times out of five it did so, when enquiry was made, but observing it: sometimes it happened never to be thought of, for days together; but it always had a few flies thrown in daily by one of the servants, for that was a kind of stock we had a most abundant supply of.

We were now in the neighborhood of the islands called Amsterdam and St. Paul; but as the weather was unsettled, with squalls and rain, it was judged proper to pass to the south of them. The gunner of our ship had been formerly in an Indiaman which called at these islands, where they found some men that had been left there by an American, to procure seal-skins. These men had been upon the islands five months, and had procured many skins; they had no desire to leave the place, saying they knew their own ship would call for them. In narrating their local adventures, they informed the Indiaman alluded to, that at first they had been much alarmed, supposing the place was haunted, hearing strange rumbling noises, but afterwards discovered it was occasioned by earthquakes, to which, from their frequency, they had become accustomed. There are upon Amsterdam hot springs, running into a pond, in which these men cooked the eggs of the wild sea birds which they caught. The Indiaman gave them two bags of biscuits, a little spirits, some shoes, and other little necessaries; these recluses appeared reconciled to their situation, and were left as they wished.

Having still strong winds from the western quarter, the ship went on at a great rate each day, until we drew near Van Dieman’s Land; but it so happened that the ship had gone upwards of 300 miles farther than the log measured, since leaving the Cape, which was found out by the moon’s distance from the sun and stars. This frequently caused altercations between the chief and second mates; the latter, who had been always employed in the West India trade, knew nothing of finding the ship’s place by observation, and always treated such science as erroneous. 

It happened one night, that the captain and chief mate got what they called good sights of the moon and some stars; and their first calculation was confirmed next day by observing the sun and moon’s distance, which enabled them to know the exact position of the ship: in consequence of which the chief mate, after dinner, asked the captain if they should prepare the anchors and cables, as it was expected the land would be seen next day. The captain answered yes; but the second mate was so positive that his own reckoning was right, that he offered to lay any wager that the ship was 400 miles farther from the land than they supposed. The captain had often, on the voyage, tried to persuade him to have confidence in the lunar observations, but to no purpose. The anchors were, however, got ready, and people looking out from the masts’ heads, before night, for the land; at the same time the ship was put under a reduced sail during the night.

After dark, we were surprised to see many luminous blazes or flashes in the water, a little under the surface, near the ship; it was not fish, for when the flash was emitted, it appeared stationary for a few seconds, and then disappeared. This was not confined to a single object, as at times eight or ten corruscations were seen in different directions at the same instant. As the substance causing these appearances was not seen, it cannot be farther described; they were termed in the logbook, Van Dieman’s Water Lanthorns, from our vicinity to the land of that name; for next morning, 23d February at daylight, it was descried, very much to the disappointment of Mr. Macdonald, who said, it must be some new discovery, and not New Hollands.  

However he afterwards was convinced; for the captain observed in a jocular manner, that if it was the southern extremity of New Holland, a ship would very soon be discovered; for the last time he passed this place one was stationary off the south cape; he had scarcely done speaking, when the men on the yards, letting reefs out of the sails, called out that they saw a ship on the bow. The captain replied, “Very well;” but told Mr. Muirhead, what was taken for a ship, was only a perpendicular rock, and had been called the Eddystone, by Captain Cook, from its likeness to the lighthouse of that name in the British Channel.

Mrs. R. visits Capetown, 1799

Camp Cove, Capetown, John Wilson Carmichael

[1799] We were now fast approaching the southern extremity of Africa; and had the satisfaction, on the morning of the 7^th of December, to see the Table Mountain, the Sugar-loaf, and the Lion’s rump. This place is so well known to seamen, and so remarkable, that in case of an erroneous reckoning, it cannot be mistaken for other land.

The ship anchored in Table Bay about noon. We were much concerned to see several wrecks lying on the shore, and most sorry to learn, that about three weeks previous, there had been a most tremendous gale of wind from the north-west quarter, in which the Sceptre of 64 guns had been driven on shore; when the captain, his son, and a number of the crew perished; there were also a Danish man of war, an American, and two other ships lost at the same time. This melancholy disaster, with the death of Admiral Christian, had filled all the British here with since regret.

I must confess, I was surprised and pleased with the view of Cape Town from the ship; with the white-washed houses, and green painted windows, it had a clean and handsome appearance.

On the vessel anchoring, the commodore’s boat came on board, with an order from General Dundas for the captain to proceed immediately on shore, with all the letters and papers he might have for the settlement. It appeared that they had had no intelligence direct from England for upwards of four months; in consequence of which, we were a most acceptable arrival, having the latest news from India by way of St. Helena, as well as from Europe.

On shore, my husband saw his old commander Capt. [Michael] H[ogan], who among many other enquiries asked, “How many of those Irish rebels he had with him, and how they had behaved on the voyage?” Capt. R. replied, “that they had behaved so well, they had put it out of his power or that of his officers to lay a finger upon one of them : and that he was in hopes of landing them at their place of destination, without introducing the machinery of punishment.” This answer appeared to surprise him not a little, and no doubt brought reflections to his mind respecting incidents during a former voyage, when they sailed together.

We were received as inmates in the family of Mr. Blackenburgh, a Dutch gentleman, known to my husband formerly, where we were comfortably situated. His sister-in-law, Miss Rouseau, spoke English : and thus her pleasing manners made it most agreeable for me to be again in female society. During our stay here, little parties were made, with arrangements for visiting the neighbourhood, and among other places, the famous vineyards of great and little Constantia. In going to the latter place, we passed many country-seats belonging to the Dutch and English gentry, and made a circuit round a bush, where the Lieut.-governor sometimes resided. Here we saw, in traversing the country, the red and white grapes, hanging in rich clusters from fine spreading vines, fastened to a kind of lattice-work projecting from the wall.

When we arrived at the great Constantia, the proprietor, Mr. C. was from home. However we were more fortunate at Constantia the less; and were hospitably received by the host, his wife, and family. One of the sons spoke pretty good English, and appeared happy to communicate any information in answer to enquiries. We walked through the grounds, gardens, and vineyards; the trees in the orchards were loaded with the finest fruits, such as oranges, apples, pears, quinces, peaches, nectarines, almonds, &c. in abundance. 

I was rather disappointed at first viewing the vineyards: I had expected we should have walked under the lattice-work supporting the grapes in all directions round us; but instead of this, when the vineyards were pointed out to me, I really thought it was a nursery ground, dwarf standards stunted by training, detached and planted in regular rows, appeared at first only like small gooseberry bushes.  On inspection, however, we found the stem very thick, and some of the little branches so loaded with fruit that they weighted it down, and the clusters of grapes rested upon the ground. Probably, in this want of care, lies the proximate cause why the Cape wines have an earthy taste. We were shewn the wine-press, and were informed that the stalks and all were thrown in, when the juice was to be compressed. One of our party took a branch of the vine, desiring our host’s son only to taste the stalk, as we all did, and found it had a most unpleasant flavour. It was observed to him, that if the stalks were left out, the wine would be much better; he replied, that it would take too much time, and that it had always been their custom so to do.

I could not help contrasting this middle of December with that of last year, when I was with my much-esteemed parents, where we had nothing but frost and snow; and here it was the middle of summer, where all nature smiled. I could hardly think I was in the same world. We had a plentiful table set out for us, particularly in fruits. On our return to the house, my husband ordered some casks of their best wine, both red and white, to be sent to him. A small sum was given to some of the slaves; but it would have been considered an affront to have offered money to any of the family. 

As we were going through the grounds, we  were frequently cautioned not to leave the paths, as amongst the grass many dangerous snakes were known to be hid. A slave had lately been bit by one which caused his death; we saw none, but did not fail to attend to the advice. There were frequently seen amongst the vines, small land tortoises, apparently domesticated; for they did not shun any person when approaching them; we also saw a number of little fresh-water turtle in a brook; the largest did not exceed in size a small frog. Several tortoises were sent on board and lived amongst the sheep in the long boat. I kept a little turtle of the above description alive for many months, in a tumbler of fresh water; it lived upon flies, which it would take out of the hand. It was a kind of thermometer, always lively and playing about in fair weather, and as constantly keeping at the bottom of the tumbler in dull rainy weather, only coming to the surface to respire once in 10 or 15 minutes.

On one of the party expressing surprise at several of the peach and other fruit-trees being damaged, and the fruit taken before it was ripe, we were informed that just before the gardens had been beset by a formidable set of plunderers from the mountains.  We immediately concluded that these must have been some runaway slaves, or what are called Bushmen, but, so such thing, the incursion was made baboons, great numbers of which inhabit the adjacent hills, and often come down and destroy ten times more than they eat, and are so strong and ferocious, that their largest dogs dare not attack them. We saw a specimen that had been shot and stuffed. It had a most frightful appearance; it was a female, and had a young one clinging to it when taken: the latter was preserved alive and sent to town. As the gardeners dreaded the depredations of the baboons, so we were told, did the farmers the wolves; for if a horse, or cow, were by accident left out at night, they were sure to be destroyed before morning; and it was unsafe to send their slaves out at night on that account. After hearing many wonderful, and I suspect exaggerated stories of the wolves and other wild animals, I returned to Cape Town, much pleased with our excursion.

In consequence of the late disaster amongst the shipping, there was no gaiety here at this time. Mr. H. mentioned above, my husband’s former commander, acted as agent for the ship. We dined twice with him and Mrs. H.

As we were the only English residing at Mr. B.’s we had a further display of some of the African Dutch manners. As for B. himself, he was a perfect bruin, and considered his poor wife in no better light than a piece of household furniture; she was a good meek soul, and fond of her children; however, I could have but little converse with her, as she did not speak English; her sister, Miss Rousseau, occasionally interpreted between us. Generally after dinner some of their Dutch friends would drop in, when the pipes went to work; at these times I was glad to retreat. Mr. B. had a place in a public office, which kept him from home all day, and at breakfast he never appeared: — they kept a plentiful table, after the Dutch manner, with abundance of fine fruits and vegetables; the former, which wanted no dressing, I enjoyed.  I cannot say much for the cooking; the fish and vegetables were generally swimming in oil, from the fat of sheep’s tails; everything fried, appeared the same; the bread was light, but very sandy, which often-times gritted between the teeth.

The time drew nigh for our departure; and when the day of embarkation was fixed, I was much surprised by my friend, Miss R., telling me the evening before, in a positive tone, that we should not part so soon.  I told her, that nothing but some unforeseen accident could detain us: — she took me to a back window, desiring me to look at the Table Mountain, which I did, and saw the white clouds curling over the brow of the hill, and extending to the right and left; she said, it was very common to see the table-cloth spread upon the Table hill; but when the Old Boy put his nightcap on the Devil’s Berg before supper, it was a sure sign of a south-east gale coming on (this latter is a peaked hill, on the north side, and only separated from the other by a small ravine). The case was as these quaint local sayings described; and for three days no communication could be had with the ship: the wind was so high, that it made the sand fly in all directions, which may partly account for the bread being sandy, as these gales of wind are frequent in the summer season. 

On the 24^th December we embarked, in the afternoon.  Our ship appeared like a Noah’s ark, as my husband had sent on board eight horses, ten cows, three score sheep, with pigs and poultry in abundance; and as there was plenty of room on board, no inconvenience was felt. Next morning, being Christmas day, 1799, we left Table Bay, committing ourselves to the protecting care of that Providence who had hitherto preserved us.

[* Sandiness in the flour is frequently caused by bad millstones. Editor of the Asiatic Journal]  

Sony eBookstore shuts

From Galley Cat @ mediabistro.com

Sony, one of the early players in the eBook business, has closed its eBook store The Reader Store. The company did not explain why it shut down, but despite being early to the scene, Sony has been lagged behind Amazon and others in device innovations and eBook sales penetration.

All Sony client accounts will be transferred to Kobo, the Canadian-based eBook store that is owned by the Japanese commerce giant Rakuten. All accounts will transfer to Kobo in March.

“Kobo is the ideal solution for our customers and will deliver a robust and comprehensive user experience. Like Sony, they are committed to those most passionate about reading and share our vision to use open formats so people can easily read anytime and anywhere,” explained Ken Orii, Vice President of Digital Reading Business Division, Sony Electronics, in a statement. “Our customers can be assured that they will have a seamless transition to the Kobo ecosystem and will be able to continue to access and read the titles they love from Sony devices.”

South x Southeast photomagazine

I was delighted to learn this morning that our very good friend and hugely talented artist, Robert Schaefer, has a photo essay in the current issue of South v Southeast photomagazine.  His signature piece, above, is simply titled "Paris."

Robert specializes in gorgeous architectural views, often through glass or plastic, which lends a haunting distortion to the image. The production is by cyanotype.

Robert A. Schaefer, Jr. began learning about the medium while he was studying Architecture at Auburn University in Alabama, his home state, and continued to do so at the Technische Universitaet of Munich, Germany. He exhibited at the Amerika Hauses in Munich, Hamburg, Hannover and Frankfurt as well as Kulturhaus in Graz, Austria and the City Museum of Munich among others before moving to New York City in 1981 (where he still lives and works). In 1999 – 2000 he had a 25-year retrospective at the Huntsville Museum of Art in Alabama. Curator Peter Baldaia described the city images in the exhibition catalogue as “formal abstractions of the urban landscape.” Lyle Rexer, in his book Photography’s Antiquarian Avant-garde (published by Abrams in 2002), says, “The work of former architect Robert Schaefer marries the process to a Machine Age aesthetic of urban geometrics and industrial technologies." In November 2010, Schaefer had exhibitions at the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan in Delhi and the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh of images he took in India in 2009 and printed with the cyanotype process. Elizabeth Rogers, who also initially conceived the "Architectural Blue" exhibitions, also curated them and edited the catalogue produced for both exhibitions. Schaefer spent the entire month of June 2013 in Can Serrat, a residency outside Barcelona, Spain, producing cyanotypes of photographs taken in Barcelona and the surrounding area. He teaches photography at New York University and the Center for Alternative Photography in Manhattan, and his work is represented by the Domeischel Gallery in New York City and the DeFrog Gallery in Houston, Texas.. 

Earn a master's degree in Indie publishing

From GalleyCat @ Mediabistro.com

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has introduced a new MA program in self-publishing, the first of its kind in the U.K.

Based on the growing successes of self-published authors such as E.L. James, the degree is designed to guide students through writing, editing, publishing and marketing their own books. Here is more from the university’s website:

This course will equip you with all of the necessary skills you will need to be a self-published author including how to edit your book, how to lay it out, how to monitor sales, how to manage yourself and your finances, marketing yourself and your book and how to create an eBook. The final part of the course will give you the opportunity to complete a finished copy of your book.

Industry experts will teach the class, with guest appearances from successful self-published authors.

Mrs. R. visits the island of St. Helena ...

... and meets the brother of a man whose name was to go down in history, and who shows an unusually warm side to the family nature

Porteous House, where the Reids stayed

At the end of October [1799] we made St. Helena, having been little more than eight weeks from Cork. A boat was dispatched from the ship to report our arrival and business to the governor, in the afternoon our boat returned with permission for the ship to anchor. Our salute of nine guns was returned by the batteries on Ladder-hill. We found lying here, five sail of Indiamen waiting for convoy, some of which had been detained upwards of six weeks.  As they were all full of passengers, their stores were almost all expended; in consequence of which, the private adventures, consisting of eatables and drinkables, such as hams, cheese, butter, porter, wine, &c. came to a good market.

The island at our coming into the road, and also from the anchoring place, appeared a barren rock; as only a few trees were seen in front of the governor’s house facing the sea. Pursuing the prospect up St. Jems valley, where the town stands between two hills, if the island were subject to earthquakes, it might be feared that it would sometime or other be buried, by the high perpendicular rocks which overhand on each side. The only conspicuous buildings from this point of view, besides the government house, are the church and hospital.

In the evening the captain waited upon Governor [Robert] Brooke, to whom he was known, and was received in the most friendly manner. Notwithstanding the island was rather short of provisions, three bullocks were supplied for the prisoners; and plenty of vegetables, which arrested the progress of the scurvy, which had begun to appear on board.

On the same day the Captain had the pleasure to see his old friend and shipmate, Mr. H. Porteous, the Company’s botanist, who had accompanied him to the Coast of Guinea, when sent thither by the present governor in 1792. This gentleman insisted that I should proceed to his country residence, called Orange Grove, nearly at the extremity of the Island. His kind invitation was accepted, and next morning we went on shore. I was mounted on a fine litle pony, and proceeded up the zig-zag road, called Ladder-hill, whence we had a fine view of the shipping below; they appeared much diminished in size, from our being so high above them. The guns at this place pointed down immediately at the road. We still ascended and passed the governor’s residence, called the Plantation house, to the right, after which an immense high peaked mountain opened to our left, called High Knoll, on which it was intended to place cannon. We arrived at Mr. Porteous’s house about four in the afternoon, and found his lady a most affable pleasant woman; she was born upon the island of European parents.

I was happy to have this change from being on shipboard, and in the morning was surprised by finding myself actually among the clouds; for soon after sun-rise they rolled down the hills in columns, like curling smoke, not spreading like a mist which obscures all around; at other times we saw detached columns descend, by the eddy winds, down the leeside of the hills, which had a grand and wonderful effect. We rode over several parts of the island, and were most hospitably received by the Lieutenant-governor and family; by Col. and Mrs. Robson, at Longwood; also by Mr. John Thompson, who accompanied my husband to Guinea with Mr. P. I feel much indebted for his great kindness during my stay at this place, and for the courtesies of some of Maj. Bassit’s family.

At Orange Grove I spent nine days very happily in the society of Mrs. P., whom I left with regret. She wished me much to stay with them until the return of the ship in the voyage home; but this could not be, as my mind was made up to follow the destiny of my husband. Kind Providence had conducted us thus far to safety, and we were enabled to trust “Him” for the future.

While we remained here a ship arrived from Madras with dispatches, announcing the capture of Seringapatam, in charge of the Hon. Mr. [Henry] Wellesley, brother to Lord Mornington (now Marquis Wellesley) then Governor-general of India. Mr. W., on seeing Capt. R. expressed a great desire to go on board the Friendship, and see some of the unfortunate men who had been in the rebellion; he of course was invited on board, and went over the ship, visiting the prison, &c. In walking round the deck where some of the prisoners were sitting, he stopt suddenly before one of them, and called out, “that cannot be S[utton],” who directly looked up, and replied, “yes, it is S—“ “Good God,” said Mr. W. “did I ever expect to see you in this situation? Pray how was it?” S— still kept his sitting posture, desiring that no question might be put to him, as he should not answer any. 

Mr. W. turned from him, and taking the captain aside, said that this unfortunate young man had at one time a prospect of being eminent in the law, and had been a school-fellow of his; and if any pecuniary aid was wanting for his comfort on the voyage he should be happy to furnish it. The captain informed him, that there were eleven of the prisoners, including S—, who had a little stock of wine, and other comforts remaining, which had been laid in for them by their friends, previous to leaving Ireland; also, that he had some money of theirs in his hands, which would be advanced as it was required on coming into port. Shortly after this Mr. W., and several gentlemen who had accompanied him, left the ship; next day there was a quantity of vegetables, potatoes, &c. sent on board for the use of these poor men. The supply came by the government boat, but it was not known who was the donor; at all events it was most acceptable to the prisoners.

It had been reported to the governor, that some French ships were cruizing off the Cape; in consequence of which he advised our putting in there for intelligence. Capt. N[orcott] of the 33d regiment, and Lieut. C[hetwood], who were at St. Helena, availed themselves of the opportunity to proceed with us. On the evening of the 13^th Nov. we sailed from this island; thence, until we reached the 27^th degree of south latitude, we had what is called a strong trade wind. It was pleasing to reflect, that the crew and the prisoners were in the best health, which may be attributed to the refreshments, and to a plentiful supply of water; they always having been on full allowance of this most necessary article.

[November 1799] Between the south-east trade and the variable winds, we were again subject to calms. I was much surprised one morning to hear a most distressing cry upon deck; on enquiring of one of the servants what was the matter, he informed me that one of the seamen had his hand nearly bit off by a shark. 

I at first supposed he had been bathing in the sea; but upon farther inquiry learnt, that a shark had been caught in the night by a small hook and line. The line not being of sufficient strength to pull it upon deck: they had played with the animal in the water, in order to drown it. The shark, at length exhausted, was lying as dead on the surface of the sea: a rope was now passed round its body, and it was pulled into the ship; and while a sailor was employed disengaging the small hook from the jaw of the fish, the jaw closed upon his hand and could not be separated, the sufferer roaring lustily all the while, until a wedge of wood was thrust into the shark’s mouth. Three fingers were horribly bit, and bled profusely; how ever no bad effects attended this casualty, as the seaman was able to do duty again in eight or ten days.

Another still more singular circumstance followed the taking of this animal. Every other day since leaving St. Helena, some of our best fowls had been found dead in the coops in the morning; but their periodical mortality could not be accounted for. As the captain never allowed these poultry to be used at his table, the steward gave them to the people, who tended the stock. On opening the shark, the head and part of the neck of a cock was found in its stomach; upon examining which, some verdigrease was observed adhering to the back part of the head. The cause of this appearance was next traced to be a pin stuck down into the neck, which had touched the spine and caused instant death. 

We now discovered, by the intervention of the shark, how our poultry had dropped off. One of the assistants to the poulterer being interrogated, confessed that the head-man (who was a Chinese) had been seen one night in the act; but the witnesses connived at it, knowing they would get them next day for their own use, and not being over scrupulous in what they eat. The delinquent was punished, and deprived of his office. As a farther check, whatever poultry was afterwards found dead was thrown overboard in the captain’s presence.

Had any south-sea whalers been where we were, they most certainly would have had plenty of employment, as daily a number of whales were seen, many of which came very close to our ship and spouted the water very high. It was observed that when the huge animals wanted to go deep down, they turned their body perpendicular, viz, head downward, and the tail shewed itself entirely out of the water.

The addition to our society of Capt. N. and Lieut. C. made the time pass pleasantly; they both had gone from India to St. Helena for the re-establishment of their health, and were now on their return, going with us to the Cape. The former was a well-informed man; had seen much of the world, and some service in the cause of his country. The latter, of a mild unassuming character, was at the same time a perfect gentleman. 

Capt. N. was sometimes hard upon the Doctor; who, if he had possessed fine feelings, would often had been put to the blush; but that was impossible. One day, the captain asked the surgeon, if he had served in any other ship? He said, “yes, he had served in the West-Indies in a man of war.” The name of the ship was demanded; he replied, it was the —, naming a sloop of war. “It was my old friend (pronouncing his name) who commanded her,” said Captain N., “pray how did you like him?” 

This quite took the doctor aback, who was not prepared for a charge in quick time. The fact afterwards turned out to be, that he was only the surgeon’s servant in the sloop; and all the medical education he had received, consisted in attending his master for about 18 months. The truth, however, was not then known on board, and he evaded the dilemma by saying, that he had been a supernumerary on board that ship, in which he went home to England on account of bad health.

We had had for some days past a cloudless sky, and at night all the luminaries of heaven sparkling in the native splendour. Those spaces, in the southern hemisphere, called the Magellan Clouds, appeared now almost over our heads. In the early part of the night they were three in number; two had a white appearance like the milky way, and the other appeared dark, almost resembling a perforation in the canopy of heaven; many strange stories were told respecting them, but too absurd to notice here.

Captain Reid goes fishing

The continuation of the journal of Mrs. Reid, captain's wife on the convict transport Friendship

[October 1799] We had experienced for several days much thunder and lightning, with heavy rains and calms; but the variable light breeze about the line we now exchanged for the periodical south-east trade winds, and contrary to the usual practice, we stood to the east towards the Guinea Coast, instead of the Brazil side. The captain gave the mates his reasons for so doing, well knowing from former practice that it would shorten the passage; at the same time, as the track was unfrequented, we should be more likely to avoid the enemy’s cruizers.

For several nights past the sea had a very luminous appearance. I sat for hours together in the quarter-gallery, to observe with wonder the strange sight; at times it was like a liquid fire, and cast such a light into the ship passing through it, that we could see to help ourselves to anything wanted in the cabin without a candle.

I have often seen sudden darts as it were of a luminous stream, passing obliquely under the bottom of the ship, leaving a train behind like the shoot of a meteor in the air. This I understood was fish in chace of the smaller species, and had at one time an opportunity of knowing that it was so. A great number of bonnito and albicore had been caught by the hook in the course of the day, and towards night the fish still accompanied the ship; they could be traced in all directions by the luminous appearance they made in the water. 

One night, when my husband and myself were looking from the gallery, he said if he had the fish-rig he was certain he could strike some of them, at the same time calling upon deck for one to be handed to him over the quarter, when to my great surprise, in the space of half an hour, he speared five bonnetta, each weighing about ten or twelve pounds. These sights were nothing to old sailors, but they excited my surprise. Several buckets of water were drawn up, in which were seen specimens of this luminous substance; it appeared of a soft glutinous form without motion, and when put into a tumbler with water, retained the same appearance in the dark; it had the power to hide the light for the space of a minute or two, and again let it be shewn. These vicissitudes might be caused by its giving up life on being taken from its element.

However, one of these specimens which had been taken out of the glass and put upon paper, had been forgotten in the day, but at night it shone the same as haddocks are seen sometimes to do when hung up after salting. Many small particles also had this luminous appearance for the space of fourteen days. So many fish were caught, that the poor prisoners sometimes partook of them. 

The small albicore and the large bonnetto are so nearly alike, that without particularly noticing the fins behind the gills, the difference cannot be distinguished: these fins, on the albicore, are about three times the length of the other, and rather project from the fish; the bonnetto, on the contrary, has these fins short, not exceeding three or four inches, and laying flat to the shoulders of the fish. They resemble large overgrown mackerel, but thicker in proportion to their length; they are coarse fare, and notwithstanding we had them cooked in various ways, found them still unpalatable. The dolphin we found better (when stewed with a proportion of wine and spices) than any of the other fish. As the dolphins we had were caught in the night, I shall not attempt to describe them; when dying they take such a variety of shade and colour, that a description is impossible. The largest we caught measured about four feet in length, and weighed about eleven pounds.

On the morning of the 10^th of October, at daylight, we were rather alarmed, by seeing a ship at no great distance. After tacking she again stood towards us. The prisoners were now ordered below; and preparations made for our defence, every man being ordered to quarters. I went as usual to the cockpit. Our ship being a heavy sailer, could not attempt to escape, therefore stood boldly on. As we neared this strange ship, we observed she had Danish colours hoisted, and proved to be of that nation, from Copenhagen, bound to Tranquehar. 

The Friendship having a letter of marque, sent a boat to overhaul her papers; the boat immediately returned with the Danish captain who spoke good English, and informed us, that about ten days ago he had been boarded by a French frigate, who had in company an English Guinea ship which they had captured. That the Frenchman had taken many things from him, and had given bills upon his government, which the Dane said, he reckoned little better than waste paper. After exchanging civilities, he left us and proceeded on his course.

We were now advancing into the gulph of Guinea, and steering as much to the south as the winds would permit. Many tropical birds appeared about the ship, some of which, called Boobies and Noddies, took up their quarters on the yards at night; the former were about the size of a small duck, they are web-footed and could not rise to fly from the deck; they appeared most stupid birds, were not at all alarmed by any thing near them; they seemed full of vermin, by their constantly picking themselves. The feathers of the Booby are grey, mixed with black; the Noddy is of a sooty colour. They were generally made messengers of the next day, by being sent off with a card (having the ship’s name upon it) tied around their necks.

We passed to the night near an island called Annobona, discovered by the Portuguese on a new year’s day, from which it takes its name; it was notorious, of old, for being a den for pirates. 

[In the next episode, Mrs. Reid meets Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington]

Avoiding the agent

It's a new fashion.

Publishers are looking elsewhere for new authors -- particularly in genres such as romance.

And Indie authors are as eligible as those who have been traditionally published ... or never published at all.

In the latest instance, S&S is targeting science fiction in its hunt for new young voices.

SIMON451: NOVEL-WRITING CONTEST FOR STUDENTS

Simon451, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, is pleased to announce a writing contest for students. Submissions must fall in one of the following categories: science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian or dystopian fiction, apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic fiction, or alternate history in literature. We are looking for full-length novels only; novellas and short stories will not be considered.

The contest is open to legal residents of the United States who are at least eighteen years of age and are currently enrolled in college at the undergraduate or graduate level, and who possess a student ID card valid as of February 2014 . The submission period runs from February 1, 2014 – March 15, 2014, during which entrants are asked to provide a 250-word synopsis and the first fifty pages of their novel via the online entry form at https://simon451.submittable.com/submit, in accordance with the full contest guidelines. Complete contest rules and guidelines can be found here: http://bit.ly/451rules.

Ten finalists will be chosen and contacted by April 15, 2014, at which time they will be asked to submit their complete novels for consideration. The winner will receive a publishing contract with Simon451 and a trip to ComicCon in New York City to participate in the public launch of the imprint.

For any further information about the Simon451 imprint, please contact Cary Goldstein, VP/Executive Director of Publicity of Simon & Schuster, cary.goldstein@simonandschuster.com.

For questions regarding contest details, please contact Simon451@simonandschuster.com.

Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonsays.com

Mrs. R. crosses the line

[October 1799]

As we drew near the equator, the conversation at table turned upon the ceremony which marks the transition to the southern hemisphere. The chief mate asking the doctor if he had crossed the line, the answer was, that he had. It was then inquired, on what voyage, and to what country the ship sailed? He replied, to the Coast of Guinea.  However, equivocation on the part of the doctor caused a doubt in the minds of the mates. He was asked, if he had seen the line when he crossed it? He said, he just got a glimpse of it, but as it was near dark at the time, he did not see it distinctly. This was enough to determine them that he should be both ducked and shaved, when Neptune paid the ship a visit.

I should be sorry to traduce the character of any person in these few simple remarks; but for the sake of truth, cannot help giving an outline of this person’s qualifications. In the first place, he was most ignorant in his profession as a surgeon, and otherwise illiterate, yet specious and crafty. He had imposed upon the captain by a fair face and false pretensions. The captain, pitying the awkward situation into which he had got, took his part at all times when the officers of the ship were against him; but having discovered his want of skill, was under the necessity of employing one of the prisoners, named MacCullam, who was a professional man, and had seen better days: for the ship surgeon, knowing his own deficiency, gave way to him in everything.

Many jokes now passed about the expected initiation; nothing was said to the doctor, only that Neptune had a very ready method of surely finding out who had passed this part of his dominoins, and could not be deceived. On the 8^th October, at noon, we were only twenty-eight miles north of the equator, approaching it with a fine breeze. A sharp look-out was kept to see the line before dark; the chief mate fastened a day-glass to the side rails on the deck. All the gentlemen in turn came to take a peep; and amonst the rest, the doctor, who declared that he saw the line, and that it appeared no larger than a silken thread: all looked and saw the same. Mr. Muirhead, the chief mate, put this trick upon the doctor’s ignorance and credulity, by placing a small thread across one of the inside glasses of the telescope to create a distinct prospect of the line.

Nothing farther passed until about eight in the evening, when we heard the ship hailed in a most strange manner by a hoarse thundering voice, saying, “Ho-o—the ship a Ho-oye,” which was answered by the Haloo. “What ship?” was demanded by the same tremendous voice. “The Friendship,” was answered. “Very well; tell the captain that after twelve o’clock tomorrow he must prepare all on board who have not crossed into the southern regions before, to prepare to take the oath of allegiance, and go through the usual ceremonies.” An interchange of “Good night,” closed the conference. The boatswain, with a speaking-trumpet concealed at the end of the flying jib-boom, had managed, in delivering Neptune’s message, to make the sound appear as if emitted from the profound below.

The ship crossed the equator about ten o’clock that night. Next morning some of the sails were taken in, and the ship, as they termed it, made snug. I was cautioned, if I wished to be a spectator of the ceremony, to wear a dress that would not spoil by salt-water, as no respect would be shewn to any one while Neptune was on board: this hint I followed, being anxious to observe what passed. 

About one o’clock the ship was again hailed by the same hoarse voice, desiring them to lie to, as Neptune was coming on board. This order was soon complied with. Presently the screen, formed by a sail on the forecastle, was opened, and presented such a sight as I never shall forget. Had I not been prepared for the pageantry, and told that some of the seamen were to be the actors, I should not have supposed them to have been earthly beings.

A car was drawn towards the quarter-deck, in which were seated two figures representing Neptune and Amphitrite, with their marine attendants. The captain welcomed the sea-deity and his retine on board, and asked him what refreshment he would take? He answered, “A glass of gin would be very acceptable.” After which, he inquired how many mortals were on the list to take the oath of allegiance, and to undergo the ceremony? He expressed a hope that all the prisoners should be shaved and ducked. This the captain compromised, by saying that Neptune’s health should be drunk every Saturday night, until we were past the Cape of Good Hope.

The persons who were to be initiated were brought up from below blindfolded, one at a time, and placed over a large tub of water on the main deck; tar was applied to the chin with a blacking brush, which was shaved off by an iron hoop, one side of it was notched, the other not; those who were refractory were shaved with the rough side; they were then plunged backwards in the tub of water, while several buckets full were thrown over them. Some unmeaning jargon, address to them by Neptune, finished this great business.

The only persons at our tabled shaved were a Mr. Maundrel, passenger, and the doctor; the former submitted to it, and escaped pretty well; the latter, who was very refractory, was roughly handled, and had not the captain interfered, would have suffered much more. When the shaving was over, they began to souse each other with water, and I came in for a small share, which made me retreat as soon as possible. [To be continued]

Mrs. Captain Reid sails from Ireland

Despite pestilence and certain hardship, Mrs. Reid makes the big decision to sail with her beloved husband

Marquis Cornwallis 1795

July 15—Having got on board the compliment of men ordered by government, the captain received orders from Gen. Johnson to proceed to Cork, under convoy of a cutter, and there receive instructions from Admiral Kingsmill, who commanded on that station: the Friendship with the convoy sailed next day, and arrived at Cork on the 18th.

The ship anchored about ten in the forenoon, after which my husband waited upon the admiral, and finding there was no likelihood of being soon dispatched, I accompanied him to Cork in the ship’s boat. The day being fine, had an interesting view of the country on the banks of this fine river, with many gentlemen’s seats on either side, particularly on the right bank, near Cork, called Glanmire.

While we remained at Cork we spent our time very agreeably and had little excursions about the country, and received many hospitable attentions from the neighbouring gentry, particularly from the Jennings, Grahams, and Sainthills families.

About ten days after our arrival a fever broke out amongst the prisoners on board, supposed to have been brought from Geneva Barracks, which appeared so alarming from the occurrence of several deaths, that government ordered the prisoners to be removed into another vessel; also the ship to be whitewashed and fumigated, and new clothing furnished.

It was understood by my esteemed parents and friends that I should return to London after the sailing of the ship; and as the time drew near, many a heartrending emotion struggled in my breast, as I was preparing to separate, perhaps for ever from my husband. Even now I cannot bear to think of the meditated parting.

However, for the mutual happiness of both, it was agreed between us that I should proceed, and share with him the dangers of the voyage, committing ourselves to that Providence whose eye is over us all, and to be found by all those who seek him in sincerity, whether on the ocean or on the land, in a cottage or a palace.

This was indeed a trying voyage, as my husband was the first who engaged to take prisoners without a guard of soldiers appointed by government; he chose as substitutes for the usual military escort, Indian seamen, called Lascars, who did not know the English language, and manned his ship with British seamen. 

His reason for manning and guarding the ship in this manner was : in 1795 he had been chief officer of a ship called the Marquis Cornwallis, destined on a similar voyage; the soldiers sent on board as a guard had been draughted from different regiments, for desertion and other deliquencies; thus a description of men, the most unfitted to be trusted with arms, were to act as centinels over others scarcely as bad as themselves. 

These guards were implicated in a mutiny which appeared on board that ship, in which some lives were lost before order was restored. Capt. R. thought that it would be possible to take the prisoners to the place of their destination without having an occasion intervene for inflicting them punishment, or any severity beyond that of attending to their safe custody; which if accomplished, my narrative of the result would shew. 

Our mutual determination not to separate was communicated to my parents, and to my much esteemed brother-in-law, Mr. T. R., who took a father’s interest in all that concerned us. 

August 20—The admiral gave notice to prepare for sea; in consequence all was bustle, especially with me, preparing to live on a new element. It may be supposed that I was ignorant of many articles of equipment necessary for the voyage, but the deficiency was kindly made up by one who had had experience.

24^th—The signal for sailing was made from his Majesty’s ship Dryad, and repeated by the Révolutionnaire frigate, who was to convoy us; and the ship Minerva, Capt. Saltkeld, who also had prisoners on board for New South Wales.

[August 24, 1800, continued]—We left Cork harbour with a large fleet who were bound to America and the West Indies. 

Our party at the cabin table, besides the captain and myself, consisted of Mr. Muirhead, chief-mate, a very good and worthy man; Mr. Macdonald, second mate; Mr. Linton, third mate; Mr. Bryce, surgeon, and a gentleman named Maundrel, going out to join the New South Wales corps. On the third day after leaving Ireland, the different convoys separated.

Sept. 5 and 6—We had calms; and as I understood, we could not have calms without sharks, so it happened; for during the night a small one, about 4½ feet long, had been caught by a hook over the stern, intended for a dolphin. It was shewn in the morning, and as I had never seen one before, was curious in examining such a voracious animal; the stomach had been taken out before I saw it, and when opened it contained only some fish bones; my expectation had pictured at least to see some human bones: it had three rows of teeth.  At dinner a part of the shark formed one of the dishes at table, of which all but myself partook; they said it was very good.  I did not appear to doubt it; it was cut into thin slices and fried, and appeared like slices of crimpt cod. During the calm two small green hawk’s-bill turtles were caught asleep upon the surface, they weighed about five or six pounds each.

We were now off the entrance of the straits of Gibraltar, but a considerable way to the westward. These calms were becoming very tedious; but a breeze springing up, soon carried us to the island of Madeira, which place we made on the 11^th of September, but were not allowed to have communication with the shore, much to our mortification. 

The ship’s crew had hitherto been healthy, but some of the prisoners had been sickly. Every indulgence consistent with propriety had been shewn them, all of whom, by messes, were alternately admitted upon deck in the day-time. The captain, the only person on board who had made the voyage before, knew well how to prevent any abuses; he caused the rations allowed by government to be stowed up in different parts of the prison, and the provisions to be weighed by their own messes in turn. The surgeon was instructed to distribute tea, sugar, and other little comforts, sent for such as were sick. 

There had been a considerable quantity of wine sent on board at Cork for the private use of about 12 or 14 of the prisoners who had seen better days, and who indeed were enjoying the comforts of affluence when their untameable discontent plunged them into the vortex of rebellion. The wine was served as they required it, by returning the empty bottles, which was a proper caution, as a bad use might have been made of them; the wine was a great comfort, and no doubt saved some lives amongst them. We now entered what is called the Trade Winds; a wind which blows throughout the year, with little variation, from the N.E. quarter.

14^th—The commodore made the signal that he would part company that evening, but would lie too until four o’clock for our letters; in consequence of which all were busy preparing to write to their friends, and amongst the number I was not backward in writing to my much loved and venerable parents. Sent the letters on board and parted with the frigate. 

We kept company with the Minerva until next day, when as she sailed much faster than the Friendship, Captain Saltkeld thought it eligible to make the best of his way, and left us to pursue the voyage alone.

Sept. 18 and 19 [1799]—Passed between the Cape De Verd Islands and the Guinea Coast; two of which were seen from the ship on our right hand, one called Sal, and the other Bonavesta. These islands are often visited by ships of different nations on the outward voyage to India.

On the 20^th, in the morning, two strange sails were seen to windward; and as they drew close together for communication, their appearance was not at all liked by our officers; however it was judged advisable not to alter our progress or point of sailing, and all were ordered to their stations in case of being attacked; the part assigned to poor me was to accompany the surgeon below. I am afraid I should have been but a poor help indeed; but our apprehensions soon subsided, as they both set their sails and stood from us. It was supposed they were Ginea ships, from the direction in which they came.

One morning we were agreeably surprised with a voluntary sacrifice to our table, namely, number of flying fish who had lighted on board during the night. Fear, no doubt, was the cause of these volatile amphibia leaving their fitter element, the deep; the ship penetrating a shoal of them in the dark, caused them to separate in different directions, darting into the atmosphere to escape a supposed danger, by which means some of them dropped on board us. When fried, they proved a delicious morsel: they resemble the mullet; their fins, or wings as they are called, extend from behind the gills as far as the tail; those that I saw measured from eight to ten inches. They cannot leave the element in a calm; at such times I have often observed them struggling to fly from the dolphin and other fish, without avail, and were devoured; on the contrary, in a breeze, I have seen thousands dart from the water in company, and fly a great distance.

There was another specimen of marine life, found on board in the night, which our officers called squid. These likewise are a prey to the dolphin, bonneto, and albicore. The squid is of a glutinous substance, like a jelly, about four inches long; and when put into a tumbler of water, emitted a dark fluid like ink, which tinged the water so much that the animal was hid from sight. I am told that this property, given by nature, is the only defence it can make against its enemy; that is, by darkening the water around itself in a limited space, then trying to escape in an opposite direction.

We were favoured with the finest weather for seven or eight days after we parted with the frigate, sailing at the rate of from eighty to a hundred and fifty miles in the twenty-four hours. When in latitude about three or four north, the winds became variable and light, with frequent calms; the heat also became oppressive. Great care was observed in ventilating and fumigating the prison; the windsails, with the scuttles, were open night and day. Notwithstanding this attention, three of the prisoners died of fever, and several of the ship’s crew were also attacked. The progress of sickness became very alarming; for, as soon as the first subjects of it became convalescent, others were seized with it. This alternate afflication ran through the major part of the ship’s company; however there had been a plentiful supply of all things needful sent on board by government, and the same was administered most seasonably to the sick, which kept the fever under. The prisoners were also permitted to bathe in the morning-watches, which had a salutary effect after a sultry night.

On the 28^th of September, after the officers had retired from breakfast, a sudden noise and bustle upon deck surprised me; when the steward coming down, I inquired of him what was the matter? He told me that a tornado was coming on, and that he was sent down by the captain to shut the ports and scuttles in the cabins. I proceeded to the quarter-gallery to see what he meant by a tornado, but had no sooner cast a look towards the east, than I became much alarmed; an immense black cloud was repidly overcasting the heavens, darting out vivid lightening, while the thunder, at first distant, seemed by its louder detonations fast approaching.

The noise with the people securing the sails, and otherwise preparing to meet the storm, was awful in the extreme. The ship lay quite becalmed, yet at a short distance the tempest made the water fly before it in a white foam.

I shall never forget my feelings and apprehensions at this moment; but fortunately my husband came down and told me not to be alarmed, for the squall had given timely warning, and enabled them to get all sung aloft, and that it would be over in half an hour.

He had scarcely done speaking when its fury burst upon us, laying the ship nearly upon its broadside with its force; the mingled tempest of lightning, thunder, wind, and rain made the scene altogether dreadful. I thought it the longest half hour I had ever remembered; but it was upwards of an hour before they again set their sails, and all on board most happy as the lightning had not been attracted to the ship’s masts.