Saturday, 6th January, 1855.—At 8 a.m. the anchor was weighed and the Lightning with two steamers ahead proceeded down the Mersey. The morning was cold with a small drizzling rain, the wind being contrary. The steam tender, on leaving with passengers for the shore, came in contact with our main brace and carried away her funnel. The start was anything but a cheerful one; nevertheless, with the aid of two powerful tugs, we progressed at the rate of 7 to 8 knots and at 6 p.m. passed the Skerries Lighthouse.

Sunday, 7th January.—During the night we were nearly run into by a large American clipper, the Dreadnought, of New York; she being on the port tack, it was her duty to give way, but true to her name or with the independence of her nation, she held her course disdaining to turn aside; our captain with praiseworthy prudence put his ship about and thus avoided a collision.

Monday, 8th January.—Lat. 52° 14' N., long. 6° 12' W. Wind S.W. The night being very dark, we came in contact with a ship on the opposite tack. We saw and hailed, but the stranger evidently did not keep a good look-out and came straight upon us, striking our ship on the starboard bow. All was hubbub and confusion in a moment. The ships were speedily parted and fortunately without doing any damage to us worth mentioning. The stranger did not escape so well, having her jibboom carried away and her bowsprit sprung, as appeared to us in the dark.

12th January.—Lat. 46° 55' N., long. 10° 41' W. Wind S.E. Distance 269 miles. About 8 p.m. an alarm of fire was given and great excitement prevailed throughout the ship. This danger was caused by a drunken woman in the second cabin, who set fire to her bonnet; it was soon extinguished and the woman put in irons and confined in the “black hole” for the night as a warning.

13th January.—Lat. 42° 58' N., long. 14° 24' W. Wind S.E. Distance 286 miles. It is a week to-day since we left Liverpool and considering that we had two days of contrary winds, two days of calms we have made a very favourable run from the land.

15th January.—Lat. 39° 42' N., long. 19° 25' W. Wind S.S.E. Distance 202 miles. Ship going 13 knots close-hauled; in the morning we passed a ship outward bound with topgallant sails in, while we were carrying three royals and main skysail.

20th January.—Lat. 30° 37' N., long. 19° 24' W. Wind variable. Distance 130 miles. At 10 a.m. we sighted a steamer on weather bow, homeward bound. In a moment the tables were covered with writing desks. At 11 o’clock we neared her and found she was the General Screw Co.’s Steamship Calcutta from Australia bound to Southampton, 69 days out from Melbourne. We sent a boat to her with a bag of letters.

21st January.—Lat. 29° 51' N., long. 19° 56' W. Wind S.S.W. At 5 p.m. passed a large ship of war with two tiers of guns supposed to be H.M.S. Monarch, bound for the Pacific with Admiral Bruce, to replace the unfortunate Admiral Price, who shot himself before the attack on Petropaulovski.

24th January.—Lat. 24° 24' N., long. 19° 37' W. Took the N.E. trades, very light.

26th January.—Lat. 22° 07' N., long. 20° 45' W. Wind N.E., ship running 7 knots with smooth sea. A swing was put up on the poop to-day for the amusement of the ladies.

31st January.—Lat. 8° 48' N., long 22° 7' W. Wind N.N.E. Distance 130 miles. At 8 p.m. the ship was thrown into instant confusion by the cry of “man overboard.” The ship was quickly rounded to, the two quarter boats lowered away and after 10 minutes of intense anxiety a hearty cheer announced that they had found him. The man, who was a second intermediate passenger, could not swim but was kept up by a life-buoy.

1st February.—Lat. 5° 45' N., long. 21° 50' W. Wind N.E. Distance 180 miles. Ship running 12 knots before a fresh gale with light sails in. At noon the ship was again thrown into a state of alarm by the cry of “man overboard.” A sailor named John Benson, a Swede, had fallen from the jibboom. Lifebuoys were thrown to him and the two boats quickly lowered, but the wind blew strong, the sea ran high with rain and mist so that it was impossible to see any distance and after pulling for nearly an hour they returned with the sad report that they could see nothing of him.

3rd February.—Crossed the equator at 10 p.m. in 23° 9' W., 28 days out from Liverpool and 23 from Land’s End. Took the S.E. trade and lost the favourable north wind this morning.

9th February.—Lat. 18° 15' S., long. 34° 46' W. Wind S.E. Distance 308 miles. This is the best day’s work since we left; indeed it is the only chance our noble ship has had of displaying her sailing qualities.

14 knots upon a bowline with the yards braced sharp up is certainly wonderful work and scarcely to be believed if it were not satisfactorily proved by the observation of the sun at noon, from which it appears we have sailed 308 miles in last 24 hours with a current against us, which is always supposed on this coast to run about a knot an hour with the wind, making an average of 13 knots an hour, and while going at this extraordinary rate she is as dry as possible, seldom shipping a spoonful of water. During the greater part of yesterday the carpenter was employed on a stage below the fore chains, where he worked as easily as if it had been calm.

14th February.—Lat. 31° 47' S., long. 34° 54' W. Wind N.E. Distance 93 miles. Began to run down our easting on a composite circle.

19th February.—Lat. 41° 41' S., long. 18° 45' W. Wind N.W. Distance 310 miles. Ship running 13 and occasionally 15 knots.

20th February.—Lat. 41° 5' S., long. 16° 34' W. Distance 155 miles. At midnight the wind suddenly flew round from N.E. to S.W. and blew a heavy gale. The change was so sudden that we were obliged to run before the wind for six hours to get the sails in, which was not done without some danger. After taking a reef in the fore and mizen topsails we hauled up again to E.S.E. The ship went very easy under the reduced sail and as dry as possible, though there was a heavy cross sea running. 10 a.m., more moderate, set mainsail and topgallant sails. Noon going 15 knots with royals set, yards slightly checked, going by the wind.

21st February.—Lat. 42° 34' S., long. 9° 10' W. Wind South. Distance 342 miles. Ship going 15 and occasionally 16 knots with main skysail and fore topmast studding sail set, the yards slightly checked.

27th February.—Lat. 46° 22' S., long. 26° 15' E. Wind west. Distance 390 miles. All night it blew a fresh gale with heavy squalls and occasional showers of hail and snow, the sea running high, ship running 16 and occasionally 18 knots. During six hours in the morning the ship logged 18 knots with royals, main skysail and topgallant studding sails set, the wind blowing a fresh gale from the westward.

28th February.—Lat. 47° 24' S., long. 33° 32' E. Wind N.E. Distance 308 miles. At 2 o’clock it blew a hard gale with heavy showers of rain and hail. Obliged to keep the ship before the wind while shortening sail. By 7 p.m. sail was taken in and ship laid to under trysail and topmast staysail, to prevent her running too far south for fear of coming in contact with ice.

7th March.—Lat. 50° S., long. 68° 44' E. Wind S.W. Distance 280 miles. 10 a.m., sighted Kerguelen or Desolation Island, passing between Fortune Island and Round Island, small rocks about 20 miles off the mainland. 2 o’clock, abreast Cape St. George.

8th March.—Lat. 49° 51' S., long. 76° 24' E. Wind N.W. Distance 296 miles. Ship running with stunsails both sides, high sea.

9th March.—Lat. 49° 50' S., long. 83° 47' E. Wind N.W. Distance 284 miles.

10th March.—Lat. 49° 28' S., long. 89° 29' E. Wind N.W. Distance 221 miles.

11th March.—Lat. 49° 11' S., long. 94° 44' E. Wind N.N.E. Distance 325 miles. Midnight, fresh gale. Ship going 17 knots with single reefed topsails, foresail, trysail and fore topmast staysail, wind abeam.

12th March.—Lat. 49° 11' S., long. 106° 38' E. Wind north. Distance 366 miles. Thick weather and small rain.

13th March.—Lat. 48° 27' S., long. 114° 16' E. Wind N.E. Distance 318 miles.

19th March.—Lat. 40° 25' S., long. 143° 23' E. Wind E.S.E. Distance 308 miles. 4 p.m., rounded King’s Island. 8 p.m., sighted Cape Otway light bearing W. 18 miles. Stood off the land till midnight.

20th March.—During the night strong gale from East. 1 p.m., pilot came aboard. 1.30 p.m., entered Port Phillip Heads.

Passage of 73 days—Liverpool to Melbourne.
Passage of 67 days—Land to land.

The Lightning beat the Red Jacket, Ralph Waller, Eagle, and George Waller, which sailed either previous to her or on the same date.

11th April.—Early this morning the anchor was weighed and we were taken in tow by two steam tugs. Two guns were fired as a signal of departure, weather delightful but wind light and right ahead. When near the Heads spoke Frederick, of Liverpool, 95 days out. In passing she saluted us with two guns, her passengers and crew cheering, a courtesy which we returned. Calm for two days, ship only 11 miles off Port Phillip Heads.

13th April.—Passed through Bass Straits, Gipsy Bride and other vessels in company.

17th April.—Lat. 46° 12' S., long. 156° 28' E. Lightning sweeping along at 17 and sometimes 18 knots.

18th April.—Lat. 49° 5' S., long, 162° 50' E. Wind S.W. Distance 314 miles. Sailing 16 knots an hour, wind steady with heavy cross sea. All starboard stunsails set.

21st April.—Lat. 54° 21' S., long. 175° 45' W. Wind S.S.W. Distance 327 miles.

24th April.—Lat. 58° S., long. 158° 35' W. Wind N.N.E. Distance 285 miles. Sailing 14 knots close-hauled. P.M., heavy head gale, royals, skysails, jib and spanker in, ship pitching heavily.

26th April.—Lat. 58° 7' S., long. 150° 49' W. Calm. Distance 79 miles. During night heavy snow squalls.

1st May.—Lat. 58° 53' S., long. 112° 25' W. Wind E.N.E. Sailing 8 knots an hour by the wind. Sighted an iceberg 100 ft. high, 8 miles distant.

5th May.—Lat. 54° 48' S., long. 100° 44' W. Wind E.N.E. to E.S.E., strong gale. Took in foresail and single reefed the topsails. (This was the only occasion during the passage on which the topsails were reefed.)

8th May.—Lat. 55° 56' S., long. 85° 48' W. Wind north. Distance 294 miles. Skysails and staysails in and slab-reefed courses.

10th May.—Lat. 58° 12' S., long. 69° 49' W. Wind N.N.W. Distance 316 miles. 10 p.m., Cape Horn north 100 miles.

17th May.—Lat. 44° 37' S., long. 64° 31' W. Going at the rate of 12 to 14 knots and wind right aft which caused the ship to roll very much. About 3 p.m. a heavy shower of snow was hailed with delight by the passengers. Our captain transferred his command from the Black Ball to the White Ball Line and first commenced snow-balling. Fierce and fast grew the conflict, the ship helping many a valiant snow-baller to a seat on her slippery decks. At 4 we saw an American clipper standing eastward under close-reefed topsails.

1st June.—Crossed the equator at midnight in 30° W. Visit of Neptune in the evening. Neptune made his appearance accompanied by his wife Amphitrite. Their Majesties were received with the usual honours, all the company standing up and the band playing “Rule Britannia.” Neptune was dressed in the uniform of a Line regiment, sea-green turned up with cerulean blue. His wife’s hair plaited in the most tasteful manner nearly touched her feet, swabbing the decks as she walked along. Neptune put the usual questions to our gallant commander and having received satisfactory replies, his Majesty, leaning upon his three-pronged toaster, made a circuit of the deck, while the fair Amphitrite in passing made a most condescending bow to the Queen of Beauty, who was supported on the arm of Aesculapius, and at this piece of condescension dropped her large blue eyes and looked confused. The salt of the briny element seemed to have excited the thirst of Amphitrite and her attendants, which the Chief Justice endeavoured to quench by draughts from the cup that cheers but inebriates. Neptune having taken the pledge when he visited certain other parts of his dominions would not put the hideous beverage to his lips. The Gods and Goddesses then delighted the company by their vocal melodies and finally descended to their chariot, which went off with fire and smoke.

4th June.—Lat. 6° 30' N., long. 30° 11' W. Took the N.E. trades.

28th June.—Four passengers and a number of letters landed off Kinsale.

29th June.—11 a.m., taken in tow by steam tug Dreadnought. Anchored in Liverpool at 11 p.m. 79 days out. Since passing the Horn it had been a light weather passage, the moonsail only being lowered on two occasions and the lower deck ports only shut once.

The Lightning’s third voyage was an unfortunate one. On her arrival home in June, 1855, Messrs. James Baines & Co., whether at Captain Enright’s suggestion or not, I do not know, had her hollow bow filled in with deadwood, an action which caused her designer to refer to them as the “wood-butchers of Liverpool,” though in the light of modern knowledge in ship designing they were undoubtedly right, as hollow lines for sailing ships have long been proved a mistake.

Unfortunately, however, the blocking in of the bows was not strongly enough done, and one day when she was close-hauled on the starboard tack in the South Atlantic, this false bow, as it was called, was washed away, leaving its frame and ribs bare. This, though in no way affecting the seaworthiness of the Lightning, spoilt her sailing, and what promised to be an excellent passage ran to 81 days.

In Australia the bow was repaired, but the accident frightened would-be passengers, as the Government surveyors in Melbourne refused to give her a certificate and she also lost a lot of freight.

Wednesday, 5th September.—About 3 o’clock this afternoon, amid the booming of cannon, the sad and solemn strains of the band and the cheers of the passengers, our gallant ship was taken in tow by the tug Rattler. The commencement of our voyage is marked with a fair wind, so that the captain is determined to proceed without the aid of a tug. Accordingly at 7.30 the pilot left us and we bade him a cheering farewell. In the evening several songs were sung for “Each sail was set, and each heart was gay.”

Thursday, 6th September.—At 2 a.m. we passed Holyhead, going from 7 to 7½ knots, and Bardsey at 9. At 3 p.m. we were abreast of Tuskar. The ship is gliding along under an astonishing cloud of canvas, with stunsails alow and aloft. In the evening the band played several tunes; many of the passengers ventured on a polka and other dances with spirit.

Friday, 7th September.—The light breeze of past two days died away at 4 this morning, leaving us becalmed. Happily the weather is delightful with clear sky and brilliant sun. The sea has the appearance of an immense sheet of glass. All parties are on deck so that the promenades are inconveniently crowded.

Tuesday, 11th September.—About 11 a.m. we passed on the port side close to a Neapolitan brig, which put us in mind of Noah’s Ark. She was going ahead about one knot and drifting two, with a fine breeze that would have enabled a ship of any other nation to carry all sail, while these sea-lubbers rolled along under double-reefed topsails and furled mainsail. Lat. 44° 9' N., long. 12° 5' W. Distance run 205 miles.

Thursday, 13th September.—About 7 this morning we exchanged colours with a ship steering our course. At 12 she was but a white speck on the horizon and at 3 she was lost to sight.

Thursday, 20th September.—About 8 a.m. we sighted a vessel right ahead about 10 miles distant and at 2 p.m. we were almost within speaking distance. She proved to be the barque Araquita, from England bound to Rio Janeiro. At 6, such was our speed, she was lost to sight. At 3.30 entered Tropic of Cancer.

Monday, 24th September.—Lat. 14° 10' N., long. 28° 14' W. Distance 78 miles. Early this afternoon we sighted the schooner Gleam, from Accra, on the Guinea Coast, bound to London. At 5 p.m. a boat was lowered and in command of Mr. Bartlett, the chief officer, accompanied by a few of the saloon passengers, proceeded to the Gleam, conveying a large number of letters and Lightning Gazettes for home. A small present of fresh meat and potatoes was also put on board and gratefully received. On the return of the boat we learned she was 47 days out and crossed the line 19 days ago.

Tuesday, 25th September.—Lat. 12° 14' N., long. 28° 1' W. Distance 117 miles. In the forenoon we exchanged colours with the brig Favorite, from Buenos Ayres to Liverpool. Shortly afterwards we passed a Danish brigantine and a Hamburg vessel.

Friday, 28th September.—Lat. 9° 53' N., long. 28° 5' W. Distance 33 miles. At 6 a.m. a boat visited us from the Evening Star, of Portland, from the Chincha Islands bound to Cork for orders.

Friday, 5th October.—Crossed the equator.

Monday, 15th October.—Lat. 24° 7' S., long. 29° 59' W. Distance 255 miles. Ship sweeping along at the rate of 14½ knots.

Tuesday, 16th October.—Lat. 24° 5' S., long. 25° 50' W. Distance 225 miles. About 9 a.m. a considerable portion of the false bow on the larboard side was suddenly carried away.

Sunday, 21st October.—Lat. 36° 4' S., long. 24° 52' W. Distance 238 miles. At 5 p.m. sighted a large ship on our weather quarter, sailing under double-reefed topsails, and we apprehend they must have taken us for the Flying Dutchman seen occasionally in these latitudes, for notwithstanding the strong breeze we would be observed carrying our skysails with studding sails ’low and aloft.

Monday, 22nd October.—Lat. 38° 24' S., long. 19° 21' W. Distance 300 miles.

Tuesday, 23rd October.—Lat. 39° 22' S., long. 12° 32' W. Distance 325 miles. At 9 a.m. during a sudden squall, carried away our starboard fore topmast stunsail boom—a splendid Oregon spar, which was carried right over the larboard bow.

Saturday, 17th November.—Lat. 48° 00' S., long. 121° 15' E. Distance 324 miles. The wind changed during the night to W.N.W., still blowing a fresh breeze with every sail set.

Sunday, 25th November.—Sail was shortened at midnight and Bowman Head Lighthouse sighted at 3 a.m. Shortly afterwards hove to for a pilot and as his boat came near, at 4.30, every glass in her was levelled in astonishment at the bare ribs of our false bow. After getting inside the Heads, we again hove to and landed the Geelong mail. At 10 a.m. met the James Baines homeward bound and hove to to communicate with her. Captain McDonald came on board and we had the pleasure of sending letters and papers home. At 1 p.m. we were at anchor with sails furled and the Melbourne mail landed. We had the misfortune to come into port with a broken bow which impeded our progress not less on the average than 3 knots an hour for upwards of 9000 miles. On the last voyage we were going 17 knots, on the present with the same wind only 14—owing to the accident.

Friday, 28th December.—At 8 a.m. we got outside the bar at Port Phillip Heads, when the agents and a few friends left in the pilot boat. From the captain of the latter we learned the sad intelligence of the loss of the Schomberg, off Cape Otway. The clipper ship Blackwall was sighted right ahead of us at the same moment, and at 10.30 we had the satisfaction of overhauling her. At 7 p.m. she was barely visible on the horizon. (The Blackwall was one of Green’s frigate-built Indiamen.)

Friday, 4th January, 1856.—Lat. 56° 34' S., long. 177° 14' W. Distance 334 miles. Wind S.W. Run for the week 1908 miles.

Wednesday, 9th January.—Lat. 58° 32' S., long. 136° 06' W. Distance 311 miles. Wind S.W. During the middle watch 7 icebergs were seen, some very large. During morning several more sighted. Snow fell during the day.

Monday, 14th January.—Lat. 57° 48' S., long. 93° 08' W. Distance 330 miles. Wind S.S.E., cold, with showers of snow and hail. Sighted two large icebergs on starboard bow.

(28th December-15th January Lightning ran 5244 knots in 18 days, an average of 12 knots on a direct course from Melbourne to Cape Horn.)

Sunday, 20th January.—At 6 a.m. Cape Horn in sight, 25 miles distant.

Tuesday, 29th January.—Lat. 35° 00' S., long. 33° 15' W. Distance 300 miles. Wind east. Heavy cross sea and rattling breeze all night. Ship pitching very heavily and going at rate of 15 or 16 knots. At 1 p.m. spoke Aberdeen clipper ship Centurion, from Sydney bound to London, 46 days out. She passed during the night the White Star ship Emma, of Liverpool, with Melbourne mail of 10th December. We have beaten the Centurion 16 days and the Emma 18.

Friday, 1st February.—Spoke the mail ship Emma.

Sunday, 17th February.—Crossed the equator at 8.30 a.m.

Tuesday, 26th February.—In the forenoon carpenter fell from the stage on which he was working on the starboard side and immediately the appalling cry of “man overboard”! echoed through the ship. On rising to the surface of the water, he passed his hatchet over the fore sheet and held on until assistance was tendered.

Wednesday, 5th March.—Lat. 42° 30' N., long. 25° 33' W. Distance 181 miles. In forenoon sighted large vessel on lee bow under reefed topsails, whilst we carried royals with ease.

Friday, 14th March.—Lat. 50° 43' N., long. 14° 36' W. Distance 174 miles. Wind S.S.E. At 6 a.m. sighted two vessels on starboard, another on port bow. Ship put about at 8 a.m. Shortly after a schooner to windward of us. At 10.30 a.m. passed close to ship Henry Fulton, of New York, under close-reefed topsails and on opposite tack. During the day the wind blew with great violence from S.S.E. Towards evening it increased to a perfect gale. Every stitch of canvas that could be carried with safety was kept on until Captain Enright thought it full time to stow the topgallant sails and single reef the topsails and mainsail, which was done at 8 p.m. At midnight the foresail was also single-reefed.

Saturday, 15th March.—Lat. 51° 52' N., long. 12° 23' W. Distance 107 miles. Gale continued from S.S.E. during the night, splitting the fore topsail in two. At 9 a.m. hove to under a double-reefed fore sail and close-reefed main topsail.

Sunday, 16th March.—Passed a longboat keel up.

Tuesday, 18th March.—Wind S.S.E. Course full and by. Made the Skellig Rocks.

Wednesday, 19th March.—Becalmed; nine vessels surrounding us. A couple of schooners close to and our starboard boat was lowered under Mr. Bartlett. On its return we learned one was the Fashion, 35 days from Antigua, the other the Breeze, of Wexford, from Athens, 73 days out and short of provisions, her crew subsisting on wheat which they ground. Kinsale Head light plainly discernible all night.

Thursday, 20th March.—Still becalmed, a large number of vessels in all directions. Visited by Cork pilot boat which landed a number of passengers and portion of the mail at Castlehaven. Learnt that 60 or 80 sail started from Crookhaven on previous day, all of which had been detained by same head winds.

Saturday, 22nd March.—10.30 p.m., tug made fast.

Sunday, 23rd March.—Arrived after a passage of 86 days against head winds and calms.

Tuesday, 6th May.—At noon the signal gun was fired, our anchor weighed and we proceeded in tow of our old friend, the Rattler. At 3 p.m. pilot left. At 4.30 cast off steamer and set all sail. At 5.20 p.m. passed Point Lynas, the Skerries at 8, Holyhead at 9, and Bardsey at midnight.

Thursday, 8th May.—Lat. 47° 08' N., long. 10° 44' W. Distance 274 miles. At noon passed ship Dauntless, sailing similar course to our own.

Wednesday, 14th May.—Lat. 33° 39' N., long. 20° 30' W. Distance 310 miles.

Monday, 26th May.—Crossed the line in long. 31° 40' W.

Saturday, 21st June.—Lat. 38° 53' S., long. 5° 7' E. Distance 253 miles.

Sunday, 22nd June.—Lat. 40° 07' S., long. 13° 1' E. Distance 346 miles.

Saturday, 28th June.—Lat. 44° 25' S., long. 42° 58' E. Distance 232 miles. Wind increasing; whilst taking in lighter canvas, mizen royal and mizen topmast staysail were torn to pieces. P.M., reefs were taken in topsails. Ship running under foresail and reefed topsails.

Sunday, 29th June.—Lat. 43° 36' S., long. 50° 07' E. Distance 312 miles.

Monday, 30th June.—Lat. 44° 02' S., long. 56° 35' E. Distance 281 miles.

Tuesday, 1st July.—Lat. 44° 39' S., long. 63° 27' E. Distance 298 miles.

Wednesday, 2nd July.—Lat. 45° 07' S., long. 70° 55' E. Distance 319 miles.

Thursday, 3rd July.—Lat. 45° 07' S., long. 79° 55' E. Distance 382 miles. Her run to-day has been only once surpassed since she floated.

Friday, 4th July.—Lat. 45° 07' S., long. 88° 30' E. Distance 364 miles. Our week’s work of 2188 miles has been the best the Lightning has ever accomplished.

Friday, 11th July.—Lat. 45° 47' S., long. 128° 25' E. Distance 326 miles. During the night our speed averaged 16 knots an hour. At 4 p.m., split our mainsail and carried away two jibs.

Monday, 14th July.—This morning at 7 a.m. our ears were saluted with the welcome sounds of “Land Ho!” At 8 a.m. we had a fine view of Cape Otway Lighthouse. As the depth of water on the bar was not sufficient to enable us to proceed up the Bay, we came to anchor under the lee of the land. We found the Champion of the Seas anchored at some little distance from us, waiting for a favourable wind to proceed to sea. Sailing time from port to port, 68 days 10 hours.

Wednesday, 27th August.—By 10 a.m. we were fairly underweigh. On approaching the mouth of the Bay a farewell salute of six guns was fired. The wind dropped and we were obliged to anchor inside Port Phillip Heads at 6 p.m.

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.

Friday, 19th September.—At 11.15 a.m. on the meridian of Cape Horn. Distant 69 miles. Saw three ships beating to windward. Exchanged signals with the Patriot King.

Wednesday, 24th September.—Lat. 47° 21' S., long. 47° 05' W. Distance 227 miles. Squally with rain, but all sail carried bravely—even little “bull-dog” up on the main skysail mast. Ship going 14 knots and sometimes 15 in the squalls.

Thursday, 25th September.—Lat. 44° 40' S., long. 41° 43' W. Distance 278 miles. All sail set including topmast, topgallant and royal studding sails, in all 29 sails. Afternoon, the moonsail was sent up and set as the 30th.

Thursday, 9th October.—Crossed the line in 28° 20' W.

(Lightning’s average 238 miles daily.)

Tuesday, 14th October.—Lat. 8° 12' N., long. 28° 00' W. Distance 52 miles. At daylight two vessels in sight on the other tack, one a large ship with three skysails set, the other a brig. At 7 a.m. tacked ship to N.E. Signalised the ship, which proved to be an American, the Tornado; the brig was thought to be a Spaniard. About 11, the clouds and mist enveloped our neighbours, who presently emerged with a fair southerly wind, although only distant about 5 miles, while we retained our northerly wind. For a time all was uncertainty and doubt which wind would gain the day, but when the vessels came close up to us, bringing with them heavy rain and puffs of wind, we trimmed yards and soon were rushing through the water at the rate of 10 knots: anon all was calm and the sails flapped. Again we saw our American companion staggering under a heavy squall, which split his fore topgallant sail and main topmast staysail, and caused his masts to buckle like fishing rods: we had plenty more rain but did not catch the strength of the squall. There was great shortening sail and making sail, for the Yankee was going by us, distant about 2 miles on our starboard side; meanwhile the little brig, with a more steady and strong breeze of his own, came close up on our port quarter. Then again all was lulled. The interval presented an opportunity of further signalling, and the following questions and answers were made.

Lightning—“Where are you from and bound to?”

Tornado—“Callao and Cape Hatteras.”

Lightning—“We are from Melbourne.”

Tornado—“How many days are you out?”

Lightning—“Forty-seven.”

At which answer Tornado seemed surprised and although we had previously shown our number, again asked:—“What ship is that?”

We answered:—

Lightning—“How many days are you out?”

Tornado—“Fifty-six.”

We then exchanged the courtesy of hoisting and dipping ensigns.

It was then about 4 o’clock, and for nearly an hour there was nothing but “box-hauling” the yards, when suddenly Jonathan caught a breeze and crept up alongside, and seemed very much inclined to pass us. All possible sail was set and trimmed most carefully but still Tornado gained, and all was anxiety and excitement. At last the strength of the breeze came to us, and for a few minutes there was a most exciting race, some even feared that we were going to be beaten; but the Lightning showed her wonted superiority, our antagonist dropped astern, and a hearty cheer from us announced our victory. The wind then fell light again, and twice freshened and caused the same capital match; but the Tornado, though evidently a first-rate sailer—being one of the early Californian clippers—could not manage us; and, as the night closed in, and the breeze became more steady, we gradually bid him good-bye.

Wednesday, 15th October.—Lat. 9° 27' N., long. 27° 45' W. Distance 77 miles. Our American friend kept in sight until sunset.

16th-19th October.—N.E. trades.

20th-28th October.—Doldrums. The Lightning only averaged 55 miles a day for nine days.

Wednesday, 29th October.—Lat. 28° 31' N., long. 35° 39' W. Distance 108 miles. At 4 a.m. a light breeze sprang up from the norrard. 6.30 a.m., spoke a large American ship, the Clarendon, from Malta to New Orleans. 8 a.m., going 7 knots, almost a “dead on end” wind, but any wind at all is a change. Passed a brig to leeward and are overhauling three ships, which are ahead standing on the same tack. About 3 p.m., passed the Cid, of Hambro, a very pretty little clipper barque.

Thursday, 30th October.—7 a.m., tacked ship to N.N.W. A large ship in sight went about at the same time, ahead of us. During forenoon Captain Enright expressed himself confident that she was the James Baines. Great excitement and numerous conjectures, bets, etc. One thing certain that she sailed almost as fast as ourselves, and her rigging and sails were similar to those of the Baines. By sunset we had both weathered and gained on our companion.

(The ship was the James Baines and I have already described the encounter between the two Black Ballers.)

Wednesday, 5th November.—Lat. 36° 30' N., long. 35° 11' W. Distance 165 miles. (Distance made since 9th October 2219 miles or 76? miles daily.) During the night the wind suddenly shifted, catching the ship all aback; in the first puff the fore topmast stunsail boom was carried away. Passed a three-masted schooner steering to the westward, she showed an English Ensign, but from her rig appeared more like an American. She had no foresail or mainsail, but large main and mizen staysails, and a host of other staysails, square-rigged forward; was about 300 tons.

Friday, 7th November.—The islands of Pico, Fayal, etc., in sight.

Tuesday, 18th November.—Lat. 51° 04' N., long. 6° 43' W. Distance 202 miles.

Wednesday. 19th November.—1.30 a.m., Smalls Rocks light bore E.N.E.

Thursday. 20th November.—At 4.30 p.m., Mr. W. Harris, pilot, came on board and took charge off Cape Lynas.

Thursday, 5th February.—After a little delay the tender brought all off safely to the Lightning, and the passengers were mustered and answered to their names to the Government inspector. A minister from the shore gave a parting address and about 4 p.m. the Lightning began her voyage to Australia in tow of the steam tug Rattler, for unfortunately the wind was dead ahead.

Saturday, 14th February.—Lat. 38° 38' N., long. 56° 59' W. Distance 127 miles. Fresh stores were being brought up from the mainhold when a barrel of vinegar fell from a considerable height upon Abraham Le Seur and injured him severely on the back. He was second mate to Captain Enright 18 years ago.

Tuesday, 24th February.—Lat. 12° 01' N., long. 23° 27' W. Distance 268 miles. In the evening our friend Mr. Taylor paid a visit to the mizen royal yard—much to the consternation of the ladies. He relieved, what we suppose he felt was the monotony of the descent, by descending by the preventer brace. If Mr. Taylor will allow us to advise, we would say “Very well done, but don’t do it again for it is a thing which the ladies cannot abide.”

Tuesday, 3rd March.—Lat. 0° 30' N., long. 26° 39' W. Distance 53 miles. In the evening received a visit from Neptune. He evidently keeps himself well acquainted with what goes on on Terra Firma, for his fifer played him the well-known tunes of “Villikens and his Dinah” and “Jim along Josey,” as a triumphal march. It struck us his marine chargers were a little out of condition and one of them had put on the outward resemblance of a donkey. After being regaled with our poor creature comforts, the old fellow very shabbily took himself off without our letters.

Saturday, 7th March.—Last night we passed within 26 miles of Pernambuco.

Wednesday, 11th March.—Lat. 24° 03' S., long. 35° 40' W. Distance 213 miles. In a squall this evening we made 14 or 15 knots, and that on a wind.

Sunday, 15th March.—Lat. 38° 47' S., long. 30° 58' W. Distance 311 miles. We have been making 16 knots often during the night.

Monday, 16th March.—Lat. 41° 08' S., long. 24° 23' W. Distance 334 miles. Wind fell light in the afternoon.

Wednesday. 18th March.—Lat. 42° 34' S., long. 17° 04' W. Distance 200 miles. The wind increases towards evening and we make from 15 to 17 knots an hour, yet the ship is so steady that we danced on the poop with the greatest ease.

Thursday, 19th March.—Lat. 43° 0' S., long. 7° 17' W. Distance 430 miles. It is very wet and there is a heavy sea on. In the middle of the day the wind lulled a bit, then turned over to the starboard quarter and set to work snoring again as hard as ever.

Friday, 20th March.—Lat. 43° 0' S., long. 0° 55' E. Distance 360 miles. This weather is most inspiriting, we have made during the last 47 hours the greatest run that perhaps ship ever made; yet all the time we have carried our main skysail and all sorts and conditions of stunsails.

Saturday, 21st March.—Lat. 43° 03' S., long. 7° 57' E. Distance 308 miles. The sea to-day has been really magnificent, the waves were grand and swept along in majestic lines. In the afternoon our weekly concert took place in the after saloon.

Sunday, 22nd March.—Lat. 43° 51' S., long. 15° 51' E. Distance 348 miles. (1446 miles in four days, an average of 361½ miles per day.)

Friday, 27th March.—Lat. 44° 38' S., long. 35° 36' E. Distance 152 miles. About 2 p.m. a sail was just visible on the port bow. We very soon overhauled her, made her out to be a fine American clipper barque, passed her as if she was at anchor, although she was going 10 knots at least and by 4 o’clock she was almost out of sight astern.

Thursday, 2nd April.—Lat. 46° 11' S., long. 70° 40' E. Distance 328 miles. To-night the wind freshened considerably and the sea got up with it. Our main royal sheet and sundry stunsail tacks parted.

Friday, 3rd April.—Lat. 47° 14' S., long. 79° 22' E. Distance 364 miles. Wind blew strongly from the north, sea high; during the night main topsail, main topgallant stunsail and main royal sheets carried away.

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.

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.

Monday, 11th May.—Got away from our anchorage at daybreak and proceeded for the Heads, saluting with a gun the Morning Glory in quarantine, as we passed her. Got clear of Port Phillip Heads at 8 o’clock, with wind barely sufficient to move the ship. Several barracoutas were caught in the evening.

Tuesday, 12th May.—Head winds and very light. Cape Otway visible on our starboard bow. In the evening quite becalmed with the Otway light on starboard quarter.

Thursday, 14th May.—Lat. 44° 9' S., long. 145° 57' E. Distance 270 miles. Dashing along at 14 to 16 knots with a fine fair wind. S.W. coast of Tasmania visible through the gloom on our port beam.

Friday, 15th May.—Lat. 46° 55' S., long. 154° 10' E. Distance 384 miles. Strong breezes and heavy seas with rain squalls and occasional glimpses of sunshine. During one of the squalls our fore topsail was split and for some time after dark the crew were busy bending a new one.

Saturday, 30th May.—Lat. 51° 56' S., long. 126° 34' W. Distance