Journal of Joshua Hughes, 1863

Component identifier:

File BDX 170

Content Summary:

Journal kept by Joshua Hughes on the voyage of the Montmorency from Liverpool to Brisbane and during his first weeks in Brisbane, 10 April – 7 August 1863, transcribed by William Hughes. (84pp)

The journal, which is quite detailed, describes Hughes's preparations for the voyage, his departure from Liverpool (15 April), sightings of ships and the Welsh coastline, sea sickness of passengers, church services, meals, his duties as messman, squabbles among passengers, passengers placed in irons and other disciplinary action by the captain, the weather and the seas, concerts, dances, car playing, handball and other pastimes, the ship's newspaper Montmorency Chronicle, illnesses of passengers, a measles epidemic and deaths of children, Crossing the Line ceremonies, sightings of porpoises, flying fish, Cape pigeons and other fish and birds, shooting of birds, accidents arising from rough seas in the Indian Ocean, the sighting of Cape Moreton, the Brisbane River, the arrival at Brisbane (23 July), Hughes's search for lodgings and employment, his meeting with the governor Sir George Bowen, possum shooting and his work as a shingle splitter.

Processing information:

M2078

Names:

Cumbria Record Office. Robert Baxter. Senior Archivist

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