“Up at 7.45. Joey says the curtains are a great addition to comfort but I feel quite warm enough with only my scotch plaid on (sheets getting dirty so soon) & besides I like plenty of fresh air of which there is not an over abundance in our small crib. The thermometer is down to 62 in the daytime. Have been helping the sailmaker (Sails we call him) unpick some sails this morning. We are thinking of being apprenticed to this trade. Joey has fallen down against a post & will most likely get a black eye from it.
‘The Windsor Castle’ has kept near us all day & she may prove a companion for a long times yet.
Played whist all the evening. Bed at 10 but the guvnor returning from a visit next door at 11 woke us up & so we had a smoke till 12.”
Extract from A.Whelen’s travel journal aboard the Hesperides sailing from England to Australia in 1878
Image: NSW State Archives and Records