March

Mar: 1.
Tuesday! — From having had such fine weather and favorable winds during some weeks after the Commencement of our Voyage, we were in great hopes of having rounded the Cape of Good Hope before now. — But for the last three days it has blown a very hard gale at N. West, and directly against us. — The Gale however abated last Night, and this morning it is almost perfectly calm. — Capt. Urmston and myself took this opportunity of going to see our Friends on board the St. Vincent, whom we were glad to find all in perfect good health. —

Captain Urmston proposed to Capt. Sampson Commandg. the St. Vincent to touch at the Cape for Refreshments, both Ships having a number of Invalids on board, some of whom are very ill; but Capt. Sampson declines going in and wishes to be allowed to proceed direct to St. Helena. — Capt. Urmston has, however, determined on going in to get Refreshments and Fresh Provisions for the Sick and the Invalids on board of his own Ship. — We staid for about two hours on board the Earl St. Vincent, and then returned on board the Hughes. —

There are Five Strange Sail this day in Sight all doing their best to round the Cape, to which we are now off very near, tho' not in sight. —

Mar: 2
Wednesday! — At 9,O'Clock this morning we saw Land right ahead and also on the Starboard Bow – distant about 30 miles. — The Land we see is that of Cape La Gullus, [sic] a little to the Eastward of the Cape of Good Hope. — Three of the Strange Sails in sight appear to be Spanish Men of War, having hoisted the Colours of that Nation this morning in answer to ours. —

We have some wind today, but it is right ahead for doubling the Cape; — which however we are endeavouring to do. —

Mar: 3.
Thursday. — The Signal was made early this morning by Capt. Urmston to the Earl St. Vincent to part Company and make the best of her way to St. Helena; — Capt. Urmston, who is the senior Officer, having resolved on going in to the Cape, at the express recommendation of his Surgeon, on account of the Sickly State of the Invalids on board the Hughes. —

Mar: 4
Friday. — At Day-break this morning we were off False-Bay, and close in with the Land; but the wind is still directly ahead and consequently against our rounding the Cape and getting into Table Bay, which it is our wish to do. — The three Spanish Men of War are still in Sight, and working in to the Cape.

In the afternoon – about 3,O'Clock, the wind Shifted round a little in our favor, and we soon afterwards doubled the Cape of Good Hope, in full expectation of anchoring before dark in Table-Bay; – but about 5,O'Clock the Wind shifted round again, directly against us. —

Towards the latter part of the Night the wind died away and it became a perfect Calm, but with a very heavy Swell and disagreeable motion.

Mar: 5.
Saturday! — At Day-break it was still quite Calm, and so very hazy that we could not see the Land; tho' at this time very close to it, and Consequently very dangerous. —

At 10,O'Clock the weather cleared up with a fine light fair Breeze at South East. — By Noon we were close in with the Land and abreast of the Lion's Rump, and Robin [sic] and Penguin Islands.

At 1. P.M. We anchored in Table-Bay within about two miles of the shore and Cape Town, which makes a beautiful appearance from the Sea. —

As we approached Table-Bay we were agreeably surprised to observe several British Men of War riding at anchor there, with one of them bearing a Vice Admiral's Flag; – which at first led us to suppose that we had still kept Possession of the Cape, notwithstanding it was stipulated in the late Definitive Treaty of Peace that it should be restored again to the Dutch. — But as we approached a little nearer to the Town, we observed the Dutch Colours were flying in the Castle of the Cape, which convinced us that the Place had been evacuated by our Troops. —

An Officer of the Royal Navy boarded us as we [were] entering the Harbour, and informed us that the British men of war now riding here at anchor are Vice Admiral Sir Roger Curtis's Squadron consisting of The Tremendous 74, Lancaster 64, Diomed, Jupiter & Hindoostan 50 Gun ships, and the Braave Frigate of 40 Guns. — We find on enquiry that this Squadron is just on the point of sailing for England with the Troops lately Composing the Garrison of the Cape, which was only evacuated by the British Troops under Major Genl. Dundas yesterday, when the Dutch Troops took Possession of it. — The 81st. and 91st. Regiments are Embarked on board the Men of War; but as the Signal is now flying for their sailing, I have not time to visit any of my Argyleshire Friends in the latter Corps. — At 2,O'Clock the British Squadron weighed anchor, and sailed out of Table Bay. —

We no sooner came to anchor in Table Bay than it was determined that all the Passengers should land and take Lodgings on shore in different Houses for the few days we are to remain here. — We accordingly made up our respective Parties immediately.

Colonel & Mrs. Gore, Major Heath, Capt. Campbell and myself agreed to go to the same House; whilst Captain Urmston took charge of Mrs. Carnac and her Family and Mrs. Gray, to go to a different House. — Mr. & Mrs. Smee, Mr. & Mrs. Elphinston, and the other Passengers, having also made up their respective Parties to live on shore. — At half past 2,O'Clock Col: & Mrs. Gore and the rest of our Party went on shore, and proceeded directly to the House of Mrs. Munich, where the old Lady and her three Daughters received us very civilly and kindly, Shewing us very good Apartments for our accommodation. — The House was very pleasantly situated near the principal Gate of the Governor's Garden. — This being the Summer Season at the Cape, Mrs. Munich regaled us immediately on our arrival at her House with a most delicious Desert [sic] of Fruit, consisting of Peaches, Nectarines, Pears, Apples, Grapes, and Strawberries. — After this most acceptable and highly gratifying Refreshment, we all sallied out to walk in the Company's Garden, where we strolled about till 5,O'Clock, and then returned home to Dinner. — Mrs. Munich gave us a very good one; the Meat and Fish being very good, with abundance of most excellent Vegetables; — the wines were also tolerably good, and we had plenty of English Beer and Porter. — Immediately after Dinner I was visited by my old Bombay acquaintance Mr. Pringle of the Civil Service, who still remaining at the Cape as British Resident and Company's Agent. —

At half past 6,O'Clock we all went off to the Play, accompanied by Mrs. Munich's three Daughters and three Sons. — The Theatre was new and a very neat one. — It was a very full House - and there was a grand display of all the Dutch Beauties; the Dutch Governor & his Family, and all the principal People of the Town were there. — The Performance we could not judge of, as it was all in Dutch, but we were nevertheless highly gratified with the novelty of the Sight. — The Play was over about 9,O'Clock, and we then returned Home to Supper. —

After Supper Capt. Campbell and myself went to Call on Mrs. Carnac and her Party at Mr. De Witt's, whither Capt. Urmston had carried them, and we found them at Supper. —

Mar: 6.
Sunday. — Immediately after Breakfast I accompanied Mrs. Gore to hear Divine Service at the principal Dutch Church, which is a very elegant one inside. —

After coming from Church I called on my old acquaintance Mr. Pringle, who was so good as to offer to introduce Col: Gore, Capt. Campbell and myself to the Dutch Governor Mr. Janson, and the Commissary General Mr. De Mist, who live together at the Government House in the Castle.

We accordingly proceeded thither along with Mr. Pringle, who introduced us severally to Mr. Janson and Mr. De Mist, both of whom received us very politely. The Governor invited us to dine with him today, and we accepted of the invitation. — Col: Gore however sent an excuse afterwards, not wishing to leave Mrs. Gore alone. —

At 3. P.M. We went to dine with the Governor, who introduced us to his Lady, a very pleasant agreeable well-bred Woman. — There was a very large Party sat down to Dinner, amongst whom were two Spanish Ladies, the Spanish Admiral Alavaz, and several Spanish officers, who arrived here yesterday from Manilla on their way home to Old Spain. — The Dinner was excellent, and we had a delightful Desert [sic] of all the choice Cape Fruits. We broke up from Dinner at Sunset, and walked afterwards for two hours in the Company's Garden – which is the Public Promenade - and where all the Dutch Ladies walk every Evening, particularly on Sundays.

Mar: 7.
Monday! — Having yesterday agreed to make up a pleasant Party to Visit Constantia, famous for the delicious Wine of that name, we hired the best Carriages that could be procured, and set out early this morning before Breakfast on our little Excursion to that Place. — Our Party consisted of Mrs. & Miss Carnac, Mrs. Gray, Col: & Mrs. Gore, Captain Urmston, Mr. Geo. Urmston, Masters Carnac and Rees, Major Heath, and myself. — Col: & Mrs. Gore, Major Heath and myself went in one Carriage, and the whole of the rest of the Party went in another larger one. — The distance from Cape Town to the Village of Constantia is about Ten Miles, and the Road thither is pretty good. — We set out at 7 and arrived at Little Constantia at 9,O'Clock. — Here we Breakfasted, and walked in the Vineyard both before and after Breakfast. — We visited the great Wine Vaults or Cellars in Little Constantia attended by the Proprietor thereof Mr. Colyne, of whom some of us made Purchases of Wine on tasting it, and finding it so deliciously good. — I Purchased here two Casks of Constantia Red Wine - one of which is called Pontac - the name of a grape originally imported hither from the Mauritius - and of a most lucious [sic] rich quality. — I paid 80 Rix Dollars for it, and 100 Rix Dollars for the other Cask - which was still of a more superior quality. —

We afterwards visited the Vineyard of Great Constantia, of which Mr. Cluyter is Proprietor; who received us most civilly, and walked with us through the Vineyard and all his Grounds, which are laid out with great taste, particularly the Vineyards and Orchards. — Mr. Cluyter also conducted us through all his Distilleries and extensive Range of Wine Vaults and Cellars, where we tasted Constantia Wine of different ages and qualities.

Colonel Gore and myself Purchased each one Cask of White Constantia of Mr. Cluyter, which is of a remarkable fine flavour and quality, paying 80 Rix Dollars for each Cask. —

After we had visited every place that was worth seeing at Great Constantia, Mr. Cluyter entertained us with a very elegant Refreshment consisting of the Choicest Fruits and Wines, and Tea and Coffee and Cold Meat. —

We then returned Home highly pleased and gratified with our day's Excursion to Constantia. —

My 3 Casks of Wine cost me 260 Rix Dollars, which is £52 Str. at the rate of 5 Rix Dollars to one Pound Sterling. — Each cask of Constantia contains 20 English Gallons. — It was almost Sunset when we got home, and I had just time to dress for Dinner, being engaged to dine with Mr. Pringle.

At Mr. Pringle's I met my old acquaintance Mr. Davidson, who was so kind to Capt. Hardyman and myself when we touched at Coringa in the year 1799. — I also met at Dinner Capt. Mc.Nab of the 91st. Regt. late Town Major of the Cape.

After Dinner I accompanied Mr. Pringle to a Ball and Supper at Mr. Galliard's, where I saw a great number of very pretty Dutch Women, and who now dress and dance quite in the English Style. — They are all very sorry that we have Evacuated the Cape.

Mar: 8.
Tuesday. — Colonel Gore and myself took a long walk this morning all over the Town, visited the Public Market Place, and afterwards the principal Works and Lines which are very extensive. — We also went to the Grand Parade and saw the Guards Mount.

The Dutch have about 2500 European Troops (including One German Regt. hired from the Prince of Waldeck) in all to Garrison the Cape; but which would require three times that number at least to defend it against a regular Enemy. — Colonel Henerie [sic] is the name of the Commander of the Garrison. — We returned home to Breakfast; and I remained in my own Room during the rest of the day writing Letters to Friends in India, as we embark again tomorrow to prosecute our Voyage. —

In the Evening I accompanied Mrs. Munich and her three Daughters to visit the Lady Governess – (Mrs. Janson [sic] – who is of Scotch Parents, her Father being a Col: Balneavis in the Dutch Service, and a Native of Perthshire). — She received us very politely – as did also the Governor; we drank Coffee with them, and then took leave. — We afterwards walked for an hour in the Company's Garden, where we met a great number of Ladies as usual. —

Mrs. Munich had a Dance at her House this Evening, and afterwards gave us an excellent Supper. —

Mar: 9.
Wednesday! — After Breakfast we settled and paid all our accounts for Board, Lodging, Washing, and different Purchases made at the Cape.

Our Board and Lodging at Mrs. Munich's is very reasonable indeed, being only Three Rix Dollars each Pr. Day for every thing for ourselves – and One Rix Dollar Pr. Day for each Servant. —

The Article of Washing however is very expensive – each piece being Sixpence Sterling however small it may be. — My Washing costing me £48.- Str. —

I wrote Letters yesterday and this morning to the following friends at Bombay: Vizt. – Govr Duncan, Mrs. Coggan, Niece Miss Wilkins, Charles Forbes Esqr., Jas. A. Grant Esqr., Major Cuyler, and Doctor Anderson. — I enclosed them all under Cover to Mr. Grant Secry. to Government; leaving the Packet with Mr. Pringle at the Cape to be forwarded by the first good opportunity for any of the Presidencies in India. —

At Noon we all Tiffed at Mrs. Munich's – and at 3. P.M. after paying all our Visits at Cape Town, we reembarked on board the Hughes. — Mr. & Mrs. Elphinston remained at the Cape – Mr. E. being unable to proceed farther on account of his very bad state of health. — In their room however we have the Revd. Mr. Weaving, and Mr. Maynard, two Gentlemen belonging to the late English Government at the Cape, and now proceeding to England. —

The Manship Indiaman Commanded by Capt. Loggan, Homeward bound from Bengal, having put in here to repair some damage sustained in her Voyage hither, and being now ready to prosecute her Voyage again, is to sail in Company with us to St. Helena. —

It was Capt. Urmston's intention to sail this Evening; but the Spanish Admiral's anchor having got foul of ours prevents our going till tomorrow morning.

Mar: 10.
Thursday! — At half past 10. a.m. we weighed anchor and made sail out of Table-Bay, the Manship being in Company; but the wind being ahead it was past 3. P.M. before we got clear out of the Bay. We then steered our Course for St. Helena, with a fine light fair Breeze at S. West by South, and going Six Knots. —

Mar: 24.
Thursday! — After a very pleasant Passage of 14 Days, we were this morning at Daybreak in sight of the Island of St. Helena, bearing N.W. of us – and distant about 24 miles.

The Island of St. Helena is Situated in 15°. 55'. South Latitude; and in 5°. 44' West Longitude; being 100 miles west of the nearest part of the Continent of Africa – and 1800 miles East of that of South America. — It is only 9 miles long and 28 in Circumference. It is very high and Rocky, and very wild and barren in appearance; but forms a very grand and most beautiful object in the distance. —

At 5. P.M. we anchored in Chapel-Valley Bay, close in shore, but in very deep water. — Here we found the Earl St. Vincent, and one other Ship (a Whaler) at anchor. —

While we were at Dinner Major Wilson came on board to see us, accompanied by my friend and Brother Officer Major Torrens of the 86th. Regt., whom I was most agreeably surprised to find here perfectly recovered in his Health. The Voyage hither from Bengal had entirely removed his mental and Bodily Complaints. — He therefore determined to proceed no farther – but to return by the first opportunity to join the Regiment at Bombay. — In the mean time, I find, he has become a very happy Benedict here; having about a fortnight ago married Miss Sally Patton, Daughter of Colonel Patton the Governor of St. Helena, a very amiable and accomplished Lady.

Mar: 25.
Friday! — I went on shore early this morning at Chapel-Valley, the Capital of St. Helena, and took up my Quarters at Mr. Dunn's, a very genteel and very agreeable Family, to whom I was recommended by Major Torrens, and with whom he had engaged Lodging for me. — Agreeably to my promise, I hired a Horse and rode out to Breakfast with Major & Mrs. Torrens at Governor Pattons Country House, about 4 miles from Town. — I found the Family at Breakfast, and was introduced by Major Torrens to his wife, her three Sisters, and to Govr Patton himself. The Country Residence of the Governor is most a beautiful and romantic Place. — There is a very elegant House, beautiful extensive Prospect, an excellent Garden and fine Shrubery, [sic] laid out with great taste. — After Breakfast Governor Patton and the whole of his Family came into Town, there being a Public Dinner in the Government House in the Castle, to which all the Ladies and Gentlemen of the two Ships arrived yesterday are invited by the Governor. — I rode into Town in Company with Major & Mrs. Torrens and Miss Jessy Patton; all on Horseback, the other two Ladies having gone in the Carriage with their Father. — By the time we had reached Town, Capt. Urmston with all his Passengers had landed and taken up their Quarters at Major Greentree's House. —

I called upon them there, and introduced Major & Mrs. Torrens to all the Ladies. — I afterwards accompanied Col: Gore and the other Gentlemen Passengers of the Hughes to wait on Governor Patton at the Castle. — I amused myself the rest of the Day in strolling about the Town with Major Torrens, and in calling on Lady Syer and the other Lady Passengers of the St. Vincent. — In the Evening at Sunset, we all assembled at the Government House in the Castle at Dinner, and were most elegantly entertained by Governor Patton. After Dinner Mrs. Torrens and the three Miss Pattons entertained us with a great deal of fine music and most elegant singing, in which Mrs. Torrens bore conspicuous part.

At 10,O'Clock at Night the Company at Govr. Patton's broke up, and I afterwards accompanied Mrs. Torrens and the 3 Miss Pattons to a Ball given by Capt. Sampson of the St. Vincent.

Mar: 26.
Saturday. — Immediately after having Breakfasted at my own Lodgings at Mr. Dunn's, I went to call on all the Ladies of the Hughes, and then on Mrs. Torrens and the Miss Pattons, with whom I rode out afterwards to the Governor's Country House, having engaged to pass the day with them there. — The Governor had invited all the Ladies of the Hughes & St. Vincent to dine with him today at his Country House. — Mrs. Carnac and a few others excused themselves; but Lady Syer, Mrs. Soper, Mrs. Gore, Mrs. Gray, and Miss Carnac, accepted the Invitation.

After leaving Mrs. Torrens and her sisters at their House in the Country, I took a long ride with Major Torrens to "Sandy Bay" to see the beautiful Romantic Views at that place with which I was most highly gratified. — We also rode to several other parts of the Island that were well worth seeing, and did not return home till after 5,O'Clock – soon after which the Company from Town Collected for Dinner. — We had an excellent Entertainment, and a most delightful Concert of Vocal and Instrumental music afterwards from the Ladies of the Family, who are highly accomplished young women; and having spent a very pleasant day with this most agreeable amiable Family, we all took leave of them at a late hour in the Evening, and returned to Town.

We did not get to Town till very near Ten O'Clock at night; and tho' so late we all agreed to go to see the Play called the "Birth-day", which was acted here this Evening by some of the Soldiers of the Garrison. — The Theatre is very small, but very neat, and the Piece was very well performed, to a full audience of Ladies & Gentlemen.

We had a late Supper at Mr. Dunn's after the Play, at which I was introduced to several fellow Lodgers Vizt. Mr. & Mrs. Traille, Mr. & Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. Baumé, Miss Fluker, and Mr. Simpson – all from Bengal on the Manship. —

Mar: 27.
Sunday! — I stayed at Home all this forenoon to write Letters of Introduction for Major & Mrs. Torrens to my principal Friends at Bombay Vizt. – Governor Duncan, Genl. Nicholson, Col: Kerr, Col: Oakes, Lt. Col: Gordon, Lt. Col: Boden, Capt. Moor, Chas. Forbes Esqr., Mrs. Coggan, Major Cuyler &c. &c. &c. — I have requested of my worthy friend Lt. Col: Gordon and his amiable pretty wife to ask Major & Mrs. Torrens to live with them on their arrival at Bombay until they can get themselves settled there. — Having written the above Letters I afterwards went to take leave of Govr Patton, who had come into Town for the purpose of dispatching the Ships. — I returned home to Dinner and my friend Major Torrens dined with me at Mr. Dunn's. — I gave the Major all my Letters and other Commands for India; and after paying and settling accounts with Mr. Dunn, I took leave of my Host and hostess about Sunset, and then Embarked once more on board the Hughes, Major Torrens having accompanied me to the Boat.

The rest of the Passengers embarked at the same time. — We weighed and Sailed at 9,O'Clock at Night.

The Earl St. Vincent sailed three hours before us, and the Manship follows us tomorrow. —

Mar: 31.
Thursday! — At Noon this day we came up with and Passed the Earl St. Vincent, it being no longer necessary for the two Ships to keep Company after leaving St. Helena.

Source
MACQUARIE, Lachlan Journal No. 5 [12 September 1801 - 14 July 1804]
Original held in Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A770 pp. 111-148 [CY Reel 300 Frames #112-131].