March 2.
The Gale continuing and the wind also being against us, we were obliged to bear away to the nearest Port, which happened to be the River Humber in Yorkshire, in the mouth of which River (within about Twenty miles of the Town of Hull) we came to an anchor on Sunday morning in company with about One Hundred Sail of Coasters; - an unfortunate Brig, sailing very close to ours, not being above a couple of Pistol shots from us, was drove on shore near the Light House, by the violence of the Gale and Surge, and in about half and Hour was dashed all to Pieces; the Gale continued to blow very violent all this day and the morning of the next, but, in the Evening of Monday the Gale ceased, and we set Sail with a fine leading Breeze for the River Thames, with about Three Hundred Sail of Shipping in Company - a very beautiful Sight indeed! - they were all bound for London and had been forced in at different times, by contrary winds and Tempestuous weather, to take shelter from the present Storm in the Humber.

March 5.
On Wednesday Night we came to an Anchor in the River Thames a few miles from Gravesend where we remained all night — I took this opportunity of writing some letters to my Friends to acquaint them with my safe arrival in the Thames after a most perilous, painful and very disagreeable voyage from Scotland, being exactly Four weeks on board ship, whereas the Passage is in general made in Four Days between Leith and London. —

On Thursday at Day light we weighed Anchor again and about Ten OClock reached Gravesend where I disembarked with my Party, and having Lodged them in an Ale House I left them there under the charge of my Serjeant to take a Refreshment previous to their setting out on their march; I went myself to wait upon the Mayor of Gravesend who received me very civilly and Presented me with Letters from my ever good Friend General Maclean, which were directed to the Mayors care to be by him delivered to me immediately on my arrival - these letters were full of most kind and very useful as well as judicious directions and Instructions, how to conduct myself and Party on our march through the little Towns and Villages on the Road to Dover Castle; - the Mayor having order'd a Constable to Provide a Cart for Transporting my own Party's Baggage to the next Stage, we paying the customary allowance of one Shilling per Mile for the said Cart, I went along with my late Skipper Captain Mackie to an Inn where I settled accounts with him for the Passage of myself and Party — One Half of the Passage Money had been paid to him at Edinburgh, and I now gave a Bill upon the Agents for the other Half; I treated him to a Dinner and gave him strict injunctions to take particular care to deliver the little Terrier Dog, Carnag, as soon as he arrived in London to Lady Frederick Campbell, it having come under my care a Present from Mrs. Campbell of Airds; — I wrote a Note to Lord Frederick Campbell by Post acquainting him with the Dog's being forwarded by Capt. Mackie; — I wrote also by Post from Gravesend to Genl. Maclean acknowledging the receipt of his letters and acquainting him with my safe arrival at Gravesend — I also put into the Post Office the letters from my Friends in Scotland, that I had wrote on board Ship the preceeding [sic] night. — As soon as I had dined and Settled with the Skipper, I visited my men and finding them well refreshed and the Baggage Cart ready, I set out with my Party in our March, about Three OClock in the afternoon from Gravesend, my Party being in good Spirits, marched stoutly and we arrived at Citonburn about Eight OClock at night after a march of Eighteen Miles without a man being knocked up or even being much fatigued notwithstanding its being rather a Forced march, — I marched with the Party all the way on foot in order to encourage them and shew them a good example.

Having Billetted [sic] the Men and given them Directions when to assemble at my quarters next morning, I took up my Own Quarters at the Principal Inn, (keeping young Macquarie with myself) where I took an early Supper and went in good time to Bed.

March 7.
I got up early - assembled my Party and sent them off before me under charge of Serjt. Maclean - I hired a Post Chaise at the Inn to carry myself, my own Baggage, and the Baggage of the Recruits, to Canterbury, in which I set out, as soon as I had Breakfasted after the Party; - came up with them about half way to Canterbury - I went before to procure Billets - the Party arrived at Canterbury (distant from Citonburn Eighteen miles) about 2 OClock in the Afternoon; and having Billetts [sic] ready, were immediately sent to their different quarters, with orders to assemble at the Principal Inn (where I had take [sic] up my quarters) early next morning. After having dined I took a long walk through the Town of Canterbury - visited the Cathedral and Principal Publick [sic] Buildings of the Place - a Regiment of Light Dragoons (Prince of Wales's) quartered in the Town; Return in the Evening to the Inn, took a light Supper and went early to Bed; I kept Volunteer Macquarie always at my own Quarters, where he eat and Drank as I did.

March 8.
Saturday — I got up early in the morning, assembled my Party - marched them about Eight OClock in the morning, from Canterbury, under charge of my Serjeant — I hired a Post Chaise to carry myself and the Baggage to Dover Castle - Breakfasted, and set out from Canterbury about Ten OClock after the Party - came up with them within three miles of the Town of Dover - quitted the chaise (which followed us) and marched in at the Head of my Party into the Town of Dover (distant Eighteen miles from Canterbury) where we arrived about Two OClock in the afternoon — I lodged the Party in an Ale House, to shift and refresh themselves after their march - and Proceeded myself in the Post chaise to Dover Castle - (distant about half a mile from Town) in order, to wait upon the commanding Officer of the Regiment, to report my arrival, previous to marching in my Party into the Castle — Upon my arrival at the Castle, I found the senior Officer, then with the Regiment, to be Captain James Dunlop (late of the 82d. and an old American acquaintance of my own) upon whom I waited and reported my having brought Twenty Recruits for the Regiment; - Capt. Dunlop then acquainted me, that both Colonel Marsh and Lieut. Colonel Balfour were up in London, but that both or at least one of them would be down with the Regiment in a couple of Days - that my Recruits could not be inspected or Passed until [sic] one of them arrived - he also told me that he had no authority to Pass any Recruits in the absence of the Colonel and Lieut. Colonel; - Having received Permission to march my Party into the Castle, and having Lodged my Baggage in the Regl. Store in the mean time, I dismissed the Post Chaise after having paid it off, and in Company with Lieut. Archibald Campbell belonging to the Regt. (Eldest son of Mr. Campbell of Melford) I return'd to the Town of Dover where I left the Party, which I found ready Dressed after having taken the Refreshment that I ordered for them. — I marched up at their Head to the Castle where we arrived about Three OClock in the afternoon, and having reported the same to the Officer commanding the Regiment, got them quarters in the Barracks, and having also given them their day's Pay I dismissed them to their Quarters.

I found upon Enquiry that the Regiment was near complete, having considerably upwards of Six Hundred Men at Dover Castle before my arrival - all the Officers, except one or two, having completed and joined with the Quotas of Recruits some time before - found a great number of Officers present with the Regiment, to all of whom Capr. Dunlop and Lieut. Campbell introduced me in the Field, where they were at Exercise with the Men, when I arrived in the Castle with my Party, and where I had first waited upon Capt. Dunlop; the Officers present had formed a Regimental Mess in the Castle some time before. To which I was invited to dine, and which I begged leave to enter as a Member - I found my Brother Officers present a very agreeable Genteel set of young Men - I dined with them and sat up till pretty late - not having any Quarters in the Castle, I was obliged to go down to Dover and Sleep at the City of Antwerp Tavern for this night, and some nights following. — The following is an exact List, of the Officers appointed at home, by His Majesty, to the 77th. Regiment of Foot, as Gazetted from the War-Office - bearing date, the 25th. of December 1787; - (the rest of the Commissions, being left vacant by His Majesty, for the Honorable East India Company's Officers to accept of in India) vizt., Colonel James Balfour — Captains - Bulstrode Whitelocke - James Dunlop °- John Montresor ° - Lord Charles Somerset - Captain Lieut. Wm. Frederick Spry ° - Lieuts. - Lachlan Macquarie ° - Hugh Trevor - Joseph Owen ° - Thomas Weston ° - J. Herbert Dalrymple ° - Archd. Campbell ° - Honble. Geo. Augustus Cochrane - John Shaw - Wm. Atwood Oliver - St. John Fancourt ° - Charles Erskine - Henry Davers - Ensigns - James Blackwell - John Tait ° - Robert R. Campbell ° - Archd. Campbell - John A. Dick ° - Chaplain James Dalton - Adjutant Charles Erskine - Qr. Mr. Chas. Stewart - Surgeon Colin Anderson ° - Surgeons Mates Thomas Piper ° and William Grieve - N.B. all those officers mark'd thus, ° immediately after their Names, were Present with the Regiment, at Dover Castle, when I joined it, on Saturday the 8th. of March 1788.

March 9.
I went up to the Castle as soon as I had dressed – Breakfasted with Capt. Dunlop – Paraded my Recruits and issued their Day's Pay - visited different Parts of the Castle and Works round it; - had a most beautiful and Distinct view, of Calais, and the Coast of France, the day being remarkably clear and serene; – I walked about most of the Day untill [sic] Dinner time – which I found to be Five OClock with the 77th. Regt. – they never dined till after the Evening Parade was dismissed. I went to sleep to the "City of Antwerp" down in Dover, this night as I did last. Captain Spry, Having in a very friendly manner pressed me to accept of one Half of his apartments in the Castle, (there being none vacant for myself), as long as the Regiment remained there, I accepted of his obliging offer – removed my Baggage this day to his Quarters; – where I continued to Sleep and Breakfast from this time till our going away; – I found it exceedingly unpleasant going down a Steep Hill late at night from the Castle down to the Town to sleep at the Tavern, for the two last nights. —

Captain Whitelocke, Lt. Cochrane and Ensign Blackwell arrived from London.

March 11.
Lieut. Colonel Balfour, Lieut. Trevor, and Lieut. Erskine, (the Adjutant) arrived at the Castle in the afternoon from London, waited immediately upon Colonel Balfour accompanied by Capr. Dunlop, who introduced me — I delivered the Lt. Colonel a Return of my Recruits – and at the same Presented him with a letter of Introduction and Recommendation in my favor from his Brother Mr. Balfour of Babbirney, – which had been procured for me, by my very good and worthy Friends at Auchtermerny in Fife shire –; (Mrs. Lundin and Miss Maclean of Torloisk, both of whom, as well as Capt. Lundin, had always expressed their good wishes for my success.) — The Lieut. Colonel received me very kindly; – he appears to be a plain good sort of Man. —

March 12.
In the morning of this Day, my Recruits were Paraded very early, (having been inspected by the Surgeon on the Day before) and assembled at the Mess Room, where they underwent a very strict examination by Lieut. Colonel Balfour with regard to Size, age &c. &c; – after all was over I had the mortification to find that no less than Four of my Recruits were Rejected; vizt. One on account of a Rupture (Mc.Kenzie), – One for being too old (Mc.Innes) – and Two for being under Size (Waddle & Dick); As to the first of these men, altho' an amazing fine looking stout Highlander outwardly, yet, as he was disordered, I could only complain of my own inattention, and the villainy of the Surgeon who certified that he was sound at Edinburgh, for his being Rejected; – as to the other three I had great reason to complain of their being Rejected, as there were then in the Regiment many older men than Mc.Innes and a great many lower men than Wattle & Dick; which I took the liberty to represent to Lt. Colonel Balfour, as also the very great and cruel loss I should sustain by their being Rejected, having Paid them very High Bounties, Subsisted them for some months and paid their Passage from Scotland; but, all these arguments availed nothing with him, I was, therefore, obliged to put up with the loss as well I could; all the satisfaction I could get up from him on this occasion was his advising me to detain the Four Men at Dover Castle untill [sic] the arrival of Colonel Marsh there from London, in hopes that he would Pass them – I took his advice and detained the Men accordingly. —

Ensign Archd. Campbell had arrived with his Recruits at Dover Castle from Scotland a few days after me – His Recruits were examined and Passed at the same time with mine, but he had also the misfortune to have Three Men Rejected out of Fifteen the number he brought from Scotland. —

I had spoke to Lieut. Colonel Balfour, in a conversation we had the Evening before, very fully about my Friend Murdoch Macquarie and acquainted him with his situation and views – it was then only, that it was made known to me, that there were no such Characters allowed, to go out on the Strength of the Regts. going now to India, as Volunteers; but, Col. Balfour assured me notwithstanding this Order, that in case it was in his power, he would be very happy to serve young McQuarie altho' he went out as a Recruit to India; — I spoke again this morning, to Col. Balfour, Previous to the examination and Inspection of my Twenty Recruits, about Murdoch McQuarie and upon his repeating that he would be glad to serve him I allowed him to be Passed as a Recruit – there being no other means left to get him out to India – besides that his situation was not at all singular as there were Five other Gentlemen going out with the Regiment exactly in the same Predicament vizt. Messrs. Gillman Wood, Holland, Thorn and Macdonald; – the last of these Gentlemen had been sent down from London to the Regiment by Genl. Maclean to Pass as a Recruit for me and to be under my Particular care and charge, with Forty Five Pounds of Money Lodged in my Hands by the General on his account and behoof, to be laid out and Given to him by me as his occasions required. — I wrote to Genl. Maclean of this date acquainting him that Four of my Recruits were rejected. —

March 15.
Colonel Marsh arrived at Dover Castle; I waited upon him immediately and was introduced to him by Lieut. Colonel Balfour; I Presented him with Two very strong letters of Recommendation from old Friends and Acquaintances of his, vizt. The Honble. Lieut. General Alexr. Lessley and Major General John Campbell (Colonel of the late 74th. Regt.); I was well known to these Gentlemen in America, and they were so obliging of their own accord as to offer and give me these letters before I left Edinburgh to my colonel supposing that they might be of some Service to me with him; – But, the Old Gentleman, Colonel Marsh, neither received me with that civility and attention that I might naturally expect from the influence of these letters upon him; nor, with that Politeness that I had always been accustomed to, from my former Colonels, and Commanding Officers; - He expressed great surprise, (without making the smallest allowance for the length and tediousness of my unavoidable long Voyage from Scotland,) at my not joining the Regiment sooner, and at not bringing a great many more Recruits for the Regiment considering the long time I had taken to join - adding that he expected from what he was told, of the great interest and influence, that my Friends had in the Highlands, that I would have brought at least a Hundred Recruits for the Regiment: – to all these remarks and reflections, I only replied in answer, that I was sorry he was so much displeased and disappointed, that I had made use of every possible exertion to Procure Men, and had lost not a moment of time in joining my Regiment, as soon as it was in my Power after compleating [sic] my quota of Men - that notwithstanding Four of my Men being rejected I had still Seventeen Recruits Passed, which was Two over and above my Quota; and that as I never had stipulated to raise more than my Quota, I could not think myself deserving of any censure on that score – thus ended our first meeting and conversation for the Present. — In the Evening Colonel Marsh order'd my Recruits to be Paraded by themselves – he Reviewed them, and could not disapprove of those that were Passed; but, would not agree to take or keep, any of the Four Men, that Lieut. Colonel Balfour had Rejected; – so that after subsisting them a complete week at Dover Castle at my own Expence, I was obliged after all to Discharge them each Fourteen Days Pay to carry them back to their different Places of abode in Scotland; – this, added to every other Expence attending them, I found upon a Calculation, that I lost about Forty Guineas by these Four Rejected Recruits; which, at this time gave me no small uneasiness, as I could not well afford it. —

March 16.
I settled with, and Paid up the Ballances [sic] due to, all my Recruits – they having been Drawn to different Companies some few days before - I Paid their Fourteen Days Pay to the Four Rejected Men and sent them off.

March 17.
I wrote letters by this Post to my Uncle and Brother Charles. —

March 18.
On Tuesday the 18th. of March, the 77th. Regiment were Reviewed and Inspected, by Major General Sir George Osborne sent down by His Majesty for that Purpose, Previous to their Embarkation for India – Sir George as His Majesty's Representative, went through the ceremony of Presenting their Colours to the Regiment through Colonel Marsh, who made a Speech to the Soldiers on the occasion. — Sir George was highly pleased with the appearance of the Corps and said he would make a very favorable Report of the 77th. to His Majesty; Sir George Osborne invited all the Officers of the Regiment to Dine with him at the Ship Inn in Dover after the Inspection was over – I was not able to go to dine with the General, being this day Officer of the Barrack Guard in the Castle as well as Officer of the Day – being the first Duty I did in the Regiment. —

I omitted to mention in its proper Place, that in the Regimental Orders of Thursday the 13th. of March, I was appointed, by Lieut. Colonel Balfour, to the Command and Charge of the Fifth Vacants Company, to which no officer, had as yet, been appointed - the Serjeant Major having the Charge and Payment of it ever since the Companies had been formed - I found them to be one of the best Battalion Companies in the Regiment. — I fell in with them at Parade for the first time this day at the Review and Inspection by Sir George Osborne, I continued the Payment of the Company to the Serjeant Major untill [sic] the Regiment should Embark for India, as I wished to have nothing to do with their accounts till then. — I wrote letters by this day's Post to my Friends Capt. Lundin of Auchtermerny and Maclean of Drimnin; - I acquainted the latter that it was not Practicable to obtain the Discharge of Malcolm Mc.Innes (One of my Recruits) as he wished to have it. — Took a sober Dinner at the Mess this day along with Ensign John Tait, who I found a very Genteel well informed young Man. —

March 19.
Colonel Marsh Gave a Dinner to the Officers of the Regiment at the Ship Inn at Dover — I dined there, and in the Evening went to see a Play acted at the small Theatre at Dover which was hardly worth going to see. —

March 22.
Having all my Recruiting Accounts &c-&c to settle with the Agents; and to fit myself out with the necessaries &c, for the voyage to India, I applied for, and obtained, leave to go up to London for a few days to transact this business, and see my Friends there, on Saturday afternoon 22d. March, I took a Ticket in the Mail-Coach from Dover, and about Six OClock in Evening, accompanied by Lieut. Archibald Campbell and Qr. Mr. Stewart I set out for London, where we arrived about Seven OClock on Sunday morning Lieut. Campbell and myself took up our quarters at the Cecil-Street-Coffee House in the Strand (Kept by Maclean.) - As soon as I had Breakfasted and Dressed I waited on my good Friend General Maclean who received me in a most kind and Friendly manner, and after some discourse invited me to dine with him this day. — I went Afterwards to wait on my Friend Colonel small who was very happy to see me, and at whose Lodgings, I met with some old Brother Officers - vizt. Capt. Dun. Campbell, Lieuts. James Macdonald and James Robertson of the late 84th. Regt. -; from Colonel Small's I went to wait on Colonel Marsh (he being in Town) but did not find him at home, and from his Quarters I went to wait upon my Friends of the Park Family in Carey Street Lincolns-Inn-fields, all of whom were very happy to see me; — I dined and spent the Evening with Genl. Maclean and his Lady – both of whom treated one with greatest Friendship; — Returnd [sic] at night to the Cecil Street Coffee House. —

March 24.
Settle all my Recruiting accounts with the Agents Messrs. Cox, Cox & Greenwood; I also settled all accounts with my Half Pay Agent Mr. Lawrie up to the 24th. of Decr. 1787 Inclusive, not having commenced Full Pay in the 77th. Regt. untill [sic] the 25th. of Decr. 1787; - I Received all the Ballances [sic] and Money due me from both Agents, as well as the Six Months Pay from the 23d. March to 23d. Septr. 1788 Inclusive, order'd by His Majesty to be Paid in advance to the Four Regiments going to India.

After receiving all the Money Due me from the Agents, calculating what fitting myself out in London for the voyage would cost me, I found, that I could only remit Forty Five Pounds to my Uncle Lochbuy in part Payment of my Debt to him – I remitted him this small Sum through my Friend General Maclean with whom, I also lefty an account amounting to Twelve Pounds Sterling due me by the Regt. which could not be paid by the Agents, untill [sic] approved by Lieut. Colonel Balfour; but, which, if recovered by Genl. Maclean, was to be remitted by him to my Uncle, in addition to the Forty Five Pounds already mentioned. —

Genl. Maclean was so obliging as to go along with me himself in the course of this day to different Shops and Point out to me every thing that was necessary to fit myself out with an Indian voyage, and was kind enough to recommend me to the Shops where he thought I would be well and reasonably served. — I received a letter in the Evening from the Adjutant at Dover Castle, acquainting me that Orders were sent down from the War Office for the Embarkation of the Regiment, and that in consequence all absent Officers were order'd [sic] to join immediately; – I therefore found myself under a necessity of getting my business finished in London with all Possible Dispatch. I spent the Evening with Friends.

March 25.
I went early this morning to wait on Colonel Marsh, whom I found stepping into a Post Chaise for Dover Castle; he told me that I might with safety remain One Day longer in Town – after parting with Colonel Marsh I went to the Agents, where I was informed that the Regiment would not Embark before the 27th. or 28th. Inst. for a certainty, which made me early and determined me to remain in Town till Wednesday afternoon. — I finished most of my Business this day – wrote letters to my Friends in Town – and regretted much that my time did not admit of my going out to Hammersmith to see Miss Betsy Campbell Airds and Capt. Duncan Campbell's Daughters, who were there together at a Boarding School. — I dined with Lt. Jas. Macdonald and some other Friends at the Cecil – and went to see a Play at the Covent Garden Theatre in the Evening – where accidently [sic] I happened to meet with many old Friends and Acquaintances. — Sleep at the Cecil, where I supped with some Acquaintances after having had a very droll Ramble with them through many very curious Places in the Town.

March 26.
Got up early - finish all my Business this Forenoon in Town – call at Genl. Maclean's (where I am engaged to Dine Previous to setting out for Dover) and Mr. Parks, of whose Family I take leave, Mr. Park accompanied me to his Daughters House (now Mrs. Keirnan,) and afterwards to Mr. Hardy's whose Lady I saw but was himself from home - from thence he went with me to wait on Colonel John Murray of Bengal, whom we found at home – I then parted with and took leave of Mr. Park, leaving with him my kind regards for his son James Allan Park my old Friend and School-Fellow who was not at this Time in Town being on a Circuit in the Country; I was a good deal hurt that I had not the time to wait on more of my London Friends – Particularly Mr. Llyde of Bedford Square – Major Brace at Wandsworth – and Mr. Cameron of Titchfield Street; – I waited on my old Friend Colonel Small to take leave - I met by appointment with the Honble. Archd. Fraser of Lovett there and was introduced to him by Colonel Small – had a good deal of conversation with Mr. Fraser about his Son, now a Soldier in the 77th. Regiment, and to whom I was requested to Pay attention and Give advice occasionally, and a credit being lodged with the Agents for the Purpose, I was directed to draw from our own Pay master, one Shilling Per day, besides his Soldiers Pay, for him and to give it to him as he wanted it.

I went from Colonel Smalls to Mrs. Mc.Kenzies Ware-House where I saw all things Packed up properly that I had bought there - Paid my accounts, and orderd [sic] all my things to be sent to the Blue Boar in Holborn from whence I was to set out for Dover – I returned to the Cecil and sent off my Baggage from thence to Mrs. Mc.Kenzies Shop to go with the rest of my things from there - Paid off every thing I owed at the Cecil – and appointed Lieut. Campbell to meet me in the Evening at Mrs. Mc.Kenzie's, I set out for General Maclean's to Dinner – I dine with the General and his Lady in company wh. Docr. Chas. Maclean – We had a great deal of very friendly advice and agreeable conversation during Dinner and after - and having received the mutual good wishes of the General and his Lady, I took my leave of this worthy and very good Friend to whom, I shall ever have the most grateful obligations — Set out from Genl. Macleans, along wh. Chas. Maclean, for Mrs. Mackenzie's where meeting with Lieut. Campbell – send the remaining Part of our Baggage off and Proceed to the Blue Boar in Holborn; Here we found Colonel Small, Lieut. Jas. Mc.Donald and other Friends waiting for us – We Drank Coffee together – took leave and about Seven OClock the Mail-Coach being ready, set out for Dover-Castle, accompanied by Lieut. Archd. Campbell and Ensign Archd. Campbell, and arrived at Dover the next morning (being Thursday) about Six OClock —

March 27.
Stop at the "City of Antwerp Inn," where we Breakfast; after which we Proceeded to the Castle, having sent our Baggage there before us; – upon our arrival in the Castle are informed that the first Embarkation of the Regiment is to take place early next morning, consisting of three Companies, vizt. the Lieut. Colonels, Majors and the Fifth Vacant, – the last of which I belong to, and is informd, [sic] that I embark with it and to prepare myself accordingly. — I began with receiving from the Serjeant Major a State of the Debts and Credits of the Company, and every other necessary information with regard to the Men and State of their accounts — I Paid and cleared off all my Debts in the Castle and in the Town of Dover – Purchased every little article I wanted for the voyage besides what I furnish'd [sic] myself with already in London; — I dined at the Mess – most of the Officers of the Regiment – had a very social merry sitting after Dinner Previous to our Departure; – I employ'd [sic] the Evening in Packing up my Baggage and Preparing for the next morning's movements. — Went early to Bed.

March 28.
Friday. I got up early - visited the Company and saw that they were getting ready - had my Baggage sent along with the Company's to be put in a wagon for the place of Embarkation - Gave in, (according to orders) a State of the Debts and Credits of the Company – and received at the same time, the Amount of the Men's Ballances [sic] of their Six months advanced Pay after Deducting their Sea Necessaries and Debts; — I afterwards returned to my Room and took a short hurried Breakfast with Captain Spry; — at Seven OClock - the Roll beat, and the Three Companies for Embarkation assembled and Paraded with their Officers: — I must here observe, that the Regiment, in four different Ships, for India, were to embark in the following order - vizt. Three Companies already mentioned (being the first Division for Embarkation) to Embark on board the Dublin, the Second Division consisting of Three Companies under Captains Dunlop and Spry on board the Northumberland; the third consisting of Two Companies under Captain Montresor, on board the Prince William Henry; and the Fourth Division consisting of Two Companies under Captain Whitelocke on board the Winterton; and were order'd to hold themselves in readiness to embark on the shortest notice; — The Indiamen having orders to send notice to Dover Castle as soon they arrived at Deal from the River Thames, on which the Troops were orderd [sic] to march immediately for the place of Embarkation fixed upon; — this notice having been sent of the arrival of the Dublin at Deal the first Embarkation was order'd as already mentioned. — The Baggage being sent off and every other necessary arrangement made the three Companies marched off for Deal from Dover Castle about Half after Seven OClock under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James Balfour, with the following Officers vizt. Lieut. Lachlan McQuarie; Lieut. Chas. Erskine, Adjutant; Ensign John Tait; Surgeon Colin Anderson; & Quarter Master Charles Stewart; — the three Companies consisted of about Sixty three men each besides Women and Children. — The Total Strength, of the three Companies, including officers, Men, women and children, was about Two Hundred. — Colonel Marsh, (who obtained His Majesty's Permission to remain at home) and Capt. Spry accompanied us to Deal – We had a very pleasant March thither from Dover Castle – the distance about Seven or Eight Miles – arrived at the Beach close to the Town of Deal a liitle after Nine OClock; — The Honble. Company's Agent had Boats ready for us, as well as a Refreshment of Bread and Cheese and Porter for the Soldiers Previous to their Embarkation – a very acceptable Treat to them, and which they chearfully [sic] took while the Boats were launching and getting ready to take us on board. —

At 11 OClock we were all Embarked on board the Boats, and after taking leave of our Colonel on the Beach, we put off from shore for the Dublin – all in high Spirits – the Soldiers giving three cheers as the Boats put off; about Twelve OClock we got all safe on board the Dublin East Indiaman commanded by Captain William Smith, then lying at anchor in Deal Roads ready to sail for Bombay with the first fair wind - it being at this time contrary; — as soon as the Men had put by their Arms, the Chief Mate accompanied Col. Balfour and the rest of us (Officers) to shew us our own and the Soldiers accommodations in the great Cabin and Hollop [sic] Deck; we found ourselves as well as the soldiers very well and comfortably accommodated as to Room, air &c. &c. ; — the Officers fixed upon their Births [sic] in the great Cabin, Colonel Balfour having a Part of it Divided of for Himself — we afterwards fixed upon the Births [sic] of the Companies seperately [sic] and Divided them off, leaving a Hatchway clear for each Company; – the Soldiers were then served out Hammocks and Bedding to, and each Man had his Particular Birth [sic] assigned and marked for him; which being done, the Men were order'd to take Possession of them accordingly to fix up their own Births. [sic] At Three Oclock Dinner was announced ready – we all assembled in the cuddy or Round House and were introduced to Captain Smith, whose wife (a very Genteel woman) one other Lady, and some Gentlemen, were on board upon a visit to him previous to his Departure, and dined with us — Had a most excellent Dinner and very good wine – sat at Table till Sun set – Capt. Smith's wife and Friends went on shore in the Evening as soon as we broke up from Table – at Nine OClock we supped and about Ten OClock Retired to Rest.

March 29.
I Got up early - the wind contrary; – Colonel Balfour having Proposed going on shore at Deal, I accompanied him thither to buy some little articles for myself and the Company – we walked thro' the Place – did our Business and took an early Dinner at an Inn along with Lieut. Weston and his wife whom we happened to meet there, on their way on board the Northumberland to look at their accommodation; — Returned on board the Dublin about Sun set; – all the Passengers came on board in the course of this Day during the time the Colonel and I were on shore at Deal – Supped with them all at night, and think them a Genteel looking set of People.

March 30.
Sunday. — The wind still contrary. — Description of the Dublin – with the Names of the Officers of the Ship, and Passengers vizt. The Dublin East Indiaman is a very Fine Ship – is coppered and reckoned a remarkable Good Sailing Ship - She is about Eight Hundred Tons Burthen – carries Twenty Four Guns (Nine Pounders) and about One Hundred Sea men - she is Flush Fore and aft and has a very neat handsome Round House – a neat Cuddy and Balcony, with several neat Apartments Divided off for the Captain himself and the Female Passengers – the Quarter Deck is a very good one, sufficiently large for walking or Dancing – The Great Cabin is large, lofty and well Lighted; – the Officers of the Ship have their Cabins, on both sides, from the Great Cabin to the After-Hatchway neatly arranged. Names of the Ship Officers vizt. Captain William Smith – 1st. Mate (alias Chief Off.) Mr. Burt – 2d. Mate Mr. Eaggar – Purser Mr. Dickie – Surgeon Mr. Lewis – Capts. Clerk Mr. Hammond - Midshipmen – Mr. Isaac, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Abbott. — Passengers Names – 1 Miss Seccome – 2 Miss Blair – 3 Miss Hunter – 4 Miss Lofty – 5 Miss Charlote Lofty – 6 Revd. Mr. Lofty – 7 Capt. Broun – Lieut. Darby – Lieut. Lambert, – Lt. Wood 11 Mr. M.Cleis – 12 Lt. Col. Balfour, Lieuts. Macquarie & Erskine – Ensign Tait and Surgeon Anderson, in all 16 Cabin Passengers; which, including the above mentioned Ship Officers makes Twenty Five in Number every Day at the Captain's Table in the Cuddy, and which number our mess is to consist of during our Voyage to Bombay. —

The 3d. Mate Mr. Smith had a Mess consisting of himself, the 4th. & 5th. Mates Qr. Mr. Stewart 77th. Regt. (with his wife and children) and some other Gentlemen Passengers – this Mess is called the Third Mates Mess from his being the Head of it and messing in his cabin upon the Gun-Deck. —

We find Captain Smith a most Gentleman like Man – extremely civil and attentive – His Table is most Plentifully and elegantly Served with the very best Eatables and Drinkables – His own and the Ship officers (in the Mess) Servants attend Table only, their not being room for the Servants of the Military Officers to attend their masters at Dinner, but we find the attendance notwithstanding to be perfectly good and sufficient, Capt. Smith himself being particularly attentive to every one at his Table; and from what we have already experienced there is every appearance of our being happy and sociable during our approaching Voyage to India - We (the King's Officers) in particular, have very great reason to be well pleased with our Situation, as our Passage cost us nothing at all – the East India Company paying the Passage Money of all the Officers of the Four Regiments now going to India: this is very pleasing, as well as, a most fortunate circumstance for us all. — The Captain is only allowed by the Honble. Company One Hundred Pounds for the Passage of a Field Officer and Seventy Pounds for the Passage of every Captain and Subaltern; — I cannot help observing, that I by no means think these sums adequate to the Expence of Captain Smiths Table; and unless we have a very short Passage, he can be no gainer by the allowances made him for our Passage — The Total Number of Souls on board the Dublin is about Three Hundred and Fifty. —

March 31.
The Wind still contrary. —

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal No. 1: 15 December 1787 - 24 March 1792.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A768 pp.27-75. [Microfilm Reel CY299 Frames #19-43].