April

April 1.
I set out early this morning for the Ghaut, where I arrived about Eight OClock, and in sufficient time to Breakfast with my Friend Capt. Spry, who had been left here on Detachment. — I found a small neat Hut unoccupied, which I took possession. —General Abercromby and both Divisions of the Army arrived at their respective Encampments on and near the Ghaut, about Noon.

April 2.
Doctor Anderson thinking it more advisable for me to proceed immediately to the Sea coast, than remaining any longer with the Army; I accordingly followed his advice, and having obtained, the General's Permission, to preceed [sic] the Army, I set out this afternoon for Cananore; I was much fatigued going down the Ghaut, being obliged to walk, the greatest part of the way, my Dooly having been broke through the carelessness of my Bearers, but which they found means to repair as soon as they got to the bottom of the Ghauts; – however, I was afraid to venture to be carried in it, till it should be better repaired; ,and was therefore, under the necessity of riding all the way to my Ground beyond Stoney-River, where I encamp'd about Sun-set. —

Apl. 3.
I set out early in the morning, and go on a little beyond Viatore; I pitched my Tent on the Banks of a Branch of the River Billiapatam, a pleasant situation – found myself much fatigued with this day's Journey.

Apl. 4.
I decamped this morning a considerable time before Day-break, and reached Iliacour before Eight OClock; I took up my Quarters here with Capt. Home, the Commanding Officer of this Post, with whom I breakfast; – sent my Servants and Baggage across the River; — I find myself much easier this day. — Genl. Abercromby arrived at this Post about Noon; having left the Army, to come on, in different Divisions.

Apl. 5.
I set out from Iliacour after Breakfast, and reached Caroley about Noon, where I pitched my Tent. —

April 6.
Decamped very early this morning, and overtook the General and his Suite on the road; arrived on the Heights of Cananore about Twelve OClock, and Pitched my Tent in a pleasant airy situation, on the Hill a little to the right of the old Cantonment.

I was much fatigued and tired, after this day's Journey; but I have now the consolation to think, that my disorder is removing fast, and that I shall improve and recover daily, in my Health. — I feel quite overjoyed, to breathe the Sea air again. —

April 7.
I am visited by Capts. Hall and Torrin, and Doctor Ker, all belonging to the General's Family; from which, I have received very great attention ever since the commencement of my present illness; especially, from Captain Hall, Aid-de-Camp; who, as well from his own good will and inclination, as from the particular desire of the General, kindly supplied me with wines and many other little things that could not be purchased in the Bazar. [sic]

April 10.
The 77th. Regiment arrived, and encamped on the Heights of Cananore.

I find myself recovering, and my appetite returning; I ride out every morning, along the Beach, to breathe the Sea air. — I gave up using Mercury this day, finding my mouth sore, and consequently, the Habit affected; — I have been constantly taking and using this medicine for these five weeks past. —

The following Destination of the Troops, was this day announced, in General Orders — vizt.

The 77th. Regiment, 9th. & 11th. Battn. of Native Infantry, and Two Companies of Artillery, return to the Presidency of Bombay; — the 8th. Battn. N. Infy. (Capt. Little's) goes to Surat; — the 1st. Grendr. Battn. and 7th. Battn. N. Infy., are to be stationed, under the command of Capt. Gore at Calicutt; [sic] — the 10th. Battn. N. Infy. commanded by Capt. Wiseman, to be stationed at Paulagautcherry; — the 4th. Battn. N. Infy. commanded by Capt. Home, remain at Iliacour; — the 3d. Battn. N. I. (Capt. Bowles's) Garrison the Fort of Tellicherry, under the command of Lieut. Col. Bannantyne ; — the 75th. Regt., 1st. Bbay Regt., 2 Companies of Artillery, 2d. & 6th. Battns. of N. Infy., remain in Cantonments at Cananore, under the command of Lieut. Colonel Hartley; who commanded also, all the Troops on the Malabar Coast, excepting those in Garrison at Tellicherry. These Corps were all order'd to hold themselves in readiness to march and go to their respective Stations, on the shortest notice. — Pay and Allowances was also order'd to be paid immediately to the Army, up to the 30th. of April Inclusive; and., Earl Cornwallis's Gratuity, of Six Months Batta, to each Rank, was order'd to be issued at the same time.

April 12.
As Acting Paymaster to the Regiment, altho' very unfit, in my present weak condition, to transact business, I was under the necessity of going to the Pay-Office, to receive the Money due the Regt. on account of Four Month's Field Allowances, and Earl Cornwallis's Gratuity; which, in the whole (exclusive of the Stoppages at Bombay) amounted to very near One Lack of Rupees; — this money was paid, all in Hydrie and Sultanie Pagodas at the rate 4 1/8 Rupees each Pagoda; upon which we are likely to lose much money, as these coins do not pass at Bombay, for near, what they are issued to the Army at; — however, it is to be hoped, that upon a proper representation being made, the deficiency or difference will be made up by Government. — The Regiment being in orders, to embark for Bombay, early next morning, I had only time, to issue about half the Money I received, so that I shall be obliged, to take the rest under my own charge on board Ship.

April 13.
Friday. Five Hundred Men of the 77th. Regiment with a Proportion of Officers, under the command of Major Stirling, embark'd early this morning, on board the Ship Hercules, Capt. Galloway, for Bombay; — Capt. Whitelocke, with a Proportion of Officers, and all the Sick and Convalescents of the Regiment remained behind to come in the Bombay Castle, which is not yet ready to sail.

Colonel Balfour, having some business to settle at Tellicherry, gave over the command of the Regt., in the meanwhile, to Major Stirling, and remained behind.

I remained on shore, till about Twelve OClock, to settle my own little affairs; my Tent, Dooly, and all my Bullocks (excepting one favorite one, which I gave to Captain Cameron) I gave in a present to Lieuts. Cameron and Mc.Coll, of the 75th. Regiment; but my Mare and Sadle, [sic] I sold for what they cost me to Lieut. Howden of the 1st. Bbay Regt.; and having cleared with and paid up my Servants to 30th. April inclusive, I embarked from Cananore in Capt. Galloway's own Boat, on board the Hercules; where he was so obliging, as to accommodate me with his own Cabin; the great Cabin being much crowded with Passengers –there were Seventeen Officers of the 77th. Regt. on board; besides, Major Lampard, Capt. Draper, Capt. Little, Lieuts Mears and Auchinleck, of the Company's Service; and half, almost of the great cabin, was divided off for the accommodation of Major and Mrs. Stirling – we sat down, Twenty two Persons, to Table every day at Dinner. —

April 14
At One OClock this morning, weighed anchor, and set sail for Bombay. —

April 20
Friday. Anchored early this morning, in Bombay Harbour, after a pleasant short Passage of Six days; which, at this Season of the year, was thought an extraordinary quick one; but, we were fortunate, in being favor'd with southerly winds. —

April 21
The 77th. Regiment, disembarked this morning, and were Quartered in the King's Barracks; I went on shore between Eleven and Twelve OClock, and took possession of my old Rooms in the Barracks. — I find myself much better for the Voyage – my appetite is good, and I am a good deal stronger, than when I came on board; I began again using Mercury on board the Hercules and still continue it. —

April 22
My old Bombay Acquaintances and Friends, I am happy to find, have not forgot me, many of them having called his day and yesterday to visit me – which all of them did in the course of a few days. —

I hired a Head Servant, Cook, and Massaljee. —

April 30
I gave over using Mercury by advice of Doctor Anderson, and find myself mending fast, tho' still very weak and much reduced. —

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal No. 2: 26 March 1792 - 28 December 1794.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A768 pp.373-384. [Microfilm Reel CY299 Frames #197-203].