June

June 1.
Saturday! — Adml. Rainier having very kindly offered his old friend Genl. Stuart and all his Staff a passage to Madras, we all embarked accordingly on board the Suffolk 74 at 7,O'Clock this morning, and were most kindly and hospitably received by the good old Admiral at Breakfast; – for we are all to live with him. — We weighed anchor and sailed for Madras at 10,O'Clock; the Victorious 74 (which had joined the Squadron this morning) Sceptre 64, and Providence Schooner in Company. — Capt. Pultney Malcolm commanded the Suffolk under the Admiral.

Lieut. Col. Gordon Adjt. Genl., Capt. Walker Mily. Secry. – Major Stuart and Lieut. Jno. Campbell Aides de Camp, and myself (–as Major of Brigade King's troops –) were the Staff that embarked with General Stuart. —

June 9.
Sunday! — The Squadron anchored this morning at 8,O'Clock in "Back–Bay" in the Island of Ceylon near Trincomalé. We found the Braave [sic] Frigate at anchor here, Commanded by Capt. Alexanders. —

I went on shore along with Capt. Walker to see the Forts of Trincomalé and Osnaburg; [sic] the latter being 3 miles distant from the former, and defending the fine Harbour of Trincomalé. — We walked from Trincomalé to Fort Osnaburg, [sic] and back again after seeing the Harbour – and were much gratified with our Excursion. — We waited on Colonel Ramsay 80th. Regt. commanding at Trincomalé Fort, where we also met Major Gray of the same Corps – my old Brother Captain in the 77th. Regt. — We returned on board the Suffolk again at Noon – and the Squadron sailed at 2. P.M. —

June 11.
Tuesday! — The Squadron anchored this morning at 7,O'Clock in Madras Roads. —

At 10. A.M. General Stuart and Staff left the Suffolk, and landed at Fort St. George, in the Company's Accommodation Boat, about 11,O'Clock. — General Stuart, with his Secry. and two Aides de Camp, proceeded directly to the House of his friend and Agent Mr. Baker. — but Colonel Gordon and myself being perfect Strangers at Madras, were obliged to take up our Quarters at the "London Tavern" in Black Town, where we were but very indifferently served and accommodated. —

June 12.
Wednesday! — Col. Gordon and myself were presented today to Lord Clive the Governor of Madras, by our friend Major Genl. Hay Macdowell. —

June 13.
Thursday! — The Governor having given up the use of the "Admiralty House" for the accommodation of Genl. Stuart – and his Staff, during his stay at Madras; Col: Gordon & myself removed thither this morning by the General's desire –; who was also good enough to ask us both to live with him and to consider ourselves as part of his Family. — We all dined today with town Major Grant – and accompanied him to a Ball at Night. —

June 14.
Friday! — I accompanied Genl. Stuart &c. to wait on General Brathwaite the senior Company's Officer on the Madras Establishment. — We dined with Mr. and Mrs. Baker – a very pleasant Couple; and at Night, we all went to Lady Clive's Route, [sic] and were severally presented to Her Ladyship, and her two young Daughters.

June 15.
Saturday! — Col: Gordon and myself gave a Dinner at the Tavern today to some few friends – vizt. – Lt. Col: H. Mc.Lean, (– Brother to Mc.Lean of Coll –) Capt. Walker, Dr. Gordon, and Capt. Taylor of the Bbay Ship Fletcher. —

June 16.
Sunday! — I dined today with Mr. and Mrs. Taswell at their House in Choultry Plain, where I met my old friend Mr. Cuming of Canton, who is now here for his Health. —

June 17.
Monday! — Col: Gordon and myself dined today with Genl. Brathwaite, and accompanied him to the Play in the Evening. —

June 18.
Tuesday! — Dined at Home wt. Genl. Stuart &c. —

June 19.
Wednesday! — We all dined today with The Earl of Mornington, the Governor General of India, and were magnificently entertained; Admiral Rainier, and a large Party of the Chief People in the settlement, having met us there. —

June 20.
Thursday! — We dined at Mr. Baker's. —

June 21.
Friday! — Dined at Home. —

June 22.
Saturday! — We all dined at with the Captains of the Navy at their House here, where we met Adml. Rainier. —

June 23.
Sunday! — Col: Gordon & myself dined today at Mr. Taswell's – with a large Party. —

June 24.
Monday! — We all dined today with Lord & Lady Clive, where there was a very large Party; – we had a concert in the Evening, and Lady Clive was extremely pleasant and affable, and attentive to every one. —

June 25.
Tuesday! — Dined at Home wt. Genl. Stuart &c.

June 26.
Wednesday! — Col: Gordon and myself dined today with his relation Doctor Gordon. —

June 27.
Thursday! — My state of health being for sometime past very indifferent – and wishing also to avail myself of the present idle time of going to Bengal –; I asked for and obtained Genl. Stuart's Leave to go thither accordingly for a few months for change of air and recovery of my health. —

My friend Capt. Hardyman of La Forte Frigate going to join his Ship at Calcutta, we agreed to go together on the Ship Fletcher of Bombay Commanded by Capt. Taylor. We accordingly embarked on board the Fletcher at One – and sailed from Madras Roads at 2,O'Clock this afternoon. —

June 30.
Sunday! — Anchored in the Evening in the Bay of Coringa – where several Ships were lying at Anchor. —

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal No. 3: 29 December 1794 – 27 September 1799.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A769 pp.374 – 381. [Microfilm Reel CY Reel 299 Frames #523 – 527].