Travel Diaries and Journals

We came to anchor at 2 o clock. We were near going on shore & the anchor parted by the strain. We however got the other anchor down & all put to right. Gen Salter immediately went on shore Lt Dadson & I went to go on board the "Adelaide". She (Black boatman 'bout ship) steamed off just as we got along. Dadson shouted out to inquire for his brother wounded in China. Next went on board the "Octavia" saw Dr. Taylor whom I had parted with in Calcutta 6 weeks before. he was rather as- tonished to find me down here. asked him to see Fred. when he went down to Edinburgh. Went on board & dined. In the evening Dadson & I called on the Brigade Major & Dr. Summers the P.M.O. at Cape Town & reported our arrival Could not get off at night to the ship slept

At Mrs Bate's Hotel

April 3rd 1858.

Got up at 6 oclock & I went on board & got all the men ready for disembarkation. had breakfast on board & (got scored through) having got all the soldiers in the boat. One man went over the side in a chair (Woodal) We went off the Sun was very hot. Nearly as hot as I have felt it in India, but it has not the same depressing influence. Took 9 men to Hospital, The rest went to the Artillery Barracks. Met the Genl. (General) Dr. Taylor & Capt Dale of the "Octavia" on shore. Went on board in the evening with the Captain.

April 4th 1858. Sunday.

Stayed on board all day. In the evening went to visit the Hospital having gone on shore with the Captain. Dr Summers anxious to detain me at the Cape & has

On the 3rd. of April, the second day of our arrival, met Dr. Shillette at Mrs. Parkes one of the Candian pas- sengers. he is a Surgeon in the HEICS [Honourable East India Company Service] & got down here on Sick leave. he came in the "Octavia" the same ship that Dr.Taylor my old fellow student is surgeon for. I have been living on board during this time & only going on shore when the Capt. goes.

April 13th. 1858. Tuesday

My 24th. birthday. time takes me by surprise now I can scarcely fancy it possible here I am then on my 24th. birthday on board the "Belgravia" lying quietly at Anchor in Table Bay. the morning is clear beautiful & warm. the sun shining brightly through my Cabin Window & every thing around quiet. I get up to go on

Went to go on board the "Adelaide" steamer bound from China with invalids home Dadson had a brother badly wounded in China & expected it possible that he might be on board there. We got alongside just as she got steam up and was under way. We hailed & inquired. We were answer in the negative. I was disappointed in not getting a letter on board her for you as she carried a mail home. We next went on board the "Octavia" there I saw my old friend Dr. Taylor. Visit to Constantia as related before. parley from Mr. Young. house in portobello Asked Robt. Hunte to write again before leaving the Cape. dispatched on the 20th April p. S.S. Dante to reach England on June 1st. Sent this leape Angus. Wrote also to Fred. Account of voyage & trip to Constantia. 13th. to 23rd. Living on board the

bd. the "Octavia" one day reception not very Cordial by the Capt. asked after Taylor. settled down at Home. two or three troop Ships have arrived this week one to day 19th carried away jib & foretopmast very hot day Can scarcely sleep at night for Mosquitoes in spite of Curtains Dibbs & I went out in the Buggy last night called at R S T Hos. saw Ferris & then called on McGregor. promised to call on him sfter church to morrow & call on Mrs. Knott

Sunday Feby. 20th. 1859

Came into dock yesterday & here we are today boxed up between two walls. every thing has been taken out. Guns stores &ce went to St. Pauls church with Mr. Dibbs. went on bd. Called at McGs. & Mrs. Og. lodging