Travel Diaries and Journals

written to the PMO for that purpose did not wish me to attend at the hospital until positive orders arrive. It was blowing a South Easter when we went on shore so I could not get off to the ship that evening. Slept at Mrs Parkes Hotel.

April 4th 1858.

Capt came on shore to go the excursion to Constantia that Gen Salter had promised but the Genl. had taken ill during the night. [at scored through] Called me to see him. He was not able to go in the morning. The South Easter continued to blow with great violence throughout the day. The Captn went on board in the evening. it was blowing a stiff gale. Remained on shore & slept at Mrs. Parkes

April 5th 1858.

At Mrs Parkes all day & slept all night there.

style several ladies and gentlemen out walking. Quite different from Calcutta where no one walks out darkness. Cause on where we were four miles from Cape Town & we got to Mrs. Parkes at 1/2 past six in time for dinner. We dined there & the Capt. & I returned on board ship about 9 oclock very much pleased with our days excursion. April 9th to 12th. Nothing particular the last three days. have been on shore some part of each day generally in the evening. We called on the Genl. and Dadson when we went on shore the latter has gone off to live in the Cape isfle bangetts & the former to live at Rathfelders in Wynberg

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

letter for home Mail to leave about the 20th. per R.M.S. "Dane" paid acct. at Mrs. Parkes, Taylor's & washing 10/6. Ashore for the last time [with Mr scored through] came on board with Rodgers in Comunication boat yesterday met the general bid good bye.

Sunday Morning May 17th 1858. Got up early this morning made sail with very light breeze passed the Gipsy Bride Scotch emigrant ship in Quarantine. Capt. Grey went on board back for England. breeze died away & we could not get out that night. Came back & anchored in 14 fathoms. Bremen bark also put back & anchored close in shore.

Monday May [18 changed to] 19th. 1858.

Got up anchor & made sail again this morning early. The breeze was could not leave for fog