Travel Diaries and Journals

Clarence from Calcutta to Demerara Decr [December] 20th 1864

at daylight weighed & proceeded down the river in tow of the "Alexandra" at 7.18 passed [atchepore?] at 9.45 passed Diamond Harbour at 11 passed Mr. Greens ship the "Renown" being towed up the River at Noon crossed the Rangafullah at 1 Passed through Bedfords Channel at 5.30 anchored in Sangor in 6 1/2 fms [fathoms] & veered to 30 fms [fathoms] Sangor Light house NE by N.

Decr [December] 21st

at 5 weighed & proceeded in tow of the "Alexandra" through the Gaspar Channel, & made all sail (plain) at 10 Cast off the steamer & Mr. Fosbery Pilot left the ship. Noon light NE wind & fine weather. Outer Floating light NE 10 Latde [Latitude] 20.56 No Londe [Longitude] 88.8 E PM Moderate NE wind carrying all sail all the Port studg [studding] sls [sails]

swam off with a life line to the sunken ship "Govindpore" & rescued eight of her crew from drowning the list above given is it is to be feared very imperfect. While numbers of vessels that are still on shore will probably have to be abandoned. Many ships rode out the gale in safety, until run fould of others adrift, and carried away with them. In this way the "Grappler" buoy vessel was fouled by the "Princess Royal" & parted her chain. She was again brought up when five other vessels drifted on to her, & swept her away carrying away her rudder & all her masts except the Main Mast. A few vessels were fortunate to ride out the gale at their own anchors: among others the floating light "Sangor" which escaped without any damage but the loss of one of her boats. The Police hulks have all foundered with the exception of the one at Prinsep's Ghaut, which is high & dry. Close to her may be seen the government steamer "Adjai" with a broken back. The scene presen- ted by the shipping is indescribable. There must be at least a hundred ships ashore all huddled together in inextricable confusion. Yards & masts are hanging about in every conceivable form of wreck, & the scene