2

find their Mamma's. Stout old ladies trying
to find their friends etc. It was with difficulty
we made our way through the struggling mass
to the "Pursers" office. We were shown our cabin
and soon were among our future messmates. The
first dinner was put on to our tables
& there was plenty to eat if you could get
hold of it. Serving out tea was a novelty
such a rush for the large can which held
it and a host of tins round the spout contend
ing for the first draw. 10.0 p.m. Lovely night
nearly full moon could see to write by:

Wed Dec 31st 1879
Wednesday December 31st After a toss
about night in our bunks we set sail or
rather steamed out from our moorings
about 10.0 A.M. proceeded up the Thames
passed the light ships the North & South
forelands. See Dover lights at night & an
occasional glimpse of the Calais rev