Thomas Keir diary - 11 December 1863 entry [National Library Micro-MS-0837]

Friday 11th Dec[embe]r 1863

Very warm during the forenoon, and
we are beginning to feel the effects
of the tropical sun. got a quart more
water today. saw two vessels, the
one crossed our track steering to the
eastward, the other homeward bound
but a good bit off. In the evening a
good turn out on the deck had a
few Scotch reels. I joined in three
or four and got a fine heat, sang auld
lang syne gave three cheers for the
Doctor who bade us good night and
we then dispersed. The old man that
was ill was removed to the hospital
he is looking very ill and I fear it
will not stand it. Had a sea pie which
was very good for dinner, a fine fresh
wind has sprung up in the evening and
now 10.30 P.M. we are going swiftly

STANDARDISED

Friday 11th December 1863

Very warm during the forenoon, and we are beginning to feel the effects of the tropical sun. Got a quart more water today. Saw two vessels, one crossed our track steering to the eastward, the other homeward bound but a good bit off. In the evening a good turn out on the deck, had a few Scotch reels. I joined in three or four and got a fine heat, sang auld lang syne, gave three cheers for the Doctor who bade us good night and we then dispersed. The old man that was ill was removed to the hospital. He is looking very ill and I fear it will not stand it. Had a sea pie which was very good for dinner. A fine fresh wind has sprung up in the evening and now 10.30pm we are going swiftly.

HENRY SCHOFIELD DIARY

11th v fine

Saw a ship bound for England and a slaver for Africa, going about 6 knots per hour. For dinner pudding & boulli, reading the family economist. The lice began to make their appearance, saw flying fish.

Thomas Keir