Wednesday 18th Nov 1863
Beating in the ch[annel?] for the
last two days contrary winds a
great many of the passengers sick
I was sick for the most of /the\ two
days. today the wind has shifted
to the south and we are getting /on\
fast. The Pilot went ashore
early in the morning and
took our letters. 9 A.M. within
a few miles of the isle of Wight
and had a fine view of the
beautiful Island. most of the
people are all well today I
am in good spirits. 9 P.M.
a strong breeze getting on pretty
well expect to clear the channel
sometime tomorrow.
STANDARDISED
November 18th 1863
Beating in the ch[annel?] for the last two days, contrary winds. A great many of the passengers sick. I was sick for most of the two days. Today the wind has shifted to the south and we are getting on fast. The Pilot went ashore early in the morning and took our letters. 9am within a few miles of the Isle of Wight and had a fine view of the beautiful island. Most of the people are well today, I am in good spirits. 9pm a strong breeze, getting on pretty well, expect to clear the channel sometime tomorrow.
HENRY SCHOFIELD DIARY
18th – fine
Our pilot got off and we passed the Isle of Wight a sheep died and was thrown overboard a hen flew overboard had beef and soup for dinner and flour and raisins etc for week.
17th – fine and windy
A windy day – tacking about saw Brighton and New Haven.
16th – wet and windy
Had breakfast and dinner on salt pork first day of sickness on board saw France and tacked about a great deal the wind not been a fair one I went to bed very ill without tea.
The Clipper Ship “Flying Cloud” off the Needles, Isle of Wight, 1859-1860, James E Buttersworth
