![Thomas Keir diary - 25 December 1863 entry [National Library Micro-MS-0837]](http://mermaid1864.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23-18631225-ViewScan_0114-k.png "7-18631126-ViewScan_0098-k")
Friday 25th – Fine with a light breeze from
the S.E. The thermometer stands at 84° about
11.30 A.M. the ship was caught in a light sqall
but it was of short duration. Two sail in sight.
Beautiful evening, with fine moonlight we
notice the man of the moon is standing on
his head. Our christmas pudding was very
![Thomas Keir diary - 25 December 1863 entry [National Library Micro-MS-0837]](http://mermaid1864.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/24-18631225-ViewScan_0115-k.png "7-18631126-ViewScan_0098-k")
nice. Got a glass of rum each male & wine
for the ladies, and we had a glass of toddy
all round in the evening. The young women
have a party, and the Captain and most of
the cabin passengers have graced them with
their presence. A number of the young /men\ have
been invited, including Peter & Boyd[1]. There
was a nice tree about four feet hight, four branches
near the top supporting four candles. the whole
nicely decorated with artificial flowers & hung
with apples, raisins &c surmounted with
a nice little flag with a white star in the
centre.
STANDARDISED
Friday 25th
Fine with a light breeze from the south east. The thermometer stands at 84° about 11.30am. The ship was caught in a light squall but it was of short duration. Two sail in sight. Beautiful evening, with fine moonlight we notice the man of the moon is standing on his head. Our christmas pudding was very nice. Got a glass of rum each male and wine for the ladies, and we had a glass of toddy all round in the evening. The young women have a party, and the Captain and most of the cabin passengers have graced them with their presence. A number of the young men have been invited, including Peter and Boyd. There was a nice tree about four feet high, four branches near the top supporting four candles. The whole nicely decorated with artificial flowers & hung with apples, raisins etc surmounted with a nice little flag with a white star in the centre.
HENRY SCHOFIELD DIARY
December 25th Christmas day
A hot fine day about 1000 miles south of the line 16 deg 25 min Lat 30 W Long at noon. 7 knots per hour. Got water fresh potatoes bouilli and spice pudding for dinner which was good. I made it myself. We all had glass of grog each given to us. Began to eat spice loaf from home. Had service, felt quite happy. I finished my captainship tonight. Mr Earnshaw hat went overboard.
Notes
1. Peter was Thomas’s 22 year old brother, and Boyd would have been Hugh Boyd, a 20 year old joiner from Ayrshire, who was travelling with his parents, siblings and niece. Search the assisted emigrants table for details on the Boyd family.
