![Thomas Keir diary - 26 January 1864 entry [National Library Micro-MS-0837]](http://mermaid1864.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/36-18640126-ViewScan_0127-k.png "7-18631126-ViewScan_0098-k")
Tuesday 26th – Fine morning with a light breeze
from the west. Our latitude at noon was 46°16 south
longitude 79° east. A sail seen on /the\ port side but a
good bit out during the afternoon supposed to be going
east, same as us. Washed my flannel shirt & handkerchief
in the morning and before I was done my fingers were
very cold. Geometry &c during the day.
STANDARDISED
Tuesday 26th
Fine morning with a light breeze from the west. Our latitude at noon was 46°16 south longitude 79° east. A sail seen on the port side but a good bit out during the afternoon, supposed to be going east, same as us. Washed my flannel shirt and handkerchief in the morning and before I was done my fingers were very cold. Geometry, etc during the day.
HENRY SCHOFIELD DIARY
26th fine & cold
Washed my trousers. Saw a barque for Australia. Playing at cards with Earnshaws. 8 knots per hour 79 deg Long east. Past St Paul’s Islands. Dinner beef & spice puding. Music at night.
![Map showing location of the Mermaid on 26 January 1864 at 46°16' S 79° E [GoogleMaps]](http://mermaid1864.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/26Jan-map-GM-ft.jpg)
Map showing location of the Mermaid on 26 January 1864 at 46°16′ S 79° E [GoogleMaps]
I am thinking of the journey of our Burke family often now, knowing that January is nearly over, and their arrival mid-February no longer seems so far away. I find it surprising that they are still quite far from being south of Australia, but I guess that relative to how far they have come, it’s not so far really!
They’re in the Roaring Forties now, so zipping along quite fast!