![Thomas Keir diary - 7 January 1864 entry [National Library Micro-MS-0837]](http://mermaid1864.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/30-18640107-ViewScan_0121-k.png "7-18631126-ViewScan_0098-k")
Thursday 7th – Wind from the S.E. this
morning, afterwards shifted to the S.W. increased
to a strong breeze in the evening. The ship going
above 9 knots in her true course which is
very cheering. The weather is getting cooler & we
have put a blanket on our bed. It is now very
pleasant in the t’ween decks. Had a Scotch
Haggis cooked in the flagin for dinner. Saw the
Southern Cross very distinctly in the evening &
near it two other very bright stars. The coalsack[1]
at the foot of the Cross was also distinctly seen a
black mysterious patch surrounded by the blue.
STANDARDISED
Thursday 7th
Wind from the southeast this morning, afterwards shifted to the southwest, increased to a strong breeze in the evening. The ship going above 9 knots in her true course which is very cheering. The weather is getting cooler and we have put a blanket on our bed. It is now very pleasant in the t’ween decks. Had a Scotch haggis cooked in the [flagin?] for dinner. Saw the Southern Cross very distinctly in the evening and near it two other very bright stars. The coalsack [nebula] at the foot of the Cross was also distinctly seen, a black mysterious patch surrounded by the blue.
HENRY SCHOFIELD DIARY
Jan[uar]y 7th fine & cold
Contrary winds & tacking about, I went on the poop to help them. Saw Albatross & sea hens & stormy petrels. Reading Cassells paper & taking receipts[2] from it. For dinner spice pudding & pea soup & had some porpoise which was very good. 8 knots per hour, 50 deg Long. Got a rope lashing of a sailor. Saw some round backed porpoise.
Notes
1. The Coalsack Nebula (Southern Coalsack, or simply the Coalsack) is a dark nebula, which is visible to the naked eye as a dark patch obscuring part of the Milky Way. [Wikipedia]
2. receipts: recipes, usually culinary but may also include medical remedies, or instructions for making household products.
![This image from the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope shows part of the huge cloud of dust and gas known as the Coalsack Nebula. The dust in this nebula absorbs and scatters the light from background stars. [ESO]](http://mermaid1864.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Part_of_the_Coalsack_Nebula.jpg)
This image from the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope shows part of the huge cloud of dust and gas known as the Coalsack Nebula. The dust in this nebula absorbs and scatters the light from background stars. [ESO]
