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White Wings Vol II. Founding Of The Provinces And Old-Time Shipping. Passenger Ships From 1840 To 1885

Farewell To Home

Farewell To Home.

They seem to have been keen on firing off cannon in those days. The Jane Gifford was lying at anchor at the Tail of the Bank, about two miles from Greenock pier, when Mr. Graham went aboard. The tug came alongside, the anchor was raised, "a cannon was fired, and page 35 away went the steamer, with the Jane alongside of her, for nearly fifteen miles." The Jane's sails were then hoisted, the tug cast off, "a cannon was fired, three cheers were given," and the great adventure was begun. That was Saturday, June 18, 1842.

Next day we read, "The doctor officiated to-day in the English style. The whole of the passengers paid great attention to the solemn service. After concluding, the doctor told them he was glad to see them pay so much attention. He told them it was his duty to report their conduct, and trusted they would see the propriety of behaving in an orderly manner, assuring them that by so doing it would tend to both their present and future comfort.

"The doctor then told me of a rather disagreeable feeling prevailing between Mr. D. (a cabin passenger) and himself. Last night when Mrs. D. was going into her room she could not get the door open, and the doctor through politeness opened it for her. Mr. D. on seeing this came up to him and told him he had better not use such familiarity with his wife in future or he would kick him. Since this event the doctor has never exchanged words with either Mr. or Mrs. D."

In the cabin, besides young Graham and his room-mate, a Mr. Webster, there were this Mr. and Mrs. D., "Irish people going out to cultivate land they had got in New Zealand," a Mr. Mitchell who had a great quantity of goods and was going out to begin storekeeping in New Zealand, and a Mr. Adams and his sister, "a very amiable young lady." Altogether there were 296 people on the Jane, including officers and crew.

"June 20. The vessel is rocking to-day, and the doctor says there are about 200 sick people on board."

The weather continued squally for a couple of days and the emigrants had rather a trying time, finding their sea legs and getting over sea-sickness.

"June 22. Mr. D. told me how he was situated with regard to the doctor. He said he had met the doctor at two parties before coming aboard, and he seemed to pay more attention to his wife than he would tolerate. He said he was an Irishman both by birth and by nature, and he could not disgrace either himself or his country by being taken advantage of by anyone, and that he would take the first favourable opportunity he could get and kick him."

Mr. Graham tried to placate the fiery Irishman, but to no purpose, for under date Sunday, June 26, we read, "Just as we were rising from dinner to-day Mr. D. went very coolly forward to the doctor, gave him a severe blow on the nose with his fist, and commenced kicking, when the captain ran forward and stopped him. Mr. D. took his lady in his arms and away into his own room. The doctor's nose ran with blood profusely and for a few seconds he was almost insensible …. During the afternoon several notes passed between Mr. D. and the doctor, and as we were going to bed the captain found out that they had agreed to fight a duel in the morning. He told us we might all go to bed and he would walk on deck the whole night and prevent any such affair taking place …. About page 36 1 next morning I was awakened by Mr. D., who wished me to rise and make arrangements for meeting the doctor at 4 o'clock. However, I refused taking any hand in the matter. He also told me he was making out his will, and he wished me to sign it. I said I would sign nothing until I had read it, and he said he would call again at 3 o'clock, which he accordingly did… He had made out his will. I still refused to sign it, for which he seemed much displeased. He also wanted me to go along as his seconder, and see him get fair play, to which I also refused …. Two minutes afterwards I heard the mate sing out for the captain. In a minute I was at the spot and saw Mr. D. lying on deck, and the doctor uppermost, with their arms round each other. The captain soon got them separated, and they both seemed to be satisfied of each other afterwards. Blood was running from them both. I went back to bed and slept three hours longer."

"Monday, June 27. Very calm this morning … In the evening we proposed to have a dance and got a few of the very respectable young emigrant girls upon the poop and danced for a couple of hours. Afterwards we went to the cabin, and sang for another hour, and we all seemed to enjoy each other's company. This has been a very pleasant day upon the whole, and I am now beginning to find out that I can enjoy myself as well on sea as on land."

"Tuesday, June 28. Mr. McNair, the teacher, formed the children into classes to-day. He teaches the boys and Miss Adam teaches the girls. There are a great many books and slates for their use. There is also a library for the passengers."

"The captain and Mr. D. have been exchanging cards to-day. The captain tells me he has come to the conclusion that Mr. D. and his lady will have the privilege of going on deck but they are to take their provisions in their own room. Mrs. D. thinks that her husband is in the wrong, and as they are only a month married Mrs. D. looks forward for a miserable life."

"We get up at 8 in the morning, breakfast at 9, dine at 3, tea at 7, and go to bed at 11 p.m."