Pages That Mention Candia
James Adam diary: 1857-1863 (Ms. Codex 1948)
p. 10
of time. I saw St. Pauls & thought to make it out from that but I got quite into a labyrinth of streets. I left London at 5 oclock by the S.W. Rail for Southampton & got there about 8 oclock & called on Smith Barry & Co Mr Gowan's agents. they took charge of my luggage & put in on board for me & told me that the "Candia" would clear out at 7 oclock next morning (Saturday) but that a steamer would be ready at 11 oclock to take out passengers I put up at the Crown Hotel all night. where although a very good Hotel & everything very clean to appearance I spent a most miserable night. I thought I had been served with some not inveterate skin disease or other, but however the morning proved the real nature of the case my neck & arms testified very plainly[?] the cause. I got up early posted a letter or two & then took a walk out to see Southampton I returned to breakfast & shortly after found a friend of James Forbes to whom I had a letter
p. 11
called on me. We called in a Druggists named Bartlett, a friend of his (& quite a character too) from whom I got a few medicines I had neglected to take with me. Mr Sirius (James Forbes's friend) came down to the quay with me & saw me off. Smith, Barry's Clerk came along with me as far as the "Candia" which was laying 2 miles down the river. A great crowd had collected on the quay to see us off, being quite a military time out on board. they gave us three cheers as we turned off & steamed down the river We came in view of the Candia & a fine looking vessel it is only lying rather low in the water this is owing to the heavy stock on board as they do not intend to stop at the Cape if it can be avoided. We got on board every is beautifully fitted up the Saloon is very handsome I should think 80 feet long & 18 broad very handsomely fitted up we stayed about 2 hours before setting sail the steamer which had
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on bd. S.S. "Candia" off Southampton
brought us on board left giving us three cheers & waving of hats & hankerchiefs. Another steamer came out filled with passengers to have a look at us before sailing there were a great many ladies on board it. Some of then doubtless had friends on board as I saw more than one eye wet with tears. After this steamer left we got up steam & off we went gallantly down the river. The water was very smooth & we had a fine view of the country on each side going- How well I could have enjoyed that scene had you all been in the ship beside me but the idea that I was leaving the shores of Great Britain & with them all that was nearest & dearest to me on earth had nearly overcome me there was such a dull heavy weight at my heart that I could not take delight or interest in anything If before leaving a had had a word from home to tell me you were all well & happy with what a lightened heart I could have proceeded on the voyage
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on bd. S.S. "Candia"
I wonder that Fred did not write me either he who has been the best kindred & truest friend ever I had next to my own family How anxiously did I look over the letters to see if there was one for me but I was doomed to be disappointed. I daresay you would not think I would sail so soon & then you had had no letter from me. 2 or 3 long months will pass away or it may be longer before I can expect to hear a word from home the thought of that makes me most miserable & sad. How often do I ask myself the question How are all at home has my mother become at all reconciled to my absence. Oh how often I now tax myself with neglect to my mother. how often have I greived & vexed her who has always been so kind to me what self denial & patient endurance has she undergone for our sakes & in what a Sorry way I have repaid them. Sometimes when I think I shall never see that face again which I have loved so well I am almost mad with the thought. But I will put my hurt in one all seeing providence who
p. 41
entirely. It is very slow work however we are only going 6 1/2 knots an hour last night we were going 11 knots with the steam. The sea is running [struck through: mountains] [written above:very] high today. I have often heard of mountain high waves but I see them here today at one time the waves open up & leave us in a deep valley at another they close & raise us upon the top of a mountain of water. it is a grand & terrible sight & when we think that in a moment we might all be swallowed upon the raging deep & how soon all the wisdom & skill of man might prove of naught. We have shown to us in an unmistakeable manner the benificence & forbearance of God to fallen man. I have had strange dreams every night of late. I have imagined I was at home again that I was once more among you all every one of your faces was distinctly before me & so strong was the impression left that in the mong. [morning] I could not believe I was in that berth on board the "Candia". We have an officer on board who is a most notorious liar but still one cant help laughing at his stories the following is a specimen He says he was out hunting in India one day