Travel Diaries and Journals

From the Englishman Calcutta Octr 15th 1864 The ship Clarence

The following has been kindly forwarded to us by Captain J. Watson dated ship "Clarence" Sands Heads October 12th.

Sir, My I request you to publish the following information in your valuable journal, in relation to the position of the "Clarence" during the late dis- astrous storm, at the time that I was within its influence in the Bay of Bengal on the 4th instant. I left Madras in this ship on the 22nd of September for Calcutta. I have usually, at this season, taken fresh SW winds up to the Sand Heads. But I experienced, in the latter end of September, a series of of light SE -- East, and NE winds & calms, with intensely hot weather. The Ther. [Thermometer] being at 90 in the shade on more than one occasion. October was ushered in with a continuation of light East and NE winds & calms. Bar. [Barometer] generally at about 29.90; but the weather began to be

not return. Mr. Cassiagni went in the Cutter to see what detained it at 8 oclock returned reporting that a landing could not be made through the surf a heavy swell had now set in. there evidently being a heavy gale in some part of the the Bay. No change [chance] of getting of[f] the jolly tonight so Mr. L must remain on shore all night.

Saturday December 4th. 1858

Capt. & Capt. Faithful went in the Cutter this morning to examine the coast. found a heavy Surf beating all along the coast. Could not land. Cassiagni went in the P B Boat to anchore outside the surf & pass a Bouy line through the surf to bring of[f] the jolly did not come off again & we could see from the ship that the boat has got swamped & Cassiagni

the Gunner & Crew had to swim for their lives. Dibbs in the afternoon went in the Cutter to try & pass a line but came back reporting that the surf extended too far out. in the evening the sea went down somewhat. 2 guns were fired to call the boats but they did not come .

Sunday Decr. 5th. 1858

Heavy sea on last night rolled tremendously like to smash everything on board. Not much wind but there is evidently a gale somewhere in the Bay from the heavy sea as seen this morning. The surf having done down considerably Dibbs went off in the Cutter to try to pass a line for the boats. We soon saw the jolly coming off having got here easily off when the sea went down