1869

10 February

Having the past two days been ready for sea, and anxiously wishing the weather to moderate, resolved to go out to-day, blow high or low, and for this purpose hauled away in the morning to the Pier Head. About three the pilot came down and said it was blowing a fresh gale at Holyhead. The telegraph gave news of a hurricane at Brest and the mouth of the Channel, and the gents of the Meteorological Society prognosticated it would reach all the ports in a few hours, and as a warning the drum was hoisted. The Dock Master, Mr. Palmer, advised me to wait a day, remarking that he would not like to hear of us receiving damage after the particular care he had taken of us whilst under his authority. I must say he took a great interest in the welfare of our craft, not allowing any other craft to come near us or even make fast to us. In fact all the people belonging to the Queens Dock I found particularly obliging, I suppose from his orders.

At 3 p.m. hauled out of the dock and under canvas went into the river, just high water and nearly calm. A great many people were down to see us out and a great many different opinions were expressed as to our seaworthiness; some would like to go whilst others said she would never get out. The general opinion was we ought to remain a few days longer till the weather was settled. Even the underwriters mentioned that we ought not to go with a westerly wind; yet it is more satisfactory to go when ready, even should you have, through stress of weather, to return. I thought we should manage to fetch Holyhead where I could at any time get in, if necessary.

Proceeded down the river in charge of Mr. Evans, the pilot. Fresh breeze right up. This was the first time I had an opportunity of testing her sailing qualities against those of one of the pilot schooners-No. 4-beating him under the same canvas about four miles between the dock and the bell buoy.

7.30 p.m. The pilot left after wishing us a pleasant passage. Wind W.N.W. fresh breeze, hauled two reefs down in the mainsail and set the watch.

12.30 p.m. Very dirty appearance with drizzling rain, tack'd several times during the night.