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The Voyage to the River Derwent - 1803
A Journal of the Proceedings of H. M. Brig Lady Nelson Lieut. Geo. Curtoys, Commander
Introduction
The proceedings of the Lady Nelson , when, with the Albion , it transported people and stores from Sydney to Risdon Cove in 1803, have been extracted from the Historical Records of Australia, Series III, Volume I.
This is a reproduction of part of the daily log recorded by Lieut. Curtoys as the vessel was prepared for the journey at Port Jackson, set out for Van Diemans Land, returned for repair, sailed again southwards, unloaded the men and stores at Risdon Cove and finally returned to Port Jackson.
The log was recorded in Curtoys' own particular style and format and include a number of abbreviations. Some of these abbreviations are obvious, while others have been interpreted in the Notes at the end of the extracts. The spelling has been left as it was written. Each day is recorded in the standard naval tradition of that time; the day commencing at 12 noon (when the position of the vessel and the time were measured). Distances are given in nautical miles (1.85km.) or leagues (5.56km.).
Each day's entry consists of the wind direction at noon for that day, the course being sailed, the estimated bearing and distance to the next way-point and the ships location when at anchor or its latitude and longitude, if making passage at sea. This is followed by the various events and activities from noon to midnight (PM) and from midnight to noon next day (AM).
Log of Lady Nelson
Thursday 9 June 1803
Winds North, Port Jackson .
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy,
A.M. Do. W'r. Rec'd Provisions and Water.
Friday 10 June 1803
Winds E.N.E.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy; came on board Lieut. Bowen, 10 Convicts and 3 soldiers for Van Diemans Land.
A.M. Do.W'r. at 6 hove short. ¼ past fired a gun and made signal for a Pilot. ½ past Weigh'd and made sail out of the Harbour. ½ past eleven Light Breezes from the Westward. Set starboard Steering Sails. At Noon light and cloudy. South H'd N.W. by W. 8 miles.
Saturday 11 June 1803
Winds N.E.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. Emp'd occaisionally.
A.M. Do. W'r Rec'd Provisions and Water.
Sunday 12 June 1803
Winds West, N.W. Course S. 6º E. dist 80. Latit'e South 35.04 Longitu'e East 152.4. Bearings and Dist at Noon Cape Howe S. 28 W. Dist 169 miles.
P.M. Light Airs inclining to Calm. All Sail set.
A.M. Do. W'r, at 8.30 Reef'd T. Sails. At 10 squally in F.T. Sail. Noon more moderate.
Monday 13 June 1803
Winds W.N.W. Course S. 5º W. dist 70. Latit'e 36º 17', Longitu'e 151º 40'. Bearings and dist at Noon . Cape Howe South 18 W. 89 miles.
P.M. Moderate and Clear, out reefs of the top sails and set Steering Sails. At 3 Squally in Studding Sails and T.G. Sails.
A. M. Squally with rain in Top sails. At 5 Set Close reefed top sails and Main Stay Sail.
Tuesday 14 June 1803
Winds N.W. Course S. 11º E. dist 110. Latit'e 38º 14' Longitu'e 152º 18' Bearings and Dist at Noon Cape Howe N. 47 W 90 miles.
P.M. Fresh Breezes and cloudy. Down Main and Main Top Mast Stay Sail.
A.M. Fresh Breezes and clear, at 8.30 out 1 Reef of the T. Sails. up T.G. Yards and Set the Larboard Lower Steering Sail.
Wednesday 15 June 1803
Winds N.N.W. Course S. 9º E. dist 20. Latit'e 38º 24', Longitu'e 152º 12'. Bearings and Dist at Noon Cape Howe N. 49 W. 100 miles.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy.
A.M. Fresh breezes and Cloudy. At 8 Squally bore up for Twofold Bay , the Wind seeming to be set in from the Southward and likely to blow hard.
Thursday 16 June 1803
Winds S.S.W. South. Course S. 45º E. dist 20. Latit'e 38º 24'. Longitu'e 152º 28'. Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Howe N. 56 W. 110 miles.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy.
A.M. Squalls of ain. Hove too under Close Reef'd Main Sail. At noon Mod'e and Cloudy.
Friday 17 June 1803
Winds S.W. North. Course N 45º W. dist 43. Latit'e 38º 12' Longitu'e 152º 8'. Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Howe N. 42 W. 98 miles.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. Made and short'ned sail Occaisionally. Inflicted Punishment.
A.M. Do W'r. Tack'd and Made Sail.
Saturday 18 June 1803
Winds W.S.W. Course S. 23º E. dist 14. Latit'e 38º 14' Longitu'e 152º 18'. Bearings and Dist at Noon , Cape Howe N. 44 W.. 100 miles.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. Made sail Occaisionally.
A.M. Light winds and Variable. At 8 Wore ship. At noon variable and Cloudy.
Sunday 19 June 1803
Winds W.S.W., South. Course N. 45º W. dist 30. Latit'e South 37º 54'. Longit'e 152º 5'. Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Howe N. 67 30 W. 110 miles.
P.M. Strong Gales and Squally with Rain. In Top Sails. Down T.G. Masts. Close reef'd Main Sail and hove too.
A.M. Strong gales and Squally with heavy Sea.
Monday 20 June 1803
Winds N.W. Course N. 56 W. dist 22. Latit'e 37 34. Longit'e 151 55. Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Howe N. 78 50 W. 100 miles.
P.M. Fresh Gales and Squally.
A.M. Do. W'r. the gale increasing. at 8 furl'd the Fore Sail.
Tuesday 21 June 1803
Winds South S.S.E. Course N. 45 30 W. dist 14. Latit'e 31 14. Longit'e 151 40. Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Howe S. 22 30 W. 90 miles.
P.M. Strong Gales with heavy rain. 7.50 Cut the Boat away from the Stern, the Starboard Davit having given Way and the Boat hanging by the Weather Tackle. Lost in her 4 Oars and 3 tackles.
A.M. Do. W'r with heavy Sea from the Southw'd at 4 shipped a Sea, which washed away 3 Planks and 3 Sweeps.
Wednesday 22 June 1803
Winds S.W., N.N.W. Course N. 78 50 W. dist 74. Latit'e 36 04 Longit'e 150 40. Bearings and Dist at Noon , Cape Dromedary N. 75 W. 40 miles.
P.M. Moderate and Clear W'r.
A.M. Fr. Breezes. Made all possible sail for Twofold Bay , having no bread and but 3 casks of Water on Board.
Thursday 23 June 1803
Winds N.W. Latit'e 36º 50. Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Dromedary N.N.W. 12 or 13 Lgs.
P.M. Fresh Breezes and Cloudy. at 4 Cape Dromedary N.W. 7 or 8 miles.
A.M. Strong breezes with rain.
Friday 24 June 1803
Winds N.N.W. Moored in Snug Cove, Twofold Bay.
P.M. Moderate and clear, at 5 op'ned the Bay, at 6 came too with best Bower and Moor'd ship ½ cable's length from Shore.
A.M. Do. W'r. Empl'd making a raft of our Spars and Main Keel. Sent Carpenter on Shore to build a punt.
Saturday 25 June 1803
Winds S.S.W. Moored in Snug Cove. Twofold Bay.
P.M. Moderate and clear. Down Long T.G. Masts and up Short ones.
A.M. Do. W'r. Empl'd repairing sails. Inflicted Punishment.
Sunday 26 June 1803
Winds South. Moored in Snug Cove, Twofold Bay.
P.M. Moderate and Clear W'r. sent empty Casks on Shore.
A.M. Do. W'r.
Monday 27 June 1803
Winds S.S.E.. Moored in Snug Cove, Twofold Bay.
P.M. Fine Clear W'r. Empl'd Setting up the Lower and S Mast Rigging.
A.M. Do W'r. Rec'd wood and water.
Tuesday 28 June 1803
Winds South Moored in Snug Cove, Towfold Bay .
P.M. Moderate and Clear W'r. Empl'd as required.
A.M. Do W'r. Saw a sloop in the Offing standing into the Bay. Made sign for all persons to Rep'r on Board. Inflicted Punishment.
Wednesday 29 June 1803
Winds South. Moored in Snug Cove, Twofold Bay.
P.M. Moderate and Clear W'r. got all ready for Sea. Unmoored and haul'd further out.
A.M. Strong breezes. Made a signal for the sloop to come down. Proved to the John of Sydney .
Thursday 30 June 1803
Winds S.S.W. Moored in Snug Cove, Twofold Bay.
P.M. Strong breezes and Squally. Inflicted Punishment.
A.M. Fresh Breezes and Clear W'r.
Friday 1 July 1803
Winds South.
P.M. Light breezes, at 3 Weigh'd and Stood out of the Bay.
A.M. Do W'r. at 3.30 Reef'd S. Sails. At 11.30 Saw part of the Main Keel go astern. Bore up for Port Jackson.
Saturday 2 July 1803
Winds S.W. Lat'de 37º 35', Bearings and Dist at Noon , Cape Howe W. by N. 16 Miles.
P.M. Strong breezes and clear W'r.
A.M. Do. W'r. empl'd occaisionally.
Sunday 3 July 1803
Winds S.S.W. Lat'de 35º 00' Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape George W. by S. 7 or 8 leagues.
P.M. Fresh Breezes and out all Reefs and Set Stay Sails.
A.M. Do. W'r. Cape Dromedary W.S.W. 5 or 6 miles. At Noon fresh breezes and Clear.
Monday 4 July 1803
Winds S.S.W.
P.M. Moderate and Clear W'r. Running along Shore.
A.M. Do. W'r. at 11 Standing into Port Jackson .
Tuesday 5 July 1803
Winds South S.S.W.. Bearings and Dist at Noon , Moor'd in Port Jackson.
P.M. Moderate and Clear. At 2 came too above the Sow and Pigs. At 3.50 Weigh'd and Made Sail up the Harbour. Came on board the Pilot. At 5 Got on Shore on Bennilong Point. Carried away the forefoot and fore Keel. At 6 Came too in Sydney Cove.
A.M. Do. W'r.
Wednesday 6 July 1803
Winds S.W. Moor'd in Port Jackson.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. Down T.G. Yards. In rove the Running Rigging.
A.M. Do. W'r.
Thursday 7 July 1803
Winds S.W. Moor'd in Port Jackson.
P.M. Sent on Shore the Soldiers and Prisoner. Pr. Order of the Govr.
A.M. Moderate and Cloudy Empl'd Occaisionally.
Friday 8 July 1803
Winds S.W. Moor'd in Port Jackson.
P.M. Moderate and Clear. Unmoor'd and Weigh'd drop't abreast the Dock Yard. Moor'd and Loos'd Sails to dry. Down T.G. Masts on Deck.
A.M. Do. W'r. emp'l as required.
Saturday 9 July
Winds South, S.W.. Moor'd in Port Jackson.
P.M. Moderate and Clear. Unbent Sails. Down Lower and T. Sail Yds. Sent the Stores belonging to the Colony on Shore.
A.M. do. W'r. Struck T. Masts. Sent all our Sails, Spars and Rigging on Shore to the Yard.
The following days were spent at Port Jackson repairing the forefoot, getting a new main keel on board, and refitting the vessel. On Friday 12th August, is the entry "Rec'd Provisions and Stores for New Settlement"
Friday 19 August 1803
Winds N.E. Vble. Moor'd Port Jackson.
P.M. Fine Clear W'r. Hoisted in Long Boat and got all ready for Sea.
A.M. Do' W'r. rec'd Leg Iron and Shackles.
Saturday 20 August 1803
Winds N.E., N.E. by E. Moor'd n Port Jackson.
P.M. Fine and Pleasant W'r. came on board the Prisoners and Soldiers for Van Diemans Land.
A.M. Do. W'r.
Sunday 21 August 1803
Winds N.E. E.N.E. Moor'd in Port Packson.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy W'r. emp'd variously.
A.M. Do. W'r.
Monday 22 August 1803
Winds West Course S.S.E. to N.W. Lat'de South 39º 10' Bearings and Dist at Noon . Pidgeon House West dist 8 or 9 leagues.
P.M. Light Breezes and Clear W'r. at 1 South Hd. N by W 3 miles
A.M. Do. W'r. 1.15 in 2 Reefs of the S. Sails and Main Sail. 10.30 Tack'd.
Tuesday 23 August 1803
Winds S.W.
P.M. Fresh breezes and Cloudy. At 2 Tack'd Ship. at 4.30 observed the Main Mast to be Sprung. Close Reef'd the Top Sails. Down T.G. Yds. at 5 Wore , down T.G. Masts. at 8 Squally. Bore up for Port Jackson.
A.M. Do. W'r.
Wednesday 24 August 1803
Winds West, N.N.W.
P.M. Light breezes and Cloudy. ¾ past 2 Came too in Sydney Cove. Unbent the Main T. Sails. Down top G Yards and Masts. Down Main and Main T Sail Yards. Struck main T. Mast. Unrigg'd the main Mast. ¼ 6 haul'd alongside the Rolla . Out main Mast. haul'd off to the mooring again.
A.M. Do. W'r. down fore Yard, overhaul'd the fore Mast and Bowesprit. At Noon up fore Yard and out Jib Boom.
Thursday 25 August 1803
Winds S.W. West.
P.M. Do. W'r. at 1.30 haul'd alongside the Rolla . In Main Mast. Haul'd off again. Rigg'd Mast. Up Main T. Mast, Lower and Top S'l Yards. Fidded the main T.G. Masts. Set the rigging up.
A.M. DO. W'r. Spar'd the Rigging down and Rattl'd it. Bent the Main T. Sail. At 9 up T.G. Yards. Loos'd the T.S. Sail. Fir'd two guns and Made the Signal for Sailing. At 10 drop'd down the Harbour. At 11 Came too in Farm Cove in 8 fathoms.
Friday 26 August 1803
Winds West, Vble. Moor'd Port Jackson.
P.M. Moderate and Clear W'r. fitting the Backstays and Setting the rigging up. At 1 Loos'd the T. Sails and Sheeted them home. Fir'd a gun and hove short. At 6 furl'd the Top Sails.
A.M. Do. W'r. op'n'd a Cask of Sugar. Found it 50 lbs short. ½ past 11 Weigh'd and made Sail down the Harbour. Noon Do. W'r.
Saturday 27 August 1803
Winds East, North . Moor'd in Port Jackson.
P.M. Light Breezes and Cloudy. ¼ past 2 Came too off George's H'd in 15 faths. Furl'd sails.
A.M. Do. W'r. People about the Rigging.
Sunday 28 August 1803
Winds E.N.E., N.E. Moor'd in Port Jackson.
P.M. Fresh Breezes and Cloudy. People Variously.
A.M. Do. W'r. at 9 got under weigh and tried to Work out, but could not. 11.30 came too off the Sow and Pigs.
Monday 29 August 1803
Winds N.E. North. Course S.224º d. dist 70 mile. Lat'de South 34º 47" Log'de 151º 45' Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Howe S. 24 W. 178 miles.
P.M. Fresh Breezes and Cloudy. At 5 got under Weigh. Tack'd Occaisionally. at 7 South H'd W. by N. 5 miles.
A.M. Fresh breezes and Squally with thunder and Lightening. At 8 Wore Ship and Shorten'd Sail.
Tuesday 30 August 1803
Winds N.E. E.N.E. Course S. 5º E. dist. 60 mile. Lat'de 35º 47' Long'de 151º 48'. Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Dromedary S. 45º W. 13 Leagues.
P.M. Fresh Breezes amd Cloudy W'r.
A.M. Do. W'r. 3.20 a Breeze from the Westward. Wore round onto the Starboard Tack.
Wednesday 31 August 1803
Winds N.N.E. Course S. 6º W. Dist 150 miles. Lat'de 37º 17', Long'de 151º 67' Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Howe S. 67 50 w. Dist 67 miles.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy . At 4 Carried away the fore T. Mast Steering Sl. Boom.
A.M. Fresh Breeze and Cloudy. At 5.30 Carried away the Gaff.
Thursday 1 September 1803
Winds N.N.E. Courses S. 5º W. Dist 146 mile. Lat'de 39º 53'. Long'de 151º 14'. Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Pillar S. 56º 40' W. 150 miles.
P.M. Fresh Gales and Cloudy.
A.M. Do. W'r with Rain. at 11 Saw the Land ab't the Eddystone Point. Noon Fresh Breezes and Cloudy.
Friday 2 September 1803
Winds N.N.E. W.S.W. Course S. 10º W. dist 148 miles. Lat'de 41º 58" Long'de 150º 30" Bearings and Dist. At Noon . Cape Pillar S. 20º W. 90 miles.
P.M. Fresh breezes and Clear. All Sail Set. At 5 in Steering Sails and T.G. Sails.
A.M. Do. W'r. Made and Shorten'd Sail occaisionally.
Saturday 3 September 1803
Winds S.W. Lat'de 42º 50' Bearings and Dist at Noon . Oyster island N.W. by W. 3 or 4 miles.
P.M. Fresh Breezes and Cloudy, at 2 rep. Fore Sail. Handed the T. Sails and hove too. At 11 Set the Fore Sail and T. Sails.
A.M. Do. W'r. at 3.30 Saw the land. At 10 Oyster Island N. by W. 7 or 8 miles.
Sunday 4 September 1803
Winds N.E. Lat'de 43º 05' . Bearings and Dist at Noon . Cape Pillar S.W. by S 5 or 6 miles.
P.M. Light Breezes and Cloudy. At 2 Down boat. At 4 got the Sweeps out. Carried one of them away. At 7 Came too with the Kedge in 29 fathoms, the Tide Setting us on an Island . At 9 a Breeze Springing up. Weigh'd and Made all Sail.
A. M. Moderate Breezes and Close W.
Monday 5 September 1803
Winds S.S.W.
P.M. Light Breezes and Cloudy at 4 Calm. Out Sweeps to pull ahead. At 8 a Breeze made all Sail up Frederick Henry Bay .
A.M. Moderate Breezes and Cloudy. At 6.30 out Long Boat. up Main Keel.
Tuesday 6 September 1803
Winds North.
P.M. Do. W'r. at 1 haul'd into the Bay, at 2.30 Came too in Ralphes Bay in 8 fath'ms.
A.M. Do. W'r. Unbent Sails.
Wednesday 7 September 1803
Winds N.W.
P.M. Moderate breezes and Cloudy . Sailmaker making a Main T. Mast Stay Sail.
A.M. Do. W'r. bent the T. Sails. At 10 unmoor'd and Made Sail across Bay.
Thursday 8 September 1803
Winds Calm, S.E.
P.M. Do. W'r. at 2 Came too in the Bay in 8 Fath'ms. ½ past 3 a Breeze from the Eastw'd. Weigh'd and Made Sail up the Derwent. 6.30 Came too in 8 fathoms above Stainforth's Cove.
A.M. Do. W'r.
Friday 9 September 1803
Winds S.E. by E., S.W.
P.M. Light Breezes and Cloudy W'r. at 1 Made Sail for Risdon Cove.* at 3 Came too in the Cove in 4 Fath'ms. Moor'd and furl'd Sails.
A.M. Moderate and Cloudy.
Saturday 10 September 1803
Winds N.W. Moor'd Risden Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. Empl'd variously.
A.M. Do. W'r. Set the Sawyers to Work. People knoting Yarns.
Sunday 11 September 1803
Winds S.W., N.N.W. Moor'd Risden Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Light Breezes and Cloudy emp'd as before.
A.M. Do. W'r. at 8 Came on board Capt. Bowen from the Albion . Sent the long boat to assist in getting her into the Cove.
Monday 12 September 1803
Winds N.W., West. Moor'd Risdon Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and thick Hazy W'r. variously emp'd.
A.M. Moderate and Cloudy sent Some of the Stores belonging to the Colony on Shore.; the long boat assisting the Albion discharging.
Tuesday 13 September
Winds West. Moor'd Risden Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy W. employ'd landing Stores. Unbent the fore T. Sail. Struck the fore Yard and the T.G. Masts.
A.M. Do. W'r. landing the Stores from the Albion .
Wednesday 14 September 1803
Winds N.W. Calm Moor'd Risdon Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Light Breezes and Clear W'r. emp'd as before.
A.M. Calm and Cloudy. Employ'd as before.
Thursday 15 September 1803
Winds S.W., N.W. Moor'd in Risdon Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate breezes and Clear W. emp'd variously.
A.M. Do W'r., Inflicted punishment.
Friday 16 September 1803
Winds S.W. b. W. Morr'd in Risden Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate breezes and Cloudy W., discharging the Albiion,
A.M. Do. W'r with squalls. Landing stores from the Brig
Saturday 17 September 1803
Winds N.W. Moor'd in Risden Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate breeze and Cloudy. People emp'd variously.
A .M. Do. W'r. Clear'd Hawser.
Sunday 18 September 1803
Winds N.N.W. Moor'd in Risden Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Strong gales and Squally with hard rain. Struck lower yards and T.G. Masts. Got them on Deck. At 5 struck T.Masts.
A.M. Moderate Breezes. At 7 up T. Masts, lower Yards and T.G. Masts.
Monday 19 September 1803
Winds N.W. Moor'd Risden Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate breezes and cloudy. At 11 Struck lower Yards and Top Masts Squally Got them on deck.
A.M. Fresh Breezes and Squally. Landed Brick for the Colony.
Tuesday 20 September 1803
Winds N.W. Moor'd in Risdon Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate breezes and Cloudy W'r. empl'd occasionally.
A.M. Do W'r. Supplied the Colony with ½ a Barrell of Powder and a Bell
Wednesday 21 September 1803
Winds N.W.B. W. Moor'd in Risdon Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate Breezes and Clear. Sailmakers about the main T. mast Stay Sail.
A.M. Fine and Clear W. making Spun Yarn.
Thursday 22 September 1803
Winds West'ly. Moor'd in Risdon Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. Sailmakers as before.
A.M. Do W'r. landed the remainder of the Brick. Sent empty Casks on Shore.
Friday 23 September 1803
Winds N.W.. Moor'd in Risdon Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. Making Sennett.
A.M. Do W'r. filling Water Casks.
Saturday 24 September 1803
Winds N.W. Moor'd in Risden Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy W'r. Clearing Hold.
A.M. Do W'r.. emp'd variously.
Sunday 25 September 1803
Winds S.E. B. S. Moor'd in Risdon Cove, River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy with Rain. Emp'd as requsite.
A.M. Mod. and fine. Up lower Yards and T. Masts.
Monday 26 September 1803
Winds S.W. River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. People variously emp'd.
A.M. High Winds and foggy W'r. at 8 bent sails. Got the Keels up. Overhaul them and got them down again.
Tuesday 27 September 1803
Winds S.S.W. River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate Breezes and Squally. Got our Water on Board.
A.M. Fresh Breezes and Cloudy. At 8 up T.G. Yards. Loos'd sails fir'd a Gun and Unmoor'd.
Wednesday 28 September 1803
Winds S.S.W. River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. Moor'd with the Kedge.
A.M. Fresh Breezes and Clear W'r.
Thursday 29 September 1803
Winds N.N.W. River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy, getting ready for Sea. 10.30 in Long B'ts.
A.M. Fresh Breezes and Cloudy with Rain. ½ past 5 Weigh'd and Made Sail down the Harbour. Out Long Boat to Tow. At 7 made Sail in Boat.
Friday 30 September 1803
Winds S.E., N.W. River Derwent.
P.M. Strong Gales with heavy Squalls of Rain. ½ past 1 a heavy gale from the S.E. Shorten'd Sail. Bore up for Ralphs Bay . At 3 furl'd the T. Sails and Main Sails. At 4 Came too. Moor'd Ship. Struck Lower Yards and T. Masts.
A.M. Do. W'r. out long boat.
Saturday 1 October 1803
Winds N.W. River Derwent.
P.M. Fresh breezes and Squally. At 6 in Boat.
A.M. Pleasant W'r. up Lower Yards. Set the rigging up. Unmoor'd. at 9 Weigh'd and Made all Sail Down the River.
Sunday 2 October 1803
Winds N.W., Calm, N.E. River Derwent.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy. Stowed the Anchors. 6.30 Calm. Sounded 45 fath'ms. Let go the Kedge, the vessel drifting on Rusin's Island . Shorten'd Sail. ¼ before 12 a breeze from N.W. up Kedge , made Sail.
A.M. Calm. Down Kedge. ½ past 2 a breeze from the N.E. Made Sail.
Monday 3 October 1803
Winds S.W., S.E. Lat'de South 42º 50' Bearing and Dist at Noon Cape Pillar S.W. 8 or 9 miles.
P.M. Moderate and Cloudy W'r. All Sail Set. At 2 Tacked.
A.M. Calm and Cloudy. All Sail Set.
The Lady Nelson arrived in Port Jackson on 14 October 1803 .
Notes
Journal
This journal was recorded in nautical time. It is probable that the entries under the dates of 10th and 11th June were transposed by the original transcriber. In the Sydney Gazette newspaper, the Lady Nelson was reported to have sailed in the early morning of the 11th June.
The Lady Nelson was a brig of 60 tons, and carried a crew of commander, two mates and twelve seamen. She was built at Deptford in 1799 for service of the transport office in the river Thames . She was designed according to the invention of John Schanck, Captain, R.N. and possessed three sliding centre boards. When completed, she was selected for service in Australian Waters because her draught was only six feet, when her centre boards were raised. She left England on the 18th March 1800 , under the command of James Grant.
Risdon Cove
Risdon Cove was named by John Hayes after William Bellamy Risdon, second officer of the ship Duke of Clarence . Hayes visited the Derwent in 1793 in command of the ships Duke of Clarence and Duchess , sent on an exploring expedition by the East India Company. Risdon was visited by Matthew Flinders and George Bass in the sloop Norfolk during the last week of the year 1798. The sloop watered at the cove, and Flinders described the neighbourhood as "a very beautiful country with rich luxuriant soil". Influenced by the description, Governor King suggested the cove to John Bowen as the site for his settlement.
Stainforth Cove
Stainforth Cove was renamed New Town Bay sometime between 1839 and 1854.
Fidded Mast
A Fidded Mast is one that can be lowered down along the fore side of the mast immediately below and is supported by a fid or block of wood on the heel of the mast.
Abbreviations.
The following abbreviations have been used in the log:
ab't - about.
Do. - Ditto.
Emp'd; empl'd; emp'l - employed.
F.T - Fore Top.
Furl'd - furled (sails).
Latit'e; Lat'de - Latitude.
Lgs - Leagues (5.56 km.).
Longitu'e; longit'e; Long'de - Longitude.
Op'n'd; op'ned - opened.
Rattl'd - Ratlined. (fitted ratlines to the shrouds of a mast.)
S'l - Sail.
Spar'd - Sparred (fitted the spars (yards) to the masts)
T. Sail - Topsail.
T.G. - Topgallant.
W'r - weather.
