Lady Nelson Tamar Log
Transcribed by Rick Tunney & Glyn Roberts
The dates listed below are the Civil Calendar dates of actual events that occurred during the Lady Nelsons voyage from Port Jackson to the Tamar and return in 1804/5. These dates have been taken from the original Log and have been converted from the Maritime Calendar that was used by the Royal Navy in 1804/5.
Select the portion of the log you wish to read by clicking on the dates below.
Introduction to Lady Nelson Tamar Log
Readers may find the Log of the Lady Nelson a little confusing due to a number of factors.
Firstly, the Royal Navy in 1804 observed a maritime day that began at 12 noon and ran for 24 hours until noon the next day. This means that the A.M. times indicated in the log are actually for the next civil day following. The reason for using a maritime day was that the latitude of the ship position was always determined at noon ; this was achieved by observing the maximum elevation of the sun (if it was visible). These observations also allowed the Captain to calculate the actual local noon at the vessel's current position. The Royal Navy changed over to the normal civil time sometime during 1805. To help put the dates into the present time perspective a Summary of the Ships Activities has been prepared giving the dates of events in our normal calendar.
Secondly, the Master of the vessel used his own form of shorthand as he recorded each day's events in the Ship's Log. A list of the abbreviations used are given below.
Thirdly, three copies of a Ship's Log were always made. Whether the copies were all written by the Master of the Lady Nelson himself or the two extra copies were made by ”Writers” is not known. One copy was retained with the vessel and the other 2 copies were separately dispatched to the British Admiralty, London on two vessels that were returning to the U.K. at or about that time.
Photocopies of the relevant pages from one of these copies, which is held in the Public Records Office at Kew , London , (reference ADM 51/1666) have been used to prepare this Log. You will occasionally see an asterisk in the text. This indicates that three people have tried but have been unable to read the word concerned due to the poor quality of the copy or cannot interpret a word which would be appropriate for that entry in the log.
Log of the Lady Nelson
Monday 8 October 1804
Wind NE
P.M. Small Breezes & fine Wr, took out some of Mr. Mountgarretts Baggage & sent it on board the Buffalo , employd painting Ships Shde, punished James Windsor with 18 Lashes for Drunkenness & Neglect of Duty.
Tuesday 9 October 1804
Wind E.
P.M. Do Wr, recd on board 7 Prisoners , employed painting Ship.
Wednesday 10 October 1804
Wind NE.
P.M. Fresh Breezes with some Rain, got on board water, people occupd as needful.
Thursday 11 October 1804
Wind NE , S.
P.M. Do Wr, took on board Goods belonging to Passrs, people as before.
A.M. Do Wr.
Friday 12 October 1804
Wind S.
P.M. Do Wr, employed setting up Main rigging.
Saturday 13 October 1804
Wind W.
P.M. small Breezes.
At 6 A.M. hove short upon the small Bower & fir'd a Gun as a Signal to get under way at 9 A.M. Do Wr, employd occasly.
Sunday 14 October 1804
Wind S by E to ESE.
P.M. Small Breezes.
At 5 A.M. got under way. At 8 fresh, came to with the small Bower in Co with the Buffalo , Francis & Integrity.
Monday 15 October 1804
Wind ESE, N, NE.
P.M. squally Wr, sent Boat on Shore for water.
At 6 A.M. squally with Rain, Got under way, made Sail occasly to work out of the Harbour. At 12 the North Head of Port Jackson NNW 3 Leagues, people occupd as needful.
Tuesday 16 October 1804
Wind NE.
Course: SSE, S by W. Lat obsd 36.24S.
P.M. Fresh Breezes. At 6 Do Wr, reefd both Topsails.
At 6 A.M. squally with heavy Rain, Cape Dromedary bearg SSW, Ships all in sight. At noon set studding sails.
Wednesday 17 October 1804
Winds NNW, SE by E, NNE.
Course: SW by S, SW by W, S by W ½ W, SSW. Lat ob: 38.6S.
P.M. fresh Breezes & cloudy, land in sight. At 6 reefed both Topsails & lay by for the Francis. From 6 to 9 lay too.
At 12 made sail. At 12 A.M. let out reef Topsails and set Main topgt sail. At 3 Calm. At 6 out reefs & made sail. At noon small Breezes with thick hazy Wr.
Thursday 18 October 1804
Winds NNE, SW by S, E, SSW, S.
Course: WSW, W, SW, SSW, W by N, WSW.
P.M. light Breezes & fair Wr, all sails set. At 4 took in Studding Sails, Fresh Breezes with heavy Rain, in topg Sails, up Main Sail, in one Reef * Topsails.
At 2 A.M. made Sail occasly. At 6 Squadron in Co, Set Main Tgal Sail, Saw the Land of Rain Head ( Rame Head, 40km SW Malacoota? Ed ) N ½ W dist 12 Leagues out. At * Reef'd Topsails, made all Sail. At 11 answd Signal to tack. At noon one Reef fore Topsail, Strong Breezes & Cloudy Wr.
Friday 19 October 1804
Wind S by W, SSW, WSW.
Course: W by S, W, SE.
P.M. Do Wr. Split fore & aft Main Sail, unbent it & bent another, down toptg yards. At 7 Do Wr, in Topsails, furld up Courses & hove to. At 11 lost sight of the Buffalo .
At 5 A.M. Land bore N by W. At 8 made sail and bore away for Twofold Bay . At noon strong Breezes. Cape Howe dist 4 miles.
Saturday 20 October 1804
Winds S, SW, NE
Do. Wr, passed Green Cape At 5 came to with the small Bower on the * Side to Twofold Bay , put out Boat & went onshore for water.
A.M. Boat returned. At 5 A.M. sent Boat onshore for wood & water. At 9 fird Gun for Boat. At 10 Boat came & hoisted her in, got underway, stood out of the Bay. Fresh Breeze at Noon off the isles.
Sunday 21 October 1804
Winds N, NNW, W, NE, W by N, Vble, NNW, SW.
Course: SW by S, SSW, SW by S, SSW, SW by S. Bearings Cape Howe dist 11 leagues.
Do. Wr. Set Studdg Sails. At 6 Cape Howe 5 Leagues. At 10 in Studdg Sails. At midnight fine clear Wr.
At 8 A.M. Calm. At 10 got soundings in 80 fm. At ½ past 10 Winds variable. At ¾ past perceivd a heavy Gale coming from the westward, up Courses & all Sails. At 11 strong Gales with Thunder, Lightning & Rain, hove too under Balance, reef'd Main Sail. At noon strong Gales with heavy Squalls. Cape Howe distant 11 Leagues.
Monday 22 October 1804
Winds WSW, W by S.
Course: up S, off SE by S, up S by W, off SSE.
Strong Gales with a heavy Sea from the SW, down Topgallt Yards. At 4 Do. with Rain. At 8 heavy Gales & Squalls & a very heavy Sea. At ½ past 8 * a very heavy Sea on the Starboard Qr. Stove in the Bulwark on the stbd Gangway. At 12 Strong Gales with a heavy Sea, in Jibboom.
At 3 A.M. Shippd another heavy Sea which washed overboard the Boat & chest of Carpenters Tools; One foretopg Sail; One lower Do; One Topmast Studdg Sail; One Tackle * Boathook; 2 Brass Guns; One Cask of Rice & 3 Chests belonging to *; sevl things belonging to Mr Piper & 4 Sows the property of Government. lost overboard the Binnacle; 2 Compasses & Lamp. At ½ past 3 carried away Main Sheet and broke the Tiller, down the Main sail, bore up and set the * sail, not being able to keep the Sea. Found the larboard Side of the * covering Board Split and leaking a great deal. At 8 Heavy Gales with squalls and a heavy Sea, found the Breakers in the * had raisd water casks & every thing in the Ship was movd. One Cask of Rice in store Room stove & Rice totally lost. At noon Do. Wr.
Tuesday 23 October 1804
Winds W, Vble, N.
Course: N, NNW, N by W, SSW. Lat 35.50 S.
P.M. Strong Gales with a heavy Sea. More moderate at 2 P.M , Close reef'd sails. At 4 fresh Gales & squally-Carp'r & People empd stopping Leaks. At 6 more moderate out one reef Topsails. At 8 fresh Breezes & cloudy, out Reefs Topsails.
At 1 A.M. set Jib & Stay Sail. At 6 up Main Topg Yard & made sail. Saw the Land * from NNW to SSW. At 10 tackd Ship. At noon Do Wr, hoisted up fore Keel & found it broken off.
Wednesday 24 October 1804
Winds N, SW.
Course: SW by W, S by E, S by W, SSE. Bearings: Cape Green abt 4 miles.
P.M. light Breezes, made all Sail in hand-Carp'r as before. At 5 Cape Dromedary at 11 Leagues-bore up, all Sail set. At 8 fresh Breezes. In Main topgt Sails, set Main Topmast Stay Sail. At 12 Do Wr.
At 4 moderate Breezes. At 5 set Main Sail. At 8 bore up for Twofold
Bay. At noon strong Breezes with rain. Cape Green W by N distant 4 miles.
Thursday 25 October 1804
Winds S by W.
Course: N.
P.M. fresh Breezes & thick, rainy Wr. Took in one Reef Topsails. In Maintop Stay Sail. At 4 strong Breezes. Opend the Bay, hauld our wind & set Main Sail to work into the Bay. Broke the Sprit Sail Yard & tackd occasly. At 6 set Courses down, Jib & Stay Sails. ¼ past 6 In Topsails & came to in 5 fathom water on the South Shore with small Bower Anchor. At 8 strong Gales & squally Wr with Rain.
At 12 Do Wr. At 4 Do Wr. At 6 rigg'd a Raft to go on Shore. At 9 took Casks on Shore for Water & Carp'r to cut spars for Ruff Trees. At 10 raft returned with water. ½ past sent off again & in going ashore Chas Abercrombie fell overboard & was drowned. At noon Strong Gales & squally.
Friday 26 October 1804
Wind S by W.
Fresh Breezes. Employed gettg off water. Carp'r employd fixing Ruff Trees.
Saturday 27 October 1804
Wind SW.
Do Wr. Got on board some water. People empd as necessary.
Sunday 28 October 1804 Wind SW.
Do Wr. All hands employd setting up & fixing Rigging & getting on board water.
Monday 29 October 1804
Wind S.
Small Breezes, got the Cables on Deck & fresh stowed the Hold.
Tuesday 30 October 1804 Wind vble.
Do Wr. Employd getting off water & making Matts for Yards.
Wednesday 31 October 1804
Wind SE.
Fresh Breezes employd as before.
Thursday 1 November 1804 Wind SE, W, E.
Small Breezes. Got off some water.
At 5 A.M small Breezes. Filld all water Casks. At 8 broke up the Raft & got underway to work out of the Harbour.
Friday 2 November 1804
Wind E, W, SW.
Fresh Breezes & cloudy. All Sail set. Standg to Southwrd. At 2 strong Breezes, squally with Rain. Bore up for Twofold Bay . At 6 hauld our Wind into the Bay.
P.M. came to with small Bower in 12 fathom Water in Twofold Bay , furl'd sails. At 8 mod Breezes & Cloudy. People empd weaving matts for Tops. At 12 Do Wr.
Saturday 3 November 1804
Wind SW;
Bearings: Haycock Rock west dist 3 miles.
P.M. Do Wr. At 2 perceiv'd a Sail to the SE. At 4 spoke her, found her to be the George schooner of Sydney , bound to the Derwent, got from her a Boat, Compass & sundry items.
At 5 got underway & run into Snug Cove & got wood & water. At 6 employd gettg off wood. At 7 Calm & Cloudy. At eight Small Breezes from the NE. At ½ past 8 got underway in Boat. Made all Sail out of the Bay, the George in sight. At 12 Haycock Rock west 3 miles, the George in Sight.
Sunday 4 November 1804
Wind vble, S.
P.M. fresh Breezes, Hazy. All sails set. At 4 Do Wr, down Jib & Stay Sail, down Topgallant Sails. ¼ past 4 up Main Sail, in two Reefs Topsails At 6 fresh Breezes, tack'd occasly, standing off & on.
At 4 A.M. more moderate, set Main Topgallant Sail & Main Sail. At 8 Calm & Cloudy. At Noon Do Wr, Cape How NW dist 4 Leagues.
Monday 5 November 1804
Wind NNE, calm, NE by E,
Course: S by W, SW by S, SW.
P.M. small Breezes, all Sails set. At 8 squally Wr, the Main Topsail blown * the Bolt Rope & was lost.
At 3 A.M took in topg Sails. At 10 Do Wr, set flying Jib & Main topmast Stay Sail, fore Studding Sails. At Noon clear Wr.
Tuesday 6 November 1804
Wind NNE, W, WSW;
Course: SW [by] S, SSW.
P.M. small Breezes. At 4 Do Wr & Cloudy, took in all sail. At 8 fresh Breezes, took 2 Reefs in Topsails, took in fore & aft Main Sail, sent down Topgt yards.
At 5 strong Gales, lay to under Balance Main Sail & close reefd Main Topsail, fell off to SSE up to SSW. At Noon Strong Gales & a bad Sea.
Wednesday 7 November 1804
Wind WSW, SW;
Course: off SSE, off SSW, off SE, off S by E.
P.M. Strong Gales & bad Sea, fell off SSE up SSW, set the fore Stay Sail. At * Do Wr, blew the fore Stay Sail totally away & split the Main Stay Sail.
At 2 A.M. strong Gales & clear Wr, fell off SE up SSE. At noon Do Wr.
Thursday 8 November 1804
Wind SW,W,WNW,NW;
Course: SW by S.
P.M. Do Wr. At 8 Light Breezes & a bad Sea. At 11 Do Wr, set fore sail & fore Topsail.
At 1 Do Wr, set mainsail & one reef Topsails. At 4 out all Reefs & made Sail. At 9 saw Flinders Isle bearg SW by S 15 Leagues. At Noon saw Flinders Isle SW by S distant 9 Leagues.
Friday 9 November 1804
Wind NE , N, W by N, W;
Course: SW by S, S.
P.M. thick hazy Wr, standing in for land Do Wr, found it proper to haul off. At 8 squally with Rain, in Square Main Sail, in fore & aft Main Sail & topgall Sail, down Jib & Stay Sail & hove too under Topsails.
At 6 A.M. saw Land, made Sail. At 8 Clear Wr, made Cape Barren & beat in thro the passage. At 12 Do Wr, under Sail beating up thro the passage to Kents Bay .
Saturday 10 November 1804
Wind W, SW.
P.M. Strong Breezes, came too in Kents Bay with small Bower Anchor alongside the Francis Schooner. At 4 Do Wr, got out Boat & went on Shore for Water. At 6 strong Gales, struck Topgallt Yards. At 8 Do Wr, let go best Bower Anchor. At 12 Do Wr.
At 6 A.M. sent the Boat on Shore for Water, empd people occasly.
Sunday 11 November 1804 Wind SW.
P.M. Do Wr, gettg off Wood & Water. At 3 sent women & soldiers on Shore to wash, Mary * died suddenly, Carpn made a Coffin. At 12 went on Shore & interd the Body with Funeral Solemnities.
Monday 12 November 1804
Wind SW.
P.M. Do Wr, employd people as occasn reqd.
At 6 A.M. sent Carpn on Shore, put Bilge pieces on Boats Bottom.
Tuesday 13 November 1804
Wind SW, SE.
P.M. Strong Gales. At 3 Light Breezes. At 5 Do, hove up best Bower & got all ready for getting under Way in Compy with the Francis.
At 8 made Hunters Island , Course SW.
Wednesday 14 November 1804
Wind W.
P.M. fresh Breezes & fine Wr. At 2 bore away for Waterhouse Island . At 4 came to anchor in 4 fm water, went on Shore.
At 8 A.M. Do Wr.
Thursday 15 November 1804
Wind NW, SSE.
P.M. small Breezes. At 8 Do Wr, got all in order for getting under Way.
At 11 A.M. Do Wr, got under Way. At 12 close in with Waterhouses small Island , employd as occasn required.
Friday 16 November 1804
Wind WNW, WSW.
P.M. light Breezes. At 3 close in with Land, tackd Ship & stood off for the northward. At 6 tackd Ship, stood in Shore, * close into the Westernmost Waterhouse Islands . At 8 tackd Ship & stood to the Northward. At 10 fresh Gales, reefd Topsails, in Topgallant Sails, in fore & aft Mainsail.
At 12 A.M. tackd Ship, stood in to Shore. At 2 tackd Ship & stood to the northwd. At 8 Wind changd & the Gale increasd with a bad Sea, bore away for Waterhouse Island , people empd as necessary.
Saturday 17 November 1804
Wind WSW.
P.M. Strong Gales, came to with small Bower off Waterhouse Island in Co with the Francis Schooner. At 4 Do Wr , got out Boat & went on Shore. At 6 Gale increasd, down Topgallt Yards. At 7 Boat retd.
At 12 A.M. Do Wr. At 8 Gale increasd, employd people occly, servd One Weeks Provision.
Sunday 18 October 1804
Wind WSW.
P.M. A heavy Gale of Wind, got best Bower Anchor clear to let go. At 8 Do Wr.
At 12 A.M. & 8 Do Wr, people as needful employd.
Monday 19 November 1804
Wind WSW.
P.M. A Heavy Gale. At 8 let go the Best Bower Anchor & wore away upon both Cables.
At 12 A.M. Do Wr. At 8 more moderate, got up Best Bower & hove short upon small Bower, Boat went with Captain to the Main , employed occasly.
Tuesday 20 November 1804
Wind WSW, SSE.
Small Breezes & fine Wr. At 4 light airs, swayd up Topg Masts, got under Way. At 10 got clear of the Island , up Toptg Yards & set Sail.
At 2 A.M Do Wr. At 4 close in with the northernmost of W. Island . At 12 W. Island SE distant 3 miles, people empd as needful.
Wednesday 21 November 1804
Wind NE to NNW, NNE, E.
P.M. small Breezes. At 3 past the Island of Rocks . At 6 saw the Colors flying at Port Dalrymple, fird a Gun for the Francis to bear down.
A.M. came to Anchor in the River in 2 fm Water. At 9 A.M. weighd Anchor and ran up into the Bay & came to Anchor in Compy with the Buffalo , Francis & Integrity. Lost an Ensign.
Thursday 22 November 1804
Wind W, NNE.
P.M. fresh Breezes. Sent Officers, Soldiers, Prisoners & Baggage on Shore.
At 6 A.M. hauld up Cables & coild them on Deck, cleard out Hold & sent on Shore Bricks & Baggage. At noon Do Wr.
Friday 23 November 1804
Wind NNE.
P.M. Fresh Breezes. Employd landing Bricks & Baggage & cleaning Ship.
Saturday 24 November 1804
Wind NNE.
P.M. Light Airs, employed cleaning out Ship.
At 6 A.M. employd as before, got out Floor Boards & Main Keel. Servd One Weeks Provisions.
Sunday 25 November 1804
Wind NNE, NE
P.M. light Airs & fine Wr. Had Provisions surveyd & found 130 lb Bread damagd.
At 10 A.M hauled up Anchor & got into Bay. Recd from the Buffalo provisions for Ships Co for Eight Weeks.
Monday 26 November 1804
Wind NE
P.M. small Breezes & fine Wr. At 2 P.M. got out small Bower & a Cable to haul off the Buffalo . People empd on board the Buffalo .
Tuesday 27 November 1804
Wind NE
P.M. Do Wr. People empd as before.
At 4 A.M. people went on board the Buffalo and unmoord. At noon light airs & fine Wr.
Wednesday 28 November 1804
Wind N.
P.M. Small Breezes. People empd on board the Buffalo endeavouring to work out of the Harbour.
Thursday 29 November
Wind N.
P.M. Do Wr. Boat retd from the Buffalo brought two line & Cadge & got small Bower Anchor & Cable. The Lt Governor came on board, Ensign Piper, Mr Mountgarrett, 5 Soldiers & 5 Boats Crew. At 5 weighed Anchor & proceeded up the River. At 10 came to with the small Bower. At 2 fresh Breezes with Rain.
At 6 A.M. got under way. At 11 let go small Bower in 20 fm water. The Lt Govr went on Shore.
Friday 30 November 1804
Wind S.
P.M.Fresh Breezes. At 2 Boat retd with Lt Govr. At 3 got under way & set up the River. At 6 came to with the small Bower. Sent Boat on Shore for Water, found none.
At 6 A.M. Do Wr. Got under way & towed up River. At 9 came to with small Bower & sent Boat on Shore with Lt. Govr.
Saturday 1 December 1804
Wind vble, W.
P.M. Small Breezes. At 2 Lt. Govr retd. At 3 got under way. At 8 came to with the small Bower.
At 6 A.M. Do Wr, got under way. At 11 ran aground & sent out Cadge to get off the Ship. Lt. Govr went on Shore. At 12 A.M. got the vessel afloat, came to with the Kedge in 2 fm Water. Servd One Weeks Provision.
Sunday 2 December 1804
Wind W.
P.M. Light Breezes. Lt. Govr came on board. At 10 P.M. got under way. At 7 came to anchor abt ¼ mile below the Cataract River & moord head & stern in 2 fm Water.
At 8 A.M. sent off Boats with Lt. Govr to survey the River *. Employd the people clearing out the hold.
Monday 3 December 1804
Wind W.
P.M. Light Airs. All hands occupd taking in Water, stowing it away & making ready to set up rigging.
At 6 A.M employed setting Rigging up.
Tuesday 4 December 1804
Wind vble, SW
P.M. Do Wr. Empd as Before & in drawing & knotting Yarns.
At noon Do Wr.
Wednesday 5 December 1804
Wind SW
P.M. Small Breezes. At 2 P.M. Boats arrd with Lt. Govr from surveyg the River & country, unmoord Ship.
At 6 A.M got under way & proceeded down the River. At 11 came to with small Bower in the 3d Reach below the Cataract falls. At noon Do Wr.
Thursday 6 December 1804
Wind S.
P.M. Fresh Breezes. Boats went on Shore with Lt Govr. At 3 retd. At 4 got under way. Ran on Shore on a mud flat, carrd out Kedge. 11 got afloat.
At 6 A.M. Boats went on Shore with Lt. Govr. At 11 retd. At noon got under way. People empd occasly.
Friday 7 December 1804
Wind S by W, W.
P.M. Light Breezes & fine Wr. At 5 ran on a mud flat, carrd out Kedge.
At 12 P.M. got afloat & came to Anchor in Channel. At 5 A.M. got under way & proceeded down the River. At 10 came to Anchor & sent Boats with Lt Govr. At 12 Do Wr. People empd occasly required.
Saturday 8 December 1804
Wind W
P.M. Small Breezes. At 5 got underway. At 8 came to with small Bower.
At 6 A.M got underway. At 9 came to & sent Boats ashore with Lt. Govr. Serv'd One Weeks Provn.
Sunday 9 December 1804
Wind NE.
P.M. Fresh Breezes. 2 P.M. Boats retd with Lt. Govr. At 5 got underway. At 8 ran on Shore on a reef of Rocks, carrd out Kedge & got off. At 10 came to Anchor in Snug Cove.
At 5 A.M. Do Wr. Boats went on Shore with Lt. Govr. At 7 retd & took in Seine . Endeavoured to get underway. Current held ships on Shore. At 10 carrd out kedge & warped out of the Cove. At noon came to Anchor.
Monday 10 December 1804
Wind NE.
P.M. At 1 Boat retd with Lt. Govr. At 3 got under way. At 7 ran on one
of the Mud flat in the mouth of the West Arm, carrd out Kedge.
At 2 A.M small Rain, hove off & rode by the Kedge. At 5 got under way & proceeded up the West Arm. At 9 came to with the small Bower. At 10 Sent Boats ashore with Lt. Govr.
Tuesday 11 December 1804
Wind E, NW, calm, N.
P.M. At 2 Boats retd with Lt. Govr. At 3 left Ship & went to Camp in Govr Wherry. At 5 light airs & fine Wr, got up Anchor & towed out of the Arm. At 6 made Sail. At 10 came to Anchor abreast Storehouse Island .
At 6 A.M. weigd & towd Ship out of the Harbour. At 7 fresh Breezes, came to with small Bower, carrd out Kedge & warped into the Harbour. At 11 came to with small Bower & carrd out Kedge to steady Ship. Empd people occasionally.
Wednesday 12 December 1804
Wind N.
P.M. Fresh Breezes, loosd Sails & dried them.
At noon Do Wr. People empd occsly.
Thursday 13 December 1804
Wind NW, NE.
P.M. Do Wr.
At 5 A.M. Lt. Govr came alongside & the Captn accompd him on Survey up the River.
Friday 14 December 1804
Wind NE , NW.
P.M. Light Breezes with some Rain. People empd hoisting out Water & landing it in order to take in Baggage etc for the West Arm.
At 7 A.M. loosd Sails to dry. At noon handed them & cleared the Decks, lost overboard in arming the Boat 1 Musquet and one Bayonet.
Saturday 15 December 1804
Wind NW.
P.M. Light Breezes, people employed making Rope.
At noon Do Wr. Served One Weeks Provn.
Sunday 16 December 1804
Wind NW, W.
P.M. Do Wr. Carpr repg Boat. People as above.
At noon Do Wr with fresh Breezes.
Monday 17 December 1804
Wind W.
P.M. Do Wr. People empd taking in Bricks etc for the West Arm.
At noon Do Wr.
Tuesday 18 December 1804
Wind N.
P.M. Do Wr. People as before.
At 6 A.M. secd Stores & Passrs on board. At 10 Do Wr, weighed & proceeded up for the West Arm, tack'd occasly, Govr Boats Crew assisting.
Wednesday 19 December 1804
Wind vble, NE.
P.M. Light airs & fine Wr. At 2 came on Shore on a Mud flat on the West Arm, landed Passrs, Bricks & Baggage. At 11 Do Wr, got Ship afloat & came to with small Bower.
At 4 A.M. Do Wr, weighed & towed down the River. At 6 came to with small Bower. At 8 sent Boat on Shore for Water. At noon Boat retd with Water, Govr Boat assisting.
Thursday 20 December 1804
Wind vble, SW, NE.
P.M. Small Breezes. Got underway & proceeded up the River for Ballast.
A.M. came to Anchor. At 4 Do Wr got underway. At 11 came to in a Bay 4 fm Water.
Friday 21 December 1804
Wind NE , W.
P.M. A fresh Gale. At 2 occpd all Hands gettg Ballast on board, draggd Anchor, took Ground on a Mud flat. At 7 Do Wr, finished taking in Ballast.
At 5 A.M. got underway & proceeded down the River. At 8 came to abreast the Storehouse Island in 18 fm Water.
Saturday 22 December 1804
Wind N, NE.
P.M. Light Breezes. At 5 got underway & came to below a Cove at 9 in 12 fm Water. At 10 Do Wr, got underway. At 11 let go Anchor, could not get into Cove. Empd people occasly. Servd One Weeks Provn.
Sunday 23 December 1804
Wind NE.
P.M. Do Wr. At 2 weighd & got into Cove abreast the Settlements in Co with the Francis Schooner.
At 8 A.M. Do Wr. Washed the Decks & mended the Cables.
Monday 24 December 1804
Wind NE , W.
P.M. light Airs. At 6 people empd drawg & knottg Yarns. At noon light Breezes.
Tuesday 25 December 1804
Wind W, NE.
P.M. Do Wr. people employd gettg Wood & Water.
At 5 A.M. people as before. At noon fresh Breezes & some Rain.
Wednesday 26 December 1804
Wind NE , WNW.
P.M. Fresh Breezes with some Rain.
At 5 A.M. fine Wr, people empd ashore making * & as occasn reqd. At noon fresh Breezes.
Thursday 27 December 1804
Wind WNW.
P.M. A fresh Gale & cloudy. People occupd on board the Francis.
At 5 A.M. Do Wr with Rain. At 6 fine Wr, people as above. Carpr caulking Ships Decks.
Friday 28 December 1804
Wind WNW.
P.M. A fresh Gale, people as above. At 6 A.M. loosd Sails to dry, sent down Top Gallt Yards, carpr empd repairing the Boat.
Saturday 29 December 1804
Wind WNW.
P.M. A fresh Breeze, people as before.
At 10 A.M. the Francis saild for Port Jackson, people empd occasn reqd, Carpr as before. Serv'd One Weeks Provision.
Sunday 30 December 1804
Wind W.
P.M. Light Breezes.
A.M. Do Wr, got Ballast on board to put into the River, Carpr as before.
Monday 31 December 1804
Wind SE.
P.M. Small Breezes, Carpr as before.
A.M. Loosd Sails to dry, Carpr empd making Beacon to put on Shagrock , punishd Wm Roberts with 12 Lashes for Contempt and neglect of Duty.
Tuesday 1 January 1805
Wind N, NW.
P.M. Light Breezes, people empd occasly, Carpr as before.
A.M. Sailmaker repairing Middle Stay Sail.
Wednesday 2 January 1805
Wind NW.
P.M. Fresh Breezes, people empd as necessy.
A.M. Loos'd Sails to dry, occupd settg up Rigging.
Thursday 3 January 1805
Wind NW, W.
P.M. Do Wr, furl'd Sails, empd wooding & watering.
A.M. Fresh Breezes. At 7 laid (*) Beacon on Shagrock, empd occasionally.
Friday 4 January 1805
Wind W, NW, NNW.
P.M. Do Wr, Carpr making Chocks for Boat, loos'd Sails to dry. At 4 P.M. furld them, rainy squalls.
At 4 A.M. more moderate, empd settg up Topgallt Rigging & reeving running Rigging, Carpr as before.
Saturday 5 January 1805
Wind NNW, NE.
P.M. Light Breezes & Cloudy, people empd filling water & cutting wood.
A.M. Do Wr, gettg wood & water on board & stowing it away. Servd One Weeks Provn. Recd 3 Weeks Provn & 14 *.
Sunday 6 January 1805
Wind NE , vble.
P.M. Do Wr. At 9 Cloudy with Thunder, Carpr makg oars.
A.M. Do Wr, empd gettg off wood etc.
Monday 7 January 1805
Wind NE , W.
P.M. Light Breezes, all Hands away on Boats on Survey, Carpr as before, gettg ready for Sea.
Tuesday 8 January 1805
Wind ENE.
P.M. Fresh Breezes.
At A.M. hauld the Jenie (*), people empd filling empty Water Casks, Carpr making Oars.
Wednesday 9 January 1805
Wind NE.
P.M. P.M. Fresh Breezes, people empd cuttg & making Brooms & gettg on board Water.
A.M. Do Wr, got on board a Spar for Sprit Sail Yard, Carpr empd making a new one, people empd unrigging the old one.
Thursday 10 January 1805
Wind from NE to NNW, WNW.
P.M. Fresh Breezes with Thunder, Lightning & Rain, got out Sprit Sail Yard & rigged, recd on board the Dispatches.
A.M. Fresh Breezes & fine Wr, empd getting ready for Sea, tried to warp out of the Cove, Govr Boat & Crew assisting.
Friday 11 January 1805
Wind WNW.
P.M. Strong Gales, empd filling Water Casks. A.M. Moderate Wr. At 5 unmoord Ship & work'd out of the Cove. At 6 came to abreast the Green Island . At 9 got under way & work'd out of the Harbour, Govr Boat & Crew assistg. At 10 made all Sail.
At noon Seal Rocks bore South dist 5 Miles, all Sail set for Cape
Barren not being able to weather the Sisters.
Saturday 12 January 1805
Wind WNW, S, calm, SW, ESE.
P.M. Fresh Gale. At 1 up Topgallt Yards & set Topgt Sails. At 5 Waterhouse Isld South 3 Leagues, shortened Sail, Wind dying away. At 11 came to in Kents Bay , Cape Barren .
At 2 A.M. light breezes. At 6 Do Wr, got under way. At 8 came to with small Bower. At 9 light Breezes, got under way, & got under way & got out of the Harbour. At noon light Breezes inclinable to calm, the NE point of Cape Barren to west distn 2 leagues. Servd One Weeks Provn to Ships Company.
Sunday 13 January 1805
Wind ESE, calm, SE, calm, ENE, NNW, vble.
Course: NNE, N by E, N NE.
P.M. Light Breezes & Cloudy, set Topgallt Sails. At 6 all Sails set. At 8 Cape Barren bore SSW 6 Leagues.
At 4 A.M. Small Breezes & Cloudy. At noon moderate Breezes, Furneaux Island bore SSW dist 7 Leagues, empd occasly.
Monday 14 January 1805
Wind N by W, ENE, NE by E, NE. Course: NE, N, N by W, SSE.
P.M. Moderate Breezes & Cloudy, lost sight of Land. At 6 fresh Breezes, took in fore & aft Main Sail & Jib. At 7 Do Wr, carrying a press of Sail.
At 6 A.M. saw the Land. At 9 close in with it, Point Hicks NE dist 3 Leagues. At noon tackd Ship.
Tuesday 15 January 1805
Wind ENE, NE by E, E.
Course: N, SSE, N by W, NNE.
P.M. Tackd Ship, Strong Breezes. At 4 wore Ship & stood off the Land, reefd fore topsail. At 8 reefd Main Topsail, the Gale increasing with a heavy Sea. At 10 took in foretopsl.
At 2 A.M. wore Ship. At 8 saw the Land. At noon Do Wr, found we had lost northing during the night.
Wednesday 16 January 1805
Wind NE by E, WNW, W, N by W. Course: N by W, N, ESE, E by N.
P.M. Fresh Breezes & Cloudy. At 3 lost sight of the Land. At 5 fresh Breezes with Rain. At 7 wore Ship, reefd Main Topsail & took in Jib & fore & aft Main Sail.
At 3 A.M. fresh Gale, took in two reefs in Main Topsail. At 6 strong Gales, took in Sail & set Jib. At noon fresh Breezes & Cloudy.
Thursday 17 January 1805
Wind N by E, NNE, ENE, SE, calm, ESE.
Course: E by N, SE, N, NE by N, N.
P.M. Do Wr. At 3 let Reefs out Topsails, set Main topgall Sails & tackd Ship.
At 12 fresh Gale with heavy Rain, reefd both Topsails. At 8 A.M. small Breezes, made more Sail. At 12 fresh Gales with thick hazy Wr, took in Sails & hauld down Jib.
Friday 18 January 1805
Wind SW, S.
Course: N by E, NNE, N by E/E.
P.M. Fresh Breezes & Cloudy, saw the Land, set Topgall Sails. At 4 Cape How bore to NW 3 Leagues. At 6 strong Breezes, in fore & aft Main Sail, Jib & Stay Sail, got the log & * Lines.
At 8 A.M. light Breezes, saw Land dist 10 Leagues. At noon Do Wr, spoke the Sloop * from Port Jackson to Port Dalrymple.
Saturday 19 January 1805
Wind E, ENE, NW by N, NNE, N. Course: N, NW, NE by N, NW byW.
P.M. Do Wr, saw the Land of Cape Dromedary. At 6 tackd the Ship, Cape Dromedary dist 2 Leagues.
At 6 A.M. Do Wr, saw Mt Dromedary dist 7 Leagues. * close in with the Land of Mt Dromedary . At NOON do Wr, tackd Ship.
Sunday 20 January 1805
Wind NNE, N, calm, SSW.
Course: E, ENE, NNE, N by W.
P.M. Light Breezes. At 4 close in with the Land. Braced up Sails, At 6 set Topg Sails.
At 12 in topg Sails & tackd Ship. At 8 Cape Dromedary SW by W 4 Leagues. At noon fresh Breezes.
Monday 21 January 1805
Wind ENE, SE, S.
Course: N, NE, N.
P.M. Do Wr. At 4 strong Breezes, in fore & aft Main Sail & top Sails. At 8 reefd Topsails. At 7 thick hazy Wr, close in with the Land, hauld off from it.
At 11 saw Port Hacking. At noon saw the Heads of Port Jackson.
Tuesday 22 January 1805
Wind S.
P.M. Fresh Breezes with heavy Rain, close in with the Heads. At 2 came to Anchor abreast Camp Cove .
At 8 A.M. light Breezes, got under way & endeavourd to work up to Sydney Cove. At 11 came to Anchor off Garden Island .
At noon light Breezes & Cloudy.
Wednesday 23 January 1805
Wind SW.
P.M. Do Wr. At 3 weigd. At 4 came to Anchor in Sydney Cove with small Bower.
At 6 A.M. light Breezes with rain, hauld along Shore to get out Ballast.
Thursday 24 January 1805
Wind SW.
P.M. Light Breezes & fine Wr, loosd Sails to dry, people empd getting out Ballast.
At 6 A.M. furld Sails. At noon finishd gettg out Ballast.
Friday 25 January 1805
Wind S.
P.M. Light Breezes with Rain, hauld along side the Supply & got out Water Casks etc.
6 A.M. Do Breezes & fine Wr, loosd Sails to dry, people empd reeving the running rigging.
Saturday 26 January 1805
Wind S.
P.M. Light Breezes & fine Wr, Unbent Sails & put them on board the Supply.
A.M Do Wr, Struck Yards & Topmasts. Servd One Weeks Provisions to Ships Company.
Abbreviations
The abbreviations listed below were used in the Log of the Lady Nelson in its voyage of from Port Jackson to the Tamar River and return in November, December 1804 and January 1805. There is another form of abbreviation have been used consistently throughout the Log. It consists of leaving out the ”e” in the ending of the past tense of verbs; such as 'tackd' for tacked; 'hauld' for hauled and 'increasd' for increased. Such abbreviations have been omitted from the list.
Abt - about
Accompd - accompanied
Answrd - answered
Bearg - bearing
Carpr; carpn - carpenter
Carrd - carried
Compy - company
Dist - distance
Do Wr. - Same (Ditto) weather
Drawg - drawing
Empd - employed
Gettg - getting
Interd - interred
Necessy - necessary
Obsd - observed
Occasly; occly; occas - occasionally
Occasn reqd - required occasionally
Occupd - occupied
Passrs - passengers
Provn - provisions
Repg - repairing
Retd - returned
Secd - secured
Sevl - several
Standg - standing
Stbd - starboard
Studdg - studding
Surveyg - surveying
Topgt; topg; tgal; topgallt; topgall - top gallant
Vble - variable
Weigd - weighed
Glyn Roberts. September 2004.