Here is an excerpt from my article on John Herron in the Wexford Historical Society Journal. Could Bren and Bressie be the same person?
"“Splendid weather, a change from first of week – sea like oil – some sharks hovering around.”
The 26th brought – “ the sunset this evening was splendid, the whole ocean was turned golden.” The following day they sighted land for the first time in 39 days.
When they eventually docked at Mossel Bay he spent the day “fishing mackerel”.
On Saturday October 9th he arrived in East London and “had a ramble around the town on Saturday night – this place is very quiet.”
Next day – “ A splendid day, had a stroll along the beach in the morning, went upriver afternoon. The town is a deserted place on Sunday night.”
From East London they sailed to Durban where he, “had a royal night ashore.”
When they left Durban they “sailed along the Coast of Zululand only half a mile off shore. Saw a lot of natives on beach, saw two whales.”
Back at Durban after a trip to Delago Bay they were taking on cargo again but on Wednesday 17th – “Still raining, not taking any cargo on account of the rain.”
They coasted around the area taking on cargo at East London, Port Elizabeth and Mossel Bay before proceeding toward Cape Town again where they anchored in Table Bay before docking.
The entry for November 17th reads, “Had a letter from Lar Murphy to meet him at 7.30 pm. Met him – first time for 13 years, had a good night.”
The following day he met Bren(?) Walsh – first time in 15 years, “had day off with him and Lar.”
The ship sailed for New York on Saturday November 20th."
