While I was looking for some completely different information on the library shelves, I came across a folder containing letters and bits and bobs. Reproduced copies of letters, Pamphlets and small books. This caught my eye among other things
The Emigrant Voyager’s Manuel by William H.G. Kingston.ESQ
Published in London 1850
Page 23. Diary of The Voyage, Or Journal
I wish particularly to impress upon your minds
The advantage and amusement to be derived from
Keeping a journal of the occurrences of each day.
I should particularly advice when you get onshore
To continue the practice. If your trade or occupation
Will not allow you to keep it every day, at least write
Up on a Saturday evening what you have done during the week. Resolve that nothing shall hinder
You from this practice, and depend on it you will
Often find it assist you in keeping good resolutions
And in avoiding bad habits. I mean, however, that
A journal of the voyage should be written up every
Day. If the weather is very bad, and you cannot
Have the ink bottle out, write it up in pencil.
You may keep your journal somewhat in the
Following way; but you may enter whatever
Observations you like, and the more you put in the more
Amusing it will be, but never write down ill of your companions.
The page then gives an example of what to record Date, left from, Time, name of ship
And so on. Describe the scenery on the Banks of the river;
Note the observations the Rev.Mr.Holderness, or any other
Clergyman or Missionary, makes to you.
That now explains to me why all passengers where supplied free, with a list of things.
For various use of. One being writing box.
Celia
