Births  Marriages  Deaths  &c. &c.

---

1856 continued

numerous appliances to boot some of our women were sick during the whole passage and three or four were alarmingly ill, they required constant attendance night & day. But to continue the daily routine at 1 P.M. dinner was served. at 3 P.M. the bell rang and Divine Service was performed. Lieut. Gregorie always attending with the community. After [the] service all who were able went upon deck & generally remained there till six o'clock. At eight the bell again rang, and all assembled for prayer. The service concluded by all joining in the Evening hymn and whosoever choose, went to bed, some went on deck to sit for a while, while many spent a couple of hours, in singing hymns, in parts. Captain Mathers was most indefatigable in administering the comfort of every one: but more especially to the sick. A more suitable person cannot in one [?]ion, have been sent to [?] us. And Lieutenant Gregorie, though a very young man acted with much judgement and consideration.

May 9th.
Reuben Dennison son of Isaac and Miriam Christian born

June 6th.
Sighted Norfolk Island, but it was a long way off and the wind not being fair, we made but slow progress

" 7th.
The land some twenty five miles distant. A [ship?] in shore, at noon exchanged signals with her, [?] HMS "Herald" engaged in taking soundings. For picturesque beauty Norfolk Island is not to be compared to Pitcairn. Another night must be passed on board but in all probability we shall land tomorrow

" 8th.
Cloudy weather. Close in with Norfolk Island very much disappointed in its appearance from the present point of view, which is directly off the settlement