[Start of Harbour Log]
Ship Solebay from Madagascar
Sunday April the 7th 1765.
Fresh Breezes and fair Weather, in the night little Wind and Cloudy with Squally Rain, At 4 PM Anchored with the Bt. Br. in 13 fm. Water the West end of great Cambyses [Cambuys] SE ½ S 3 Miles a beacon off Do SbW little Cambuyses [Cambuys] &c end ESE Maneaters Island SW ½ W the West end of Wappin Island NWbN Pulo Pau NE, a Dutch Ship NbE ½ E, At 6 AM, Got under Weigh with a moderate Breeze at SWbS and Stood in for Batavia Road. At 10 Saluted with 10 Guns which the Duke of Gloster34 returned with the same Number. At Noon came too with the Best Bower in 6 Fathom Water unbent the Fore Top Sail to mend and hoisted out the Cutter and Jolly Boat. Got aft the Quarter Deck Guns from the Forecastle the Tradesmen Employed as necessary. Found riding here the Duke [] Gloster Captain Burdett35 Earl [of] Elgin Captain Cook Duke of Richmond Captain La Gett (late Captain Godfr[e]y) Earl Middlesex Captain Fletcher, one English Country Snow 8 Dutch Ships and 4 China Junks, When Anchored the Extremes End of Java EbS, Dome at Batavia So., High land Bantam WbS, Onroust36 NW [Idem] NNb[] Distance off Shore about 2 Miles.
[34 - Possibly a contemporary abbreviation of Duke of Gloucester.]
[35 - According to a clipping from The Universal Magazine of November 11, 1765 (published 7 months later) Captain Burdett was captain of the Duke of Gloucester and Captain Fletcher was captain of the Earl of Middlesex.]
[36 - The usual anchorage for Dutch men of war, is off Onroost Island, where their dockyard establishment is situated - Nautical Magazine and Naval Chronicle, 1852.]
Monday the 8th.
Pleasant Breezes and fair Weather with Some Squalls and Rain in the night. PM hoisted in the Boats, at 10 heard the reports of Several Guns to the Norward, AM sent Boats at 9 Saluted the Dutch Commodore with 15 Guns, which they returned with. Sailmaker Employed repairing old Sails, Boatswain about the rigging, Received fresh Beef for the Ship’s Company.
Tuesday the 9th.
The first part fresh Gales and Squally with thunder lightning and hard Rain, Middle and latter pleasant Breezes and fair, AM Punished Christopher Premer Seaman with 2 Dozen lashes for theft, Sailed a Dutch Ship for Onroust, loosed Sails to dry them, and unbent the Top Gallant Sails, Middle and Top Gallant Stay Sails, Employed as necessarie about the Rigging, Sailmaker as Yesterday. Received fresh Beef for the Ship’s Company.
[Page 146]
At Batavia37
[37 - Now known as Jakarta, the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company.]
Wednesday April the 10th 1765.
Moderate land and Sea Breezes with fair Weather, PM Received Per the Jolly Boats 3 Hogs for the Ship’s Use, Employed Stacking Salt Water in the Fore Hold AM Received on board yer Prow [proa] 45 Baggs of Rice. Sent on Shore by Do. 15 Hogheads. and a Punchion. Empty Casks, also Received on board Per another Prow [proa] 16 Hoggs for the Ship’s Use, Sent on Shore by Do. 13 Empty Butts to fill. Boatswain Employed as Yesterday Sailmaker making a Hove [meaning not known] out of the Spritsail that was damaged. Received on board 2 Turtles for the Ship’s Company, AM Sent on Shore to Sick Quarter Robt. Burt Ship’s Steward.
Thursday the 11th.
Do. Wind and Weather. PM Boatswain Employed as necessarie about the Rigging Carpenter making a Jib boom out of a Spar. AM Received on board Per Boats 12 Butts, 13 Hogheads and 9 Punchions. Water, Employed Hoisting it in and Stacking it in the Fore hold, Sent on Shore by Do. 12 Empty Butts, 15 Hogheads. & 9 Punchions. 10[?] PM Came in and Anchored here a Dutch Ship, Received fresh beef for the Ship’s Company.
Friday the 12th.
Moderate land and Sea Breezes with fair Weather PM Boatswain Employed about the Rigging, Carpenter as Yesterday AM Received Per Boat 12 Butts Water Dispatched on Shore with 12 Empty Butts to fill, Employed Stowing the Water in the Fore Hold, Sailmaker repairing the Fore Top Sail.
Saturday the 13th.
Land and Sea Breezes with fair Weather, PM Sailed a Dutch Ship for Onroost, Carpenter Employed about the Jib boom, People as necessarie AM Sailed the Middlesex East India Man for Bencoolen, also a Dutch Ship for Onroost, Received on board Per 2 Boats 12 Butts, 15 Hogheads and 8 Punchions Water. Dispatched the one Boat with 16 Hogheads & Punchions and the other with 12 Butts [as fill] Received also another Boat with Wood, Dispatched her Received fresh beef for the Ship’s Company.
Sunday the 14th.
Moderate land and Sea Breezes and pleasant Weather, PM Came in and Anchored here the Beckenham, Capt. Mallock from Madagascar. People Employed [as] necessarie, Carpenter finished the jib Boom, Sailmaker mending old Sails Received Per Boat 4 Turtles for Ship’s Use, AM Confined George Hill Soldier for theft.
[Page 147]
Ship Solebay
Monday April the 15th 1765.
Moderate land and Sea Breezes with fair Weather, AM Received on board Per 2 Boats 23 Gang Casks and 12 Butts Water, Employed hoisting it in and Stowing it between the Guns. Received on board a Turtle for the Ship’s use, People otherwise Employed as necessary. Sailmaker repairing old Sails, Scraped the Quarter Deck.
Tuesday the 16th.
Land and Sea Breezes with fair Weather. PM People Employed under the Boatswain, AM hoisted out the long Boat and Sent her on Shore, found she was not able to take anything in when ashore being very leaky hoisted her up to be caulked Sailmaker Employed as before, People overhauling the rigging.
Wednesday the 17th.
Do. Winds and Weather. PM Came in and Anchored here a Dutch Ship, Punished George Hill Soldier with a Dozen lashes and released him out of Irons, in the night very hard Rain with Thunder and lightning, AM loosed Sails to dry, also Received on board some live Stock and 2 Buffaloes for the Ship’s Company, came along side a Country Boat.
Thursday the 18th.
The first part calm with a faint Sea Breeze PM Dispatched the Country Boat with private Trade on Account of the Owners and Company. Do. Some thunder and lightning, People Employed overhauling the rigging Sailmaker as before. Slaves Picking oakum, AM Came along Side a Country Prow [proa].
Friday the 19th.
Faint land and Sea Breezes with very Sultry Weather PM Dispatched the Prow [proa] with private Trade on Account of the Captn, Owners and Officers, much Thunder and lightning in the night. People Employed as necessary, Sailmaker repairing Sails, Slaves as before, Coopers setting up Butts &c.
Saturday the 20th.
Moderate land and Sea Breezes with fair Weather, in the night very Severe Thunder and lightning with very hard Rain, AM loosed Sails to dry Tradesmen and People Employed as necessary, Came a long side a Country Prow [proa].
[Page 148]
At Batavia
Sunday April the 21st 1765.
Land and Sea Breezes the first part Cloudy Weather with Thunder light and very hard Rain the latter Fair Weather, Sent on Shore 59 Pack Puncheon Staves and 500 Hoops on account of the Owners, also some private Trade, AM Sailed a Dutch Ship for Onroust.
Monday the 22nd.
Light land and Sea Breezes and chiefly fair Weather. AM Came on board 12 Chinese Caulkers in order to Caulk the Ship, also Received on board the long Boat she being finished loosed Sails to dry. Found the following People had run away from the Ship when on liberty, and from the Boats when on Shore Viz: Jon Blewitt, Howard Ladeston, Wm. Hatherall, Lawrence Daily, Richard Matthews, Jon’ Call, Henry Salm, Jon’ Collins, Jon’ Ramsey, John Barrett and David Jones.
Tuesday the 23rd.
Land and Sea Breezes with Fair Weather. Some Thunder and lightning PM Sent on Shore per the long Boat some private trade, also Received on board 2 Lascars and [1] Buffalo for the Ship’s Use. Anchored here Dutch Ship from Onroust, AM eased[?] off the bob Stays to [new] serve them, also got in the Jib boon that was Sprung and the new one out and flected the Fore Stay Sailmaker repairing the Fore Top Sail, AM Anchored here a Dutch Ship.
Wednesday the 24th.
Winds and Weather as before, Employed about the Rigging and 12 Chinese Caulkers on the outside, AM Unbent the Fore Sail to mend, Sailed an English Swan [Country ship] for Madrass.
Thursday the 25th.
A continuance of Wind and Weather , Employed as before, AM Received on board 171 Baggs of Rice for the use of the Ship, PM Anchored here a Dutch Ship.
Friday the 26th.
Winds and Weather as before, Employed about the rigging and the Caulkers on the Larboard Side, PM Came on board 2 Lascars.
[Page 149]
Ship Solebay
Saturday April the 27th 1765.
Land and Sea Breezes the first part, Cloudy with Thunder, lightning and Rain the latter fair Weather the Caulkers Employed on the outsides, Sailmaker repairing the Foresail, AM Received on board a long Boat load of Water, also by a Country Prow [proa] 10 Legars of Arrack on Account of the Captain.
Sunday the 28th.
Land and Sea Breezes the first part, fair the Middle and latter hard Rain with Thunder and lightning and very close Weather. AM Came along side a Country Prow [proa] with Japan Wood on Account of the Captain.
Monday the 29th.
Moderate land and Sea Breezes with Fair Weather PM Dispatched the Prow [proa] with 12 Empty Butts and 4 empty Hogheads, AM loosed the sails to dry, Sailed 2 Dutch Ships one for Onroust the other to the Eastward, Came along side a Country Prow [proa] with Arrack on Account of the Captain. Sailmaker at Work on the Fore Sail, Armourer cleaning the Small Arms. Dispatched the Prow [proa], Came on board 9 Caulkers Employed them Caulking the Starboard Side of the Ship.
Thursday the 30th.
Faint land and sea Breezes with close Weather At ½ past 5 PM fired 21 half Minnet Gunnes on the decease of Captain. Legett38 of the Duke of Richmond East India Man, John Sadler Gunners Mate in loading one of the Guns that had been fired it unfortunately went off and blowed him to pieces, Sent the Jolly Boat. in Search of his body but could not find it, found Several pieces of the Sprung Staff [stuff]. At Day light saluted the Duke of Richmond with 9 Guns. Delivered the Duke of Gloster’s Boat 1 Hogshead Beer and 1 Puncheon Salt. Came on Board 11 Caulkers Employed them on the Bows. Sailmaker and Armourer Employed as per Days past. Anchored here a Dutch Ship from Onroust, also came in and Anchored another Dutch Ship from the Norward, and a China Junk, Received Per Cutter fresh Meat for the Ship’s Company, Employed Stowing Arrack39 in the Main Hold, Dispatched the long Boat for Water.
[38 - Philip Legeyt Chief Mate was Captain for only three months following the death of Captain Benjamin Godfrey.]
[39 - Batavia Arrack is a clear alcoholic drink made from sugarcane, popular in the colonial era.]
[Page 150]
At Batavia
Wednesday May the 1st 1765.
Moderate land and Sea Breezes the first and latter parts Cloudy, the Middle hard Rain with very Severe Thunder and lightning, AM loosed Sails to dry, Came on board 11 Caulkers Employed them on the Starboard Side and the Bow, Received on board per long Boat 3 Casks Beef and 5 Pork, Employed stowing them in the Lazareter. Came a longside 2 Prows [proas] with 20 Leagars [legare, bound bundle of] Arrack on Account of the Captain, Sailmaker and Armourer Employed as per Days past.
Thursday the 2nd.
Land and Sea Breezes the first part Rain with lightning the middle and latter Cloudy Weather PM Dispatched 1 Prow [proa] Came in and Anchored a Dutch Ship and a [Snow] from Onroost AM loosed Sails to dry Came on board 12 Caulkers Employed them Caulking the Starboard Side of the Ship. Came a longside a Prow [proa] with [10] Leagers [legare, bound bundle of] 2 Puncheons and a small Cask of Arrack on Accounts of the Captain. Dispatched one Prow [proa] Employed Stowing away the Arrack. Came in and Anchored a Dutch Ship. Tradesmen Employed as before.
Friday the 3rd.
Moderate land and Sea Breezes with Fair Weather AM Dispatched the long Boat ashore, also the Prow [proa]. Came on board 11 Caulkers and finished Caulking the outside of the Ship. Returned the long boat with 20 Hoggs, and 2 Buffaloes, Dispatched her ashore again. Sailmaker finished the Foresail Employed Stowing the Arrack. Armourer cleaning the small arms.
Saturday the 4th.
Faint land & Sea Breezes with very Close Weather and lightning in the night. PM Came on board the long boat with 6 Baggs Paddy and one Bagg Bees Wax. AM Sailed the Duke Gloster Burdett, the Earl of Elgin Cooke40, the Duke of Richmond Hinman [Hindman], for China, two Dutch Ships one for Onroost and the other the Eastward, Came a longside a Country Prow [proa] with Sugar Candy. Confined Thomas Roune George Hill Soldiers for making free with the Women Slaves, Geo. Hill for [suffering] them being Centry [sentry], and John Gutterage Ship’s Cook for taking away the Jolly Boat from a long side in order to go a Shore, Came a longside another Prow [proa] with Sugar & Sugar Candy. Dispatched Prow [proa]. Came on board 12 Caulkers Employed them on the Paint Work on the outside. Discharged the [other] Prow [proa], Employed Stowing Arrack in ye Fore Hold, Sailmaker repairing the Mizen Topsails Armourer cleaning small arms.
[40 - Thomas Cooke.]
[Page 151]
Ship Solebay
Sunday May the 5th 1765.
Do. Breezes with mostly Cloudy Weather. PM Dispatched the long boat Do. She returned with 7 Bags of Paddy, AM Came on board 12 Caulkers, Employed them as before, also a Prow [proa] with Arrack on Account of the Chief Mate41. Came in and Anchored a Dutch Ship. Sailed a Dutch Ship for Onroost. The 3 Indiamen in sight. Discharged the Prow [proa].
[41 - According to Oriental Commerce (see appendix) the East India Company permitted (in 1804) up to 20 leaguers [legare] (3200 gallons) of Arrack to be shipped aboard for private profit.
Monday the 6th.
Light land and Sea Breezes with very close Weather. PM Squall off the land with Thunder, lightning and very hard Rain. AM loos’d Sails to dry Dispatched the long boat a shore, Came on board 12 Caulkers Emp’d Stowing the Arrack in the Main Hold, unbent the Main Topsail to mend.
Tuesday the 7th.
Faint land and Sea Breezes with some lightning in the night and Cloudy Weather. PM James Gutterage Ship’s Cook ran the Gauntlet for taking the Jolly Boat from alongside the Ship in order to go on Shore. Confined him in Irons again on his attempting to make the 2nd escape, Came on board the long boat with one Lagar Arrack and live Stock on Account of the Captain. AM Sent her on Shore again. Came alongside a Prow [proa] with 5 Leagars [legare] of Arrack on Account of the Honourable Company Discharged the Prow [proa], Employed Stowing the after hold, Sailmaker on the Main Topsail.
Wednesday the 8th.
Land & Sea Breezes the chief part fair Weather with some Rain in the night PM Employed Stowing the Arrack in the Lazareter and this morning bent the Fore Sails, Fore Topsail Top Gallant Sails and Staysails, also Received on board a Prow [proa] load of Water. Came in and Anchored here the Plassey42 an English Schooner from China.
[42 - Probably named after the Battle of Plassey 7 years before which terminated French designs on India.]
Thursday the 9th.
Fresh land and Sea Breezes with Cloudy Weather and some Rain, AM Sent on Shore the long boat, PM Stowed the Sheet Anchor and unbent the Cable otherwise Employed clearing the Decke and getting ready for Sea.
Friday the 10th.
Faint land and Sea Breezes with very Close Weather. AM Sailed a Dutch Ship to Europe falling calm She came too again. Received Per the long boat a Horse on Account of the Captain and a Buffloe [Buffalo] for the use of the Ship, and some Paddy Employed as yesterday.
[Page 152]
At Batavia
Saturday May the 11th 1765.
Land and Sea Breezes the first and latter parts fair, the middle Cloudy and Rain with much Thunder & lightning. Employed getting ready for Sea and clearing the Decks, At 6AM Weighed with a light Air off the land and at 11 came too again being calm with the Stream Anchor in 7 fm. Delivered 28 Coils of Cordage on Account of the Captain.
Sunday the 12th.
Land and Sea Breezes with fair Weather Employed as most necessary PM tyed James Gutterage Ship’s Cook up and gave him a dozen lashes for attempting to take the Ship’s Boat away. At 5AM Weighed with the Wind Sowtherly in Company with the Beckenham43 and a Dutch Ship for Europe.
[43 - Note that the Beckenham, despite being the sister ship of this voyage, was never mentioned even though it was also anchored in Batavia.]
Monday the 13th.
Land and Sea Breezes with Cloudy and a good deal of Rain. PM Tacked Several times, [AM] [ … ] Reefs, and at 7 came too with the Best Bower in 8 fm. Maneater Island bearing EbS, Pilo Baby NW Bantam Hill WWSW Off Shore about 2 or 3 Leagues At Day light Weighed with a light Breeze off the Land. At 10AM hoisted in the Cutter to repair. At Noon St Nicholas Point W ½ N about 3 Leagues, Bantam hill and Pulo [Panjan] in [...] SW½W and Pulo Baby NEbE.
Tuesday the 14th.
Faint land and Sea Breezes with mostly Cloudy Weather in the Night Squally and Rain. At 6 PM Came to with the Beam Anchor in 17 fathoms ½ [...] very hard Squalls of Wind with Some Thunder and lightning, and very hard Rain, let go the Best Bower Anchor and Wore away to ½ a Cable, at 5 AM Weighed with a light land breeze At Noon the Button WbS, the Body of Thwart the Way [Middle Island or Pulo Renyang] stood WSW ½ S, the Cap SSW the Extreme of the Java Shore from EbN½N to SWbS Distance off Shore about 4 or 5 Miles, Employed rigging the longboat and otherwise as necessary.
Wednesday the 15th.
Light breezes of Wind & the chief parts fair Weather [ at AM] Came to with the Best [Bower] in 20 fm the Extremes of Thwart the Way [Middle Island or Pulo Renyang] from West to NW Distance 2 or 3 miles Anger SbW½W Cap SbE the Button. NbE½E At 7 AM Weighed light Winds variable AM Came to with the Best Bower 12 fm off Anger Point bearing as follows Angt Per SWbW Extreme of Thwart the Way [Middle Island or Pulo Renyang] NW to NNW, the SWbE, Cap NNE½E Dist. off Java Shore about ½ a Mile. Hoisted out the Cutter & Jolly Boat.
[Page 153]
Ship Solebay from Batavia
Thursday May the 16th 1765.
Light Airs Variable and the chief parts fair Weather, PM Sent the longboat on Shore with Empty Casks, also Received a Cutter and Jolly Boat load of Wood, AM Received Per the longboat 11 Gang Casks Water, also the Jolly Boat and Cutter load of Wood, Dispatched the longboat on Shore again for Water.
Friday the 17th.
Light airs and variable with some Squalls, the chief parts Cloudy Weather and Rain, Received on board 2 longboat loads of Water also some Wood by the Cutter and Jolly Boat.
Saturday the 18th.
Light Airs of Wind Variable the chief part Cloudy, the latter fair Weather. PM Received on board a longboat load of Water also some Wood by the [...] At 7 AM Weighed the Wind Easterly in Company with the Beckenham.
Sunday the 19th.
C&D SW ---. Moderate Breezes of Wind Variable the first and middle parts fair, the latter Cloudy with hard Rain. At Noon the Extreme of Cockatoo Island from East to NE½N Distance about 4 Miles, The Extremes Princess Island from S½W to SSW, and the Extremes of land off Java in Sight ESE. Lat --- Long ---.
[End of Harbour Log]
[Page 154]
[Start of Sea Log]
Towards Bencoolen
Monday May the 20th 1765.
C&D WbS 32. For the most part fresh Breezes and Cloudy Weather with some Rain At 4 PM the Body of Princes Island SbW½W. The Extremes of Cockatoo from NbEN to ENE Distance @ Do. about 2 leagues, the W end Sumatra WbN, At 5 hoisted in the Cutter. At Noon the Extremes of the land from NE to NbW Distance off the nearest Shore about 9 or 10 leagues Carpenter Employed Stopping some leaks in the longboat. Sailmaker repairing the old Mizen Topsails, under an easy Sails these 24 hours for the Beckenham. Lat (obs) 0623 South Long ---.
Tuesday the 21st.
C&D NNW 28. Little Winds and fair Weather with a large Swell, Towards Noon Squalls with small Rain. Carpenter and Sailmaker Employed as yesterday At 6 PM the Extremes of the land from NEbE to North At [..] the Extremes from NE to NW. Lat --- Long ---.
[Page 155]
Ship Solebay from Batavia
Wednesday May the 22nd 1765.
C&D NW 54. The first part Pleasant Breezes and fair Weather, the middle and latter light Breezes Variable with Cloudy Squally Weather and hard Rain at times. At 6PM departed this life a Man Slave No. Do. The Extremes of the land from NbW to NEbE Distance off Shore about 7 or 8 leagues, At 6AM the Extreme from ENE to NNW off shore about 8 or 9 leagues. At Noon Cloudy could not see the Land, Carpenter Employed about the longboat, other Remarks as Per Log. Lat 05.34 South Long ---.
Thursday the 23rd.
C&D SW 38. Frequent Squalls and Rain with very unsettled Weather throughout, at 6PM the Extremes of the land bore from EbS to NbW Distance off shore about 8 or 9 Leagues, At 6AM the Extremes of the land bore from NW½W to NEbE Distance off shore about 9 Leagues. Carpenter Employed making a Top Gallant Yard. Lat --- Long ---.
[Page 156]
Towards Bencoolen
Friday May the 24th 1765.
C&D --- 36. The first parts fresh Breezes and fair Weather, the middle and latter dark Cloudy Weather with frequent hard Squalls Thunder lightning and constant hard Rain At 5AM the Fore Tackle fall broke the longboat filled immediately & Stove to pieces. Was obliged to cut her away. At Noon the Beckenham out of Sight to the Norward. The Extremes of the land from ENE to NbW½W Distance off Shore about 12 or 13 Leagues. No Observation. Lat --- Long---.
Saturday the 25th.
C&D SSW 36. The first part fresh Breezes and Squally with Rain, Middle and latter moderate [&] fair. At 8AM the Extremes of the land from [NNW] [..W] to East, Fortune Island E[---] off Shore about 5 or 6 Leagues. Got [...] the [...] Top Gallant Yard and set the Sails. At Noon the Extremes of the land from [...] [ …] NW Fortune Island [...] distance about 3 or 4 Leagues. Employed drying Sails, Sailmaker and Carpenter as yesterday. No observations Lat --- Long ---.
[Page 157]
Ship Solebay from Batavia
Sunday May the 26th 1765.
C&D NbW 62. The first part Moderate and fair, the Middle and latter Winds Variable in Squalls with dark Cloudy Weather lightning and hard Rain At 4PM the Extremes of the land from EbN½N to NNW½W Distance off Shore about 5 or 6 Leagues At 6 Do. the Extremes from EbN to NbW½W off shore about 7 or 8 Leagues. At 8 AM the Extremes from No. to W. off Shore about 7 or 8 Leagues. At Noon Squally over the land could not see the Extremes No Observation. Lat ---- Long ----.
Monday the 27th.
Chiefly little Winds and Calm weather Some Squalls and hard Rain and a large Swell At 6AM the Extremes of the land from ENE to N½W off Shore 9 or 10 Leagues At 8 AM the Extremes of the land from EbN to NbW off Shore 5 or 6 Leagues Pulo Panjun NE Carpenter and Sailmaker Employed as necessary. No Observations Lat --- Long ---.
[Page 158]
Towards Bencoolen
Tuesday May the 28th 1765.
C&D --- ---. The first and Middle parts light breezes variable and calm with hard Rain, the latter pleasant Breezes and fair Weather with a Smooth Sea. At Noon Hazy could not see the Extremes of the land At 2AM the Dutch Ship in Sight Standing to the Eastward. Saimaker and Carpenter Employed as necessary. Lat 06.11 South Long ----.
Wednesday the 29th.
C&D --- ----. The first part little Winds in [ … ] to Calm with fair Weather middle Squalls with thunder, lightning and Rain, latter [ ] & Moderate, Tradesmen Employed [ ] At Noon the land in sight from to NbE Distance about [...] Leagues [ ] [ ] its being cloudy. Lat (obs) 05.54 South Long ----.
[Page 159]
Ship Solebay from Batavia
Thursday May the 30th 1765.
C&D WSW ----. The first part light Breezes [Norle] with Rain, the Middle and latter Calm, At 6PM the Extremes of the land from EbN to N½W Distance off Shore about 7 or 8 Leagues Do. Departed this life a Man Slave No. 11. At Sunrise the Extremes. from ENE to NbW½W Distance off Shore about 7 Leagues, People Employed Scraping the Paint Work on the [...?] Sailmaker and Carpenter as necessary. Lat (obs) 06.01 South Long ---.
Friday the 31st.
C&D NW 24. Mostly light Breezes and Calm with some Squalls and Rain At 6AM the Extremes of the land from NbW to EbN Distance off Shore about 5 Leagues, Sailmaker Employed repairing the new Fore Topsails other Remarks as per Log At 11AM A Woman Slave No 41 was delivered of a Daughter.
[Page 160]
Towards Bencoolen
Saturday June the 1st 1765.
C&D NW 8. For the most part Calm with Cloudy Weather. At 4PM Departed this life George Miller Seaman At 6 Do. Committed the Body to the deep, Sailmaker and Carpenter Employed as necessary. Lat (obs) 05.16 South Long ---.
Sunday the 2nd.
C&D NW 31. Moderate Breezes and squally Cloudy At 6PM the Extreme of the land from NNW to East off Shore about 4 or 5 Leagues. At 6AM the Extremes of the land from the ESE to NNW [Pulo] Panjang E½S Distance off Shore about 4 Leagues, At Noon the Extreme from NNW½W to E[S] Stayed off Shore about 4 Leagues, Sailmaker Employed making a new Mizen Stay Sail out of 2 Fore Top Mast Stay Sails, other Remarks as per Log. Lat (obs) 04.57 South Long ---.
[Page 161]
Ship Solebay from Batavia
Thursday May the 3rd 1765.
C&D WNW 49. The first part moderate Breezes and fair Weather the Middle and latter light Air & Variable At 6PM the Extremes of the land from NNW to EbS Distance about 5 Leagues The [...] taken to be Manna Point, at 6 AM the Extremes of the land from NNW to East. Distance off Shore about 6 Leagues At 7 Saw a Sail to the NW, at 10 She Passed us under Dutch Colours and Jury Masts one Sail Sight astern which was taken to be the Beckenham, at Hoon Hazy could not See the land, Carpenter Employed repairing the Cutter, Sailmaker mending the [Old Sails]. Lat 04.39 South Long ----.
Tuesday the 4th.
WNW 21. Little Winds and Variable weather Calm and chiefly fair Wr. At 6 PM the [...] the land, from NNW to EbS Distance off Shore about 4 Leagues, other Remarks as Per Log. Tradesmen as necessary. Lat --- Long ---.
[Page 162]
Towards Bencoolen
Wednesday June the 5th 1765.
C&D NNW 33. The first parts Moderate Breezes & fair the Middle and latter calm with Cloudy Weather and Some light Squalls At 6PM the Extremes of the land from NWbN to SEbE Distance off Shore about 2 or 3 Leagues At 5AM the Extremes from NW to EbS from NNW½W [to] E½S off Shore 5 or 6 Leagues, Sailmaker and Carpenter Employed as before, People making Linnett. Lat (obs) 04.50 South Long ----.
Thursday the 6th.
C&D NW 25. Little Winds and variable with Calm in the night. Some Squalls and Rain. At [9 PM] Departed this life a Man Slave No. 24 Committed the body to the deep. At 6 the Extremes of the land from E½S to NbW Distance off Shore about 5 or 6 Leagues. At 6 AM the Extremes from NNW to ES½S off Shore about. 5 Leagues, Carpenter and Sailmaker Employed as necessary other Remarks as per Log. Lat (obs) 04.48 South Long ----.
[Page 163]
Ship Solebay from Batavia towards Bencoolen
Friday June the 7th 1765.
C&D NW 26. The first and Middle parts part light Airs and Calm, the latter pleasant Breezes fair Weather throughout, At 6 PM the Extremes of the land from NbW to East, At 6 AM the Extremes from NNW to EbS Distance off Shore about 5 or 6 Leagues. At Noon the Extremes from NbW½W to EbS Distance off Shore about 4 or 5 Leagues. Scraped the Gun Deck fore and after Sailmaker mending the Fore Topmast Staysails, Carpenter as before. Caulker Caulking the Water Ways on the Quarter Deck. The Strange Sail in Sight at Stern. Lat (obs) 04.33 South Long ---.
Saturday the 8th.
C&D NW ---.Pleasant Breezes and fair Weather At 5PM the Extremes of the land from North to East off Shore about 4 Leagues. At 2AM Brought too with the Main Topsail to the Mast. Soundings as Per Log. At 5 Made Sail, and at Sunrise the Extremes of the land from NbW to EbS off Shore about 3 or 4 Leagues Sugar Loaf NbE. At Noon Rat Island from [Little] [Island] NNW Distance about 6 Leagues, Pulo Point No. Extremes of the land to the Southward EbS½S. Lat ---- Long ----.
[End of Sea Log]
[Page 164]
[Start of Harbour Log]
Ship Solebay at Bencoolen
Sunday June the 9th 1765.
Land and Sea Breezes the first and latter parts fair, the Middle Squally from the NW with hard Rain. At Sunset came too with the Best Bower. in Bencoolen Road in ½ 9 Fathom. Got the Top Gallant. Masts and Yard down upon Deck. At Sunrise Saluted the Fort with 9 Guns, which were returned with the like Number, hoisted out the Cutter and got the Sheet Anchor over the Side, also loosed Sails to dry.
Monday the 10th.
Land & Sea Breezes and the chief part fair Weather, PM Wore away and Moored Ship the Best Bower to the SSW and the Small Bower to the NNE depth of Water 9 fathoms, bearings when moored as following: Rat Island SW½W the Sugar Loaf ESE, the Flag staff NEbE, Pulo Point SbE, Buffline Point SbE ...ly[?] Distance off Shore about 3 or 4 Miles, Employed [Lowring] the Cutter AM Sent on Shore all the Soldiers and Slaves belonging to the Honouble Company, loosed Sails to dry.
Tuesday the 11th.
Winds &c as before Some Squalls and Rain from the NW in the Night. PM Unbent the Sails using the best Fore Sail, Fore Top Sail and Stays Mizen and Mizen Topsail, Received on board by the Cutter one Cask of Water PM [... ] People left by the Cutter when on shore Employed cleaning Ship.
Wednesday the 12th.
Land & Sea Breezes with Some Squalls in the Night and hard Rain At 11PM Departed this life Wm. Williams Seaman and at 7AM Committed his Body to the deep, also loosed Sails to dry and cleared hawse.
Thursday the 13th.
Land & Sea Breezes in the Night a very hard Squall from the NE with thunder and lightning & hard Rain, AM loosed Sais to dry.
Friday the 14th.
Moderate land and Sea Breezes with fair Weather. Received per the Cutter 1 Gang Cask of Water.
[Page 165]
Ship Solebay at Bencoolen
Saturday June the 15th 1765.
Do. Breezes with Some Rain in the night. AM loosed Sails to dry. People Employed by the Boatswain overhauling the Topsail Sheet and loft Blocks. Caulker Caulking the Water Ways on the Quarter Deck.
Sunday the 16th.
Moderate land & Sea Breezes with mostly fair Weather, a continual Swell which makes the Ship labour very much. PM Received on board Gang Casks of Water, AM sent her on Shore with 2 Empty Casks.
Monday the 17th.
Do. Breezes with fair Weather the first part of the night Squally from the NE with very severe thunder, lightning & hard Rain. AM came on board the Cutter with 2 Hogheads. Water AM loosed Sails to dry Dispatched the Cutter with 2 Empty Casks 1 Chest Hams and 1 Do. Claret belonging to the Surgeon deceased.
Tuesday the 18th.
Do. Winds with fair Weather throughout PM Received Per the Cutter Casks Water AM Cleared hawse, hove in the Cable to mend the mooring Services Sent the Cutter on Shore with 1 Empty Casks.
Wednesday the 19th.
Land & Sea Breezes the first part a light Squall from the North with thunder lightning & Rain, the middle & latter parts fair Weather. At 3 PM Departed this life John [Buck] Captain’s Servant at 6 Do. Committed the Body to the deep, Received Per Cutter 2 Casks Water AM Sent her on Shore with 2 Empty Casks A Sail on the offing, Loosed Sails to dry At Noon Sailed the Prince Henry Captain Johnson for Pulo Bay People overhauling the Rigging.
Thursday the 20th.
Land & Sea Breezes chiefly Cloudy Weather at 5PM Sent the Cutter on Shore with 2 Empty Casks. at 6 had a Squall from the WNW which lasted about an hour the Admiral Watson parting her Cable, bore away for Pulo Bay, as did the rest of the Company’s Vessels, the Admiral Watson’s long Boat oversets astern, with People in her. Sent our Jolly Boat to save some: & with the assistance of the Beckenham’s Boat got some on board. AM returned the Cutter with 2 Casks Water Sent her on Shore again, the Sl[?] in the offing turning in for the Road, Struck the Mizen Topsail Mast to shift the Sheaf, Carpenter & Caulker Employed as necessary.
[The log appears to finish here as this page is stamped and the rest of the log is blank. The first page of the log is stamped with:-]
Fort Marlborough 18th April 1766 (10 months later) and Received by the Governor 1st Oct. 1766 (another 6 months later).
The Solebay proceeded from Bencoolen to Calcutta.