THE DIARY OF THOMAS HENRY SEVERN 13 August to 4 December 1852 An account of the voyage of the "Prince Alfred" from Gravesend on the River Thames to Melbourne, Victoria. Friday August 13 Woke up this morning at about 5 o’clock with a loud noise on the deck had breakfast of tea and biscuits. At about 1 o’clock we left this dock and amidst much cheering we sailed for Gravesend. I went on shore to post letters - My chum Frank Hewer a very nice young man not very well went on shore and purchased a filter (Filters decidedly wanted as the water is very bad). All lights ordered out at 10 o’clock. Saturday August 14 The boxes came up from the hold today. - (Advised to purchase some plates to eat off + cup and mug - found them nicer to drink out of than tin. Some of the passengers went on shore to a ball in the evening. Captain Lanning the Government surveyor came on board and called over our names - lights not put out till 11. Sunday August 15 This evening found that the berths near the hatchway were swamped - water is very scarce - At about 1 o’clock the Tugg came for the vessel - has a glass of Brandy and water to drink the health of ....Our mess is formed - At about six o’clock we passed the "Noor light" - Two or three beginning to be ill - before dark most of the ladies were ill in their cabin. Staid on deck till tired out - for the cabin below smelt so dreadfully that I felt ill when I went below. Monday August 16 Found that we were off the Isle of Wight bound S.W. No ladies on deck all were ill. My head ached very much - on deck all day - dare not go in the cabin for the smell was so bad. Tuesday August 17 Many ladies still ill. The scramble to get the water - beef, biscuit - most annoying.  The washing up of the things rather tiresome.  A Gale sprang up in the afternoon and the rain poured down in torrents.  During the night the gale blew so hard that the vessel was driven more than 70 miles out of her course - a ship nearly ran into us during the night. Wednesday August 18 Great consternation at the night before. My head ached, having slept with my head the wrong way, the ship changing her tack while I was asleep on deck all the day not at all well - To bed early - It has been a wet and miserable day. Thursday August 19 All the passengers appear much better, most of the ladies on deck. Land seen in the afternoon. The second Cabin passengers formed a deputation to wait on the Captain to make complaints respecting several inconveniences - such as a man not being provided to sweep out the Cabin etc - The Captain referred us to Mr Gull who has Gulled the passengers thoroughly. Friday August 20 Arrived this morning at Plymouth the sun shone brilliantly - the land look cheering to the sight of all - especially those that had been ill - and had been fed off fat pork and hard beef.  After breakfast a party of us went on shore and had a dinner of beef steak and onions at the Commercial Inn. The table was cleared by us hungry passengers - Remain with the ship at Plymouth until the 25 inst. The 22 and 23 being Cary’s birthday and another event - I passed my day not without a thought. Thursday August, 26 Went on shore to post my last letters in England, announcing my departure... at about 4 o’clock  Mr Gull came on board and to all appearance the Cabin passengers were as little satisfied as us.  Mr Gull struck one of them and got struck again in return Many of the things done for us that we required - A glorious breeze springing up we sailed into the Ocean. - The scene of the departure of Mr Gull most amusing - the hisses - yells - both from the ladies and gentlemen of both cabins - and some rotten egg etc etc found their way to him as he left the vessel thus were the feeling of the passengers towards him. The moon shining brilliantly on the water & the ship flying (as it were) through the sea, was a pretty sight. A Cornet - etc - were playing polkas on the deck Gentlemen walking to and fro smoking - ladies begin to look ill and interesting again and by degrees all retired from the deck. Friday August 27 Busy trying to make my berth comfortable. My chum very ill again. Went and laid down on the deck during the afternoon. The wind not so fresh - but it change in the evening and we went on again at a good pace. 3 Saturday August 28 Cloudy and windy - find that I wanted some cloths to wipe my tea things on - pudding cloth too small. Not very well - took some medicine. 4 Sunday August 29 Had service on the Poop in the open air - the wind blowing a stiff gale all the while that scarcely a word could be heard - In the afternoon it being rather rough and I tired I laid down. It cleared up in the evening and the moon shon brilliantly. Being messman my time was very much occupied during the day, that I have had little time to read.