Jonathan Moscrop grew up in Albert Hill area of Darlington, where his family were ironworkers. In the late 1870s heavy industry was hit by a dreadful recession which reduced many working class people to poverty. Jonathan and his friends, the Matthews family from Darlington, decided to emigrate to New Zealand. This is the eighth extract from his diary of their voyage
For Darlington emigrant Jonathan Moscrop sailing across the Indian Ocean, the cold weather is getting him down, the company is getting him down and then there is a suicide on board
Tuesday, March 18, 1879
There is a strong wind blowing and the sea is very rough. We have run 266 miles in the last 24 hours. The weather is growing very cold so that we need all our warm clothing now. Some of the men have had their boxes out today and there was a regular game buying and selling different articles.
Thursday, March 20
A very strong breeze blowing today from the port side, causing the ship to heel over a good deal to the starboard side. We have run 201 miles during the last 24 hours. There was a shoal of porpoises in view this afternoon, but they soon disappeared - I think we were going too quick for them to keep up with us.
While I am writing (8pm) John Matthews Junior is engaged playing draughts with a son of the Emerald Isle who is about as cheeky a young gentleman as ever I come across, but I cheer myself with the thought that we have not long to live among this lot because at the best of it, it is very uncomfortable.
Saturday, March 22
The weather is cold here, it makes me think of Christmas time in England.
Sunday, March 23
There has been a terrible affair this afternoon. A young man named David Wood jumped over the side and was drowned, although a buoy was thrown and a lifeboat lowered (the boat was lowered in about three minutes and remained away a long time). He had appeared rather melancholy for a few days previous and we had a watch put upon him, but he managed to get away at teatime and sprang overboard instantly, poor fellow. I shall long remember the look of his face as he floated by the side of the ship. His body was not found.
We have run 114 miles during the last 24 hours.
Monday, March 24
The captain had taken charge of David Wood's effects and I believe he will take them back to Scotland when he is coming back again.
Wednesday, March 26
We have a good breeze this morning and we are dashing along finely, making the foam fly about the sides.
Thursday, March 27
There is a strong wind this morning and the weather is very cold, it makes me wish for land so that I can toast my toes at a fire once more. We have run 256 miles in the last 24 hours. The weather is rather rough and occasionally comes over the side, causing us to keep our weather eye open.
l More next week
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