Friday 28th June 1878

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Dirty night, gusty and squally with hail and lightening. Went out on the Poop before breakfast, heavy sea on, some came into the saloon. On the Poop by the bridge most of the morning, bright and fine with strong cold wind. Running under lower topsails, foresail and forestaysail only, as the weather is very squally. Two came on while I was on the Poop; the first was a very sharp one, it was grand whilst it lasted, when coming up the wind blew the tops of the waves before it, like rain and the sun shining on the spray caused a beautiful show of prismatic hues. The clouds soon covered the sun, it became quite black all round and the wind blowing a regular gale, sent the ship along at some 14 knots an hour - had a storm of hail as well. Shipped to huge seas, part of the first came over the bridge where I was standing and, but for my sea boots (which have proved to be very useful) and Ulster, I should have been rather wet. The Doc and the little fat man caught it, the latter getting soaked. The squall lasted 20 minutes and was a grand sight. Just before the second squall came on, a rainbow showed itself - the clearest and most perfect I have ever seen, the reflection of it on the waves came up to the ship.

Did not go down to lunch. On the Poop in the afternoon and also after dinner. Very cold wind. Took a reef in the mainsail to steady the ship which was rolling heavily - the wind being dead aft - it had been so all day. Did not go into dinner as I had my old enemy, indigestion on. The Doc gave me some Bicarbonate of Soda (a teaspoonful in a wine glass of water) but it did not do me much good. Also tried some Essence of Ginger with pretty much the same result. So took some Bicarbonate of Potass, and that or all combined, did me good. Went on deck once or twice in the evening - still blowing hard. The last time I turned out it was a bright starry night. About 9 o’clock, a big sea came over the main deck and into saloon, halfway up, causing a sensation. Felt better in the evening. Ship rolling tremendously and every prospect of an uncomfortable night. Went on with my letter in the evening. Therm 52½º. Bar 28.95.

12 noon: Lat 43.17 & Long 86.37E. Days run 256 miles.

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