13/05/1869 - 31/07/1869

CITY OF ADELAIDE - On Saturday morning at break of day there was a vessel seen far away to the southward, standing in shore under all plain sail, and in the dawn of the morning it was supposed to be Goolwa. A very short interval passed before a rush was made down the jetty, and all the officers were luxuriating in a long trip, which was only terminated when off Glenelg. There, instead of the Goolwa, it proved to be the City of Adelaide, with Captain John Bruce at the fore, and of course, elated at making a bona fide passage of 77 days. On nearing her the City presented a very fine appearance, for being on a wind with all plain sails set, she was a perfect picture, as the square canvas was braced so sharp up that she worked as closely as possible to the wind. In a very short time she reached the roadstead, where the steam-tug was waiting her arrival, and at once took the passengers and luggage to the wharf. The arrival of the City in 77 days from London created a slight commotion amongst the nautical savans of the Port; and the fact that His Excellency the Governor of Western Australia was on board and indeed the polite attendance of Captain Douglas and Mr. John Newman, both of whom were charged with dispatches for him. The City brought a full compliment of passengers , whose friends soon became aware of her presence. They swelled into quite a concourse as the steamer, which Captain Bruce had considerately chartered, reached the wharf, and they were landed without further trouble. It is pleasing to notice the voyageurs per City of Adelaide have abolished stereotyped form of testimonial, and have resolved on making the master a very tangible proof of their esteem in the shape of a purse of sovereigns or piece of plate. With regard to the outward voyage there seems but little to notice worthy of comment; having left Gravesend on May 15, and with a fair wind made a straight course down the Channel, and having called at Plymouth, left there on the 15th, but light variables continued while crossing the Bay of Biscay; and after passing the Isle of Madeira she was frequently tacking before the north-east trades were fallen in with; and on June 8th in 30o west the Line was crossed, but here such a strong current from the eastward was experienced that the vessel was set over on the Brazilian coast in a most remarkable manner. On June 11 sighted the Island of Ternado de Noronba and subsequently made very slow progress until the southerly trades were fallen in with. After rounding the Cape she got away to the southward as far as 40o S on July 4, which was in the meridian of the Cape, and from there to Borda, by dint of heavy gales and favouring winds, an excellent run over 25 days was achieved. After making Cape Borda very baffling winds were experience, and for several days and nights she beat through the Gulf, until on Saturday she reached the roads. The ship looks in first-rate trim, and the same officers were ready to meet the boarders, therefore it was far more pleasant for those officials than when meeting outsiders. It is a matter of regret she arrived at a time when the tides have taken off; consequently, although of very light draught, she will remain at the roads for a week before proceeding into harbour; but should a westerly wind spring up she may moor there at an early date. During her outward voyage several good days' runs were experienced; for 18 days on one occasion she mad an average of 10 knots per hour, and the best day's work was 282 miles per diem. Register 2/8/1869.