25/06/1872 - 28/09/1872

Via Torbay (1 July). CITY OF ADELAIDE - An unusually sharp look-out was kept at the end of last week for this ship, and just on Saturday night when the beach rangers were absent on leave the word was passed that rockets were seen down the Gulf. This caused a rush for the boats, and soon the horizon was eagerly scanned to discover the whereabouts of the vessel. Quite two hours elapsed before she was discerned, so dark was the night. On reaching her it was found that there were a few strangers amongst her complement, and the welcome accorded was genial as of old. In place of Captain Bruce Captain Bowen, late of the Chaa-Sze, was in charge, and to him we are indebted for the following report: - After beating down the Channel he had light winds as far as Maderie, which was sighted on July 14. The customary trades were not very brisk although met with in 30o N., but they continued baffling and light until they entirely failed. Then came light west winds of which all possible advantage was taken. They carried the ship to 8o N. where the south-east trades proved acceptable. The Line was crossed on August 4 in 24o W. long., and the trades lasted as far as 22o 30' S., when southerly winds set in, continuing for several days. On September 1 the City reached the meridian of the Cape in 45o S., and kept about that parallel while running down the easting. The only severe gale of the voyage occurred on August 30, when a storm of a cyclonic character assailed the vessel, and upon its full fury being reached it was found necessary to heave to the good ship on the starboard tack. During six hours it appeared as if the storm would never cease, the rain coming down in torrents, while loud thunder and vivid lightning added to the terrible character of the scene. The sea broke on board, filling the decks and starting the bulwark planking in all directions, but aloft no damage was sustained. As soon as the gale abated the Cit of Adelaide was kept away, and so far as possible the defects in her have been made good. On September 19th she passed Leuwin and thence to Cape Borda had a succession of light northerly winds, which greatly retarded progress during the last days of the voyage. After reaching the anchorage the ship was brought up, but on Sunday morning it was evident that the tides would afford her sufficient water in the evening. The tug was signalled for, and the liner having no powder on board she without delay was moored in harbour. Register 30/9/1872