04/12/1874 - 24/02/1875

The Earl Dalhousie.- A rocket to the west-ward, about 3 o'clock on Tuesday morning, February 23, attracted the attention of the night-watch at the Semaphore Station, and being answered a muster was made to board her. As the vessel approached she was made out to be a large ship, and was at once set down as the Aurora, whose arrival from London is hourly expected, or the British Ambassador from Melbourne, A start was made with all possible expedition, but as the craft was neared in the moonlight she was seen to be barque-rigged. This somewhat puzzled the boarders until nearly alongside, when she was recognised as the Earl Dalhousie with emigrants from London, which on a former visit was a full-rigged ship. The master, who is a stranger, reported a clean bill of health, and the officer at once went on board, when, although the hour was early, they found the majority of the immigrants on deck, who cheered lustily as the anchor was let go. The first enquiry was for the Aurora, and the fact that she had not arrived was another source of hearty cheering. Captain Jarvis stated that the Aurora entered Plymouth Sound as the Dalhousie took her departure, and was expected to sail two days after. During the first five days after sailing very severe weather, with strong south-west gales, was experienced, but was followed by north-east winds, which were carried to the trades. The Equator was crossed on the 23rd day in long. 29°30' W., and when in 20° S., the south-east trades were lost. From thence to 40° S., a succession of light variable winds and calms was experienced for fourteen days. The easting was run in let. 47° and 48° S., westerly winds predominating until Cape Borda was made on Monday, and the anchor was let go about 4 am. on Tuesday. Dr.Duncan boarded in the coarse of the morning, and having mustered the passengers expressed himself highly satisfied with the appearance of them and the vessel. During the passage the utmost good feeling has prevailed, and this is due mainly to the attention bestowed by the captain and officers, Dr.J.Hudson, R.N., and the Matron, Mrs.Thompson, a lady well qualified for the task imposed upon her. There were three births and two deaths during the voyage, both the latter being children, and one of them one of those born on board. On the evening tide the services of the Eleanor were called into requisition, and the ship was towed to the Port. Register 25/2/1875