Arthur David LINKLATER

His ’Journal’

Apprenticed aboard British Princess

10.xii.1895 - 13.iii.1900



⚪	Sunday, 17th	Beautiful day. We are making up on a ship ahead. The Captain has had us for breakfast again this morning. “Mr. L.”, he said, “seemed a very nice man”, but of course he didn't know, as much as to say, he wasn't. I hate him worse than ever now. They were also running down Scottie as much as they could. They're a bright pair!
	Monday, 18th	Scrubb decks with ashes and brooms every morning now. Overhauling blocks. I was up the Fore and therefore didn't do much. Had a lot of very heavy squalls. Took in Royals, topgallants and staysails, etc. Left two more ships astern. I forgot to mention that a pigeon flew aboard exhausted in the channel, and is getting on fine.
	Tuesday, 19th	Only 180 miles off the American coast. Past a large four master. She is out of sight now. Have been working by myself on the Fore all day. Overhauling.
	Wednesday, 20th	At 3 a.m. we were awakened by a terrible row between the Mate and Mr. Blews, which was going to end up in a free fight, the Mate coming off the poop and the 5rd mate preparing for him by taking off his coat. The Mate is continually shouting and cursing someone. Overhauling.
	Thursday, 21st Lat 15°S	Great excitement this morning, when I was at the wheel from 8 till 10. A very heavy squall struck us, and all of a sudden the galf snaped in two, and Galf topsail spanker galf and boom came down with a terrific crash, breaking the rail on the poop and jerking the compass out of place. At the time both the Galf topsail and spanker were set. The second mate was on the main deck at the time, taking in the Royals. As soon ss I heard it coming, I jumped to the side, and once it was down I went back, and got the wheel again, as if nothing had happened. All this only took about a second, and when the crowd came rushing up, I was standing in the usual place as if I had never left it. It was only half a foot from my head. It was another narrow escape. We are at present cutting up the old galf and trying to manufacture another out of it. Of course the old man is in a great rage, especially with the second mate. We are 40 days out. Past homeward-bounder. Shouldn't mind being on her. Very squally. In the afternoon got about half a dozen tackles rigged and hoised galf and fastened chain. Looks very funny and small. Puting finished touches on Galf. We are fast overhauling a large three master away to windward. Good trades.
⚪	Friday, 22nd	At daybreak the ship was right ahead, and by noon abeam. She signalled. We answered. She is the ‘Foxbuth’ of Liverpool, bound for Calcutta, and is 47 days out. We are 41 days out, so have beat her by six days. 4 p.m. she is now a good way astern on the lee side. Bosun and the second mate nearly had a fight today.
	Saturday, 23rd Lat 22°18’S Long 32°25’W	Washed all paintwork with costic soda, and, as usual, cleaned brass work and didn't knock off till 5 p.m. The men are in a great excitement about it, and had a rumpus both with the first and second mates,
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