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Letter to his grandfather [24 February 1840, p. 3]
Title : Letter to his grandfather [24 February 1840, p. 3] Letter to his grandfather [24 February 1840, p. 3]
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Creator : Gemmell, Thomas
Source : Gemmell, Thomas D 7730(L)
Date of creation : 1840
Format : Manuscript
Catalogue record
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Copyright : This item is reproduced courtesy of Michael Gemmell. It may be printed or saved for research or study. Use for any other purpose requires written permission from Michael Gemmell and the State Library of South Australia. To request approval, complete the Permission to publish form.
Description :

As the India continues down the Atlantic Ocean, Thomas writes of the islands of Tristan da Cunha and Saint Helena and of reaching the longitude of the Cape of Good Hope. As they pass the Cape the ship is caught in the strong current there and forced backwards, before finally being able to resume good progress to the east. He is now also aware of the time differences between the ship and home: while the passengers celebrate the longest day, he reflects that in Scotland it is the shortest; and that when he enjoys the day, at home it is night. After the ship passed St Paul Island in the southern Indian Ocean it encountered a terrible storm. Thomas thought the ship would sink.

The ship is now sailing in the Roaring 40s, which ensured a swifter passage than sailing in the warmer latitudes to the north. However stronger winds and huge waves are consistently encountered and many ships had difficulties in these waters. Passengers would also be restricted in their movements, perhaps even kept below decks for days at a time.
Subjects
Related names :

Barr, William
Coverage year : 1839-40
Further reading :

Adelaide Observer 19 June 1897 page 24 col. a-b. The late Mr Thomas Gemmell

Gemmell, Nancy, Old Strathalbyn and its people, 1839-1939 Adelaide: National Trust of South Australia, 1995

Haines, Robin Life and death in the age of sail: the passage to Australia Sydney, N.S.W.: University of New South Wales Press, 2003
Internet links :
Exhibitions and events :

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions. Wooden Walls and Iron Sides August 2004-

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