April

Apl. 1.
Monday. — I set out from Bath at 6.O'Clock this morning in the Exeter Stage-Coach, and arrived at the Town of Taunton at 3,O'Clock in the afternoon. I found my friends Genl. & Mrs. Cliffe waiting my arrival at the Inn where the Stage-Coach stopped — knowing that I was on my way on purpose to visit them. — Their House being at no great distance from the Inn, we walked thither together. —They were exceedingly glad to see me, and gave me a most kind and hearty welcome at their hospitable and comfortable Cottage.

I spent a most pleasant agreeable Day and Night with this amiable and happy Couple, who regretted exceedingly that I could not prolong my stay with them.

Apl. 2.
Tuesday. — After taking an early Breakfast with Genl. & Mrs. Cliffe, I took my leave of them, and at 8,O'Clock set out in the Exeter Mail, as it passed through Taunton for London.

We travelled through the Towns of Glastonbury and Wells, and arrived at Bath at 3,O'Clock in the afternoon; — stopped there for Half an hour to dine — and then proceeded on to London, travelling all Night at a smart rate. —

Apl. 3.
Wednesday. — I arrived after a rapid and disagreeable Journey in the Mail from Taunton.

As soon as I had Breakfast I called on my dearest Elizabeth to give her an account of my Excursion to Bath and Taunton, and afterwards visited a number of my other friends in Town. — I dined with Mr. and Mrs. Farquhar at their House in Portland Place.

Apl. 4.
Thursday. — I dined with the Bombay Club.

Apl. 5.
Friday. — Dined with Lt. Genl. Balfour.

Apl. 6.
Saturday. — I dined with Colonel Harnage.

Apl. 7.
Sunday. — I accompanied Mrs. Anderson and her two Daughters and Mr. Loughnan in their Carriage to dine today with our friends Mr. & Mrs. Urmston at Chigwell, where we spent a very pleasant Day. —

Apl. 8.
Monday. — I called this morning on Captain Landon Commander of the City of London Indiaman (bound direct for Bombay and now under Dispatch to sail for India with the first Fleet) to settle and arrange finally with him for my Passage on that Ship. —

I have accordingly engaged one of the small upper Cabins under the Awning and immediately off the Cuddy, for which I have this morning paid to Capt. Landon (in advance) the sum of Two Hundred & Sixty Four Pounds Sterling; including £14 Str. for the Passage of my Servant Boy George. — The Fleet expected to sail from Portsmouth in about a Fortnight !

I dined today with a large Party at Mr. & Mrs. Strachan's in Wimpole Street. —

Apl. 9.
Tuesday. — Dined at Lord Harrington's.

Apl. 10.
Wednesday. — I dined with the Earl and Countess of Breadalbane at their House in Park-Lane, along with my friend Genl. Baird.

Apl. 11.
Thursday. — I this day dined with my Sister-in-law Mrs. Morley and a very pleasant Family Party, which she was so good as to invite on my account. —

Apl. 12.
Friday. — I dined with Mr. Loughnan.

Apl. 13.
Saturday. — My Friend Genl. Baird, who has been in Town for the last Ten days, returned this afternoon to his Command at Colchester, and I took an affectionate leave of him. — Previous however to the General's departure, I delivered him a written Memorandum, by his own kind desire, of the address, age &c. &c. of Ranold Mc.Kinnon ( the son of Hugh Mc.Kinnon of Laggan Ulva in Mull) for whom I have solicited an Ensigncy (in consequence of my Mother's late request to this effect) from the General, and which he has in the most friendly manner, promised me to procure for him in his own Regt. — the 54th.; notwithstanding he has already, in the most obliging manner, given Commissions to two other Highland friends of mine in that Regiment: — namely — an Ensigncy for Mr. Alexr. Fraser (the son of the Minister of Torosay in Mull) — and the Paymastership of that Corps to Mr. Dond. Martin (-lately a Mercht. in Greenock-); for both of whom I interested myself at the particular request of my late poor dear Uncle.

I dined with a Party at a Coffee-House. —

Apl. 14.
Sunday ! — I had the honor of dining this Day with the Earl of Breadalbane at an elegant Entertainment given by His Lordship at his own House to H. R. H. The Duke of Sussex and a large Party of Noblemen & Gentlemen — amongst whom were the following: — Earl of Strathmore, Lord Montgomery, Sir Sidney Smith, Sir John McPherson, Macleod of McLeod, Major Genl. Robt. Stewart &c. &c. &c.

We passed a very pleasant day, and did not break up till a late hour. Lady Breadalbane did not dine with us.

Apl. 15.
Monday. — I dined with my much esteemed Friends Mr. & Mrs. Wilson at their new House in Harley Street — this being a Farewell-Dinner to me previous to my departure for India ! —

Apl. 16.
Tuesday ! — I did myself the honor to wait on H.R.H. the Comr. in Chief this afternoon at his Levee at the Horse Guards to pay my Duty and take leave previous to my departure for India, and was received very graciously by His Royal Highness. — I again reminded the Duke of my being only 1st. Major of the 86th. — expressing my hope that H.R. Highness would keep me in his remembrance, which, he was pleased to say, he would do. —

After leaving the Duke I called on H.R. Highness's Secretary Lieut. Col: Gordon, to request he would be so kind as to remind the Duke of my long Services and present peculiar situation in the 86th. Regt., in which Corps there was a probability of my being shortly superseded by a much junior officer to myself, in case the Exchange, now negotiating and pending, between Colonel Lloyd of the 86th. and Lieut. Colonel Fraser of the 10th. Foot, should take place previous to my succeeding to an Effective Lieut. Colonelcy in the Regt.; and which I have been given room to hope, H.R. Highness meant, at one time, to give me by the removal of Major General Dowdeswell the 2d. Lieut. Col: of the 86th., into some other Regiment. — Col: Gordon was so good as to assure me that I might depend upon his good offices, and that he would occasionally recall to H.R. Highness's remembrance my long Services and claims to Promotion !

Having taken my leave of Col: Gordon I called afterwards on Genl. Calvert the Adjt. Genl. — and Genl. Brownrigg the Qr. Mr. Genl. — at their respective offices, to take leave of them also previous to my departure for India !

I dined today with Mr. & Mrs. Booth, who had a large Party to meet me. —

Apl. 17.
Wednesday — I dined this day with Sir Walter Farquhar and his Family in Conduit Street. —

Apl. 18.
Thursday — I dined with my good friend Lieut. Genl. Balfour, who had a large Party of old Bombay Friends to meet me, it being a Farewell Dinner to me. — We spent a very jovial pleasant day — and did not break up till a late Hour at Night. —

Apl. 19.
Friday — I called this forenoon at Carleton House to pay my Duty to H.R. Highness the Prince of Wales previous to my departure for India, and wrote down my Name in the Book to be shewn to H.R. Highness. — I went through the same ceremony by leaving my name at the House of H.R. Highness the Duke of Clarence.

I called afterwards on my amiable, and respectable and illustrious Friend The Earl of Harrington, and took leave of himself and his charming Family with sentiments of deepest regret. They all wished me every happiness — and His Lordship enjoined me to correspond with him regularly during my residence in India !

I visited and took leave of several other friends in Town in the course of this day, and took a parting Family Dinner afterwards with my two dear Sisters in law Mrs. Morley & Mrs. Scott.

Apl. 20.
Saturday ! — I paid the rest of my Friendly take-leave-visits, and settled and paid all my Accounts, in the course of this forenoon. My Servant Stewart carried all my heavy and superfluous Baggage to my Sister Mrs. Morley's House, where she is kindly pleased to give it room till my return from India. — She has also been so good as to take charge of my Portrait (-a half-length Picture-) which I have lately sat for to, and painted by Mr. Opie one of the most eminent artists now in London, and to whom I have paid 28 Guineas for it. — This Picture is reckoned by every one who has seen it very like me. — It was originally intended for my poor dear Mother, and is so still in case of any accident befalling me in her Life-time; — but in the mean time, my sister Mrs. Morley having expressed a particular desire to keep it, I could not refuse her so slight a favor — where so kindly intended.

I devoted the rest of this last Day of my being in Town, to my beloved and dearest Elizabeth. — I had the happiness of taking a farewell Dinner with her at her favorite friend Miss Meredith's, who had a small Party of Ladies to dine with her — but I was the only Male Being of the Party. — I afterwards accompanied my dearest Elizabeth to pass the rest of the Evening with our mutual good and sincere friends the Miss Stewarts of Albermarle Street: — where, after a great deal of most interesting conversation with the beloved of my Heart, and Exchanging reciprocally Locks of our Hair — as tokens of our mutual affection — I took a tender, affectionate and most affecting Leave of her — : Our distress was mutually severe and can better be conceived than described ! — I left her to the care of her friends the two Miss Stewarts — of whom also I took a kind leave — and went Home at rather a late hour to my own Lodgings. — I went to Bed immediately — but I was too deeply affected — and my mind was too full of future Prospects to admit of my sleeping much this Night !

Apl. 21.
Sunday !!! — Having been yesterday only apprised that the Fleet for India was on the point of sailing from Portsmouth and that I must consequently not lose a moment in repairing thither, I made all my arrangements accordingly.

I rose at Day-break this morning to settle some few remaining affairs with my old most faithful and excellent Servant William Stewart with whom I settled finally for the remaining part of his wages due to him up to this date — and gave him a Present besides. — This worthy good fellow has lately become a married man, and of course ot would be almost cruel to ask him to accompany me back to India — but which he has nevertheless offered to do. — Knowing however that his young wife is very averse to his going, I could not allow myself to accept of his generous offer, tho' I sincerely regret parting with him, and am but too sensible that I shall often miss — and have frequent occasion to lament the want of this most excellent and faithful Domestic; — whose place, however, must for the present be supplied by my Boy George, and whom I had lately ordered up from Scotland in order to accompany me back to India — and who accordingly arrived from Edinburgh a few days since.

The Post Chaise I had ordered came to the Door at 7,O'Clock in the morning, in which my young friend Mr. Henry Rivett-Carnac Cadet for Bombay, (whom his Mother Mrs. Carnac was pleased to place under my charge during the Voyage thither) and my own Boy George were to accompany me; and Stewart having Packed up our Baggage in it, I took a kind leave of this good faithful attached Servant, who was deeply affected and bathed in Tears; I hurried into the chaise with Henry Carnac and George, and drove off a little after 7,O'Clock from my Lodgings in Duke Street for Portsmouth. —

There being many Passengers for the India Fleet on the Road, and consequently a great demand for Post Horses, we were very much delayed on it, and for one stage were forced to travel in a Fish-Cart. — In consequence of these detentions, we were under a necessity of halting for this night on the Road at a place called Horsdean, within Ten Miles of Portsmouth; and the small Inn we put up at was crowded with Company.

Apl. 22.
Monday. — We left Horsdean at 7,O'Clock this morning, and at 9,O'Clock arrived at Portsmouth, Putting up at the George Inn; where my worthy friend Mr. Wilson, (who had come down to see his Niece Mrs. Reid safely embark for Bengal) of Harley Street, had arrived the preceding night, and had kindly bespoke good Apartments for us.

I was rejoiced to find that we were still in good time, and that the Fleet was not to sail for a couple of days to come. — My young Companion Henry Carnac and myself having taken a hearty Breakfast with Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Reid, went afterwards out to take a long walk through the Town and round the Fortifications of Portsmouth. — In the course of my Perambulations, I called to pay my respects to my old friend & acquaintance Major Genl. Oakes — who is at present the Lieut. Governor of Portsmouth. —

After seeing all that was worth seeing at Portsmouth, I returned home to the Inn and wrote Letters, to go by this Evening's Post, to my dearest Elizabeth, and also to my Sisters-in-law Mrs. Morley, agreeably to my promise at parting. — Mr. Carnac and myself dined with Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Reid, and walked out together in the Evening for some time on the Ramparts.

Apl. 23.
Tuesday. — I Breakfasted this morning with morning with General Oakes, and as the Fleet is to sail tomorrow, I sent my Baggage on board the City of London Indiaman this forenoon. — I staid at Home at the Inn the rest of the Day to write Letters by this Evening's Post, to my Broyr. Chas., Aunt Lochbuy, Airds, and Mr. John Campbell of Edinburgh, and also my Cousin Mr. Dond. Maclaine.

Mrs. Reid with her young Family embarked this afternoon, escorted on board by her good Uncle Mr. Wilson. —

As it was not expected that the India Fleet would sail early tomorrow, I resolved, by my friend Mr. Wilson's advice, to sleep on shore this night again, and to go on board at Day-break. —

Mr. Wilson returned from on board the Fleet about Sunset, and we dined together at the Inn once more. —

Apl. 24.
Wednesday ! — We were alarmed at Day-break this morning with a report that the Admiral with part of of the India Fleet were already under weigh; and hurrying on our Cloathes, [sic] ran down to the Ramparts to ascertain the truth of this report; which, to our severe mortification and regret, our own Eyes immediately confirmed. — We therefore prepared to set out instantly to get on board of our Ship, which was still at Anchor; — but before our Boat could be got ready, the Admiral was forced to anchor again, the Wind being too much ahead to admit of his working round St. Helens with the Fleet, which was his object and intention when he got so early under-weigh. This was a great relief to myself and to my young friends who had remained on shore to embark with me; and my kind good friend Mr. Wilson felt also greatly gratified on seeing the Admiral come again to an anchor, since it was principally by his advice we were guided on this occasion — and indeed it was to his vigilant and kind attention that we were indebted for the first information and alarm of the Admiral's having made the Signal for sailing at Day break. —

Our minds being now at ease after ascertaining that the Fleet could not now sail till the afternoon, and that, owing to the wind now blowing against its getting round St. Helens, it must proceed in the contrary direction by Cowes and through the Needles; we returned to the Inn and had a comfortable Breakfast there along with our good friend Mr. Wilson. —

I remained on shore until the London Post came in, by which I had the happiness of receiving Letters from my dearest Elizabeth, and also from my sister Mrs. Morley, my Brother Charles, Sir Jno. McPherson, and my good servant Wm. Stewart, who enclosed me several Letters that had arrived for me at my Lodgings the day after I left London. —

Capt. Corser[?] — Master attendant for the East India Company at Portsmouth, having offered my friend Mr. Wilson to carry myself and my young friends off to the Fleet in his Yacht; I took an affectionate leave of my dear good esteemed friend Mr. Wilson, and at 11,O'Clock went on board the Yacht accompanied by Mr. Henry Carnac, Messrs. Ogilvy and Whitcombe Writers for Bombay, and my own Boy George.

We did not leave the Harbour however till 12,O'Clock; and the Wind being high and right ahead, we had a most tedious Passage off to the Mother-Bank, where the Fleet lay at anchor, and which we did not reach till 3,O'Clock. — The Fleet was then [then] under-weigh, and the Sea ran so very high that we found it impracticable to get on board of our Ship here, and were therefore obliged to follow her in the Yacht down to Cowes — where the Sea would be smoother — and would easier admit of our getting on board.

As the Fleet dropped down under very easy sail, we ran on before it to Cowes — where we landed — and took a hasty Dinner at an Inn, before the Fleet came abreast of the Town. — We then hired a small Boat, in which we went off to the Fleet, and got safely on board the City of London Indiaman commanded by Capt. Landon at 5,O'clock in the afternoon. Capt. Landon and his Passengers were at Dinner when we got on board; but as we had already dined, we did not join them, having gone to our respective Cabins to put on dry Clothes; for we had got completely Drenched with Rain coming off to the Ship in the open Boat from Cowes ! — The Fleet still proceeded on, under an easy sail, led by the Admiral, till we came abreast of Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, and there, about Sunset, the whole Fleet came to anchor for this Night; it being still raining very heavy. —

On my getting on board the City of London, I was a good deal surprised to find that the Cabin which I had bespoke and Engaged was not yet built, or put up in the situation which I expected to see it. — I was soon, however, still more agreeably surprised on finding that instead of the small Cabin which I had bespoke and paid for, I was to occupy the [****][***] of the Round-House, which Captain Landon very politely conducted me into immediately on my going on board, and informed me that he allotted that Apartment for me in lieu of the one I had Engaged, as a much more agreeable, commodious, and pleasant one; adding that he did not consider it as conferring any favor, since it must have remained empty during the Voyage if I did not occupy it - there having been no demand made for it; and that consequently, I was best entitled to it not only on account of my superior rank — but also on account of my having paid him a higher sum for my Passage than anyone else on board of his Ship. — I accordingly was most happy to avail myself of Captain Landon's very liberal and generous offer, and very readily agreed to occupy this Elegant Apartment in room of the one I had first engaged. —

Apl. 25.
Thursday !!! — The Admiral made the Signal for sailing at Day-break this morning, and the whole Fleet very soon weighed anchor and made sail for Yarmouth, with a fine fair gentle Breeze — the weather being remarkably fine and clear, and the sight of so numerous a Fleet of large ships was most beautiful !

This Fleet consisted of the Blenheim 74; bearing the Flag of Rear Admiral Sir Thos. Trowbridge [sic] Bart.; the Greyhound Frigate commanded by Capt. Elphinstone; and 22 fine large Indiamen; having on board His Majesty's 53d., 56th., & 67th. Regts., destined for the three Presidencies in India as a Reinforcement. — Three Companies of the 56th. Regt., commanded by Major Barclay, are on board the City of London; that Regiment being destined for Bombay. — The Fleet under an easy sail at 8,O'Clock passed through "the Needles"; a narrow channel [***] by the main English shore on the one hand, and the Isle of Wight on the other —; and the sight here was truly grand and most interesting indeed ! —

As soon as we had safely Passed through the Needles, we sat down to Breakfast, when I had an opportunity of seeing and being introduced to all my fellow Passengers who mess in the Cuddy, and where we muster in all 30 Persons at Table, namely; Capt. Landon, Mr. Kidd the Chief officer, Mr.Yeates [sic] the 2d. officer, Mr. Shrapnell the Purser, and Mr. Spencer the Surgeon of the Ship; — Major Barclay, Capts. Hanna, Browse, & Prater, Lieuts. Gun, McAuley, & Barry, Ensns. Fox, De Burgh, & Irwin. Qr. Mr. Mulligan, Asst. Surgeon Ovendon, Mrs. Hanna, and Mrs. Mulligan, 56th. Regt., Capt. Grant 12th. Regt.; Capt. Burke 86th. Regt. Capts. Hill & Broomhall Bombay Establishment; Messrs. Whitcombe & Ogilvy Writers; Messrs. Carnac, Gordon, Michie, & Caulker, Cadets for Bombay; which, including myself, are all that dine so in the Cuddy. — Besides the Passengers, thus enumerated, Messrs. Brough & Aitcheson Cadets are on board and mess with the 3d. Mate.

Our hours are half past Eight for Breakfast — half past 3 for Dinner, 6,O'Clock for Tea — and half past 8 for Supper; which divides the Day as equally as possible. —

As soon as we had Breakfasted, I sat down to write short Letters to my dearest Elizabeth, Broyr. Charles, Mr. John Forbes, and also to my good faithful Servant Wm. Stewart. —

The Pilot left us at 1,O'Clock P.M.; and by him I sent the Letters, I had just written to my friends, on shore; requesting of him to put them carefully into the Post Office. — The Fleet, with increased sail, and a delightful fair Breeze, now proceeded rapidly on its Voyage down the British Channel; the Day being one of the finest and mildest I ever saw at this Season. —

Apl. 26.
Friday ! — In the Evening we lost sight of dear Old England ! — and are now clear of the British Channel.

Apl. 27.
Saturday — Early this morning one of our Cruizing Frigates came into our Fleet, and spoke the Admiral. — She brought intelligence that the French Fleet, consisting of 13 Sail of the Line had got out of Toulon very lately and were now at Sea not far from us. — The Admiral sent the Greyhound Frigate immediately round the Fleet to give us this news and warn us of our present danger. We made the necessary Preparations accordingly in case of falling in with the Enemy's Fleet. — The strange Frigate soon parted company to prosecute her Cruize.

Source
Macquarie, Lachlan. Journal No. 6 15 July 1804 - 16 March 1807. pp. 198-233.
Original held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A770 [Microfilm Reel CY300 Frames#341-#358]