February

Feby. 10.
Tuesday! — The Milford Country ship arrived this day in the Harbour from England, which she left the latter end of July last. — I had not the good fortune to get any Letters from any of my Friends at Home by this opportunity.

The Bombay China Ships arrived also this day from China under convoy of the Grampus Man of War.

Feby. 14.
Saturday! — I wrote by this day's Post to Lieut. Genl. Sir Jno. Cradock Commander in Chief at Madras, to inform him that I am going home overland, and offering to take charge of his Letters.

Feby. 15.
Sunday! — I paid a melancholy visit this morning to my late beloved Jane's tomb, and had the mournful pleasure of finding it very handsomely Painted and otherwise repaired in the manner I wished and directed it to be done. —

Feby. 18.
Wednesday!!! — I this day had a most serious conversation with my relation and Namesake Capt. Mc.Quarie of the 86th. Regt. on the subject of his late very improper conduct and intemperance, having for several weeks past neglected his Duty at the Government House as Aide de Camp, and entirely abandoned himself to Tippling and low Drinking all-day-long. I have lectured and admonished him most severely and seriously on this shameful and disgraceful low-lived-practice; pointing out the inevitable ruin, misery, and ignominious fatal effects of it! —

The result of this severe Lecture was, Capt. Macquarie's [sic] solemnly pledging his word and honor to me, in presence of his wife, that he would discontinue this vile practice, promising never to be intoxicated again before Dinner! —

Feby. 23.
Monday! — This Evening the Nautilus Cruizer arrived from Bussora with an Overland Packet from England, with Letters and Newspapers down to the 7th. of November last! — By this opportunity I had the pleasure of receiving a Letter from my dear Miss Campbell dated the 24th. of Octr. last; the Contents of which, I am grieved to say, were rather of an unpleasant nature.

Feby. 26.
Thursday! — The Ganges Indiaman and the Huddart Extra Ship, with the 77th. Regt. and Lt. Genl. Nicolls on board, sailed this day for England.

Feby. 27.
Friday! — The Lord Nelson Indiaman Capt. Hutton, sailed this day for England; having on board some of the officers of the 77th. Regt., among whom is my Nephew Capt. Hugh Maclaine. —

Source
Lachlan Macquarie. Journal No. 6 July 1804 - 16 March 1807.
Original mss. held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Reference: A770 pp. 363-367. [Microfilm: CY Reel 300 Frames #423-#425].