February

Tuesday 18. Feby. —
Finding myself now a good deal Stronger, tho' still in a state of convalescence, I Set out this morning after Breakfast in the Carriage with Mrs. M., Lachlan, Mr. Meiklejohn, and our two Servants, on a little Jaunt of pleasure to Toulon to spend a day there to see the curiosities of that City.

We gave Mr. Blaydes, an English Gentleman with whom we have got acquainted at Hyeres, a conveyance from thence to Toulon. — We left Hyeres at 11. a.m. and arrived at 1. P.M. at Toulon; putting up at our former Hotel there, the Hotel de Croix D'or. — We lost no time in proceeding to the Grand Quay of Toulon, where we embarked on board of a Boat, in which we rowed first round the Inner Harbour, or Basin, and afterwards rowed as far as the Entrance of the Outer Harbour, both of which are very grand and spacious, and well secured from all Winds. On our return to the Shore, we went into several Shops to make little Purchases, and then returned Home to our Hotel to Dinner; Mr. Jouve, the English Vice Consul, having dined with us by Invitation.

Wednesday 19. Feby. —
Having by great favor obtained Passports for that purpose, we went at ½ past 11, O'Clock this forenoon to see and view the Interior of the Grand Naval Arsenal and Dock-Yard at Toulon, with which we were highly gratified; it being a most noble sight, and well worth going many miles to see. — We went on board "The Royal Louis" a three Decker and first Rate, carrying 130 Guns, a most beautiful very large Ship. — We rested ourselves for sometime on board of this noble grand Ship; — and after viewing all the other Ships of War in dock, and the other different Parts of the Arsenal, we returned to our Hotel; all of us being a good deal fatigued, but much pleased with all we had seen. —

Having made all the little Purchases we required at Toulon, we set out from our Hotel at ½ past 3. P.M. for our Quarters at Hyeres, where we arrived at ½ past 5, O'Clock, in good time for Dinner. —

Source:
MACQUARIE, Lachlan. Journal. 30 November 1822 - 7 July 1823.
Original held in Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref. A776-1 pp.26b-28a [Microfilm CY Reel 302 #Frames 192-195].