Restricted, Reel 3, Working Copy - POSITIVE

Extracts from the Diary of John Channing, one of the Steerage passengers sent out by the Commissioners to Adelaide on board the "Buckinghamshire".

"Jany 3 1839 at Sea",

Mr Heals the general Superintendent of the Emigrants is a most excellent man and one who is determined that every fraction of the articles shall be fulfilled. I hear he is treated with great coldnefs by the Officers of the ship -

Jany 5 Quarrels and other annoying circumstances which make one miserable on board - 7^th the Gunner discovered to be with the young women at night on pretence of putting out the light. 22^nd, disgraceful conduct of the Officers to the young women, they continue to get into their berths at night - 23^rd more disgraceful conduct of the Officers.

29^th Emigrants feel the effects of the Salt provisions, they draw up a petition to the Doctor for the Medical comfort promised which he refused saying they wanted to get drunk - indecent behaviour of the Officers and consequently of the low lived Sailors to the Women. Some of them very well but generally they are a bad set, being described by one of their own number as the rakings of Hell, Bedlam and Newgate. 30^th the Doctor from obstinacy stops the Lime juice for the Emigrants to petition - this Lime juice was served out about nine times, but it ought to have been oftener, at least twice a week - Rum Cakes and other things given to the Young Women by the villianous mates which some refused and others accepted.

13 March the Captain owing our Superintendant Mr Heals a grudge, wished to supervise but the Emigrants stood firm to him, hissing and hooting the Captain who soon found his mistake and was glad to make his escape into the Cabin - 22^nd arrived in Holdfast Bay - almost every one on board had quarrelled in the Cabin and intermediate as well as Steerage -

Received 21/12/39

E.J Wheeler Esqu

South Australian Co.

New Broad Street

London