[Z] A RARE ACCOUNT OF A THIRD CLASS PASSENGER'S VOYAGE TO AUSTRALIA ABOARD THE S.S. 'GREAT BRITAIN' IN 1871

A RARE ACCOUNT OF A THIRD CLASS PASSENGER'S VOYAGE TO AUSTRALIA ABOARD THE S.S. GREAT BRITAIN IN 1871

Manuscript, comprising a 38pp detailed description in the form of a letter home from Hamilton, Victoria to the author's parents in England, of a third-class passenger’s voyage to Australia aboard the SS Great Britain, which sailed on 17 December 1871, it was supposed to be the best [voyage] the “Great Britain” has ever made, we was never in danger once as we thought after leaving Holy Head though we had a rough sea some part of the way. The anonymous writer describes waking to the sound of cocks crowing on deck, where animals were kept for food and provisions. For the saloon passengers there was one cow to supply milk, and for the second-class saloon there were sheep, pigs, fowl, turkeys, geese, ducks, pigeons, and rabbits. Friday 22nd: “We set sail again today. Near where we had been anchored at Holyhead was the place where the Royal Charter was wrecked. Our lamplighter had been on that ship at the time. He swam ashore to save his own life and went on to save 37 others. He later received a handsome gift from the Queen for his bravery. […] Saturday 6th: “There was a concert on deck tonight. Several pushy young men on board liked to make themselves prominent - some who will likely do no good for themselves, either here or anywhere else. Drink was the greatest nuisance on board” […] Monday 12th: “I noticed today how many warrant passengers we have on board - there are 124 of them. They are very fortunate to be travelling on this ship, as they are usually sent out in sailing vessels” […] Wednesday 21st: “We sighted land this morning. I stayed in Melbourne from Wednesday afternoon until Friday afternoon. Uncle met me on Friday morning […] There was 2 deaths on the voyage as I named before and 4 births, we was [sic] altogether including the time from Liverpool 60 days making the passage” […] “ Your affectionate son, Austin”. The 20 page account of the voyage is followed by 18 pages of poetry -- 8½ x 7in. (22.7 x 17.5cm.)

Condition Report

Some leaves torn horizontally, browning and staining and some edge wear with minor loss. Contemporary brown paper wrappers slightly stained and rubbed

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