Diary and Narrative - M Mayes - Bog

In 1882 William J Mayes embarked on a voyage to Australia aboard the ship the Alexander Duthie. William was afflicted with TB and wanted to find a better climate for his illness, which at this time, had no cure. The diary is a day by day account of the boredom, tedium and dangers that many passengers endured on a three month voyage aboard a 'tall ship'. This is a social history; enlightening to those whose ancestors also made a similar voyage. William was from a working class background, yet his jottings show he was well educated and well rounded in many things; sport, cards, religion, music. He made friends easily with those in first class and amongst the crew. The diary was given to me by my grandmother. I was captivated and it sent me on a long path to find out about my family history. Anyone with ancestors who emigrated to Australia or America in the 19th century should read this and see what difficulties they endured to make a better life for themselves.