| Description | Daily observations made aboard HMS Alligator, en route from England to Australia. Six observations per day, at 12.00 noon, 4.00pm, 8.00pm, 12.00pm, 4.00am and 8.00am. Columns for: day of the week, dates and hours of observations, barometer and thermometer readings (attached, air and water), depth of water, wind force and direction, ship's position by latitude and longitude, current force and direction, compass variation and general remarks.
The vessel is reported as sighting 'Cape Haugless' [Cape Agulhas, South Africa] on 4 June 1838 [p.2]. By 10 July the ship is at anchor in Holdfast Bay, Australia [p.8], and 'working down Spencer Gulf' [South Australia] on 15 July [p.9]. From 19 July, positional data and remarks largely cease.
Inscribed [p.1]: 'H.M.S. Alligator' and stamped 'Hydrog: Office 5 AU 40'. Headed [p.2]: 'Abstract of the Meteorological Register on board Her Majesty's Ship "Alligator" Sir J.J. Gordon Bremer C.B. K.C.H. Captain between the 1st June & 11th September 1838'. |