|
The passage to Valparaiso was relatively
uneventful and 'Constance' arrived at Valparaiso Bay on the 10th of
October. There was shore leave, re-supply, a short cruise then back to
Valparaiso. An award of 9 days solitary confinement was given to Mr Morris
(AB) for not returning from leave with the intention to desert. Three
weeks later six boys were given three days in prison for using threatening
language to the sergeant. Three days later 'Constance' headed for Calleo
arriving on the 11th of January. A stay of six weeks included a lot of
shooting and gunnery practice at San Lorenzo Island, five miles off shore
from the harbour. As the ship headed back to Valparaiso on 20th of
February, one boy was put into solitary confinement for abusive language
and for threatening to ' go to the Americans', and another for being drunk
only three days after his previous punishment for the same offence. |
|
After a further month and a half at
Valparaiso - during which Daniel Baney (AB) had his grog stopped for 15
days for drunkenness and pissing on the main deck - the ship sailed for
Calleo again. The passage took only seven days. George Hercod (Boy 1st
Class) took 48 lashes for theft and was discharged with disgrace. An AB
had his grog stopped for 30 days. Rob Clark was treated in the same manner
but the next day took 24 lashes for drunkenness and mutinous conduct.
James Behennah was de-rated from AB to Ordinary for not being able to
steer the ship properly in smooth water! Clearly things were getting out
of hand, so at the following day's muster the ship's company were read the
Articles of War and a relevant Act of Parliament. After two days at Calleo
the 'Constance' made all plain sail and headed to the Sandwich Islands -
now the Hawaiian Islands. |
|
The Master's Log on passage to Hawaii showed
fairly routine entries. There were a few gunnery practices, the routine
punishments and 'The young gentlemen got cutlass drill and practice at
knotting and splicing'. Two unusual incidents were noted. Earrings were
taken from the ears of I Size (AB), D Reynolds (AB) and George Penny (Ord)
and thrown overboard by the captain's orders. Robert Grant (AB) had his
grog stopped for being drunk, his allowance being too much for him by his
own acknowledgement! More routine was 18 pounds of rotten beef thrown
overboard. |
|
BACK
HOME
NEXT |