Reverend John Moir and family (extracts paraphrased from his journal):
Being a Free Church minister he was very scathing about the ship's Chaplain and his sermons, and he preached at the request of many passengers. The Captains wasn't too keen but didn't forbid him and John points out to him that 'card playing and many such were allowed, and the preaching of the Gospel surely might be tolerated also.' Things got pretty bitter between the different doctrines! Several children die of diarrhoea and are 'cast overboard'. During the Hurricane the Captain 'when he saw the bowsprit under the water and the sea rushing over the forecastle exclaimed "All is lost". ' Several sharks were caught. There was a fight between the black cook and several seamen, the cook ended up with a cracked skull, broken arm etc. Passengers were outraged and the sailors were to be prosecuted for the attack. John Moir and other passengers make a presentation (money) to the Captain for his 'ability as a commander, his urbanity and kindness and attention to all our wants.'
If you have a cvonnection with this family or would liek to know more please contact Kay Bastin.