JJ Rowe Diary: 10 Mar 1889

Introduction

After 3 weeks aboard ship, Joseph and Pollie attend a Methodist Sunday service and Evangelist meeting. They reminisce with the minister about people and places from home, and are happy to have struck up a few friendships among their fellow Methodists.

WARNING: This is a transcription of an historical document. Some of the diary entries contain offensive language and stereotypes that must be understood in the context of the times. Such language and stereotypes are not acceptable today and are not condoned by the author of this blog.

The Diary Entry

10.3.89 (Sunday)

Church parade at 6.40 Am so I did not go to roll call.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 9 Mar 1889

Introduction

Joseph describes his young son’s joyful reaction to seeing goats. Joseph and Pollie explore the Bombay (Mumbai) bazaar, and are impressed by its size and the variety of goods available for purchase.

WARNING: This is a transcription of an historical document. Some of the diary entries contain offensive language and stereotypes that must be understood in the context of the times. Such language and stereotypes are not acceptable today and are not condoned by the author of this blog.

The Diary Entry

9.3.89 Saturday

Arose about 6 AM & went to roll call at 7 Am & then had breakfast off fried Steak & onions.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 8 Mar 1889

Introduction

Joseph tells us about seeing unfamiliar birds, and encounters trains for the first time since leaving England. Pollie has an encounter with a snake charmer.

Snake charmer

WARNING: This is a transcription of an historical document. Some of the diary entries contain offensive language and stereotypes that must be understood in the context of the times. Such language and stereotypes are not acceptable today and are not condoned by the author of this blog.

The Diary Entry

8.3.89 Friday

Was woke about 4 am by some Artillery going away by train. A Bomadier of the Artillery was shouting a Caby about getting some change.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 7 Mar 1889

Introduction

Now that Joseph has landed in India, his diary entries are longer and contain a vivid depiction of his life in Bombay (Mumbai).

Sassoon Dock, Bombay (Mumbai), 1865

WARNING: This is a transcription of an historical document. Some of the diary entries contain offensive language and stereotypes that must be understood in the context of the times. Such language and stereotypes are not acceptable today and are not condoned by the author of this blog.

The Diary Entry

7.3.89 Thursday

Was woke this morning about 4 am by some woman in the next tent, that some one put their hand on her face, it was a negro or a white man, but I think it was some married man went in the wrong tent through a mistake.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 6 Mar 1889

Introduction

The troops finally disembark, and Joseph describes their temporary accommodations at Colaba in Bombay (Mumbai), and the company’s plans to move on to their final destination.

Troopship HMS Euphrates

The Diary Entry

6.3.89 Wednesday

All hurry bustle & confusion given in hammock, shifting baggage off. 5 companys are going down to Wellington in a small troopship called the Galousa & there companys & all but a few of the married families have to stop behind her at the Colaba Depot. We disembarked at 3 pm, as we steamed away in a lighter pulled by a steam tug{?} to shove. What a splendid vessel the Euphrates looked to these small ones.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 5 Mar 1889

Introduction

Bombay at last! After more than three weeks at sea, the troopship sails into port, and preparations are made to disembark.

Sassoon Docks, Bombay (Mumbai) 1865

WARNING: This is a transcription of an historical document. Some of the diary entries contain offensive language and stereotypes that must be understood in the context of the times. Such language and stereotypes are not acceptable today and are not condoned by the author of this blog.

The Diary Entry

5.3.89 Tuesday

Arose about 6 am. Orderly Sergt till after 10 am. Sent 15 men & 2 Cpls down below to help to get up the baggage.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 4 Mar 1889

Introduction

Joseph has now been at sea for three weeks. The anticipated tug-of-war takes place, with the outcome predicted by Joseph. More flying fish spotted, but it was been a few days since another ship was seen.

The Diary Entry

4.3.89 (Monday)

Three weeks today since we came on board. How quick the time fly’s. I did not wake till a few minutes to 6 am so missed my bath this morning.

Pollie seem rather poorly, could not eat scarce any breakfast. We have all got a cold now, baby’s as well. It would amuse any one to hear him cough for after he has finished coughing he always say (Aha) but he is very bright & jolly.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 3 Mar 1889

Introduction

It’s Sunday, and Joseph attends religious service aboard ship.

The Diary Entry

3.3.89 (Sunday)

On watch last night. Helped to wash decks down this morning at 4.30 am.

Went to Divine Service at 10.30. No Sermon as it was Communion Sunday.

Had fresh beef for dinner. There was a Service on deck this afternoon. A few Officer & Ladie’s Attend. It was very short, the Sermon, if so it was called, only lasted about 10 minutes.

Gave the remainder of our books & papers away today. one of the Christian Sailors gave a lot away. I think he gets things from Miss Robinsons Institute in Portsmouth, to give to the troops on the voyage.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 2 Mar 1889

Introduction

Sports on deck have the soldiers and sailors vying for prizes. Joseph reminisces with one of the sailors about mutual friends back home.

The Diary Entry

2.3.89 Saturday

Awoke about 3.30 am & got up & went on deck for a bath. Canvas bath was not up so I went into the bath house & had one & the went to be again.

I hung up my towel on the iron rail to which our hammocks are hung & when I woke at 6 am it was gone. a good many things like that we have had the misfortune to lost, they never turn up & no one ever seem to know anything about them.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 1 Mar 1889

Introduction

Pollie is feeling better, but the illness must be spreading through the ship, since Joseph now reports feeling unwell. He also reports that there is skulduggery amongst the children in the nursery.

The Diary Entry

1.3.89 Friday

I slept on deck last night till about 4 Am this morning then the deck swabberes hunted me off down below. I did not have a bath this morning, as I felt rather dickey, & had such a nasty taste in my mouth. I went below & laid down till 6 a m then got up & got breakfast ready.

Pollie better, she eat a good breakfast, this morning.… Continue reading