Explanatory Notes

James Aberdour Elmslie – Forty-seven Years at Sea.

James Elmslie was at sea for forty-seven years, from 1844 to 1891. He commenced his apprenticeship on 9 April 1844 serving in the barque Eliza. In November 1859 he was given his first command – the ship Albuera in which he made three voyages before moving to the Cospatrick in 1862. When James returned to London in May 1867 at the end of his fourth voyage in command of the Cospatrick he had completed twenty-two voyages during his first twenty-three years at sea.

He then moved to the Sobraon. On 10 October 1867 he sailed from Plymouth on the first of twenty-four annual voyages he would make in command of the Sobraon before both he and the ship retired from ocean sailing in 1891.

James Aberdour Elmslie’s Journal (Voyages 1844 to 1867).

James kept a Journal of his first twenty-two voyages from 1844 up until he left the Cospatrick in 1867.
It is clear in his Journal that he intended to add further information relating to voyages 11, 13 and 16. It does not appear that he ever did this. Nevertheless, details of the circumstances under which he assumed command of the John Knox (voyage 11) and delivered the ship home safely from Shanghai in February 1853 are told in two letters held by the Elmslie family (see ‘Commanders of Sail’ pp48-50). While no additional information is available about the period of James’ illness in St Helena (voyage 13), details of his marriage to Mary Ann Tatham in June 1859 (refer voyage 16) are included in the book ‘Commanders of Sail’.

Following James’ death in 1908 his handwritten Journal was kept together with other items relating to his maritime career by his widow. Upon Cecilia’s death in 1939 her family safely stored the material until the end of WWII. It was then decided that some items, including James’ Journal, should be sent to members of his family by then living permanently in Australia. Noel Elmslie explained the situation to his nephew James Alexander Elmslie in his letter of April 1947 as follows:

Cornwall

My dear Jim

During my father’s last years I used often to talk to him about his long life at sea and the many experiences, some of which were of great interest and well worth record. I tried to induce him to make records of some of the more historic events, such as his visit to Yokohama in 1860 and the laying of the first submarine cable to India, but I never succeeded in getting him to do more than talk about these matters in somewhat vague terms.

However, as a result of these efforts he did get so far as to commence making a record of the main events of his life. It is very sketchy and does not contain the detailed account of events that I hoped for, but it certainly has much family interest. I have always kept this little journal and just lately I turned it out and re-read it after not having looked at it for many years. I am getting old and have no one to leave family records to, and as I know that you are interested in the family history and as you have four boys one of whom may in time acquire an interest I have decided to send the little book to you – and here it is.

The handwritten journal has been transcribed and, despite Noel’s disappointment at its contents, it is a most valuable record of James’ maritime career from when he commenced his apprenticeship in the Eliza in 1844 until he completed his fourth voyage as master of the Cospatrick and took command of the Sobraon in 1867.

It would seem that many years later the original Journal was returned to England.

Original Document

Transcribed and Edited Document

James Aberdour Elmslie

Born at Longside Aberdeenshire 24th October 1827 and was apprenticed to sea on the 9th of April 1844 to John Hutchison Esq of Monyruy near Peterhead.

1st Voyage

Sailed in the barque ‘Eliza’ Captain Abernethy from Peterhead to the coast of Africa in search of guano. Obtained a full cargo at the small island of Ichaboc 400 miles from the Cape of Good Hope on the West coast and returned to Peterhead in April 1845 and discharged. Robert Donaldson was my fellow apprentice, John Anderson Chief and John Simpson Second Mate.

2nd Voyage in the ‘Eliza’ 1845

James Fowler Mate, Davison 2nd.

May. Sailed from Peterhead to Inverkiething in the Forth of Firth and loaded coals for Rio de Janeiro, arrived there in July and loaded coffee returned to London in December same year. On reaching the Downs, with strong gales of westerly winds, had to work the ship up to Gravesend with the tides this occupied eight days, the pilot being on board all that time, there were only a few tug steamers on the river then, and they were not to be seen down at the Foreland, as now, a large fleet of ships worked up at the same time.

3rd Voyage in the ‘Eliza’ 1846

March. Sailed from London for Rio de Janeiro with a cargo of general merchandise and loaded coffee there for Salonica in Greece. Had a long, tedious passage to Gibraltar where we called for provisions and reached Salonica in August. Loaded a cargo of barley and sailed in October for Falmouth to await orders. Arrived in London in December after a long and boisterous passage up the Channel and river. James Fowler Chief Mate, John Semball Second Mate, apprentices Robert Donaldson, William Reid and self.

4th Voyage in the ‘Eliza’ 1847

William Eade, Colchester, Mate

March. Sailed from London with a general cargo, part for Constantinople, and part for Odessa. Had a most agreeable voyage. After landing cargo at Constantinople went on to Odessa, where we were kept in quarantine for two weeks in the outer roads, afterwards hauled into the harbor and discharged. Loaded cargo of wheat, and sailed for Cork. Ordered to Hull. Arrived at Hull in August. My brother Alexander joined as an apprentice. William Manson joined as Chief Mate, the late one being William Eade of Colchester.

5th Voyage in the ‘Eliza’

September. Sailed from Hull with coals for Rio de Janeiro, I acting as Second Mate. Went north about and stopped in Peterhead Bay. I landed and went to see my mother and sisters. Sailed again next day. Arrived in Rio in November and remained in harbor for three months. Sailed for Liverpool and arrived there in April 1848.

9th April. Apprenticeship expires. Appointed Second Mate, met James Kilgour my old school fellow, the first and only time that I met him after leaving school. He died at New Orleans about 1860 in command of a Liverpool ship.

6th Voyage ‘Eliza’ May 1848

Sailed from Liverpool for Pernambuco in ballast seeking [sic], arrived there at the outbreak of an insurrection between the immigrants and old settlers and obtained a high price as freight loaded a cargo of sugar for orders within ten days and sailed. Called at Falmouth for orders and went to Antwerp. Went from there to Peterhead and had ship coppered. Appointed Chief Mate.

7th Voyage Oct 1848

Sailed from Peterhead for Newcastle. Sailed from there November 21 for Rio de Janiero. After discharged sailed for Rio Grande do Sul and loaded hides &c. Arrived in Bristol August 1849. Cholera raging throughout England, thousands dying.

8th & last voyage in the ‘Eliza’

September 1849 sailed from Bristol for Rio de Janeiro, laid long in port unable to get employment. Went to Rio Grande do Sul and loaded hides &c, returned to Bristol in June 1850, during the voyage Captain Abemethy became changed in his manner to me and I determined to leave the ‘Eliza’ at the termination of the voyage afler the cargo was discharged. I left the ship and sent to Mr’ Hutchinson of Monyruy for a character as the Captain had refused to give me one for no other reason that I know, but that of leaving him, which he did not wish me to do.

9th Voyage July 1850

Sailed from Bristol in the brig ‘Gambia’, Captain Blaumie [?] for the coast of Africa as a trading voyage as an Able Seaman. Cruised on the coast from Palmas to the Bight of Benin trading, ran down the coast twice. Many of the crew were down with fever and continued so all the voyage. I fortunately escaped, and returned home in June 1851 in good health. Captain Blaumie [?] offered to take me as Chief Mate if I would return with him, but I declined on account of the climate, acted during the voyage as an officer.

10th Voyage June 1851

Passed through London on way home and visited the first exhibition then open. Stayed at home for a month or so, my mother then living in Lodge Walk, Peterhead. Accepted an offer to take command of a yacht (an ex Revenue cutter named the ‘Hawke’. Made four trips in her, three being through the Caledonian Canal; four to Firth of Forth, resigned her in December and went to school in Aberdeen and passed an examination as Master on the 14 January 1852. After this returned home for a time having meantime engaged as Chief Mate in a new vessel building, called the ‘John Knox’, Captain James Munro. March returned to Aberdeen and fitted her rigging.

11th Voyage April 1852

Sailed from Aberdeen to London and loaded there for Shanghai by W O Young. Sailed in May.

(here enter events of the voyage)

Returned to London end of February 1853.

12th Voyage

Stayed with ‘John Knox’ until April to oblige Captain Munro. Joined the ’Plantagenet’ 806 tons Captain Pollock (J&W Smith of Newcastle) as 2nd Mate, William Lapham being Chief. While at Plymouth embarking passengers the Captain put me in the Chief Mate’s place and he took mine, had 300 passengers out and about 60 on the return home. Called at Port Philip and landed passengers and cargo and went on to Sydney, all our crew excepting the Carpenter having left her in Melbourne. Had runners round. Had great difficulty in getting men on the return voyage. Arrived in London February 1854.

13th Voyage 1854

The ship was hurriedly got ready and was towed to Southampton to embark Government emigrants for Sydney. Sailed from there late in March and arrived in Sydney about the beginning of July. Did not sail from Sydney until October. Had a boisterous stormy passage round the Horn. Was beset amongst ice several times. The ship leaked very much and from constant exposure I became very ill with inflammation of lungs ending in rheumatic fever, then after the Horn was passed, from the prevalence of North winds we were driven far to eastward. Arrived at St. Helena on the 24th December 1854. I was landed in a dying state and remained for three months.

(enter here particulars)

Early in March, I being then almost recovered the barque ‘Balnaguith’ (D Dunbar) came in from Manilla with loss of Master, M J Tatham acting Chief. I engaged to come home as Mate. Arrived early in May (about the7th) first meeting my Wife. Was engaged on the 19 May. Went to Scotland in June and saw my mother and sister Jane for the last time. My mother died in March 1856 and Jane 18 months later.

14th Voyage

May. I was appointed Chief Mate of the ‘Ramillies’, (Cpt) Hodder, (by M’ Dunbar) and 1st July I855 to embark emigrants at Plymouth for Moreton Bay. Sailed about 18th July and arrived after rather an eventful voyage in November having been 4 months. Ship lay in the bay 25 miles from Brisbane. Crew all deserted. Took the ship round to Sydney with only 10 on board, two being emigrants. Had a tough job but arrived in safety and refitted and got a crew at £5 per month. Sailed for Madras by way of Cape Leeuwin and arrived in 24 days.

Made two voyages to Mauritius with coolies returning to Madras, afterwards carried troops and horses and stores to Rangoon, from thence went to Maulmain and loaded rice. Sailed in January 1857. Called at the Cape of Good Hope and arrived in London in May 1857, having made no less than six hair breadth escapes of losing the ship through the want of judgement of the Master Hodder and also just escaped foundering in the Indian Ocean in the vortex of a cyclone which could have been avoided, this long and tiresome voyage occupied 23 months.

15th Voyage 1857

Was appointed Chief Mate of ‘La Hogue’ 1331 tons Captain Williams (his first voyage in Dunbar’s service). Sailed for Sydney 1st August and returned to London in April 1858. Brought my brother Alexander home as 4th Mate he having been in the Colonies for five years. He went as Second Mate of ‘Camperdown’.

16th Voyage. 1858

Sailed in ‘La Hogue’ 1st Mate August for Sydney and returned 7 June 1859. I left the ‘La Hogue’ in June and was married on the 28th at Poplar Church.
(give particulars of marriage &c)
I spent six weeks in Scotland and two or three in west of England.

17th Voyage August 1859

Appointed to command the ’Albuera’ of 887 tons, Alexander Chief Mate, by Mr Dunbar. Sailed for China Hong Kong 29 November and from Plymouth finally on December 10 (enter here accident). Arrived in Hong Kong April 25 and after landing cargo was engaged as a transport for the war in the north of China. Was towed to rendezvous in the north of Gulf of Petchelee. Afterwards was sent to Japan with eight other ships. Most of them became disabled in a cyclone on the coast of Japan. Remained at Yokohama a month (all September) and was then sent to Hong Kong to be paid off. Was paid off October 21st‘. Went over to Manilla and chartered for London. Arrived in London April 18th 1861 having been absent nearly 17 weeks.

18th Voyage

20m June sailed again for Hong Kong Mrs Elmslie and Chris going with me. Met a cyclone in the China Sea, escaped without damage, arrived at Hong Kong October 7″‘. Ship taken by Senior Naval Officer as a transport to take troops and stores home and to Cape. 320 men and 20 officers embarked. Touched at the Cape and landed stores &c. in January 23 1862. Sailed to St Helena February 1st. Arrived at Spithead 24th March, found that D Dunbar had died a fortnight before. Ship sold along with the

‘Cospatrick’ at Lloyds Captains rooms. ‘Albuera’ bought by John Willis, ‘Cospatrick’ by Smith Fleming. Was appointed in July to command the latter. My brother Alexander was Chief with me in the ‘Albuera’. He was appointed to command a new ship in July called the ‘Marlborough’.

19th Voyage. 1st in ‘Cospatrick’

1962 Sailed from London 16 August. Sailed from Gravesend 18 August. Cargo and passengers. Arrived in Bombay Harbor December 5.
1863 February 21st. Return voyage. Sailed from Bombay for Kurrachee to embark troops. Arrived 1st March. Sailed for Portsmouth 7th March.

164 Invalids

107 Time expired men

20 Women

38 Children

8 Lunatic soldiers

8 Steerage passengers

43 ship’s company

10 Adult Saloon passengers

8 Children

2 servants

26th June arrived at Spithead, 29 London.

20th Voyage ‘Cospatrick’

July 23 ship engaged to carry telegraph cable to be laid down from Kurrachee up the Persian Gulf, removed orlop beams and built three immense iron tanks in the hold. October 8 when the tanks were ready the ship was moved to North Woolwich opposite cable works and there embarked several hundred miles of cable including thick shore ends. November 26th was towed to Gravesend. 27 sailed. From 1st to 4th December inclusive had a terrific gale from SW in the Bay of Biscay. Ship laboured fearfully, the masts swaying to and fro so much as the ship rolled that I expected they would have gone by the board, however they did not. The ship leaked badly.
Had a long and tedious passage, passed through the Mozambique Channel and stopped at Socotin for water.
Note: Mrs Elmslie, Chris and Edith with a nurse accompanied me. On 22nd March Archie was born in lat 9° N long 50° 37″ east. Arrived in Bombay Harbor on the 14th April, having been 138 days on the way.

20th Voyage continued 1864

The ship was fitted in Bombay to lay down the cable, sailed from there in tow of the Indian navy steamer ‘Semivamis’ May 7th anchored in Omarah Bay, coast of Scinde. May 10th proceeded to lay down the cable in tow of the ‘Zenobia’ finished at Kurrachee on the 14th after landing the end went into the harbor and remained there until June10th. Sailed for Bombay where we arrived on the 16th.
June 22nd the ship was taken into the Government dock and had beams, decks &c replaced and put in order after tanks were removed, left the dock on the 21st July and was paid out of service of Government.
August 6 sailed for Calcutta.

August 23 arrived at Calcutta.
Loaded a cargo of grain and gunnies and sailed on the 25 September, left the heads on the 29th five days before the hurricane came on that destroyed nearly all the shipping in the Hoogley.
Stopped at Colombo for water on October 19 and sailed 23rd for Bombay where we arrived on the 11th November and discharged.
1864 December 10th. Ship taken for troops for Portsmouth. The ‘Dunbar Castle’, Hodder, arrived on the 1st January 1865 with stores for 400 troops for me had them transhipped and conveyed, selling the surplus.
February 3rd sailed from Bombay with:

181 time expired men

14 women

5 children adults

18 children underage

1 steerage passenger

6 Officers and lady in cabin

8 cabin passengers

1865 in 13° South latitude came on the outskirts of a cyclone of great extent, had to wait for eight days to allow it to pass, passed across its wake, with boisterous weather and high seas.
Passed the Cape on the 18th March anchored St Helena on the 28th and sailed 30th. Arrived at Spithead on the 5th May, 91 days. May 11th docked.
In June took and furnished the house N° 9 Park Terrace, Greenwich where we remained for three years and a half. Changed to Blackheath in March 1869.

21st Voyage 186-5-1866 ‘Cospatrick’

July 17 sailed from London, embarked the 26 Regiment at Portsmouth and sailed. Arrived in Bombay in October. Sailed again from Bombay with troops on December 23rd calling at Cannanore. Sailed from Cannanore on December 29.
1866. Arrived March 28th at Woolwich, disembarked and docked 30th.

22nd Voyage Cospatrick)

June 28 sailed for Queenstown and embarked a portion of 2 Battalion 2nd Qugens. July 6 sailed from Queenstown. October 21st arrived in Bombay.
1867 January16th. Sailed from Bombay for Kurrachee to embark cargo and troops. 22nd anchored 1 mile from Muiora Point. Shipped 432 tons seed. January 28 embarked:

179 invalids

15 women

9 children under ten

28 children over ten

Captain Cumming and family

Lieutenant Ferguson 99th Huz.

Lieutenant Colquhoun

Lieutenant Watters

Staff Surgeon Johns

12 private passengers

January 29 sailed from Kurrachee with 320 Invalids and time expired men and a number of cabin passengers. March 11th off the Cape had a black SE gale that nearly foundered the ship.

May 7 arrived at Portsmouth, 11 arrived in London.