Transcribed and submitted to TheShipsList by Robert Janmaat, Adelaide, from a variety of sources, cited below.
Return to SA Passenger Lists,1847-1886 see also SA German Lists

ship Hesperides, 1,338 tons, Captain M. Upton, from London 8th May, Plymouth 14th May, 1875 arrived at Port Adelaide, South Australia 4th August 1875

The South Australian Register, Thursday 5 August p. 4

Wednesday 04 Aug:—

HESPERIDES, ship, 1,338 tons, M. Upton, master, from London May 8, Plymouth May 14.
Passengers— Mrs. M. Rogers, Matron, and 364 statute adults.

. . . . — 6th ship from England to S.A. with government passengers for 1875 ; —2— births and —-3— deaths on the passage ; Dr. Blood, surgeon-superintendent.

The Passenger List indicates the class of Emigrants, so in the list below, I have combined those lists, but have made notations alongside the family name, thus, CPC = Colonial Passage Certificate holders ; CFPCH = Colonial Full Paid Passage Holders ; UKAP = United Kingdom Assisted Passage regulation ; UKFPPR = United Kingdom Full Paid Passage regulation ; FP = Free Passage. — Robert

IMPORTS

HESPERIDES, from London— 900 casks, 20 half do. cement, 8 do. paint, 8 do. red lead, 77 casks, 125 boxes tinplates, 35 bales paper, 141 cases galvanized iron, 928 do. merchandise, 9 do ironwork, 2,779 bundles wire, 37,200 bricks,10 barrels currants, 40 bales oakum, 12 bales, 2 pipes, l.0OO bags salt, 3,181 bars, 1,032 bundles, 73 plates iron, 295 bars angle iron, 10 tons pig iron, 1 cask hardware, 50 grapnels, 3 cases, 1 parcel books, 4 hhds., 20 qr.-casks wine, 25 cases,10 qr. casks, and 5 hide, brandy, 469 pigs lead, 5 casks plaster, 156 arm moulds, 708 kegs lead, 269 do. Nails, 10 hhds, 37 kegs, 70 crates, 143casks whiting, 4 fly wheels, 13 tanks, 13 tierces, 1,526 sash weights, 103 tons coal.

Miscellaneous Shipping

The Hesperides was reported to be a very handsome vessel, and is equal to any ship we have had here. In build, appearance, or outfit the is first-class. Although she brought more than 360 immigrants she looks well. As a transport one of her greatest recommendations is the great height of 'tween decks, and another is the excellent means taken to ensure good ventilation by having large trunk ways to the upper deck. Externally she is so symmetrical that no common observer would take her to be so large a vessel. She has very fine lines forwards, and a run as clear as a yacht the cutwater ends in a beautifully carved mythological figure, and round the stern and quarter’s exquisite tracery and scroll work show to advantage. The taunt masts and square yards indicate something of her size, and on boarding it is seen what a spacious main deck is available for promenade. Down the after hatchway there were 130 single girls well provided for, and to prevent as far as possible irregularities a stairway was boxed in from the tween deck to the poop, and none but the girls were allowed to go thereon. The married people occupied the waist, having the main hatch for a companion- way and the introduction of closed berths instead of the old plan strikes the onlooker. Each family has a separate cabin, and the mid ship space affords ample room for moving about. The single men have the fore end of the ship, and instead of the hammock, which was highly commanded in past years, bunks fill up the wing space. Mrs. Rogers, the matron, has a good opinion of the females specially under her care.       The death of the Surgeon – Superintendent early on the voyage threw considerable responsibility on to the experienced matron and the master, but they worked well and got over the difficulties. There were only two other deaths one that of an infant, which was born on board and died in convulsions; the other, Jessie Goldsworthy, a little girl, who expired on July 16 from the effects of a severe cold. Otherwise, the health of the passengers has been favourable, and those seen on Wednesday morning looked as if they were determined to work hard and were ready for it the last episode of the voyage was an addition to the population just after the vessel anchored. The mother and child are doing well. While the visitor to the Hesperides would be struck by her size and proportions, on close inspection he would be convinced that in her outfit for the Adelaide trade neither labour nor money has been spared. In every direction are specimens of skill from the elaborate carvings which adorn the front of the poop to the windlass, pumps, winches, engine, and steering gear, all the appliances are of the best description; but, as in the majority of iron ships, the pumps are little used. In the after portion of the deckhouse is a steam winch, which is employed for plenty of hard work. The anchor is weighed by its power, and when the topsails need to be set the seaman's old yell of 'cheerly men' is superseded by the shrill steam-whistle. The next compartment has the galley and cook's quarters, and such an array of culinary gear as would puzzle a shore cook to find places for in so small a kitchen, which, however, sufficed for the ship's company and the passengers. Little nests are provided for the petty officers, and there are other corners for stores and paint, besides a lot of bed berths and sundries too numerous to mention. Before the house is 'No man's land,' otherwise the place for pitch and tar pots, spare anchors, and ground tackle, and the forehatch way here serves for access to the single men. Then comes the region of 'Jack,' which he would monopolize but for the windlass, which takes a fair share. The forecastle is of good height and 36 feet long. Brasswork always looks well on board ship, especially when properly cleaned, and there is a lot of such labour for the boys of the Hesperides. The rails of the poop, treads of the stairs, the bell, and binnacles are all shining brass, and on the poop are half a dozen brazen ventilators large enough to creep through. The break of the poop is a specimen of taste, one pillar alone having a capital which cost £10, and at each side are monsters of the deep curiously wrought in polished teak. But to see the greatest expenditure in lavish ornamentation the cabin must be inspected. It is not very large, but what is lost in space has quite an equivalent in ornate design. It looks as if someone had been commissioned to surpass all others and had succeeded. The panels are open Venetians of walnut; the stiles are of blackwood and maple; the lower panel is open iron fretwork for ventilation  and the tables are mahogany as well as the swinging trays; the sideboard is of polished walnut with marble top; the ceiling 13 white, with gold moulding; and the skylight is very prettily embellished with artistic paintings on glass. The pilasters of the cabin have for capitals large gilt eagles with outstretched wings, and all the top mouldings are pit. The whole saloon is a scene of enriched cabinetwork, and the effect is chaste and striking. There are staterooms on both sides and stern cabins abaft all, the whole repute with luxurious comfort as far as it can be obtained it sea, The ship was built by Messrs. Short & Co., of Sunderland, to the order of her owners, Messrs. Paton and Vickers, and that she will become a favourite in the line chosen there can be little doubt. Her dimensions are— 237 feet long-, 88 feet beam, 22.6 depth of hold. She is of iron, cemented, and has one bulkhead. The master reports having left the Channel on May 14 with light northerly airs, but it was the 23rd before he passed Madeira. On the 31st the vessel was off the Cape de Verd  Islands, and light northerly winds continued, not a single day of fair breezes affording an opportunity of testing the sailing qualities of the ship. The trades entirely failed in 10° N., and nine days were spent getting from there to the Line. If the north-east trades were bad the south-east were worse, and after crossing the line on June 17 in 25° the vessel was driven to the Brazilian coast and tacked to clear the land. She passed the Isle of Tristan on June 28, and another six days brought the vessel to the pitch of the Cape in 42 S. In crossing the Southern Ocean hard gales were experienced, especially one which commenced at N.W. and lasted for 12 hours. On Monday night Cape Borda was sighted, and on Tuesday Glenelg was reached, but the wind fell light and compelled the master to anchor. On the same evening the vessel weighed and proceeded towards the Semaphore under charge of Mr. Dagwell.  She anchored in the outer roads at 2 o'clock on Wednesday morning, and was soon after boarded by Mr. Germein, the pilot, who prepared for sailing in on the afternoons tide. Sails were loosed, and the people on shore expected some pleasure in seeing so fine a ship cleverly Maneuvered  the wind was, however, too light, so the signal for steam was made, but the Hesperides did not get into harbour, but will today. During the morning she was inspected by Dr. Duncan, and was subsequently visited by the Commissioner of Crown Lands and Mr. Rowland Rees. It did not seam certain to whom the ship was consigned, but Messrs. Harrold Eros, were mentioned as the probable agents.

The South Australian Register, Friday 23 July 1875 p. 7

IMMIGRANTS PER THE HESPERIDES.

In our latest British shipping we notified the departure of a large number of emigrants for South Australia on May 14. The Hesperides, described as a fine newly-built ship of 1,330 tons register, under the command of Captain Upton, was dispatched from Plymouth, having onboard 396 emigrants, assisted and free. There are 38 married couples, 146 single men, 121 single women, 17 boys under 12, 26 girls under 12, and 10 infants. The various trades and occupations are classified as follows:— 57 agricultural labourers, 2 bricklayers, 6 bakers, 2 blacksmiths, 1 boot maker, 2 coachbuilders, 7 carpenters, 9 cooks, 1 charwoman, 1 coach painter, 101 domestic servants, 3 engine fitters, 1 engineer, 1 file cutter, 5 gardeners, 1 groom, 1 hairdresser, 1 harness maker, 1 iron Moulder, 72 labourers, 4 mechanics, 2 masons,3 miners, 5 nursemaids, 1 printer, 1 tin man, 2tailors, 1 Slater, 1 Store man, 1 laundress. The Medical Superintendent is Dr. Blood, and the single women's department is under the management of Mrs. Rodgers, a lady who has already made 17 voyages in the capacity of Matron. Captain Upton had an excellent crew of 47 men, and expressed the hope of making the passage to Adelaide in 70 days. Upon this estimate it will be seen that the Hesperides may be expected to arrive within a few days. The ship is the property of Messrs. J. Patton, jun., and Co., of White Lion Court, London. She is a full rigged iron vessel, built by Messrs. Short Brothers, of Sunderland, from whose yard she was launched but a few weeks ago. She is constructed on a very fine model, and it is believed will be a very fast sailer. Having previously taken in a general cargo at London the vessel lay in Plymouth Sound fitting for her living freight, under the superintendence of Mr. T.F. Smith, the dispatching officer for the Agent General of the colony. The married quarters 'tween decks are fitted with the portable folding berths, for which Mr. Johnson, of 38, Canton Street, London, E., is a patentee. On Mr. Johnson's system the berths are arranged fore and aft, and a constant current of air is supplied to them; while at the same time each married couple have, as it were, a cabin to themselves, and the strictest privacy is secured. The whole 'tween decks are unusually high, and arrangements for the cleanliness and health of the inmates have been most carefully carried out. Indeed, Captain Stoll, R.N., the Government emigration officer, after making his final inspection, expressed the most perfect satisfaction with the ship, and said that he had never seen one better fitted out for the conveyance of emigrants. The emigrants consist of persons who have assisted or free passages granted, and many of them have been selected by the Plymouth agents, Messrs. W. T. Weekes and Co., from the Counties of Devon and Cornwall. The Western Morning News says — 'The body of emigrants seemed in uncommonly good spirits, and they appeared already to be falling into their nautical mode of life. If truth must be told, there was not quite so much gazing after the receding shores of Old England as is popularly connected with the departure of an emigrant vessel ; but in many cases persons were looking forward to joining friends who have already settled in the colony. Many of the girls were already busying themselves with needlework as they sat on deck in the pleasant sunshine; and in connection with this occupation it is worthy of note that £138 from the Kelsall Emigration Charity has been distributed among the party by Mr. W. T. Weekes, thus enabling them before starting to lay in a stock of clothing material, of which some stood in absolute need. They will have plenty of time to make it up in their 70 days' passage. As the vessel passed out of port the Achilles, which is now lying inside the breakwater, gave her the customary salute; and when after some hours towing the Eddy-stone was passed, the Volunteer cast off the towrope and the visitors returned to her, a ringing cheer was sent up by the passengers, who evidently intended that their final farewell to the old country, as represented by the steamer and her few passengers, should be a hearty one. It may be interesting to Plymouthians to learn that there is a growing tendency on the part of the emigration authorities and of ship owners to dispatch emigrants from this port. "The following are the names and occupations of the expected immigrants :— Married couples — Thos. Begg, labourer, wife and 7 children; Thos. Buvier, labourer, and wife; Hy. Brandwood, file cutter, wife and 3 children; Jas. Coleman, labourer, and wife; Thos. Carroll, labourer, wife and 3 children; Danl. Clifford, agricultural labourer, and wife; Jas. Cowling, agricultural labourer, wife and 1 child; Jas. Cooper, labourer, and wife; Stephen Craddock, coachbuilder, wife and 2 children; Thos. Cookall, labourer, wife and 3 children; Jas. Carrigan, stonecutter, wife and 2 children; Matthew Denham, carpenter, wife and 2 children; William Devine, labourer, wife and 1 child; Andrew Fitzpatrick, labourer, and wife; Thos. Howard, labourer, wife and 1 child; Ed. Hinds, labourer, and wife; W. H. Hathnay, watchmaker, wife and 2 children; Geo. Hogben, coachmaker, wife and 1 child; Thos. Lewis, mechanic, and wife; Wm. Mackenny, gardener, and wife; Edwin Marchant, agricultural labourer, and wife; Thos. Nicholls, agricultural labourer, and wife; Jas. Needle, carpenter, and wife; Cornelius Proud, printer, and wife;   Richard Packer, agricultural labourer, wife and child; Jno. Proud, engine-fitter, wife and 2 children; Wm. Perring, bricklayer, and wife; Thos. Parker, agricultural labourer, and wife; Robt, H. Stewart, labourer, and wife; Joseph Smith, baker, and wife; Wm. Slade, labourer, wife and 6 children; Jas. Tullock, agricultural labourer, wife and 1 child; Jas. Taylor, baker, and wife; Hy. J. Turner, agricultural labourer, and wife; Jas. Townsend, agricultural labourer, and wife; Eugene Warner, baker, wife and 2 children; John Williams, carpenter, and wife; Robt. G. Wilson, gardener, and wife. Single Men —Jas. Anderson, labourer; Alf. T. Arthur, agricultural labourer; Edwd. Ashley, do.; Daniel Ashern, labourer; Chas Ballard, do.; Wm. Behague, do.; Simeon Blakeley, agricultural labourer; Robt. C. Brown, do.; Pat. Brady, do.; John Burke, do.; Geo. Burt, mason; Patrick Callaghan, agricultural labourer; Michael Cassen, labourer; Thos. Cassen, do.; Jas. E. Clarke, do.; Jas. Claxton, groom; John Cleminger, agricultural labourer; Danl. Collins, do.; David Collins, gardener; Wm. Cookall, labourer; Wm. F. Connell, agricultural labourer; Thos. Connelly, do. ; Michael Connor, do.; Pat. Considine, do.; Geo. W. Cox, do.; Michl. Deegidan, labourer; Peter Deegidan, do.; Joseph Devine, do.; Fred. Dimmond, tinman; Edwd. Dimmond, labourer; Lewis Dimmond, do.; Jas. Docherty, do.; Rich. Dobson, agricultural labourer; Jno. Donahue, do ; William Doyle, do.; Thos. Elliott, do.; Wm. Emblin, blacksmith; John Emblin, gardener; John Evans, carpenter; Martin Fahy, labourer; Wm. Farrell, do.; Mich. Farrell, do.; Geo. Ferris, do; Samuel Flach, tailor; Bernard Gafney, agricultural labourer; Jas. P. Guiton, do; Michl. Guiham, do.; Pat. Gulligan, do; Thos. Glasson, miner;  John Glasson, do; Geo. Gurney, labourer; Alf. Hall, hairdresser; Pat. Hillary, agricultural labourer ; Andrew Hind, engine - fitter ;Rich. Hogben, coachpainter ; Dennis Hehir, agricultural labourer ; Hy. Hodgkiss, labourer; John Hurley, labourer; Wm. H. Huxham, agricultural labourer; Wm. Jeffries, agricultural labourer; Alex. G. Johnson, agricultural labourer ; Horace Knight, agricultural labourer; Hy. M. King, engineer ; Geo. M. King, iron moulder ; Pat Kirk, agricultural labourer ; Wm. S. Laney, labourer; Laurence Ryan, tailor; Peter Lee, agricultural labourer; Francis Lewis, mechanic ; Thos. Lewis, mechanic ; Geo. Lewis, mechanic ; Martin Linnane, labourer ; John Linnane, labourer ; Thos. W. Lovell, labourer ; Forgen Linkilde, agricultural labourer ; John McCabe, labourer ; Pat McDonald, shoemaker; John McGuire, carpenter ; Michael McMahon, agricultural labourer; Martin McMahon, agricultural labourer; Pat. McMahon, agricultural labourer; Jas. McMahon, labourer; Martin McMahon, labourer ; Batty McMahon, labourer; Chris. McNally, labourer ; Johann Mulehan, labourer; Alfred Mansfield, labourer; Charles May, do.; Comin Marlborough, do.; Thos. Maguire, agricultural labourer; Edwd. J. Mills, labourer; John Mee, labourer; Geo. Mitchell, agricultural labourer; Geo. Monckton, labourer ; John Moriarty, agricultural labourer; Pat Mullane, do.; Pat Murtagh, labourer; Fred Newman, do. ; Hans J. Neilson, agricultural do.; Wm. Noakes, do. ; John H. Norrish, agricultural do. ; Robt. Nolan, labourer; James Nolan, do ; Michael O'Keefe. do. ; Abraham Peneveyre, gardener ; Jas. Phillips, agricultural labourer; Stephen Phillips, do.; Frederick H. Pocock, labourer ; John Quirker, agricultural do. ; Pat. Reilly, do. ; Jas. Reilly, do. ; Bernard Reilly, labourer ; Pat. Reilly, do. ; Hubert Renouf, harness maker;  Geo. Rowley, labourer; Pat. Ryan, do.; Bernard Sheridan, do. ; John Sheridan, do ; Bernard Sexton, do. ; Philip Smith, do.; Thomas Smith, do.; George H. Smith, do.; Richd. J. Smith, do.; Jas Smith, do.; David Sullivan, fitter; Thos. Sweet, agricultural labourer; Alex. Taylor, baker; Jas. J. Topham, slater; Pat. Toole, labourer; Richd. Tilling, agricultural labourer; Thos. Tilling, do.; Wm. Tilling, do.; Jas. Tilling, do,; Alf. Walker, bricklayer; John Welchman, labourer; John White, miner ; Chas. Williams, labourer; J. H. Willis, store-man; Thos. Wright, smith's labourer ; Albert Wyle, carpenter; Wm. Williams, labourer; John Dennett, baker; Robt. Taylor, o.; Chas. H. O. Kisley, carpenter Female Domestics —Elizabeth Ahern aged 16, Martha Baker 24,Jane Breman 25, Elizabeth Brandwood 22, Susan Byrth 18, B. Carnie 18, Elizabeth Clarke 35, Isabella Clarke 13, Mary Clarke 10, Ada Cook 23, Jane Cocks 36, Margaret Collins 21, Bridget Conway 30, Mary Connolly 24, Sarah Cocker 21, Margaret Connor 25, Sarah Creak 22, Mary Curran 19, Mary Davoran 20, Ellen 18, Ellen Dempsey 19, Elizabeth Devine 15, Ann Dennony 17, Sarah Dobson 22, Mary Dimond 50, Mary Dimond 25, Mary Donohue 21, Ann Dowlin 28, Ann Doyle 12, Kate Dwyer 21, Elizabeth Eade 37, Johanna Eade 35, Grace Eade 26, Elizabeth Eastnan 20, Mary Fahy 20, Eliza Fitzpatrick 20,Kate Fitzpatrick 18, Charlotte Gamble 19, Mary Gruar 23, Sophia Glasson 45, Elizabeth Glasson 12, Catherine Goldsworthy 31, Jessy Goldsworthy 9, Ellen Gower 21, Margaret Gray 19, Ellen Gregory 19, Sarah Haigh 45, Mary Haigh 35, Lucy Harvey 17, Alice Hogben 25, Susan Hogan 19, Ellen Hortop 23, Eliza Howard 25, Elizabeth Jenkins 21, Mary Kennedy 22, Bridget Kinnane 18, Priscilla  Kessell 23, Margaret Lavery 23, Elizabeth Laws 21, Elizabeth Lewis 16, Mary Lewis 23, Bridget Linnane 21, Jane Lindlow 18, Anne McCarthy20, Mary McCormack 17, Margaret McGuire 21, Bridget McKerna 23, Ann McKeon 24, Mary McMahon 45, Mary McMahon 21, Anne McMahon 19, Elizabeth Mable 22, Mary Maglnnis 16, Margaret Martin 20, Alice Mahoney26, Mary Marlborough 43, Mary Marlborough 20, Bridget Marlborough 18, Anne Meere 20,Mary Mitchelmore 24, Grace Mitchell 35,Margaret Millane 27, Mary Murphy 24, Margaret Murphy 22, Mary O'Brien 20, Anne O'Brien 17, Harriet Pocock 69, Lucy Pocock 21, Mary Quirke 20, Mary Redden 16, Margaret Reilly 17, Eliza Rock 18, Susan Rogers 18, Catherine Rosson 21, Elizabeth Rowley 21, Elizabeth Sharratt 18, Mary Sheridan 18, Mary Shrimpton14, Anne Soden 21, Mary Smith 23, Mathilda Smith 17, Sarah Stafford 25, Ann Stevens 18,Sarah Stevens 16, Hannah Sweeney 25, Maria Sweet 51, Mary Sweet 22, Margaret Tracey 21, Mary Roney 27, Ellen Haughton 19, Margaret Rogers 45, Caroline Burt 35, Ann Considine 21, Ann Burns 37 and 5 children, Catherine Docking 30 and 1 child John 8, Elsie Hallman 27 and 1  child, Mary Hann 32 and 3 children, Margaret Kelly 32 and 3 children, Eleanor Smith 42 and 4 children, Mary 17, Ellen 14, Catherine 8, Jane 5.

The South Australian Register, Wednesday 4 August p. 4

ARRIVAL OF THE HESPERIDES WITH IMMIGRANTS

The arrival of the Hesperides, which took place on Tuesday, August 3, has been looked for during the last few days, and although the passage has scarcely equaled Captain Upton's anticipation, head winds and calms being antagonists against which seamanship is powerless, the result, under adverse circumstances, proves what the craft could do in more propitious weather. The light breeze which brought her up the Gulf deserted her altogether when abreast of Glenelg, and she dropped anchor in about seven fathoms, with the union Jack, half-masted, at the fore Harbour-Master Dagwell put off immediately with a boat's crew, and on boarding the melancholy news was obtained that when two days' sail from the Line Dr. Blood died. Although thus deprived in a great measure of medical assistance, the Hesperides has brought out as healthy and as well-selected a set of immigrants as any ship has landed on these shores. Some few deaths have occurred, but nothing on the bill of health will prevent a speedy transfer of the immigrants from their present home to the more congenial atmosphere of shore. As the vessel lay off the Bay, a finer craft in appearance could not be desired, and, with the exception of the usual weather worn appearance of her hull, which a brush of paint will soon rectify, everything below and aloft seemed in as good preservation as if she had only just left port. On board care and discipline were evident, and the courteous demeanor of captain and officers was an assurance that the time had not been spent unhappily during the voyage to the matron also, Mrs. Rodgers, much credit is due. At sunset the Hesperides was again under way for Port Adelaide, with a very, light wind, Mr. Dagwell remaining on board.

The South Australian Register, Tuesday 17 August p. 6

Account of the Voyage

THE IMMIGRANT SHIP HESPERIDES.

A passenger by the lately-arrived fine craft Hesperides has furnished to us a lengthy report of the voyage, giving also a description of the vessel his impressions of his fellow immigrants, and notes on other subjects. Some time, however, before the ship reached here, we published a long detailed description of her and those on board taken from an English paper, and this, supplemented by our Shipping Reporter's notes of her appearance and account of the trip from the old country condensed from the official log, makes it needless to print the whole of the MS. with which we have been favored, especially as hundreds of voyages are now made to these colonies. Much of it, however, will possess interest, and a considerable portion is therefore now extracted and published. Some of the hints given may well engage the attention of the authorities. The writer, who has had some experience in communicating with the public through the Press, states that his aim is to give a truthful and thoroughly impartial view of affairs in terms as succinct as possible, adding that if his opinions do not exactly accord with all the new colonists brought out, he trusts that allowance will be made for a difference of standpoint and the variety of mind, granting also credit for honestly of purpose. The correspondent begins with a notice of

THE EMIGRANTS THEMSELVES.

We met at the Plymouth Depot on Monday, May 10, and remained there until the afternoon of the following Thursday, when we boarded the Hesperides, lying at anchor a short distance off in the Sound. We were a total party of 396 men, women, and children, and in the fullest sense of those words looked a motley group as we idly sauntered about the barrack yard watching the craft on the bosom of the water, or were engaged taking mental notes of the now associates amongst whom we had been thrown. I must say that, generally, my fellow-emigrants were a better class of people than I bad expected to meet. Of course there were many of the poorest, to whom the Government stipulation with regard to clothing had evidently been a difficulty. I heard of one married couple who only possessed one shilling when they entered the depot, but there was a majority of those whose appearance indicated that they had not fared badly as wording people in England. Most of them were young, and among the married people the major part had no children. Some parents brought as many as five, six, or seven children, but these were counter balanced by the proportion of newly-married couples, so that when we boarded the ship a survey of the married quarters showed that the average family consisted of a trifle less than three— two parents and one child. There were 104 occupants of the married quarters, 138 single women, and 154 single men. Not all the 'single women' were either young or marriage able. Many of them were married women with their children, whose husbands were already in Australia. Some of the 'single men,' too, were going before their wives and families, while not a few of them were young boys, though too old to remain with their parents in the married quarters. Of course there was a good number of Irish people, and they were easily recognized. I should guess that nearly one-third of the immigrants were Irish, and they appeared to be very clannish, both at the depot and during the voyage. On board the immigration authorities had berthed them together, and the ''Irish quarters' had an existence in each of the three hatches. The Hibernians also had their exercise on one side of the deck— the starboard. Generally, they were of a much poorer class than the English. But two exceptions were brought under notice — the first that of a young man who formerly owned an estate in the Emerald Isle, and who told it to reinvest the money in Australia. It was said that he had paid the passage money of several relations, and the story was generally believed. The second exception was supplied in the married quarters, where a man lorded it over his coequal constables, and assumed the name of chief constable. The south of England contributed far more liberally than the north to the ship's company; but from beyond the Tweed there were more than a score hardy Caledonians who had determined to leave the rugged mountains of Scotland for the fruitful plains near Adelaide. Then there were a few young men from the salubrious Channel Islands, half a dozen Germans who had left their Fatherland some years ago for London, and were now outward bound, along with a friendly Frenchman or two, a Polish Jew with his nomadic propensities, and a Swiss fresh from his Alpine home. Truly, we represented several nationalities, many grades of middle and lower class society, and a great variety of character. Most of the emigrants appeared likely to make their way in South Australia by patient toil; but I feel certain that not a few were so lazy in character that they would soon be home again senselessly prating against a country which they had supposed would yield a harvest without honest industry. We also carried three or four gentlemen of the light-fingered fraternity, and they have already shown their adroitness on board. One of this class was apprehended by the police just before we embarked, and another passenger has already been sentenced to three months' imprisonment for having passed a counterfeit sovereign to the boatman who took him ashore, and the 'coin' had been stolen.

THE DEPOT AT PLYMOUTH.

Here we got our first impressions of emigration, and some of those impressions were not of the most pleasing character. Of course we can reasonably overlook the general washhouse and our ' having all things in common,' for barrack life must always to vastly different from those homes which are the pride and blessing of England. The food generally was very good, and the treatment was hospitable — in fact rather too hospitable, for we were prisoners after we entered the depot, but the manner in which we were compelled to sleep was sea-rely decent. The married people occupied a large room, which was filled with two rows of ' looseboxes.' The only difference between them and those usually occupied by horses was that instead of sleeping on the ground we had a board raised two feet from the floor, and on this we slept upon mattresses. Any man kneeling on his own bed could peep over the partition and see his neighbor's wife, and if he stood up there would be nothing to prevent him counting at least a dozen couples in their several beds.' the ' bedrooms' were quite open at the foot, so that unless shawls were pinned up all who slept at the higher end of the room could see into every bed as they passed to their own. They were not nearly so private or comfortable as our berths on board ship, where economy of space is the great object, and I think that in this respect-some alteration ought speedily to be made at Plymouth. Most of the emigrants, too. Were surprised on entering the depot to be informed that they would get out no more. Although this rule was relaxed once in our case, it ought surely to be published on some of the Government forms, then intending emigrants would not rely on making final purchases in Plymouth.

LEAVING ENGLAND.

This was a pleasure rather than a matter of regret. I was surprised to see no tear shed; and yet had we not several days before actually left England in spirit by separating from the beloved associations of our birth, our childhood, mature years, and by taking a farewell of those dear friends around whose hearts had wound the tendrils of most sincere affection, and whom we might never see on earth again? True, there was a patriotic sense in which we were sorry to leave, cut those who felt it considered that we were' best promoting our country's weal by leaving the crowded city or the over-stocked country, and seeking fortunes or life's task in 'fresh fields and pastures new,' so long as they were among the colonial possessions of our Queen. No wonder, therefore, that when the Volunteer steam tug took us from the depot to the ship, whither our boxes had already gone, we were heartily pleased, for it was the first step towards the fulfillment of present hopes, and it may be the dream of our lives. There were two steamer loads of us, and when the first got clear of the depot those who were left raised a hearty cheer, which was re-echoed by them with an earnestness only equaled by that which we ourselves exhibited when we were steaming away to our ship amid the waving of handkerchiefs from the shore, and the cheers and benisons of all who could see us from the depot yard, and the warehouses and wharfs around.

THE HESPERIDES.

This new Al ship, of 1,337 torn, delighted us greatly. With one exception she passed every vessel we sighted, and frequently made from 14 to 15 knots an hour. She carried 32 sails, and is capable of making 15 or 16 knots; but Captain Upton, our able and highly esteemed commander, best consulted our interests by not hazarding safety for mere maximum speed at one time, especially in a new ship. Her extreme length from stem to stern is 22O feet, her breadth 38 feet, and her depth from the upper deck to the keel 23 feet her three masts are of course made of wrought iron, and the length of the mainmast from the deck to the skysail truck is about 100 feet. Her height from this truck to the keel is only seven feet less than her length. She carries a condensing engine, capable of converting salt water into fresh at the rate of 50 gallons per hour; and in addition to this a large number of tanks containing about 20,000 gallons of water. Captain Upton is ably assisted by three officers— Mr. Walpole first, Mr. Stephenson second, and Mr. Higdon third mate.

THE VOYAGE.

When the Volunteer left she took Mr. South, the Emigration Agent, and other officials, who had been making their final arrangements, such as appointing a dozen constables to preserve order and see all cleaning, &c, carried out properly. Three cheers were called for Mr. Smith, and several hearty ones were given for a gentleman who had been kind and courteous to all. The weather continued beautifully fine throughout the voyage, and until we experienced headwinds from the Australian Continent it was admitted that we had had an almost unparalleled passage. The order, ' all hands on deck,' was only heard three times during the trip. Sunday, the 6th June, was a day of great excitement, as we got to the much-talked-of ' Poet-Office on the Line.' This consisted in meeting a homeward-bound vessel, the Lady Rowena, of Liverpool, from Burma. She came near enough to signal, and after many false alarms we had the pleasure of seeing letters conveyed to her for pottage in Liverpool, or the first English port at which she might call we entered Investigator's Strait at the rate of 10 knots an hour with a steady breeze from the south-west. At daybreak on Tuesday, the 3rd of august, 1875, the breeze fell, but we were feasting our eyes on South Australian land, and were in high glee as we sailed steadily up St. Vincent's Gulf, anchoring in the Bay abreast of Glenelg at half-past 2o'clock — precisely the same time of the day as we raised our anchor at Plymouth, having accomplished the journey of 15,000 miles in 81 days.

HOW THE EMIGRANTS FARED.

On the whole very well— far better than I had imagined — and yet we were all very glad to get on shore. The berths of the married people had been arranged on a new plan, and considering the economy of space were models of decency and comfort. Of the single men and women's quarters, which were respectively in the fore and after batches, I can only say that they reminded me of rows of orange boxes, ranged in two layers, with a walk down the centre. In the main hatch, though two couple slept one above the other, and tour of their beds, with a mess table in the centre, occupied no more space than about 10 feet by 6 feet, yet when the table was raised and curtains were put through the centre post, and round one at each end of the table, there was almost perfect privacy, and each married couple had a small dressing-room to themselves. Of course this was only three feet long by 20 inches broad, but still there was space enough for them to sit down on their boxes containing Knives, forks, and the tin ware used for our meals— and perform their toilet. The men generally went through their morning ablutions on Deck. When the curtains were rolled up and the tables let down the appearance of the long line of the latter reminded me very forcibly of a succession of dinner and tea parties. Perhaps we enjoyed few of those delicacies which are generally present at such meetings; still the food supplied was very wholesome and good. We had salt meat five days each week, and Australian preserved meat the other two. The salt pork was invariably good, and the salt beef was almost as often tough and almost unpalatable. We had a great variety of dishes, and often two or three 'courses' to one dinner— either plum pudding, rice pudding, meat pies, pea soup, or preserved vegetables being found each day on some of our tables. We began our voyage by having all things served out in a cooked stats, but this did not give general satisfaction, and we had our rations served out raw to each 'mess' of from six to 10 adults. They were then made up by each "mess captain" or his wife, and sent to the galley, where, considering the number and variety of dishes, they were generally very well cooked. Once a week we had little extras, such as three ounces of jam, marmalade, or cheese, with a sufficiency of butter (rancid, however), pickles, &c. We had about half as much bread as was desired, and had to ' make out' with hard tea biscuits, which to some were the great discomfort of the voyage. Bread might be made nearly if not fully as cheap as these hard, dry biscuits, and I cannot help expressing an earnest hope that future Government emigrants may be allowed a little more flour.

INCIDENTS ON BOARD.

Under this head I must include births and deaths. Of the former we had one on the 11th June, when Mrs. John Henry Proud, late of York, gave birth to a daughter, which, however, died seven weeks later. A second occurred after we had anchored in Investigator's Straits; but as the mother was a single woman her name need not be mentioned. Three deaths occurred, the first being that of the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Blood, who had been a great sufferer from consumption. His parents reside in Kapunda, and he had expressed a strong desire to die there. The next death took place somewhat unexpectedly, on July 6, when a girl about 10 years of age, Jessie Goldsworthy, died from inflammation of the lungs. Each body was cast over board on the day of decease, the captain reading the funeral service over the first two; but as the little child born on board, and which had been named Mary Hesperides, had not been baptized the Church of England burial service could not be read over its body. The service was therefore conducted by a relative of the deceased. The only accident, beyond a few facial disfigurements, happened on the 9th July, when a sailor named Prior fell as he was about going up the rigging. He sustained a severe contusion and sprain of one of his legs, but was almost recovered by the end of the voyage.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND SECULAR AMUSEMENTS.

We had one or two religious services almost every Sunday. On three occasions Captain Upton read the order for Morning Prayer, and most of the emigrants assembled round him on the poop. Each Sunday afternoon divine service was conducted by two or three Non conformists on board, Mr. William Williams, late of Penzance, assisted by Mr. Cornelius Fraud, from York, generally being the preacher. There was also a Sunday-school, under the superintendence of the last-named, and aided by Mr. George Hogben, late of Ashford, Kent. There were more than 20 children on the books, and the average attendance almost reached that number. The public religious services were generally joined in with earnestness, and the Roman Catholics on board paid considerable attention to their devotional exercises. Turning to 'matters profane,' as they are sometime termed, I may say that we had a variety of amusements, all supplied by the emigrants. Lounging on the deck, cither with or without a novel in hand, was the common method of spending time in the tropics, and when colder weather appeared there were gymnastic exercises, rope-pulling, &c, on deck, and cards, draughts, dominoes, and indoor games below. A day-school was conducted by Mr. Williams, late of Leeds. Eight names were 'on the books, 'but the average attendance appeared small, and the school was not held very regularly.

ADVICE TO INTENDING EMIGRANTS.

If I had the voyage to make again I would gladly embark, although I felt keenly at times those privations which are necessarily associated with life on the sea. But the pleasures and interesting experiences of the voyage were many, and I would say to all my timid fellow countrymen and women who think of emigrating to Australia that they have no reason to be afraid of the voyage. Let them only bring a good supply of extras, and they will find themselves nearly as well off as at home of course excepting the comfortable fireside and the retirement of a snug little household..

The South Australian Register, Thursday 9 September p. 6

The Matron of the Hesperides.— We have seen a copy of an address signed by 33 married men, immigrants by the Hesperides, and presented to Mrs. Rogers, the matron, to whom they express their gratitude for the manner in which she sought the health and comfort of their wives and families, more especially since the death upon the voyage of the Surgeon Superintendent, Dr. Blood, jun. We may add that from other passengers we have heard equally high accounts of Mrs. Rogers' care and attention to all who were placed under her charge.

GRG 35/48/2 Crown lands and Immigrant ships papers Surgeon Superintendent report. " Deaths on the voyage"
Name	Age	Date of Death	Cause of Death	Where buried
Goldsworthy, Jessie	9	July 16th, 1875	Severe Cold	at sea
Proud, Mary Hesperides	inf	July 30th, 1875	Convulsion	at sea
Dr. Blood	n/a	June 19th, 1875	Consumption	at sea

Surgeon Superintendent Report "Births on Board"
Name of Mother		Date of Birth	Sex of Infant
Proud, Jane		June 11th, 1875	Female
Dimond, Mary		August 4th, 1875	Male

note: where maiden name of wife is indicated, it has been included in the given name column within ( ) ; the passenger list comprises three sections arranged alphabetically, i families, ii single men, iii single women & children ; transcriber notes

Sources: State Library South Australia, official passenger lists, mainly of immigrants arriving in South Australia under United Kingdom assisted passage schemes, 1847-1886 GRG 35/48a (formerly ACC 313); Sydney Shipping Gazette; South Australian Register; The South Australian Government Gazette; GRG 35/48/2 Crown lands and Immigrant ships papers; Biographical index SA 1836-1885 (the B-index column indicates individuals who may be found in that index, with corresponding reference ; FreeBMD ; UK census'

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