It was a foggy morning. I could see the boat and I learned that we were in the River Mersey. How different it looked from the River Clyde! I was on the poop and a man was standing waving to a woman in the boat, who was also waving a handkerchief. He was a tall, strong-looking man, with such a tanned face. I looked up at him and saw the tears standing on his brown cheeks. That was our captain. When we got fairly out to sea a great many felt ill. Strange to say, I did not, and was able to be helpful and to go here and there and assist the others. Some were never on the deck for weeks, but rough or fine I never missed being in the open air for one day during the voyage. I loved to watch the wheel that controlled the helm and guided that great ship in a direct course to Adelaide. A few verses, written by one of the married men, will give some idea of the high opinion we all had of the captain. They are still in a legible state, although written so long ago. I will add them here. The author of them is dead, but in his lifetime in South Australia his name was popular and high in public favor. Here are the lines:--
Come, let us be cheerful, at last we are afloat Alone on the ocean, where battles were fought By England's true sons, to memory so dear, Whose cannons were never yet seen in the rear. Brave Captain Mathews, he is truly a hero, His barque is his pride on the wide, rolling sea. His voice through the tempest sounds strong and clear, And the deck is his cabin when danger is near. No favor yet asked has he ever refused, In the fair weather all the young girls are amused. Always so cheerful, with a sweet, pleasant smile; See him romp with the children, the time to beguile. Mr. Granger, the first mate, like the captain, is free, Always happy when he sees some amusement and glee. Amongst the young women he is nothing amiss-- I judge by the number that I've seen him kiss. Mr. Hudson, the second mate, has a fitness of mind, In his place he is ever upright and kind. Truth and sincerity you discern in his face, He will never the cause of old England disgrace. Then may success attend those three brave sons of the sea, May fortune befriend them wherever they be; When old age comes on may their pillow be soft, When called from below, God grant their souls go aloft!