"Extracts from a Diary maintained by Nathan Lucas..." Topic

…1803 and 1811.
Interesting read.

"The convoy being appointed to sail on the 20th, I got all my stores on board; but Capt J O Hardy of His MS Courageux being our convoy, he did not think proper to sail till 21st of July, Thursday; at noon on that day I went on board, & was soon joined by my fellow passengers; & at 3 pm we made sail out of Carlisle Bay, after having once more taken leave of my good friends whom I was to leave behind me!

July 24th Sunday, at 9 am saw land, taken at first for Marygalante; but found ourselves mistaken; & after much anxiety found it to be the North side of Antigua. The Commodore in the Courageux shortened sail, & sent for some of the masters – Brenan among others – they told him his situation. No single vessel, much less a fleet, ever ventures along the North side; being too dangerous to be approached on account of rocks &c. On shore we learnt, that the whole fleet was momently expected to be lost – & so did we! The Commodore knew not his situation; & indeed he does not appear to be a crack officer.

July 28th Thursday, moderate & clear weather– at daylight the Courageux made the signal for sailing; & at 8 am we got under weigh from St John's Road – soon cleared Sandy Island and reef, & saw Monserrat on our larboard side – the Sandy Reef is planted with coconuts, & will be a good guide into St John's. Thirty three square rigged vessels joined us here. We lay too till 11 pm & the Antigua ships had not all got out then; they deserve to be left behind. Saw Redanda; then Nevis & St Kitts – in the mid-channel saw them all, as well as Antigua, at the same time. At ˝ past 9 pm passed about twelve ships at anchor in Nevis Road; at ˝ past 10 anchored in Bassetere Road, St Kitts. We found no ships there but those belonging to the island, the others having all fallen to leeward to Tortola. It was very ill judged in the Commodore to bring a fleet to anchor here so late at night; & fortunately only one ship was injured, one of the island ships; & she had her bowsprit carried away…"
Full reading here.
link

Hope you enjoy!.

Amicalement
Armand

Very cool link. Thanks Armand.

I have been to Antigua. The British had a royal dockyard there to repair the fleet. What is left of it is very interesting, though they could do with more information for folks who don't know what they are looking at.

Glad you enjoyed it my friend.
I was in Antigua too.

Amicalement
Armadn

I've been to Antigua too, but didn't get the opportunity to visit the site of the royal dockyard like 45thdiv did.

Thanks for posting Armand!

Ted

No mention my friend!. (smile).

Amicalement
Armand