Wednesday 11th May 1853

This day at noon we had run 202 miles in the last 24 hours and... it was thought probable that we might reach Sundheads this evening in time to take in a pilot to carry us up to Calcutta next day. However, though the day had been fine, just immediately after sunset the sky began to assume a threatening aspect and apprehensions were entertained of another squall: the sails were immediately taken down in preparation for it, but although there was a great deal of lightning flashing vividly around us no squall came on. The sky nevertheless being obscured and it being dangerous in the present situation to proceed, at 8 o’clock the steam was taken off and the vessel lay to for soundings; an attempt was made about ½ past one o’clock in the morning to proceed but was not persevered in.

The full journal will soon be published by Annet House Museum, Linlithgow. Waldie's journey to India forms a key feature of the museum's Waldie exhibition.