Whytes diary

O'Brien rated it really liked it. Consideration of who wrote this book, which is a diary, is needed to understand you are getting an outsider's view of what the Irish peasants endured on the coffin ships. Robert Whyte was a gentleman who was on an adventure in He had his own cabin and ate meals with the captain.

However, he did exhibit horror and sensitivity about the conditions of the passengers who were transported in the ship's hold. The peasants were already starving and weak when they boarded.

For many, their passage h Consideration of who wrote this book, which is a diary, is needed to understand you are getting an outsider's view of what the Irish peasants endured on the coffin ships. For many, their passage had been paid by landowners who wanted to evict them from their small farm holdings so as to make more profitable use of the land.

They had little in way of possessions and were assigned small bunks for the six-week journey. Soon enough, sickness emerged. Fevers that sent many to watery graves. I give Whyte credit for recognizing the injustice of the situation, but sometimes it was jarring to read his descriptions, which came from the bias of his class to lower classes of people.

And yet, I hope that his publication of this book led to awareness and better conditions going forward. Jan 28, Nicole rated it really liked it.

A very good historical read that describes both the horrors of the coffin ships and Grosse Isle, as well as the stunning beauty of Canada. A couple quotes that stuck with me in addition to the descriptions of the landscapes : "The captain had a great dread of the coast of Newfoundland which, being broken into deep bays divided from each other by rocky capes, is rendered exceedingly perilous, more especially as the powerful currents set towards this inhospitable shore.

It may be so. Yet, untutored, degraded, famished and plague-stricken as they were I assert that there was more true heroism, more faith, more forgiveness to their enemies and submission to the Divine Will exemplified in these victims than could be found in ten times the number of their oppressors.

Mar 08, Kevin Keating rated it liked it. Interesting subject, but I'm not sure the treatment was all that good in this book. Nicoledepolo rated it it was amazing Apr 14, Erin Becker rated it it was amazing Aug 10, Shirley Bradford rated it really liked it Dec 06, Terri Hale rated it it was amazing Apr 24, Bev Walkling rated it really liked it Jan 29, Mary Beth rated it liked it Jul 05, Eleanor Forster rated it it was amazing Aug 07, Sally Tierney rated it really liked it Nov 06, Elke rated it liked it Feb 10, Amy rated it really liked it Aug 22, Maureen rated it really liked it Jul 17, Carole rated it it was amazing Apr 16, Theresa French rated it liked it Sep 22, Ann James rated it liked it Oct 14, It was a charming morning on which I left dear old Ireland.

The balmy new-born day in all the freshness of early summer was gladdened by the beams of the sun which rose above the towers of the city, sunk in undisturbed repose. It was a morning calculated to inspire the drooping soul with hope auguring future happiness. Too soon I arrived at the quay and left my last footprint on my native land.

The boat pushed off and in a few minutes I was on board the brig that was to waft me across the wide Atlantic. There was not a soul on deck but presently the grizzled head of the captain was protruded from the cabin and from the uninviting aspect of his face I feared that he would prove an unsocial companion for a long voyage.

He received me as kindly as his stubborn nature would allow and I was forced to admire the manly dignity of the rude tar when, from the bent attitude he was obliged to assume while ascending the companion ladder, he stood upright on the deck. The sailors now issued from the forecastle and the mate came up and introduced himself to me. The captain having given the word to weigh anchor, a bustle immediately arose throughout the vessel; the seamen promptly proceeded to their work with apparent pleasure although being the Sabbath they did not accompany the action with the usual chant.

The chain having become entangled in the cables of some fishing boats, it was a considerable while before the anchor was hoisted. At length the top-sails were unreefed and our bark glided through the beauteous bay. In a short time we rounded the promontory of Howth having taken the north channel as the wind was southerly. The captain then led me down to the cabin for breakfast and introduced me to his wife who he informed me always accompanied him to sea and whom I shall for the future designate as the mistress, as by that term she was known to both crew and passengers.

Feeling an inclination towards squeamishness and being much more sick at heart, I retired to my stateroom and lying down upon the berth, fell into a dreamy slumber, in which I remained until aroused when I found it was late in the afternoon and tea was ready. I felt somewhat revived by the grateful beverage and accompanied the captain on deck.

We were off Carlinford and the mountains of Mourne. The passengers were cooking their evening meal at their fires upon the foredeck and the sailors discussing their coffee in the forecastle. I endeavoured to enter into conversation with the captain but he was provokingly taciturn; however, we were soon joined by the mistress, who was not unwilling to make up for her husband's deficiency. The sun set and twilight subsided into darkness.

A cold night breeze also told that it was time to go below. Monday, 31 May I rose early and inhaled the fresh morning air. We made good progress during the night and the bold cliffs of,the coast of Antrim were visible on one hand, the Scotch shore on the other. The mistress sat in an armchair and the mate on a stool next to me, completing the cabin circle.

We were attended by Simon the cabinboy whom at first sight I took to be a 'darky'. His face was coated with smoke and soot, streaked by the perspiration that trickled from his brow which was surmounted by a thicket of short, wiry black hair standing on end, his lustreless brown eyes I cannot better describe than by borrowing a Yankee illustration: they were Dike two glass balls lighted by weak rush lights'; his lips were thick, straight and colourless; his complexion when unveiled was a grimy yellow and the expression of his wide flat face, idiotic.

He wore a red flannel shirt and loose blue pilot trousers but neither shoes nor stockings. His movements were slow, except at meals, when he seemed to regain his suspended animation and it was a goodly sight to see him gulping coffee, bolting dodges of fat pork and crunching hard biscuit as ravenously as a hungry bear.

No two specimens of human nature could possibly present more striking contrasts than Simon and his fellow apprentice, Jack. The latter was about 15 years of age, remarkably small and active. Squirrel never climbed a tree more nimbly than Jack could go aloft, and in the accomplishment of chewing and smoking he might compete with the oldest man aboard. Famines -- Ireland -- History -- 19th century. Ireland -- History -- Famine, Whyte, Robert, -- active 19th century Emigration and Immigration -- history.

Emigrants and Immigrants -- history. History, 19th Century. Whyte, Robert -- Journal intime. Whyte, Robert -- Voyages.

Whyte, Robert, -- active 19th century. Emigration and immigration. Irish diaries. Ocean travel. Emigration Ireland. All rights reserved. Please sign in to WorldCat Don't have an account?

Remember me on this computer. Cancel Forgot your password? Robert Whyte ; James J Mangan. Print book : Biography : English View all editions and formats. By using this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with the cookie policy Ok, got it. ISBN: Buy Kindle eBook on Amazon. ISBN First Name. Last Name.