Diary of John Henry Norcock, 1835-1837 [manuscript]
- Bib ID:
- 1082120
- Format:
- Manuscript
- Author:
- Norcock, John Henry, 1809-1854
- Online Version:
- National Library of Australia digitised item
- Access Conditions:
- Available for research. Not for loan.
- Description:
-
- [1835-1837]
- 0.48 m. (1 v.) + 1 fol. box.
- Summary:
-
MS 5896 comprises the private journal written in ink recording John Henry Norcock's voyage on HMS Rattlesnake, and his homeward journey in the barque Kinnear from 18 October 1835 to 1 September 1837 (190 p.). Approximately 70-80 pages were written in Australian waters at Hobart, Sydney and Melbourne between 5 August 1836 and 14 May 1837. Early pages record coasting voyages in Indian waters, then a trip to Mauritius with six weeks residence there. The last section was written on the voyage home: entries cease 100 miles from England. Of special interest is an account of activities whilst the Rattlesnake was stationed in and around Melbourne on survey work during the official establishment and planning of the city, which was founded by John Pascoe Fawkner on 29 August 1835, the first land sale taking place in June 1837. Also of interest are Norcock's remarks on William Hobson. Norcock was a pious youth who disapproved of Hobson's Sabbath-breaking. When in port Hobson arranges a Sunday service on board and invites visitors, Norcock judges him a hypocrite (1 v., 1 fol. box).
- Biography/History:
-
John Henry Norcock entered the Navy in 1821 as a first-class volunteer and served on the West Indian, East Indian, American and Mediterranean Stations. He was promoted to commander in 1846. Norcock was master's mate on HMS Rattlesnake, and his commanding officer was Captain William Hobson, first governor of New Zealand.
- Notes:
-
- Manuscript reference no.: MS 5896.
- Transcript by G.T. Powell (1980), 163 p., also available.
- Photocopy available for reference.
- Also available on microfilm at the National Library of Australia Main Reading Room - Newspapers and Family History at mfm G 21335.
- Also available online http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-573832939
- Cited In:
- Guide to collections of manuscripts relating to Australia, D332.
- Subject:
-
- Norcock, John Henry, 1809-1854 -- Diaries
- Norcock, John Henry, 1809-1854 -- Travel
- Hobson, William, 1793-1842
- Great Britain. Royal Navy -- Officers -- Diaries
- Kinnear (Ship)
- Rattlesnake (Ship)
- Navies -- Great Britain -- Officers -- Diaries
- Voyages and travels
- Melbourne (Vic.) -- Description and travel -- To 1850
- Time Coverage:
- 1835-1837
- Occupation:
- Naval officers
- Other authors/contributors:
- Powell, Graeme T., 1945-
- Copyright:
-
Copyright Undetermined
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- Reason for copyright status:
- A Manuscript Collection may have a range of formats and dates.
Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary Dramatic Musical
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