The next entries in James' diary take us to the New Year:

" December 26th today we are 38^° 13' south lat. 8^° 3' East long. December 28th. we have been running from 101/2 to 11 knots all night, rather squally. Passed the Cape this evening
December 31 st. I have been very unwell for several days but am now much better. 38^° 45' South lat. 27^° 18'East long. One of the men got very drunk this evening, went up on deck and insulted the officer of the watch --- he ordered him to go aft but the man refused to go. In the meantime the ship carpenter went and told the Captain to arm himself for the ship, was in a state of mutiny. The Captain, who from all accounts, was tipsy at the time came on deck and began lashing away at the man with his sword. The man then became very mutinous, and there is no doubt but that it would have ended badly if the Chief Mate had not intervened between the Captain and the man. Officers afterwards secured the drunk man, but not without some hazard, for he drew his knife upon them and stabbed the second mate in the leg. The others dispersed but were in a state of mutiny all night, refusing to work or do anything."

William, had recorded very different items in his diary on many days although he too recorded the drama of New Year's Eve

" December 26th. Strong gale, going before the wind, had one roll after dinner, away went the pots, pans and kettles and everything that was loose.
“December 27th. Little Caroline ill with hooping cough (sic) very cold therm 60 degrees
December 28th Strong gale and squally rounding the Cape, gaff cracked in two hail and showers. Today we are 39^° 22' South lat. 76^° 45' East long. We made the island of St Paul’s about 6 o'clock this evening --- it was distinctly seen from the masthead. It is fifteen days since we passed the Cape having run nearly 3,000 miles in that time.
January 17th. A South Sea whaler in sight. 96°E. long scarcely any wind.
January 26th. For several days passed the wind has been very light but favourable. This morning it has shifted around right again against us 40°35 'South lat. 125°33 'East long.

William made the next few entries

" 28th. Discovered the main hinge of the rudder broken, rudder supported by chains, wind changed to S.E. 360 miles to go. Child died."
31 st. Girl to Bastian of Crowan died aged 11 years.'
February 1st. Child to Gahan died. 1 birth, 5pm made land in Fowlers Bay, tacked to South, wind ahead."

James was next to record

February 2nd. We have been beating about with a head wind since the last date. 35°30'S. lat 125°133' East long
February 3rd. This day we got the first sight of Western Australia ( ---- surely he meant South Australia) we passed several small islands and could just discern Cape Catastrophe, but were obliged to tack and run to the South owing to the head wind.'

Also, on this day, William wrote in his diary

"Wind changed on our furlough to the S. W. fine breeze." and on the next
" 4th This morning 8.a.m. Saw land, all hands rejoiced, headland entrance to St Vincent’s Gulf, tacked three points tacked every 4 hours."