Diary of John Henry Norcock, 1835-1837 [manuscript]
Creator
Norcock, John Henry, 1809-1854
Call Number
MS 5896
Created/Published
[1835-1837]
Extent
0.48 m. (1 v.) + 1 fol. box.
Items
192
Scope and Content
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).
Background
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.