At 01:52 PM 2006-07-05 +0100, Rachel Neville wrote: >I am looking for information about the Tasman (this is listed as a Barque >on one website but I understand from relatives that it may have been an >early steam ship) and Alford family. My ancestors, Robert and Ann(e) >Alford travelled (I believe with their 1 year old son, John) and arrived >in Australia in October 1848. Many thanks Hi Rachel, The Sydney Shipping Gazette http://www.nla.gov.au/ferg/issn/14403897.html Volume 5, Number 241 (28 October, 1848) Page 261 Port Phillip, October 18th 1848 : TASMAN, barque, from London the 5th [June] and Plymouth the 16th June. Passengers:- Mrs. Isabella Bentley, Mr John Black, Mr. Gregory, Dr. Ayre surgeon superintendent, and 222 emigrants. This unfortunately only confirms the rigging as a barque, but doesn't include tonnage or Captain name, however there is this chatty item about the voyage . . . The Tasman from London and Plymouth arrived yesterday with 222 healthy emigrants. There were 9 births and 10 deaths (children) on board, and 1 seaman who died from inflammation of the brain. There are 40 married couples, 31 single females, 54 single men, 4 boys and 3 girls under 14 and 4 infants. She has been 117 days out, and has had favourable but light winds during the voyage. The emigrants are composed of English and Scotch almost exclusively. She spoke the following vessels __ July 8, the Ranger, whaler of London, from New Zealand, in 14.42 N.L, with 16 barrels oil, and four whales alongside. July 14, in latitude 10.46 west, longitude 23.6 west, a suspicious schooner, full of men, ran alongside within two cables' length, but sheered off when they observed the number of hands on board, among whom the Captain was about to distribute arms.__Port Phillip Patriot, October 19. Sue -- TheShipsList Website http://www.theshipslist.com/