‘Happily on shore at Deal.’
Charly persevered with her journal: ‘October 31st. We saw land very plainly. At 3, we were off Dover and saw the Castle quite distinctly. At 4, we cast anchor off Deal. Mrs Baker went on shore with our fellow passengers in the evening. Mamma had promised Papa she would not be too impatient to land. We therefore remained on board that night.’ ‘November 1st. A stormy night. Landing today by no means safe and we sadly feared we could not have a boat to take us on shore. Towards the middle of the day, the wind somewhat abated and a pilot came on board and said that if we could be ready in 20 minutes, he would undertake to land us. We lost no time in preparation and were soon happily on shore at Deal, and delighted to find ourselves at length in old England. We thought the inn, a palace. Our voyage had been an unusually long one: seven months and ten days.’ ‘November 2nd. Some perplexity this morning to know what was to be done. The landing at the Cape and St Helena had exhausted our funds. Mr Cartwright, who was the manager of our affairs, was puzzled. After breakfast, the discussion was interrupted by the Banker of the place, who came to offer his services, thinking we might require them; they were gratefully accepted and by the middle of the day, we were able to proceed to Canterbury, where we slept, feeling very odd in Hack chaises after our long abode in the ship.’ ‘November 3rd. Reached London, having on the road met Lord Cornwallis’s suite, who were going to Paris to negotiate the peace.’*
* Treaty of Amiens