Item 9 - Photocopy of ALS from Edmund Wheeler Herbert to his sister, Bess, written 'At sea, 60 miles East of Gibraltar on board of the 'Shooting Star'. (3 copies)

Describes his life over the last 10 days. Crossing the Bay of Biscay was very rough, 2 masts broke, men were injured and 3 horses died. There is plenty of room, and the vessel is very fast, so the voyage has been pleasant since the Bay of Biscay. They have seen millions of fish, and caught a very large porpoise and several albatross. They have sailed in sight of the Spanish coast, and close to the Rock of Gilbraltar. They have seen 2/4 of the globe (Europe and Africa) and will see Asia. Further sections of the letter are written on 4 May, 5 May and 6 May in diary style, as the letter cannot be posted until arrival in Malta. Another horse died and he feared more would follow. By 5 May the ship is travelling fast in a fair wind and Africa is still visible on their right. Mentions a Captain Duberley travelling with his wife. Regrets that he did not answer his sister's previous letters before the order came to march, and the reception that the troops received en route. By 6 May the vessel has made the quickest time known for a sailing vessel and is within 212 miles of Malta, where they will stay 24 hours to take on water and receive instructions on where they will disembark (either Gallipole or Varna - both about 10 days sailing from Malta). Asks his sister to preserve this letter should he not return. He has £6 in the Regiment's St Patricks fund which she should apply for in the event of his death, and she can use this letter as evidence. Gives her an address to which letters may be directed.