Transcribe De Kempeneer, Charles E. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1884-02-27)

Melbourne, February 27th 1884

Prof. H. A. Ward

Dear Sir,

I am now moving about from one town to an other, have left Sydney the 15th and arrived here the 17th of this month, had a very good trip. Saturday last I met Mr. G. C. Oakman and was quite surprised to hear him say that they had an accident on the way. One foggy night about 5 o'clock in the morning the ship struck against some rock, it seems that all the men rushed on deck, some not dressed at all, otehrs half dressed. They soon discovered several holes where the water was rushing in, put the pumps at work the rest of that night and all of the next day, and, closed up the holes, and, finally reached Melbourne with a great delay, lucky for all those who were on bord.

In regard to size of streets, Melbourne is better than Sydney, but in all other respects I like Sydney much better. Twice I have visited the University Museum, and, have failed to see Prof. M'Coy, however as I have a situation