AustLit

At head of poem: Note from the writer's log book

At foot of poem: Here the Queen's health was drank by the writer and several passengers on board, to whom the lines were read.

Author's note: February 20, 1840 - (Ship William Money.) - Weighed anchor in Portsmouth Harbour yesterday morning, and proceeded down the Channel with a fine breeze and an almost unclouded sky. At half-past eleven a.m. passed the remarkable rocks called 'The Needles.' The Pilot, at twelve o'clock, relinquished his post, and then many an eye was strained to take 'a last fond look,' as the white cliffs faded in the Horizon. Bid a 'farewell' to Home in the following verses, written principally while on deck :-

Author's note: Jamieson-street, Sydney, Oct. 30, 1840

Reprinted in the Australian, 10 November 1840, 4.' - Webby