William Strapps Diary Part 2

I had to get a fresh supply at the cape & some spirited dancing was the consequence Tea time was the scene of an Anglo-German Scuffle. As usual there was a rush for the tea & one of our table mates a Kent young fellow was coming away with two tins full when a German who was angry because he had got before him knocked one over & scalded his arm. The British Lion being aroused would have soon crippled the double headed eagle had not several interposed (shamrock leaves) & pulled the Lion back. The German got one whack on the ear straight from the shoulder & had he got a similar one between the eyes he would not have knocked any more tea over for some time to come

Friday January 30, 1880

309 Miles 40° 8" Lat S 39° 56" Long E. This morning the sea was beautiful to look upon Whichever side you looked as as the eye could reach there was not a patch of fom visible or a break in the water except where our vessel cut thro the water & left her track. The waters were moved by a long lazy swell. & it looked as if it had been oiled so smooth was it. The wind blew rather chill but the sun shining very bright compensated for it. The men ar trying their strength today by lifting each other bodily from the deck various other games one of the chief was "the mounted foes" or "knights" A couple of men on the others back charged two of the chief ws "the mounted foes" or "knights" A couple of men one on the others back charged two others & bore them down by sheer strength It is a rought & dangerous game & they had a hard struggle for it sometimes. We sighted three vessels all at the same time an unusual sight on this waste of waters.

Sat 306 miles 40° 7" Lat S 46° 37" Long E Rather warmer

Jan 31st 1880 this morning but the wind blew pretty cold towards noon The sea is rather choppy forming a striking contrast with its appearance of yesterday. The petition to the captain regard ing our steward took effect for our steward came back this morning & some of the boys drank his health with the Lime juice that was sent down at certain times & served out to us on a/c of the hot weather to keep the scurvy away. The fire bell sent forth its notes & away all the men rushed to drill. Towards noon it came over hazy & as the day advanced we were caught in a dense fog which caused the fog whistle to be blown every 4 or 5 mintes which interrupted a concert that was going on down the 2nd saloon There were some pretty fair singing both male & female giving specimens of their vocal powers one of the Gentlemen was a German & he

was loudly encored It came on very wet at night & it made us crowd together like a flock of sheep 316 miles Sun Feb 1st 1880 40°0" Lat S 53° 30" Long & very rough this mor ning with rain falling at intervals. We have been going along in fine style having a good & strong current to help us along its fine fun to watch others tumbling about & more so if you happen to over balance yourself Service was held down the first Saloon morning & evening down our cabin in the afternoon. We had a good sing to ourselves & felt quite at home Tonight we shipped our first large wave 50 or 60 of us were sitting & lying in various pos itions chattering etc when all of a sudden it flew over us & soaked us to the skin many of us no doubt were very lazy but it took it out of us for the

moment being We all rose to our feet like a regiment of soldiers. It must have gone up some 50 or 60 feet.

Mon Feb 2nd 1880

318 Miles 40° 0" Lat S60° 25"Long E Yesterday we had catholic service down our cabin which was conducted by an old gentleman Between 30 & 40 attended We have made a good run again today our spirits rise higher as the miles get more in number in consequence Sighting vessels now is a variety & are like angels visits Few & far between

Tues Feb 3rd 1880

334 miles 40° 10 " Lat S 67° 42" Long E The wind has somewhat fallen off this morning the sails are flapping against the mast which made us expect to see our mileage list rather low but we were agreeably surprised to see 334 put up the best run we have made and starting