The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-07-24
My First Voyage
Over the Atlantic.
Interesting Letter from n Scran-
ton Lady who Recently Went
Abroad.

Atlantic Ocean, July 3-The new,
large and powerful steamship Lucania
lies at anchor in the Hudson river at
Pier 40, ready to direct it's course over
the vast ocean eastward, the host of
passengers on board were strangers to
me except five, Mrs. Henry Thomas
and son Harry and Mrs. John r. Davis
and children, Emeline and Amy, all of
Scranton. By the way, Mrs. Davis is
my companion. We left Pier 40 at a.
m. The boat moved so quietly we did
not know we had started. After watch
ing the departure of friends, some wav-
ing handkerchiefs, others waving large
bouquets Of flowers, some laughing,
others crying, we descended to the din
ing room and partook of an excellent
breakfast. Going on deck the weather
was all we could wish it to be, the sun
shone brightly, the sea calm, and so
great was our pleasure that the din
ner gong rang long before we expected
1T. The next thing on the programme
was going up on deck; the weather was
continuance of the morning. The
main feature of the afternoon enter
tainment was the approach of a num-
ber, probably ten or fifteen, large fish
jumping high out of the water, as If
playing hide-and- July 4. This is
our national holiday, also the Sabbath,
which is observed better than we an
ticipated. They are quite patriotic on
our vessel. The English and American
flags are draped side by side, and many
other decorations indicating q holiday
Even the horizon represented our ma
tional colors last evening at sunset.
We spent the first part of this morn
ing in our salon singing hymns. At
1.30 o'clock we went to first cabin
saloon, in which Church of England
services were conducted by the purser.
At II o'clock today we have travelled
502 miles. We spent the greater part
of the afternoon down in the steerage
listening to the singing. There are
some fine voices down there (Welsh. of
course) and the singing sounds very
sweet on the water.
July 5, weather not as pleasant as
heretofore; sea rather rough, but J am
happy to say that the members of our
party are all quite well, and to assure
you that we are not lonely, l will give
you the number of souls on board:
First cabin, 800; second cabin, 430
steerage, $50; crew. 490, making a to-
tai of 1910, a floating town and we
are able to distinguish every Ameri-
can by the badge worn; that of odd
Glory" Just after tea this evening we
sighted the first ship. She saluted and
our ship returned the salute. 1t seem
ed good to see something to break the
monotony of sky and water. From 12
o'clock yesterday to ~ o'clock today
we have Travelled 494 miles.
July 6-Another night has passed
and this is a beautiful morning. one
of the finest we have witnessed on the
trip, but the officials have a sad duty
to preform. During the night little
child Of the steerage died and they
buried it in the sea this morning. OH,
it was something dreadful to behold.
a box covered with a Union Jack"
which. when taken off revealed a lit
tie black coffin, which was thrown into
the seething water and tossed about a
few seconds; then went from sight
forever. The words of the poet came
| to my mind so Vividly!
'Jt matters not, I've oft been told
Where the body may lie when the heart is
| cold
Make ME a grave far out on the lee
But bury me not in the deep, deep sea-"
We spent the greater part of the day
| Oli uSNh ilC"
July 7-Another lovely day has
dawned with the sea like glass, the
ship sailing beautifully and every one
talking and getting ready for the con-
cert this evening. Nothing particular
has taken place during the day and
the time for opening the concert has
arrived and while our people are pre-
rarlng, the steerage passengers are
giving a fine concert. So you can see
that we are all happy so far.
July S-Another beautiful morning,
but the vessel is rocking so badly that
1t is almost impossible to write and
much more impossible to keep on our
feet, and we are beginning to feel like
saying:
"Oh! happy morrirg when again we see
| the land.
And with our Nved ones on the shore we
| stand"
They are busy getting the baggage
ready for Queenstown. They expect to
reach there this evening. l shall have
to draw this letter to a close In order
to mail 1t on the boat. Hoping to write
to you again, 1 remain, Morfudd.