Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-05-16
EXTRACTS FROM A PRIVATE LETTER
FROM HERBERT =. HALL.
on BOARD The STEAMER "SAALE,"
ApriI %. 1900.

On BOARD The STEAMER "SAALE,"N
April %, 1899.
/ cannot give you my post Office ad-
dress as we are about 30 miles from land
but expect TO see Il In an hour or two.
We will not arrive ut Gibraltar. before
A, VI. tomorrow as we are about $50
miles from there at the present time, and
are running only about II miles an hour.
We shall stop for four or five hours at
Gibraltar aud go In there to see what
there Is 10 be seen.
Now for the trip. We left New York
nj III A. ". Saturday, the 18th, with q
smooth sea for two days or until Tues
day when II began TO be rough and con-
tinued getting worse all day.
Wednesday the steamer rolled so we
could not walk the deck with any GER
tsinty where we would bring up. The
chairs were lsshed to the deck, and II
you started to move you would bring up
In the most unexpected places. My
niece was thrown out of her chair and
landed against the ships rail. A gentle
man went to her help aud was soon roll
ing around with her. Then young
lady tried 10 prevent her from striking
her hesd against chair aud over she
went pulling nv wife with her when all
four were rolling around In mixed heap
together. This was one OF the funny
things that occurred.
The steamer rolled so the water would
come up 10 the lower deck and waves
would come and then break over the up
per deck with splash and drench every
thing In sight without respect Of per-
sons. The sea was beautiful as the sun
was shining all the time.
Wednesday night we could hardly
stay In our berths, and the trunks and
baggage went skating back and forth
over the floor with a continual thump
aud bang that made sleeping somewhat
difficult.
Thursday the sea was more calm and
In the afternoon we ran close to one Of
the Azore Islands, which we could see
very plzinlv. The shores are abrupt,
rocks so To 100 feet high, and on the top
could be seen the little farms and many
store houses, all whitewashed so they
looked like go many snowbals on the
green grass, but not single tree did
see.
Friday was much better and our st0m-
achs got righted so we took our meals
as usual.
Saturday was = perfect day, the sea
like glass, and to-day, Sunday, the air is
clear and cool, just right TO be out with
out an overc0at, with little breeze
ripping the water.
Sunday Is very much like anv other
day on ship, except at about 7 In the
morning, you are awakened by the band
playing that good old hymn. "Nearer,
my God, to thee" Then at the bugle
calls for breakfast, after which there Is
a rush Of all to 60 on deck, to sit or
walk, and watch for whales which sell
dom show up. At ii 80 we have divine
service at which the band plays, all Of
which IL very beautiful.
They are all rushing now to see land,
Cape Vincent, which we are close to.
Well, we have just had look at land.
and It has faded out Of eight, but there
are manv ships to be seen.
We have lunch at II NJ, dinner at Z
p. NJ, and music from the band during
dinner. Between breakfast and lunch,
and lunch and dinner, beef tea and sand
witches with lemonade are served on
deck.
We expect to be In Rome next week
Wednesday. We have about $50 pas
seugers from all around. l am very
anxious for father and mother to meet
me In London about the 10Th Of June.