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March 18, 1899, clear and partly cloudy. Barometer rising. At 4:00 AM passed a steamer going South Course N 26° W. Land in sight on the starboard hand at daylight. Rather pleasant during forenoon, but occasional rain around horizon. Aired bedding. Set clock back 9 minutes – making the day 9 minutes longer. Changed course to N 20° W at 11 AM. Rain and hail during afternoon. Toward evening clear and cool. Smooth sea. Disconnected boiler “A” and hauled fires owning to a tube leaking. Wrote to J.

Lat. 48° 35' S. At noon DR

Long 76° 42' W. At noon DR

March 19, 1899, Generally fair and cool. Light airs. Course N 3° W. About 8:00 began getting overcast and cloudy with rain. Squalls. Barometer falling. Clearing between 10 AM and 12 AM. Barometer falling. Clifford (Drummer) was restored to duty. At 9:00 mustered at quarters. Inspected by the Commanding Officer. Articles for the Government of the Navy were read. Set clock ahead 1 minute. Clear and cool during part of afternoon. Smooth sea. Passed a whale. Sighted a steamer standing to the Southern. Land insight on starboard bow. Passed two whales. Overcast towards evening. Light airs from NW. – Raining toward midnight. Wrote to J. In Navel service two years today and wish I was out.

Lat at noon 43° 50' 40' S. DR

Long at noon 75° 44' 30' W. DR

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March 20, 1899, overcast and cloudy, with rain during early part of the morning. Course N 3° W. Barometer rising slowly. Moderate breeze from NNW. Increasing in force to fresh breeze. Toward 10 AM, heavy rain squalls and moderate gale. Toward 12, moderating, and clearing. Sighted Mocha Island on the starboard bow. Served out clean bags and hammocks. Changed course to N 18° W. Passing rain showers towards evening. Clearing about 8:00 PM 

Wrote to J.

Lat at noon DR 39° 27' S.

Long at noon DR 74° 37' W.

March 21, 1899, Partly cloudy with heavy dew. Gentle breeze. About 1:20 sighted Saint Maria light. Changed our course to N 7° E. Smooth sea. Starting to be clear about 8 – very pleasant. Had quarters and exercised at heavy marching order. About 10:30 land was sighted on starboard bow. About 2:00 passed a Chilean man of war bound south. Both saluted. Had quarters in the evening and exercised at physical drill. Bright moonlight night with heavy dew. At 7:30 PM, exercised at fire quarters. Every thing ready in 2'27". Wrote to J. Expect to get in tomorrow.

Lat at noon DR 35° 14' S.

Long at noon DR 73° 24' 30" W.

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March 22, 1899, clear and pleasant. Calm. Course N17° E. At 2:25 sighted Curaumilla Light and changed our course NE by E. Heavy dew and misty horizon. Slowed down during the early part of the morning, but went ahead full steam at 5:30 AM. At 5:45 stood in to Valparaiso harbor on various E’ly courses to anchorage. Came to in 30 fathoms of water at 7:11 AM, veering to 75 fathoms of chain, starboard anchor. Received a quarantine visit and was granted pratique. At 8:00 fired a salute of 21 guns, Chilean flag at main. Returned gun for gun by the fest. Then fired a salute of 13 guns, Chilean flag at fore in honor of the Chilean Commander Silva Palma, flying his flag on the Captain Prat; The salute was returned by the vessel, American Ensign at main. 

Found the following Chilean men of war in port. Almirante Cochrane, Almirante Condell, Almirante Simpson, Presidente Erazwiz, Presidente Pinto, 2 torpedo boats and the German Cruiser Geier.  Captain visited the Captain Prat, and the usual boarding visit was made to all. Were returned. Received a visit from Commander DM Campbell, representing the Captain of the Port and tendering the use of a man of war buoy during our stay in port. 

The US Consul paid an official visit to the ship, and on his departure a salute was fired at 2 PM, at 2:45 called all hands up anchor and at 3:20 took departure and set course N 22° W. At 3:30 changed course to NW by W. Gave a letter to American Consul to mail – addressed to J. – Bright moonlight night – heavy dew. Changed course to N 13° W. No mail received here.

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A little about Valparaiso

The Bay of Valparaiso is of semicircular form and appears capable of accommodating a large fleet of ships. It is well sheltered except towards the north – and during the prevalence of winds from this quarter in the winter season, accompanied as they always are by heavy rolling sea, the shipping is much exposed, and serious accidents often take place. On the outer edge of the landing jetty and opposite the Commercial Exchange is a large iron column from which is exhibited a revolving red, white and blue light every 16 (seconds). It is elevated about 40 feet, and visible at a distance of 5 miles. Caution should be used on entering the harbor. Man-of-war anchorages our berthed about 400 yards from the shore. The harbor is strewn with mooring chains laid down by the Chilean fleet. A large vein steamer, wrecked, lies about 400 yards, east’ end of Durant Point. Merchant vessels are berthed by harbor authorities and are moored in lines, and in consequence of numerous moorings and also sunken wreaks lying in the anchorage, it is recommended to employ a local pilot. 

During the summer the closer inshore the better; but during the winter, on the outside of other vessels, if it can be managed, so as to be safe from the driving of a northern gale, which sends in a heavy sea. Valparaiso stands at the foot of a range of hills, 1000 to 1400 feet high. The town has nearly all of the modern improvements, and large buildings have been erected, and other improvements are still in progress. The United States is represented by a Consul and advise Consul. There is a marine hospital here for seamen of all nationalities; also a home for sailors. Valparaiso is the best port for supplies and repairs on the west coast of South America. Beef steak and vegetables of all kinds are plentiful and comparatively cheap, but the water is very poor.

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Coal can always be obtained. There are foundries and workshops where extensive repairs can always be made. There are also facilities for repairing iron and wooden ships. Mail leaves for Panama twice a month. These steamers touch at all the principal ports on the coast. Telegraphic communication to all parts of the world. Northers blow here often, and sometimes pass over without doing much damage, but at intervals the effects are most disastrous, and all the ill seaweed or ill placed vessels and are driven ashore. To ride out a northern, it is deemed advisable to have a long scope of cable on anchor that is over; also spare anchor ready to let go at a moment's notice; also to have full head of steam up and ready for sea.

Juan Fernandez island, generally call by the Americans, Robinson Crusoe island, and by the Spaniards Mas a Tierra (or near the mainland) is 370 miles to the westward of Valparaíso. It is 12 miles long and about 4 miles across at its widest part.  The island is fertile. Provisions of all kinds can be obtained. When seen from a distance, the mountain El Yunque (The Anvil) about 5000 feet high, so called for its shape, appears conspicuously placed in the mist of a range of precipitous mountains. There are only four families residing on the island. The bay offers abundance of fish. Crawfish may be caught in large quantities. Peaches grow wild and fruit can be bought at a moderate price.

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March 23, 1899, clear and very pleasant. Very gentle breeze. Course this morning was N13° W. Barometer rising. At 6:00 AM, rigged up a target and got things in readiness for target practice. At 9:00 put the target over and went to general quarters. Had target practice with the main and secondary batteries; ranges varying from 300 to 5000 yards. My station was up at the crow's nest of the foremast with Navel Cadet Gilmer, who took observations of target through sextant; giving me the ° [degree] and ‘ [feet] and I finding range and informing the Officers stationed on the bridge. Fired 22 shots from 5' and 77 from 3 pounders. Lost target in trying to pick it up. All divisions were ready in 2'10". Set the clock back seven minutes at 11:37. In the afternoon, weather was partly cloudy and barometer started to fall very slowly. Changed course at 12:09 to N 28° W. Tested life buoys and found them to work satisfactorily. Had quarters at 4:15 and exercised at "monkey drill". 

Wrote to J. 

Lat at noon DR 29° 17' 30” S.

Long at noon DR 72° 20' 30 “ W. 

Covered a distance of 325 miles since noon March 22.

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March 24, 1899. Clear and pleasant with a moderate breeze and sea from the south, which helps the Badger along considerably. Same course (N28° W). Mustered at quarters at 9:30 and exercised at setting up drill. Tested flood cocks and found item in good working order. Charter received 1 week extra duty for leaving boat without permission while acting as a boat keeper. Got the main and quarter awnings up, which they spread. Barometer steady. Had quarters at 4:15 and exercised a physical drill, then 22 cal. target practice. Toward evening, overcast and cloudy. 

Wrote to J. 

Lat at noon DR 24° 05' 30" S.

Long at noon DR 73° 40' 30" W.

Made almost 300 miles since noon of the 23rd

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March 25, 1899. Overcast and cloudy, early this morning. Course N 28° W. Moderate breeze and sea following. Battistella 1 week extra duty for being asleep on lookout. Crew engaged cleaning and preparing ship. Practicing at target practice in afternoon, .22 Cal. Clear and pleasant in the afternoon, but barometer falling. Had quarters at 4:15 and exercised and physical drill. The Surgeon and Executive Officer inspected living quarters of the ship. Heavy dew toward evening. Wrote to J.

Lat at noon DR, 18° 51' 00" S.

Long at noon DR, 75° 13' 00" W.

March 26, 1899, clear and pleasant. Bright moonlight. Course N 25° W. Fine weather and a smooth sea with a gentle breeze. At 9:30, the Captain inspected the ship and crew at quarters. J. O'Leary reported the expiration of his term of enlistment. Land was sighted on starboard beam. O’Leary was honorably discharged from this ship and from the US Naval services. Passed through a number of large patches of discolored water. Changed course at 5:00 PM to NNW. Land again sighted, and at 8:00 the Navigator took the [?] to stand in for an anchorage in Callao harbor. Damp, cloudy and heavy dew. At 8:00 call all hands, at 8:40 dropped anchor in 5 1/2 fathoms of water and veering to 30 fathoms on starboard chain. Wrote to J.

Lat at noon DR, 13° 30' 40 "S.

Long at noon DR, 46° 41' 00 "W.

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A few days in Callao 

Callao is well known as the seaport of the city of Lima, which stands at the foot of the Andes Mountains. 7 miles to the east and being about 500 feet above the level of the sea, and the ground having a gradual ascent. It is well seen from the anchorage and clear weather, and has a very inspiring appearance. Pilots are free in Callao. The population is about 30,000. The principal export are hides coffee, silver and cocaine. The imports are general merchandise, coal and agricultural machinery. The duties on all imports are very high, ranging from 30 to 50%. Callao made be said to enjoy all interrupted fine weather at all seasons of the year. The early mornings are damp and misty. A nauseous smell, occasionally called the painter, is frequently experienced by vessels coming into port. It deposits on white paint and whitewash a thick slime of a chocolate color, washing off from the former, but spoiling its after appearance. Some ascribe it to the number of small dead fish that are washed in by the swell and deposited in the sand; others suppose it is to be the mud from the bottom of the sea, or to be of volcanic origin; this latter is probably the cause. Occasionally visitations of yellow fever occur. In 1868 the number of deaths from this fever in Callao amounted to 60 daily, while at Lima, from 250 to 300 daily. The thermometer registered 82° during that. Supplies of all sorts may be obtained here. Wood is scarce and very dear. There is a hospital where seamen can be received.

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March 27, 1899. Got up early expecting to get mail – mail came on board, but I was disappointed. Rather cloudy and cool and heavy dew. Crew started to take bags of coal from upper berth deck and stow in port upper deck bunker. Found in port at daylight the Peruvian men of war Lima, Constitucion and Santa Rosa; the English man-of-war ‘Lender’ and the French Cruiser ‘Papin’. Very foggy about 8:00 AM. At 8:00 fired a salute of 21 guns with the Peruvian flag at the main. Was answered by the fort. Received a boarding visit from each of the men of war, and returned same, excepting the Leander, which put to sea about 9:00 AM. The Peruvian flagship Lima played "The Star-Spangled Banner" at colors. But played the French National Ant. first, because the Papui was senior. At 9:00 WB Dickie Esquire – US Consul came on board and upon his departure at 10:40 at salute of 7 guns were fired in his honor. J. O’Leary enlisted in the Naval service for a period of 3 years, not exceeding five. Four coal lighters came alongside this afternoon and the boys began coaling ship. Captain and aid left ship to visit the U. S. Minister at Lima. About 2:15 the Argentine man of war Presidente Sarmiento arrived in port. Made usual boarding call, which was returned. Knocked off coaling at 5:00. Captain and aid returned at 6:00. Heavy dew towards evening, and overcast. Served out monthly money. Was surprised immediately after supper upon receiving three letters – 2 from J - 1 from L - first mail I've received in almost 2 months. Sat down and answered all of them, and tearing up the one I had began writing in Valparaiso. Sealed and address them and sent ashore.

Side note:

When a foreign ship, enters a port, and if there is a band on the man of war that belongs to the port, they generally play the National air of each foreign man of war, that visits the port. This is done all over the world.

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March 28, 1899. Overcast and cloudy early in the day. Very misty. Light breezes. All hands coaling ship. Took fresh water aboard (20,000 gallons). The Captain made an official visit to the Argentine man-of-war, the Samento. Was returned at 11 by the Captain of that ship. Went ashore about 2:15 with Lieutenant Griffin and Cadet Gilmer to get Artificial Horizons, Magnetic bearing, and to test compasses. Used dinghy and sailed about 4 miles. Took observations in a large open field. Came back about 5:00 PM. Cloudy toward evening , and a very heavy dew. Barometer rising. Received during day about 300 ton of coal.

March 29, 1899, overcast and cloudy. But pleasant. Barometer falling. Started coaling ship at 5:00 AM. Warm toward 10:00 AM. Received a visit from the Prefect of Callao, and the Captain of the Port. The former was saluted with 12 guns. The U. S. Minister of Peru came on board during the afternoon, and at his departure a salute 15 guns was fired in his honor. Toward evening, cloudy and very foggy. Gentle breeze. Sent mail ashore. Wrote to J and L yesterday. But the letters I found out did not leave the ship until today. Knocked off coaling about 5:30. Everything is filthy and dirty from coal dust. Natives came off to sell wears, such as wearing apparel, jewelry, etc. Beer was brought on board and one bottle served out to each man, providing he paid for it. Very few missed it. Found an old piece of paper, and read what was visible. Learned that J.Y. Bassell Pay Clerk on board of the ‘Wilmington’, during my time, fell out of a window in Ohio, and was instantly killed. Was a very promising young man, was clerk to the Paymaster Cheatham during our trouble with Spain, on board the U.S.S. Wilmington.

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March 30, 1899, Early in the day, overcast, cloudy and heavy dew. Light breeze – 9:00 AM. cloudy but pleasant. At noon the Argentine and Peruvian man-of-war cockbilled their yards (Crucifixion of Christ) and half masted colors; also the French man-of-war ‘Papin’ who took in 20,000 thousand gallons of fresh water for steaming purposes. Finished coaling at 6:00 PM; having received in all 608.2 tons. Still cloudy towards evening and very damp.

March 31, 1899, Cloudy and cool with a heavy dew early in the day. Cloudy and warm toward midday. Following motions of foreign men of war, half masted colors at 8:15. At 12:00 all foreign men in harbor fired guns (Resurrection of Christ) Toward evening fair and pleasant. Argentine man-of-war shifted her berth closer inshore. Crew engaged cleaning ship. Toward evening, cloudy and pleasant, but heavy dew and very damp. Very light breeze

April 1, 1899. Generally cloudy, overcast and wet. Foggy. Barometer falling. Anderson was given one week extra duty for not keeping a bright lookout. Taylor extra duty on deck from 8 to 12 PM for coming to Sunday inspection dirty. Price, one day double irons for thinking. Toward evening, fair and pleasant. The German man-of-war 'Geier' came in and anchored. Sent boarding officer on board. At 5 PM, the Captain of the ‘Geier’ came and made an official visit to the ship. The English mail steamer ‘Chili’ left the harbor. Toward evening, clear and pleasant. Bought breast pin for J.

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April 2, 1899. Overcast and cloudy. Very calm. Barometer rising. Had General muster and were inspected by the Captain at quarters. Secured all boats for sea. At 1:00 weighed anchor and stood out of harbor. At 1:30 were underway, and at 1:49 set course N 54° W. O’Neill was put under sentrys charge for being drunk - Trial by Summary Court Martial. Toward evening very pleasant. Smooth sea. Later in evening, overcast and cloudy with a very heavy dew.

April 3, 1899, Cloudy but pleasant. Light breeze – Very warm. Heavy few towards 8 o’clock. Had quarters at 9:30; exercised at physical drill. Set clock back 12 minutes. Delivered specifications to O’Neil. Had small target practice in afternoon, 22 cal. Toward evening clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze, and a smooth sea. Later in the evening a heavy dew.

Lat at noon DR 8° 31’ 00” S.

Long at noon DR 80° 36’ 00” W.

April 4, 1899 ——— Explanation???? Murphy 30 00 Falser 30 00

Clear and pleasant. Barometer steady. Course N 52° W.

Toward 8 o’clock, clear and warm. Smooth sea. At 9:30 mustard at quarters, and exercised at company drill. Exercised at physical drill at evening quarters, and small target practice.

Lat at noon DR. 5° 20’ S

Long at noon DR 83° 51’ W

James M Miller

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April 5, 1899, clear and pleasant. Light breeze. Course N 52° W. O'Neil was released from confinement to take part in target practice by Captain’s orders.  Was tried by Court-Martial and sentenced to 15 days solitary confinement on bread and water; full rations every three days. And to lose one month pay. Amounting to $42. At 9:00 went to General quarters: put target over, and had target practice will all the large guns. Soffel was given one month restriction on board ship after arrival in port, for speaking to a prisoner without master of arms permission, and for questioning latter's authority. Patterson was examined by the Captain and pronounced to be slightly under the weather. Was given one month restriction on board ship. Mustered at quarters and had physical drill. Officers inspected men's bags and clothes. Just after dark, lighting on the horizon to N'd. Light breeze.

Lat DR at noon 2° 00' 00” S.

Long DR at noon 87° 20' 00 "W.

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April 6, 1899, Clear and pleasant. Smooth sea. Light breeze. Crew employed painting ship. Passing rain squalls toward mid-day. Barometer falling. Turned clear for a while in the afternoon, but started raining about 53:0. Had quarters at 4:15. Too warm to exercise. Cleared up about 7:30.

Lat at noon DR 1° 47' N

Long at noon DR 90° 37' W.

April 7, 1899, Clear and pleasant. Lightning around horizon during early part of morning. Smooth sea. Crew still painting upper works. Set clocks back 11 minutes. Barometer falling. Mustered at quarters and had physical drill. Part of ‘powder division’ exercised at 22 Cal target practice. Very warm towards evening.

Lat at noon 5° 35' N. 

Long at noon 94° 08' W.

Finish reading "Herr Paulus" W Besant

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April 8, 1899. Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze. Moderate sea. Ship rolling heavily. Vande Velde was placed under sentry’s charge to await action of a Summary Court-Martial for being intoxicated. Set clock back 10 minutes. Set forestay sail and main try sail. Misty in the afternoon. Wind and sea moderating towards evening. At 8:30 the ‘Recorder’ delivered the specifications of a Summary Court-Martial to the accused. Several chests went overboard owing to ships rolling.

Lat 9° 36' North

Long 90° 03' West

April 9,1899, Cloudy and pleasant. Moderate breeze and sea. Sea moderating since yesterday. Barometer rising. Ship rolling 43°.

See diagram below

Warm in afternoon and barometer falling. Captain inspected ship and crew at morning quarters. Took in and fueled sail. Barometer rising toward evening and smooth sea.

Lat 13° 11' N

Long 101° 47' W.

Engineers force spoiled 5000 gallons fresh water today.

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April 10, 1899. Cloudy and damp. Misty. Smooth sea. Toward 8:00 AM, pleasant. Barometer falling. At 9:30 mustered at quarters. Crew employed painting. Had evening quarters, and exercised at physical drill; also painting drill. Tried seared light.

Lat. 16° 52’ N.

Long. 105° 12' W.

April 11, 1899, Clear and pleasant with heavy dew. Smooth sea. Barometer falling slowly. Sighted two four masted sailing ships. One, the Port Caledonia of Glasgow bound S’d. The Sentence of the Summary Court-Martial of P. Van de Ville, for being intoxicated while on board ship, was mitigated and is as follows. Fifteen days solitary confinement and double irons, on bread and water, and a full ration every third day, and to lose one month pay amounting to $72.00. At 9:30 mustered at quarters and exercised at battalion drill. Had evening quarters, and exercised at physical and aiming drills. At 7:30 sounded to General quarters for exercise. Getting very cool. 

Lat. 20° 48’ N.

Long. 108° 55' W.

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April 12, 1899, clear to partly cloudy. Heavy dew. At 9:30 mustered at quarters and exercised at fire quarters. Collision drill and abandon ship. Passed an American steamer and exchange color salutes. Land sighted starboard beam. Mustered at evening quarters and exercised at physical drill etc. Towards evening, clear and cool. Heavy dew. Went to fire quarters for exercise. Smooth sea.

Lat 24° 25' N

Long 112° 36' W.

April 13, 1899, overcast and cloudy early in day and squally. Barometer rising. Course N58° W. Cool. Inspected at quarters and had physical drill. Went to general quarters. Overhauled life buoys and found them in good condition. Set clocks back 16 minutes. Smooth sea. Had evening quarters and exercised at physical drill, then target practice small arms. Overcast and cloudy in evening.

Lat 28° 06' N

Long 116° 23' W. 

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April 14, 1899, overcast and cloudy – Misty. Moderate swells – Ship pitching heavily at times. Had quarters at 9:30 and exercised at physical drill. Tested flood cocks and inspected magazines – found in good condition. Cold. Course N 49° W. Mustered at evening quarters and exercised at aiming drill, and with 22 cal. rifle. Barometer steady.

Lat 31° 58’ N

Long 119° 44' W.

April 15, 1899, overcast and cloudy coming, misty. Head swell. At 11:10 sighted land on starboard bow. Set clock back 7 minutes. In taking soundings, wire parted at 70 fathoms and was lost overboard. Barometer falling. At 3:15 sighted Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Clearing and cool in afternoon – pleasant. Had quarters for muster and physical drill. Running along California coast. At 6:45 stood into harbor of San Francisco. Heavy dew. At 8:30 came to anchor. Boat came alongside and reported we were to take Samoan Commissioners to Samoa. Good news for first day in our home port - (tm)-

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April 16, 1899. Clear and pleasant. Received quarantine visit and were granted pratique. USS Iowa, lying about 1.8 miles distance off Hunter Point. At 9:00 got underway and steamed up off Union Iron Works and anchored at 9:55. Made signal to Iowa, which was answered. Naval Constructor came on board in reference to making repairs etc. At 3:00 made preparations to go alongside Union Iron Works wharf. At 4:30 got underway and steamed to turn ship's head up river, and then returned to previous anchorage. At 6:15 again got underway and with assistance of the tug ‘Sea Queen’  went in alongside Union Iron Works Wharf, starboard side to – Clear and pleasant in evening – heavy dew later. Wrote to J. – Not feeling well all day – ‘Iowa’ lying close aboard.