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February 12, 1899

Cloudy and damp. Gentle breeze from NE by E. Moderate sea on port beam. Steaming on course SSE3/4E until 2 PM when changed course to SSE1/2S. Passing showers at 4:00 PM. Took in and stowed sails at 5:00 PM. Very squally during the evening, and toward midnight heavy rainstorm accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Lat 1° 59’ N at noon DR 

Long 38° 08’ W at noon DR

Wrote to J.

Father Neptune paid an official visit to the Captain. 

Distance made good since noon February 11: 288 miles.

February 13, 1899

Cloudy. Light S.Ely breeze. Course SSE1/2E. At 12:15, steam steering gear broke down, and for about 5 minutes, the ship was two points to the south off her course. It was repaired at 2:30 and connected. At 2:15, passed a sailing vessel hull down, bound north. At 3:00 PM, started to swing the ship for deviation of the compass, and at 4:25, finished and resumed course S1/2E. Exercised at signal drill. Smooth sea.

Neptune came aboard and held ceremonies – from 9 AM until 3 PM. I received passport from the South Atlantic Sub Marine Station, which I sent to J. Crossed the equator early this morning.

Lat 1° 55’ S at noon DR. 

Long 35° 52’ W at noon DR. 

Distance made good since February 12: 303 miles. 

Wrote to J.

February 14, 1899

Clear and pleasant. Hotter than __ ? At midnight of the 13th, we had General quarters – secured at 12:30. Heavy rain during the morning. Changed course at 8:00 AM, steaming S1/2W. Mustered at quarters for battalion drill, etc. Neff put in irons for three days for fighting and using profanity and threatening language. Changed course at noon to SSW1/4W and at 6:00 PM, to SW1/2S. Exercised at fire quarters. All divisions ready in 4 minutes. At 10:45, sighted Cape Aqostino Light (white) and brought it abeam at 10:53, bearing NW1/2W.

Lat 6° 23’ S at noon DR. 

Long 33° 57’  W at noon DR. 

Distance made good for noon February 13th: 260 miles. 

Wrote to J.