3 Cheers to the US Cruiser Raleigh

May 11, 1897

It grew rougher during the night so that we woke up at times and we saw the beauty and necessity of having the berths so narrow. It was impossible to roll much. The morning was pleasant, wind quite a brisk south east, the sea not as rough as last night, but kept us rather unbalanced while walking the whole day. About noon we sighted a vessel ahead and gradually overhauled her, passing her at probably a quarter of a mile distant. She was one of the White Squadron, the U.S. Cruiser Raleigh she looked very pretty, rising and falling in the sea, one minute almost concealed by the waves and the next showing several feet of her hull below the water line. We gave her three cheers as we passed and the sailors and marines on her responded. Then our band which had been playing during the forenoon started “America” and the cruiser cheered again and we responded. Kodaks were brought out and many views taken. We forged rapidly ahead of her and after luncheon were out of sight. We crossed the Gulf Stream yesterday and it is much warmer today. We had some lightening in the night. Our run at noon was 332 miles, making us 1040 miles from shore. We both had a saltwater bath and I have arranged to take one every morning at 7. While at dinner this evening just at dusk a schooner passes us going westward.