A Liberian Journey

Creator

Richard Pearson Strong

Date

7/5/26

Coverage

Atlantic Ocean, S.S. Wadai

Transcription

July 5th

The spirit of friendliness on the part of the Germans was displayed again yesterday on our Fourth of July. A special small American flag was placed on our table and the chief cook made a very large cake about which crackers with fancy caps, etc. inside were placed. All this was done only for our table and for our holiday. Perhaps unfortunately Mr. Mills of the British Legation at Liberia at the end of dinner proposed the health of the President of the United States. I naturally had to reply with the toast of the King. Just afterward I felt it incumbent to propose the health of the President of Germany (Hindenberg). Well, when you go to Rome and travel on a German boat! We must recognize, however, that every German on this boat has been most courteous and kind. There is evidently a great desire that foreigners will be favorably impressed. They certainly could have made the voyage most disagreeable for us instead of as it has been.

There is a violin, cello and piano in the ship's band, and there is dancing in the evening. I naturally have not danced, but we have four dancers in the party. My routine on board consists of writing and work regarding the expedition in the morning; one half hour’s gun practice before luncheon (without cartridges); about twenty minutes to half an hour violin practice in my cabin with the sardine; writing in the afternoon; then exercise, second (shower) bath, dress for dinner and in the evening reading. I do much of my thinking on the daily walk. We have had no more deaths among the animals. The day has been very moist, hot and oppressive.

Type

Diary

Citation