“12 o’clock noon, Monday, 24th.—We are bowling along in the Gulf Stream with a good breeze from the west—smooth sea. Had a fairly good sleep. Room being on the port side and the wind from the west made it rather warm. At noon to-day the temperature of the water is eighty degrees and the air is eighty-two degrees, which is not so bad as might be. We are now well off Charleston and about abreast of the Bermudas.
“Tuesday, 25th.—The wind continued from the west until about four o’clock, when it ceased, and from that until nine we had a dead calm and a smooth glassy sea. Now at ten o’clock a light breeze comes in from the east, and we have prospect of a comfortable day.
“Yesterday P.M. we had crossed and were entirely east of the Gulf Stream and there was no wind, of course, in still water. While in the Stream we had a current of about three knots against us. Our course is now bringing us again near the stream, which we shall cross in the course of the day and will probably pass Jupiter before bedtime, say, nine o’clock. We are having a delightful voyage so far, and I seem to be doing quite well.
“P.M.—The southwest wind has died out and we have a gentle breeze from the east; this gives promise of the northeast trades for to-night, which will be quite acceptable and will put me on the windward side of the ship; have been on the lee side so far.
“5 P.M.—Have not seen a sail to-day, and am having a very restful time.
“9.30 P.M.—Have been with the captain since dinner, and for the last half hour on the lookout for Jupiter Light. The lead informs us that we are too far off the coast to enable us to see the Light just yet.
“9.50 P.M.—Now we just have a glimpse of the Light from the bridge, and as ‘All’s well,’ I will to my couch for the night. The winds are favoring those on the port side, having swung around to the northeast, giving a promise of the southeast trades for to-morrow; so good-night.
“Wednesday A.M.—Had a splendid shower this A.M. just after daylight, and right after the northeast wind died out and was soon followed by the good southeast trade, and now (10.30) we are sailing along just outside the reefs, having passed Cape Florida early this A.M. During the night we have passed Palm Beach (Lake Worth).
“10.30 A.M.—We are now directly abreast of Carysfort Light, and a more pleasant day to be at sea could not be desired. While at breakfast we passed near the wreck of the English steamer Earl King. She went on the reef about a year and a half ago; nothing now in sight but a portion of what looks to be the bow—a good beacon to warn others from this dangerous reef. She is reported to have been an old ship loaded with cement and other cheap freight, bound for New Orleans, and well insured.
“The indications are that we shall arrive at Key West about seven o’clock this P.M. and in time to meet the Mascotte on her return from Havana. As we have but a small freight for Key West, we shall not be long detained there, and shall expect to arrive in Galveston early Saturday night. Temperature of air at one o’clock 81¾ degrees; water 83 degrees.