September 13 Friday – At sea on the Warrimoo, Sam’s notebook:

The true albatross has arrived. Has a white body & is bigger, but otherwise flies, skims one wing-tip over the water, is just like the late brown one. Gets into the water quicker, though. The brown one settles into it gingerly as he might into a sitz-bath which he was afraid was too hot. / We wear heavy clothes & sleep under blankets these last 2 days. The white linen has all disappeared. / Read Philip Beake’s [sic] delightful stories “Palm — forget the name. /Longitude to-day, Sept. 13. 165 East. So we are counting from the other direction now. Lat. 27 S [NB 35 TS 49]. Note: Louis Becke’s 1895 By Reef and Palm [Gribben 54].

Sam began a letter to H.H. Rogers that he added to on Sept. 14 and 15. The voyage had been blessed with a “rich abundance of sunshine and moonlight.” Sam noted the wearing of white linen, and the big audience disappointed at Honolulu. He wrote of the “half a day in Fiji,” calling it “a lovely island & splendid stalwart natives, a fine race, both sexes.” He also noted losing a day crossing the international dateline.

Mrs. Clemens & Clara have enjoyed the voyage; & perhaps Clara would not object if we had to take it over again. Amusements — reading, shuffleboard & cards [MTHHR 187].