Word: decks
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Dates: during 1870-1879
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...India mail from London. The first day out was rough, so that few passengers appeared, and our company at the dinner-table was small; but towards evening it began to clear off, and people who had kept their state-rooms all day began to show themselves on deck. A trip on an Indian steamer is almost an education in itself; one sees on board representatives of every race and almost of every country. The crew were Indians shipped at Bombay; they did not understand a word of English, except the commands on board ship. Their turbans were bound to their...
Great many young ladies aboard. In my new suit and tall hat fancy I shall make quite an impression. While I am thinking about my lost baggage, a man in brass buttons rushes up on deck and exclaims loudly, "Port, two pints." Have heard there is much drinking on board ship. Wonder if this is the way to order liquor. Watch the man carefully, but do not see any one bring him anything, although several men replied, "Ay, ay, sir." He does not seem disappointed, but walks off humming the "Blue Danube...
...else. There does not seem to be anything to eat. I ask one of the waiters why the bell rang when dinner was not ready. He smiles insolently and replies, "That was the first bell, sir; dinner-bell will ring in half an hour." I go up on deck again, and reflect upon the stupidity of the lower classes, especially waiters. The bona-fite dinner-bell rings at four. Splendid dinner. I eat two plates of soup, three pieces of roast-beef, two of mutton, three or four pieces of pudding, a couple of oranges, besides, of course, nuts...
Vessel pitching violently when I awake. Steward asks if I will get up to breakfast. Reply, "Of course I will get up to breakfast." Smoking pork-steak! Miserable meal. Cannot eat anything. Think I would like fresh air. Go up on deck and stagger to the rail. My beaver blows overboard. Do not mind it at all. Sympathizing gentleman lends me a cap three times too large for me. I think people are laughing, but do not pay any attention to them. Am entirely indifferent to everything. Think I had better go back to bed . . . .July...
Feel somewhat better. (Have endured eight days of misery. Food during that period, crackers and gruel.) Crawl up on deck. My appetite returns with great vigor. Eat a hearty lunch. Lady asks me if I have been seasick. Reply, "O no, only a trifle disturbed...