Fri. 21 [21 January 1898] Read Prescott all morning with intervals of
talking to the two American men, the {Purser} Engineer and the
Captain. Very odd these American officers, no smartness, no
discipline, but a fine looking lot. Passed the islands, of Jicarita
Jicaron and Coiba. M [Maurice] and I both had a violent cholic from
drinking too much iced water. Sat with the Storms after dinner and
talked to Mr Strang who is very nice, but oh so American. He
described the buildings of Noo York with much eulogy - Some vurry
fine buildings - 28 stories [sic] high!