2110-1-7-17

UNION-CASTLE LINE R.M.S "BRITON"

Sept: 17: 1901

My dear Uncle,

I got safe aboard on Saturday, and the last I saw of England was my Uncle William's handkerchief fluttering on the quay. It was pleasant going down the Channel, and I sat late on deck watching the lights on shore. My first cabin-companion was a young naval officer, but he wanted to change so as to be near a friend, so I got a Scotsman called Watson from Softlaws, near Kelso, who is going out to the Cape to keep a fruit-farm. Every

second person on the boat seems to be Scots. Among the passengers, I have heard every accent from Glasgow to Aberdeen; the engineers to a man come from Paisley; and up in the rigging one constantly hears cries like "Hey, Jock, bring down that rope wi' ye".

On Sunday morning there was a horrible ground-swell off Ushant and a blazing sun. I made a poor and hasty breakfast, but I recovered later, and spent a fairly pleasant

day. All Sunday we were crossing the Bay of Biscay, and early yesterday morning we passed Cape Finisterre and began to go down the coast of Portugal. All day yesterday there was a Scots mist and a high wind. Meals were sparsely attended, even the young naval officer having succumbed, but I had recovered and ate like a glutton. I sit and read all morning, for I have lots of work to do, and in the afternoon I play games like deck quoits. There are many very nice people on board, but nobody of much importance except the Hon. A.

Wilmot, a rather distinguished Cape politician and a fine old fellow, and Lord Rathdonell, who is stretched constantly on a bed of sickness.

I spend a large part of the day looking at my aneroid, which has been remarkably steady. One of the naval people gave me a long lecture on its workings yesterday.

I must post this tonight, as we make Madeira at daybreak tomorrow. I intend to go ashore and ascend the Peak and come down on a sledge, which is the proper thing to do. After that, there is no land till the Cape.

With love to all Yours affectionately John Buchan