Voyages: Antarctic Circumnavigation

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Antarctic cruise
documents:
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Ault's voyages:
Antarctica
Canada
Easter Island
Galilee
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Shipboard Life

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Ault's letter, page 2

[Pages 2 and 3]

Had some of the heaviest seas yet encountered last week. Very rough. One big wave came over both domes + bridge; flooding the cabin.  I was in the after dome + was afraid it would break through. Can you imagine it?  I was going from the chart house to the quarter deck, the vessel threw me up in to the air, a big wave fell all over me while I was mid air + then threw me flat on my face back by the main mast. I escaped with a good wetting + a skinned knee. Was out under the jibboom watching them repair the bobstay, the heavy bronze rod, which had parted. The vessel plunged suddenly + ducked us into the water up to our waists. So life on the ocean wave is not without excitement.

Mr. Doran is writing poetry. He does very well but too much time wasted.  I am polishing up the shark's backbone I have for a cane. I am also trying to do some studying to make up for my deficiency in the theory of Magnetism. I am really going to work Mamie + hammer something into my head. I am feeling more relieved as we approach Lyttelton so that my mind is somewhat free to take up other things. I must write up an exhaustive report of this trip + prepare a speech to be given at Christchurch before the scientists there.

Ault's letter, page 3

It will be so lonesome there without you. But October + San Diego will soon roll along. You must be there + have a cottage all ready for me this time. There are many fine little places that I think can be had or you may better wait at Kings till I arrive then we can select the place together.

Goodnight Sweetheart. You ought to have my mail from S. Georgia by now. I love you Honey. Your lover husband.
Percy"

Page 1 | Pages 2 and 3