January 27, 1865

Where shall I begin? With so many adventures and new acquaintances, not to mention dreadful living conditions, I have had no time to write until now. Jason Bolt had asked me to tend to the ladies who suffered such wretched seasickness of late, and I obliged....until I, too, succumbed! Oh, how horrid I felt! I thought I would die! And dear Katchie McGuire took over nursing the others and tended to me, as well - I, who am ever the one in good health! Today I am much improved, thanks be to God. And God bless that kind new friend of mine - Katchie!

January 28, 1865

When we boarded this dirty old ship, and I discovered that there was no instrument on which to practice my music, I was ever so disappointed! But today, oh what compensation! After despairing of even hearing any music for months, one of the deck hands brought out a little concertina, and began to play! He let me try my hand at playing it, and promised to teach me yet more - so I am encouraged. For all their roughness and lack of refinement, some of the sailors seem to be good-hearted souls. And the music was a balm to my own.