6 May, 1888
L,
The expedition is off to a start, though something of a stuttering one; we had to change the whole course of the ship and let the Ophelia sail on without us so that we could make port at Southampton long enough to unload two stowaway French girls who I suppose must have been onboard since we left London. How they managed to get onto the ship without being spotted is still a mystery to me, but it was rather unsettling to find them. A Captain ought to have a better understanding of his ship, I think, and though I'm not sure what could have been done differently I'm sure to hear all about it from the Commodore once we catch up.

I suppose this gives him the benefit of the advantage, however, if there is anything to be discovered this far south. Perhaps if he has a little glory to hold on to, he will be less irate about our delay.

I'm sorry, this must all seem very dull to you. You did say you wanted letters, but nothing very adventurous has happened yet, so you must forgive me if I bore you.
J. Alfred Darrow