We all left by 11.30 train for Queenstown. A beautiful day. To our dismay we learnt on arrival from Mr. Humbert, owner of States Hotel, that liner was not arriving till 9.30. After a long discussion we decided to wait and see it out, hiring a motor if we missed last train. Had a pleasant day reading ‘History of the Nations’, in visiting Cathedral and Mam and I saw the real friendly and cheerful spirit between the sailors of two Dutch ships. There were about 20 rounds of hand-shaking and pleasantries before separating. – Poor Pap’s leg was not well and he stayed in hotel for afternoon. At ten tender left. There were over 100 emigrants on board, most of them fine, strong young men. It is terrible that such a flux of fine Irishmen should be pouring into America. About 11 we sighted the ‘Republic’. It was a beautiful spectacle, all lit up, and looking like a fairy palace. After more delay, we got on board, and immediately saw Fr. Pat and Fr. O’Brien. Fr. Pat looked rather tired after his long journey. We went over most of the ship. It was glorious. One half the crew seemed to be Germans. Was in perpetual screams of laughter all way back in tender at Fr. Willie’s wit. Arrived home by special trains 3 a.m.
