We are about 10 minutes walk from the centre of the town, and have beautiful views of the harbour and town and mountains from the balcony of this hotel. Especially at night it looks very fine with all the lights (street electric lamps) stretching a long way up the sides of the mountains.

Hotel Bella Vista | Funchal
Saturday, March 15.
My very dear Mother
We arrived here yesterday in most summerlike weather, and today has been just as bright and warm. It is a lovely spot to have to stop at, although of course I am anxious to get on to the journey’s end.

We reached Lisbon on the 12th about breakfast time, and all four went on shore. I cannot say what the time was because we had three times—ship’s time, Greenwich time and Summer Time, each differing about an hour—; it was most confusing; alt-hough summer-time is legally in force in Lisbon

I have had a few games of chess with Crommelin and also with a Frenchman, have read a bit, and passed the time very comfortably. I am quite glad to be having a long steamer trip again.

Davidson & Crommelin had to sit at the Captain’s table, so our party was broken up. It is supposed to be a special favour to be asked to sit there; but as they are too far from the Captain to get to know him, it does not seem much good.

8 March 1919

My very dear mother

The Anselm is a very nice boat. Our cabin is nicely placed, a good height above water, and is very quiet, Davidson & Crommelin are next door.

This is a historical reenactment of the 29 May 1919 total solar eclipse British expeditions from the point of view of the Príncipe team. All posts are based on direct primary sources, mainly Arthur Eddington's extant correspondence, complemented with sensorial and impressionist sources. e3global.pt