# Endnotes explained — Sailing Alone Around the World

> Chapter companion for Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum.

## What happens

This chapter consists of endnotes providing additional context and corrections to the main narrative. It clarifies historical details, such as the date of Alexander Selkirk's death, and offers supplementary observations from other sources, including a report on the Spray's arrival at Keeling Cocos Islands. The notes also touch on the advice given to President Krüger and the Bishop of Melbourne's practical approach to drought.

## Themes in this chapter

### Craftsmanship and Seamanship

The endnotes include a detailed description of the Spray's arrival and its seaworthiness, underscoring the skill involved in Slocum's solo voyage.

### Cultural Encounter and Observation

The notes provide observations from external sources about the Keeling Cocos Islands, reflecting the cultural and administrative encounters of the time.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Joshua Slocum

Mentioned as the owner of the Spray, which arrived at Keeling Cocos Islands.

### Spray

Reported as arriving at Keeling Cocos Islands, having sailed from Boston and traversed multiple oceans.

### Alexander Selkirk

His death date is corrected to 1721 in the endnotes.

### Colonel Saunderson

Noted as a friend of President Krüger, advising against mounting guns.

### President Krüger

Mentioned in the context of Colonel Saunderson's advice.

## Key lines

> Mr. J. Cuthbert Hadden, in the Century Magazine for July, 1899, shows that the tablet is in error as to Selkirk’s death. It should be 1721.

A magazine article corrects the date of Alexander Selkirk's death to 1721.

_This endnote corrects a historical inaccuracy._

> He arrived at the island on the 17th of July, twenty-three days out from Thursday Island.

The Spray reached the island after a 23-day voyage from Thursday Island.

_This provides a specific timeline for the arrival at Keeling Cocos._

> Colonel Saunderson was Mr. Krüger’s very best friend, inasmuch as he advised the president to avast mounting guns.

Colonel Saunderson, a close friend of President Krüger, advised him to stop mounting guns.

_This note highlights a political relationship and advice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se/chapters