Working as deckhand and later cattleman, Paul Harris made two return crossings of the Atlantic in 1893. The first, the outward crossing on the 1884-built SS 'Baltimore' of 3730 tons, carried cattle from Philadelphia to Birkenhead and took 14 days. By all accounts, it was rough in almost every way, with primitive conditions, poor food and stormy seas. Once in the Mersey, Harris left the ship and took the opportunity to spend a few days in Liverpool staying at the Sailors' Home before signing on for the return journey.
This time the crossing from Liverpool was on another of W Johnston's ships, the slightly smaller, at 3318 tons, but newer 1890-built SS 'Parkmore'. Both vessels were British owned and Liverpool registered and Harris seems to have found this return voyage more agreeable. He had also enjoyed the chance to do some sightseeing…
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