Disappearance
The first night out of New York, he dined with the captain and left the smoking room at 11:15 p.m. Whittlesey had said before leaving from dinner table that he was going to bed, and was never or seen again and it was noted by the captain that he was in good spirits. He was reported missing at 8:00 a.m. the following morning. He left behind 9 letter addressed to his family and friends and a note for the captain saying what to do with his luggage. He wrote up his will leaving his property to his mother and paid the months rent in advance. It is thought that he had committed suicide by jumping overboard, No had ever seen him do this nobody was ever recovered either, although no one reported seeing him jump and Whittlesey's body was never recovered. Also in his cabin was found a note to the captain of the Toloa leaving instructions for the disposition of the baggage left in his stateroom. He left the famous German letter asking for surrender to McMurtry.