# Crowley diary faithful page transcription specification

You are transcribing one scanned physical page from a photocopy of a typewritten
transcription of J. S. Crowley's historical diaries. Produce PASS 1 only:
faithful transcription and document structure.

## Authority and scope

1. The attached current-page image is authoritative.
2. Current-page OCR is a fallible hypothesis. Correct OCR by consulting the image.
3. Neighbor context is only for detecting continuity. It must never supply text
   that is not visibly present on the current page.
4. Transcribe each visible source character as faithfully as the image allows.
   Preserve source spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, factual errors,
   incorrect dates, archaic or offensive terminology, and historical place names.
5. Do not improve, modernize, sanitize, silently correct, or complete the source.
6. Do not transcribe scan noise, binder holes, shadows, or page damage as text.
7. If no defensible reading is visible, use an `illegible` node. Never guess merely
   to avoid an uncertainty.

## Semantic structure first

Logical document blocks are the primary structure. Identify ordered headings,
standalone text, diary entries, letters, lists, tables/ledgers, annotations, gap
notices, separators, and non-textual graphical features. A diary entry or letter owns ordered semantic content
parts. Physical source lines are nested inside those blocks or parts only to
preserve diplomatic lineation, hyphenation, and evidence. Do not treat each
physical line as an independent document block.

Use a table only where columns or cell relationships are visibly meaningful. Use
a list for sequential items without a reliable column relationship. Do not infer
numeric values or repair arithmetic.

## Graphical and non-textual source features

A handwritten drawing, doodle, diagram, symbol, or other non-textual feature
that cannot meaningfully be transcribed as text must use a
`graphical_feature` block. Do not invent words for it. Record its medium,
placement, neutral observational description, page-image region when reasonably
identifiable, and related nearby block IDs when the relationship is visible.
Keep both continuation declarations `no`; graphical marks are not textual
cross-page continuations. A label that is itself readable text remains an
annotation block or part, with a related graphical-feature block for the
non-textual strokes. Descriptions must be observational, such as “Small
handwritten mark beneath the diary entry,” never speculative historical
interpretation. If a reliable bounding box cannot be supplied, use `region:
null`; do not guess coordinates.

## Physical source lines

Transcribe every visible physical text line in order. Divide each line into inline
segments only where an intervention or uncertainty requires it. Do not preserve
indentation with runs of spaces; semantic blocks, table cells, and list labels
represent layout.

For `line_end`:

- `block_end`: the logical text represented by this line collection ends here.
- `no_hyphen`: the text continues on another visible source line with no printed
  terminal hyphen; a reading renderer should join with a space.
- `hyphen_word_break`: a printed terminal hyphen exists only because a word wraps;
  omit the hyphen when joining the reading text.
- `hyphen_lexical`: a printed terminal hyphen is intentional and remains when the
  reading text is joined.
- `hyphen_uncertain`: a printed terminal hyphen is visible but its function cannot
  be determined confidently.

Do not put the terminal source hyphen itself inside the preceding text segment
when using one of the three hyphen line-end values.

Use a hyphen line-end value only when a terminal hyphen is visibly printed. Do
not add a line-end hyphen merely because a sentence, list item, or phrase
continues on the next physical line. Preserve internal source hyphens such as
`nice-pleasant` even when they appear unconventional.

## Inline distinctions

- `text`: clearly visible source text.
- `unclear`: a visible but uncertain reading. Give the best reading when possible
  and list genuinely plausible alternatives.
- `illegible`: text is present but no defensible reading can be supplied.
- `addition`: visibly added text, recording whether it is handwritten or
  typewritten and its placement.
- `deletion`: visibly cancelled text. Preserve a reading when still legible; do
  not include it in ordinary reading text. If the cancellation is visible but
  its underlying text is not defensibly readable, keep `type: deletion`, use a
  null reading, no invented alternatives, and `confidence: unreadable`.
- `correction`: an original and replacement are visibly related. Preserve both;
  do not decide that the replacement is historically true.

Confidence vocabulary:

- `high`: plainly legible with no plausible competing reading.
- `medium`: the proposed reading is likely, with a minor visual ambiguity.
- `low`: multiple readings remain plausible.
- `unreadable`: no defensible reading can be supplied.

Never invent decimal confidence scores.

## Dates and editorial interpretation

`date_source` is a literal faithful transcription of the visible heading.
`date_normalized` is separate editorial metadata:

- `normalized`: the visible date is unambiguous and only mechanical expansion or
  ISO formatting is needed.
- `inferred`: the normalized date intentionally differs from the visible source;
  supply a concise reason and qualitative confidence.
- `ambiguous`: competing normalized dates remain plausible; leave the normalized
  value null.
- `invalid`: the visible date is invalid and no responsible inference is made;
  leave the normalized value null.
- `not_normalized`: no normalization was attempted; all normalization metadata is
  null.

For both `normalized` and `inferred`, `date_normalized`,
`normalization_confidence`, and a non-empty `normalization_reason` are mandatory.
For `inferred`, the reason must state the visible conflict. If a year visibly
printed in an image conflicts with a historically plausible chronology, preserve
the printed year in `date_source` and the physical line. Put any chronology-based
alternative only in `date_normalized` with status `inferred`. Never copy an
inferred year back into faithful text.

Never alter the faithful line text to match the normalized date. Use editorial
notes for visible source mistakes, continuity questions, or consequential layout
ambiguity. Do not perform person/place identity resolution or any other PASS 2
historical interpretation.

For a `gap_notice`, represent each available range endpoint with the same complete
date object used by diary entries: `start_date` and `end_date`. Either endpoint may
be null only when it is genuinely unavailable. If the source gives `Nov. 28.` and
the year can responsibly be supplied from the range context, preserve
`date_source: "Nov. 28."`, put the year-bearing ISO value only in
`date_normalized`, use `normalization_status: "inferred"`, and explain the year
inference. Never label a context-supplied year as merely `normalized`.

## PoC regression rules and examples

- **Literal source date:** Never substitute a historically plausible date for
  the characters visible in a heading. Faithful line text and `date_source` must
  agree with the image. Any responsible alternative belongs only in separate
  `inferred` normalization metadata.
- **Intentional internal hyphen:** Preserve a visible form such as
  `nice-pleasant` exactly. It is not a line-break artifact and must not become
  `nice pleasant` or `nicepleasant`.
- **Incomplete-looking material without survival continuity:** A sentence or
  letter that looks incomplete does not automatically continue. If the next
  surviving page does not carry it forward, do not assert `to_next: "yes"` or
  duplicate an imagined continuation. Use `uncertain` only when the boundary
  evidence itself is genuinely unresolved and explain it in an editorial note.
- **Low-confidence handwriting:** When handwriting plausibly reads `Luebo` or
  `Lukbo`, use an `unclear` segment with low confidence and both alternatives (or
  a cautious best reading plus the competing alternative). Do not promote one to
  high-confidence text. If neither is defensible, use `illegible`.
- **Cross-page cancellation is not logical continuation:** A deletion stroke or
  cancellation region may continue onto the next page even when the underlying
  dated diary entry ends on the current page. Encode the deleted text within the
  closed entry and leave the entry's `to_next` as `no`; describe the continuing
  cancellation region in an editorial note rather than linking unrelated entries.
- **Small visible marks:** Preserve ditto marks, fractions such as `1/2` or `¼`,
  superscripts, punctuation, inserted characters, abbreviated notation, ticks,
  dashes, unusual ledger marks, and other meaningful small marks. Do not expand
  ditto marks, decimalize fractions, or silently omit marks merely because OCR
  missed them.

## Page boundaries and continuity

Set page-level boundary flags from visible evidence and limited neighbor context.
Each logical block separately declares whether it continues from the previous
page or to the next page. Independent page generation cannot know the future
block ID, so `continuation.previous` and `continuation.next` must always be null.
The deterministic reconciliation step will create reciprocal links only after
both adjacent pages have been processed. Never copy neighbor text onto this page.

## Mechanical output rules

- Return one JSON object matching the supplied schema and nothing else.
- Use the current page ID in every ID: blocks `pNNN-b001`, `pNNN-b002`, and so on;
  nested parts `pNNN-b001-p001`; notes `pNNN-n001`.
- Orders and source line numbers begin at 1 and are contiguous in visual order.
- For all block and part evidence objects, output exactly:
  `{"status":"not_attempted","method":null,"ocr_word_ids":[],"bbox":null,"matched_tokens":0,"total_tokens":0}`.
- Set editorial-note responsibility to `model`.
- A genuinely blank page has `page_role: "blank"`, no blocks, both boundary flags
  `no`, and no invented separator text.

## Run-specific evidence

CURRENT SOURCE PAGE: page-270

The attached image is the sole authority for text physically present on this page.

<current_page_ocr status="non_authoritative_hypothesis">
“Pieneer*® Saturday July 22 - 99

The men cut censiderable woed but net se much as the
night befere - at about 11 e'cleck this a.m. we left

the weoding & started out of the little channel to the
main river - thence te preceed across te Lekelele -
Arriving there at 2:30 p.m. we had tea & stepped awhile
& at 4 pom. left. Had a pleasant visit & refreshed our-
selves. We learned that the Reed had only passed up
yesterday. We arrived at New Irebeu where Frank is,
about 7 p.m. & spent the night.

“Pieneer” Sunday July 23 - 99

After prayers this a.m. we spent the fereneon in reading
after dinner we had a service for the men & quite a
number ef people gathered around & listened te the
ergan. Miss Lina played Mr. Sinclair gave out the
Hymns & offereé prayer & Mr. Bewen preached. Mra.
Randall gave a little talk ~ about 4 e'cleck p.m. Miss
Lina Mrs. Randall, Mr. Clark myself & Frank went toe
another part of the tewn - taking the organ with us.
Miss Lina played & Mrs. Randall, whe has a strong voice,
made the music ring in the wilderness all whe knew the
hymns joined in. Frank, the native evangelist, preached
& Mr. Clark made a few remarks. Frank interpreting for
him. After sunset the men began cutting weed fer eur
journey temorrew.

“Pieneer" Monday July 24 - 99

We left about 2 o'cleck this a.m. & ran by moonlight
President Brickman of S.A.B. pass us on her way to the
Peel. We saw the Reed in the distance shead of us -
abeut 2 e'cleck p.m. we arrived at Irebeu. The Reed
was just leaving, passed clese te us & teld us that Mr.
Clark had gene in with the small beat ~ we stepped

about an hour er more at Irebou put eff some men to ge
en the Reed to go to a wooding abeve about 3 hours QWaye
I hepe te see Sephie tonight, but it leoks doubtful new.
We pulled in to the shere & as we were doing so we saw
Mr. Clark in a boat some distance ahead ef us & we
whistled & he came back, had supper & slept with us.

*Pieneer® Tuesday July 25 - 99

Started early this a.m. & before we arrived at Mr. Clarks
the weed gave out & the wind was blewing, se we were
helped aleng by sails - we get in about 11 o'cleck -
found Sophie, Mrs. Clark & Mr. Merrey all well - was I
net glad te get here, geod news - geod health - good
chep — but our stay will net be leng. Geed night & may
Ged bless us.
</current_page_ocr>

<previous_page_context kind="validated_structured_tail" status="continuity_only_non_authoritative">
k & I had meals with Mr. Scrivener, Mr. Sinclair,
Mrs. Randall, Miss Lina had meals with Mr. & Mrs. Clark
Messrs. Bowen & MᶜGregor had meals at Mr. Howells -
quite a pleasant day spent here - Except for the necessa
amount of work which devolved on Mr. MᶜGregor - we played
croquet in the p.m. I made some awful plays - I also
went & had a visit with the State man Mr. Potein He
spoke no English but we managed to get on fairly well.

"Pioneer" (B.O.) Wednesday July 19 - 99
Last night about 1 o'clock the wind was blowing furiously
& the boat was swung around on shore. MᶜG Bowen
Sinclair & I, got up & straightened her about & fastened
her to the Goodwill. MᶜG fell over board & got consid-
erably drenched. About 9 o'clock all was repaired & at
10 we started away - made a good days run.

"Pioneer" Thursday July 20 - 1899
Another good day's run - nothing of interest things
move on the same from day to day unless we come to a
station. We stopped early & began to cut wood. We
saw where the Reed had camped & we traced the foot
prints of Mr. Gilchrist & Miss Logie - Mr. Sinclair
shot an eagle.

"Pioneer" Friday July 21 - 99
We started off about 7 this a.m. with wood enough to
run all day - shortly after starting & just as we were
ready to eat breakfast we stopped at an Nkunda town
we went on & about 7 o'clock p.m. we arrived at Bunga
we had supper & then went on to a wooding place - After
being stopped a number of times by sand banks & at 1
o'clock we landed - & the men began to cut wood.
</previous_page_context>

<next_page_context kind="raw_ocr_head" status="continuity_only_non_authoritative">
“Ikoke" July 26 - 99 Wednesday

All well - a pleasant day, most delightfully spent ~ but
have packed up ~ & ready to leave tomorrew. Mr. W°Gregex
sick - & perhaps may wait another day.

“Ikeke" Thursday July 27 - 99

M°G net feeling well ~ will net leave until tomorrew
after breakfast - anether day with our friends - all
well - but Sephie has a head-ache - caused frem the
excitement ~ goodnight.

“Ikeke" Friday July 28 - 99

After getting our things en beard, and a geed breakfast,
we began saying goed bye & to get on beard ~ akeut 9
o'clock we started ~ leaving Mr. & Mra. Clark & Lina te
themselves. We have had a most delightful time with
them, and they have been kind in the extreme te us.
Nething tee good geod for us that they had - and ne
trouble was spared for our cemfert - arrived at Irebou
about 1 o'cleck and started up river ~ got stuck en a
sand-bank & had to wait until next morning.

“Pioneer” Saturday July 29 - 99

Arrived at wooding this a.m. teek on wood & men & starter
for Belungi - but the river is lew & we camped several
heurs below.

“Pieneer" Sunday July 30 - 99

Against the principle ef M°G te run en Sunday, but he
was sick and we all weuld be the better of getting to

a mission station, se we started this a.m. & at 10:30
e'clock we arrived at Belengi where we found Mr. Faris
& Dr. Dye awaiting us en the beach. Messrs. Sinclair

& Bewen went up with them & held service & teok dinner
with them while the rest ef us had dinner en the beat.
Sephie & I will stay h
</next_page_context>

Return only the JSON object required by the supplied output schema.
