Some Impressions Of The Cruise

I began the cruise with a [mingled?] feeling of disappointment, passive concern and expectancy - disappointment because of the trouble that had sprung up and that for a time threatened the good name of our Academy, and because of the delay of a month that threatened to - and as it has turned out, did deprive us of a week of Sep leave for which there could be no compensation; passive concern for the work that as before us which threatened to be in some measure disagreeable, not because of the work itself so much as the way in which we expected it would be thrust upon us; expectancy, because of the cruise thru the canal and to the West Coast, which promised to be better in a way that our cruise of last year to Europe, in that we would get to see that great engineering work that had just been opened, would be the first battleships to pass thru the Canal, in fact and would see California, that much-talked of and supposedly glorious land of sunshine.

Part of the disappointment I felt has been turned into restored confidence - no not that, for I had never lost my confidence in the fundamental soundness of our moral standard - rather a quiet joy that the men who studied the trouble found that we were worthy of none of the accusations heaped upon us. But the other matter that threatened disappointment has become a reality, harder and more cruel than realities are usually pictured, for we have lost twelve days of Sep leave, twelve days of home and friends that mean so much to us who are away from home for so long. And the hardest part is that the Admiral did nothing - and he could have done much - to give us even one day more at home. It seemed to us that he even did his best to delay us where he could.

Our work during the cruise has been hard - and it has been of the nature to make one want to shirk. When we haven't had engineering, and except for the time that I spent on the 'black gang', it has been nothing but scrub decks, shine brightwork - for the youngsters - spread awnings, stand watches and drill. We coaled ship five times, putting on 1500 tons once, 1300 another time and between 500 and 1000 tons the other three times - all of which meant good hard work. Each of these coalings was followed by two field days - dirty, tiring work - and scrubbing hammocks, which I did but once. The junior officers have realized all of this, and have given us as much time for ourselves as they possibly could - and we appreciated that. There has been no incentive to hard work cheerfully done, no indications that the work we did was appreciated - except by the Captain -

Not Finished...

This is not finished - not by a few days - but it is well that it is so; our intense eagerness to be home; the Admiral's apparent wish to keep us away; promises made and seldom kept; all these served to keep us on edge, and until we disembarked on September 8, 1915, at 3:30 in the afternoon we have had no time for 'Logs' - and no desire to write more.

Sunday, September 5, 1915

I had the 2-4 watch in the steering engine room. I turned in again at 4:15 and slept until 6:30. We had nothing to do until quarters at 9:15 and after that we loafed around until chapel at 10:30.

Saturday, September 4, 1915

I was too sleepy to scrub decks when I turned out at 5:30 this morning, so I loafed around until that was over. We had Captain's inspection - the last one - and after that, locker inspection. The ship was rolling and as the skipper got in front of the man next to me at inspection he lurched forward with the ship and went kerplunk into Geok. He almost had a fit - so did we. Charley, Oley, and I had our usual 'after dinner' in the alley. We sighted Haiti in the morning, and at noon were abreast of it, and only about 5 miles off the island. The average speed of the day was 13 knots. There was a strong wind all day, mostly ahead. The sun was extremely hot, and the gun deck was very close, for, because of the high sea that had been running all night and coming thru the gun ports, the port shutters had been put up. We sighted Cuba at five o'clock and reached Cape Maysi at eight. The Ohio, which had gone ahead at Colon to coal at Guantanamo, was streaming slowly off the cape waiting for us. It was about 9 o;clock when she fell in line behind us. The night was clear and cool, and the 'gang' enjoyed another pleasant evening on the dog house.

Friday, September 3, 1915

We turned out on the topside at 2:30 in a shower and came below as fast as we could, turning in in our hammocks until 5:30. We had another field day, but worked only until noon. After lunch Charley and I had our 'after dinner' in the alley. We drew our monthly money - $2. In the afternoon we scrubbed hammocks - I didn't tho, but I did scrub a pair of kaki[khaki] trous and a belt. We increased our speed to 70 turns. We had several showers during the day - but they failed to cool us off; the showers continued thru the night. The 'gang' was surprised when Nick and Doug came up to us on the doghouse and asked for a light. The each had a full skag[cigarette, in 1915]! We left when a wave came over the side and gave us an unwelcome bath.

Thursday, September 2, 1915

At seven we turned out, and after breakfast we turned to on the ship - general field day. Our division had the quarter deck. We worked all day until about four o'clock. I had the 2 - 4 steering engine room watch. I turned in on deck about nine, sleeping on a sheet and several blankets. The night was cool and clear, the sky was brilliant with stars. We could see just the handle of the great dipper.

Wednesday, September 1, 1915

At 4:30 we turned out, but we had not yet reached the coaling dock so we had nothing to do but crawl into our coaling clothes and wait. I had only two left shoes, so one of them had to go on my right foot. We got to the warehouse dock at about 6; we moored alongside where I was in charge of the squad that tended the hawsers. After breakfast we turned to on the coal. It was fine coal and damp, so it was easy shoveling. It came in cars and was dumped in place, making our work easy - as shoveling coal can be easy. We marked until noon, stopping once for sandwiches and coffee. At one we turned to again. About three we had a rain storm that lasted for over an hour. It was fun for us. About five a bunch - or rather a bunch of bunches - of bananas were unloaded near us. We thot they were for us so we made a dive for them. It wasn't long until we mad a hole in the bananas pile - and then Turner saw us. He flew off the handle, threatened us with a general court martial and cussed us out for not working. But the bananas were down - and felt good where they were - and I saw him laughing later on when he told Farber about it, so I guess it was all right anyway. After supper we turned to until about 9. We had put on over 1300 tons. After our bath Fully and I slept on a sheet and a blanket on the quarter deck where a good breeze could strike us.

Tuesday, August 31, 1915

I turned out to scrub decks at 5:30. It was dark and misty - and it had rained we could see. We were close to Balboa, in the Bay of Panama. On our starboard lay the fortified islands - before us lay three waiting steamers and farther on lay the low, dark, cloud hung land. It was 6:30 before a pilot came aboard, and then we proceeded on our way thru the channel to the Canal. We passed the great new concrete dry dock on our right at the first turn. It was but a short distance to the first of the Miraflores Locks.


The Ohio and we passed up the two locks together (photo, Missouri on the left) while the Wisconsin followed. It was a shorter distance thru Miraflores Lake to the Pedro Miguel Lock where we were raised in one lock to the level of the greater part of the Canal - that part including the Cut, Gatun Channel, and Gatun Lake. Because of the new slide in the cut the channel had been narrowed, and we had to move slowly past the buoys that marked the line of safety. We could see that great changes had taken place since we had passed thru before. The houses on the top of Contractors Hill were gone, and a great gap in the side of the hill showed where the slide had started - at the foot of the gap a gray mass of clay extended into the channel. Men and drills and dredges and graders were busy at the base of Gold Hill, as well as on the other side of the canal. I noticed how much greener everything had grown since we had been there - and the colors of Gold Hill were beautiful; there was the dark green of the tropical trees, relieved by the lighter green of flowers and tall grasses; there was the yellow and brown and red of the clays that clung to the jagged side of the hill; there was the dull, sinister gray of the cracked and crumbled rock, and the black heart of the giant boulder - for Gold Hill is that - laid bare by the blasting and dredging always going on; above all there hung a blue sky half hidden by a mass of gray clouds, half cheered by the brilliant sun that tried hard to drive thru the clouds, but again half sullied by the veil of smoke that rose from the multitude of boats and dredges. As we passed on everything looked so much brighter and greener than before - we could not help remarking about it. We steamed at a fair speed thru the channel and finally passed the great power plant - we knew it by the big DANGER 44000 VOLTS sign painted on the bridge that spans Chagres River. Not long after we were turning and squirming in Gatun Lake, like a bug on a tub of water - or so it seemed, as we looked at our wake. We made our way thru Gatun Lake in the dark - for it had take all day to make the trip. We made a stop of several hours alongside Pedro Miguel Lock. I went ashore, and met the 2nd and 3rd officers of the S.S. Columbian - Jellison and James - both young men and extremely interesting. We sat in their room and talked for over an hour on any subject that happened to come up - and there were many. As we passed thru Gatun locks, a great crowd of soldiers and people from Gatun and Cristobal followed us. The band on the quarter deck played all the snappiest, newest pieces they had - much to the delight of the people ashore - until we came to the last lock; there they struck up a few patriotic pieces, and, as we left, Home Sweet Home and Auld Lang Syne. It was thrilling to see the way those people, so far from home, responded to the airs. They were joyous one moment, home sick the next and plainly envious the next as we left them behind - we were homeward bound. One must see Americans away from the United States to feel what patriotic Americans really are - yes to find that there are really patriotic Americans. We answered their cheers and wishes for a happy journey and good luck by cheers and wishes for a short stay so far from home for them - and left them in the inky black night behind us. It was not long before the lights of the locks and the canal were lost, and we were on our way out to sea. It had been a fine trip thru the canal, better even than the first one. We turned in about 10 with the glorious prospect of coaling day ahead of us.

Monday, August 30, 1915

When reveille turned out 'all hands' at 5:30 I was not particularly anxious to answer the call - so I slept another hour. The night, I found, had been rainy, but when I looked out the sky was fairly clear. Before long it was once more hot and sunny. We were in sight of land all day - low, green mountains that ran to the sea coast. We had turret drill - I had to be hoistman on both guns and shellman all at the same time, so I was a little busy. In the afternoon I did nothing. In the evening I turned in at 9, too warm to anticipate a very pleasant nights' sleep.

Sunday, August 29, 1915

Turned out at 5:30 to scrub decks. The morning was a fine one again, and the sea was very smooth. The BU was almost hull down behind us, and the Ohio was dropping slowly behind; however she caught up with us and later forged ahead of us. We sailed along the coast of Nicaragua nearly all day, until we left it at Cape Blanco. The coast is mountainous and tree-grown - so much different from the barren, sandy coast of California. At the point of the Cape is an island, bare and white, which probably suggested the name for the point, Blanco. We have increased our speed, varying from 75 to 84 turns. We are trying to get in before Tuesday I believe. I had the 4 - 6 watch in the steering engine room. After supper I heard it was raining - so Mack and I went out on the quarterdeck for a fresh water shower. It was pitch dark, save for the intermittent flashes of lightning that made the quarterdeck light as day for an instant; and it was raining hard enuf to wash off suds fairly fast - a fine driving rain it was, warm, but not too warm to lose the feeling of freshness for us. We enjoyed the fun immensely - and appreciated the bath equally as much. The port watch was on deck tonight, but I lost no time turning in at ten. The rain still continued but slackened perceptibly. The Bu was still on the horizon before I turned in; the Ohio was abreast of us.

Saturday, August 28, 1915

I turned in at 2:30 and turned out at 5:30 to scrub decks. Those were three wonderful hours of sleep indeed. We had Captain's inspection and locker inspection. The skipper made a specialty of spotting dirty hats - he's a queer fellow. From 11 to 12 I corked under the fo'c'stle[forecastle] awning with Frank and Mack. After dinner Charley and I had an after dinner - not mint! Home and Sep leave were, as usual, the favorite topics. We talk of home, think of home and dream of home alone, nowadays. These next two weeks threaten to be a month long at least. A year ago today I was already on my way home - and here we are, on the other side of the Continent. It has been warm and sunny all day. We passed close by a spouting whale early in the afternoon. Turtles by scores have floated past us all day. The only watch I had was one 8 - 12 at the breakdown flag, and then I was relieved for half an hour by Fully, who didn't want to do to guard mount, and was relieved again by a jackie who took the watch from 9:15 to 10 while I went to quarters. Provisions ran low, but after begging a 'pipeful' from several different fellows we managed to get enuf for the 'gang' and we had our usual evening meeting on the dog house before we turned in at about nine.

Friday, August 27, 1915

When I turned out to scrub decks at 5:30 it was raining. We proceeded to scrub in swimming trunks. I took the hose, and we finished the deck in no time - then we began on ourselves. The rain was warm, the salt water was warm and the air was warm - so we had one great time. We had turret drill - I was hoistman, which was a fruity job. We drilled with the shell, and did real well considering the fact that it was our first drill in the turret. In the afternoon we had a field day, finishing at about four o'clock. Thank goodness we have the quarter deck to turn to on. Everybody is going to spend his Sep leave as far away from Crabtown as he can - on paper. Of course, every mile we turn in is five cents more to spend in September - and then I don't see how the Admiral has the right to withhold from us the money we saved out of our salary. I think he's going a little deeper than he thinks he's going. The gang had another meeting on the dog house until 10. From 10 to twelve I read in the steering engine room. I was to take the 12-2 watch, relieving Fully. The weather was again very warm and sunny. In the evening a wind came up that by two o'clock increased to a 50 mile gale. Blankets, shoes, sheets and clothes whirled about the top side like so many bits of paper in the street.

Thursday, August 26, 1915

The morning was again a fine one. The sea was glassy, there was scarcely a breeze, save the one that our 65 turns caused us to make as we pushed along. Mexico was still in sight all day long; turtles abounded - I wish we could get a few for some good old turtle soup. We began again our deck duty - general quarters - turret drill, something new, and, in the afternoon, nothing. It is not taking long to get back the tan that the black gang and engineering had removed. In two weeks I ought to be right black again. When I turned in at 10 after a meeting with the gang on the dog house where we discussed the new order to turn in mileage for a computation of traveling expenses for Sep[?] leave. It's a beastly, bloody idea to say the least. The weather was fine, calm, warm and moonlit.

Wednesday, August 25, 1915

The splendid weather we have had since yesterday continued today. The sun was very warm, the sea was calm, the sky was full of languid, fleecy clouds, and the mountainous coast of Mexico barely hidden in the hazy distance - everything was as nearly ideal as one could wish. We noticed scores of turtles floating lazily on the water, some of them surmounted by sea gulls. We finished our work in juice, and our engineering work. I'm not at all sorry that it's over, tho I haven't had to work so hard at the stuff as I expected. In the evening we had a smoker. Boxing matches furnished the most sport - especially the first one, which was between two Filipino boys. The stake was $5, and there were 4 two minute rounds. Both boys were absolutely 'out' at the beginning of the 4th, but they stood together, feebly striking at each other, rarely hitting but giving a fine example of stick-to-it-ness that was duly appreciated. The bout was declared a draw, and both boys received $5, to which everyone felt, they were entitled. Kenworthy and Gover gave a fine exhibition bout of 3 rounds that showed real scientific training. 'Stoney' came nearer to breaking even with Ken than he ever has done before. Both were in good condition. The Yid again pulled off some of his handcuff stunts that were clever enuf, but not, to my mind, entertaining. A 'gobby' did some of the best clod-dancing that I have ever seen anywhere. There were vocal and brass quartets - I was in the Cast - and lots of good music by the band. The movies were popular as movies ever are aboard ship, and the eats, consisting of sandwiches, cake and lemonade were as popular as the movies. We turned in at about 6 bells. The night was all that we could wish for.

Relive their Smoker entertainment today - links below!

Homeward Bound Smoker and Entertainment Program







Internet Links

Original Music Recordings
Listen to an original 1914 recording of "Crazy Bone Rag" by downloading the MP3 (4.6 MB) file from the U.S. Marine Band.

Listen to the original Edison cylinder recording of "Alabama Jubilee" from this location. Please be aware that the lyrics are full of old Southern racial stereotypes.

Listen to the original Edison cylinder recording of "It's Tulip Time in Holland" from this location.

Listen to the original recording of "We'll Have a Jubilee in My Old Kentucky Home" from this location.

Watch a Moviograph
Here's a link so you can watch one of the moviographs they saw on August 25, 1915 -- "Fatty Joins the Force." It's about 13 minutes long. Please be aware that it is on a site called The Naked Gord Program, so some of the content on the page is not for young children, although this film could easily be viewed by them. It is a silent comedy from the early film genius, Mack Sennett, with plenty of slapstick.

Original Sheet Music
This link is to the Mississippi State Templeton Sheet Music Library archive of "Crazy Bone Rag."

This link is to the Mississippi State Templeton Sheet Music Library archive of "Alabama Jubilee."

This link is to the Mississippi State Templeton Sheet Music Library archive of "It's Tulip Time In Holland."

This link is to the Mississippi State Templeton Sheet Music Library archive of "We'll Have A Jubilee In My Old Kentucky Home."

Moviograph Info
This link is to the Internet Movie Database page for "Fatty Joins the Force."

This link is to the Internet Movie Database page for "A Beauty Parlor Graduate."

Tuesday, August 24, 1915

I turned out more weary and hot than I had turned in. The air was still bad - and the storm was still raging. Our speed had been cut down to 50 turns. The quarter deck was still awash and so, of course, was the forecastle. I was feeling fair during the day. In the late afternoon the rain stopped and the sea began to quiet down. The gun shutters were removed and the gun deck became habitable once more. It was still hot - stifling and disagreeable - in the early evening. We passed close to a point of Mexico north of Tehuantepec at 6. We increased our speed to 70 turns again. The "gang" went to the doghouse again after hammocks. I made up yesterday's 'juice' today. Tomorrow is our last day.

Monday, August 23, 1915

I had a queer feeling about us when I turned out - I could tell a storm was on. We walked the deck in semicircles - if we walked at all. I would have sworn that I would get sick before noon, but somehow I didn't - at any rate I was indisposed. The ship had turned into a real submarine - and we steamed alternately awash and submerged. Waves broke over the quarter deck five feet deep. Sometimes we could see the BU, and sometimes we couldn't. It rained constantly, a good, hard, driving rain that was too wet and cold to be pleasant. The gun shutters had to put in - and then the gun deck became a miserable hole to live on. The air became bad, and there was no way to get away from it. More than a few gave up the struggle to look cheerful. I didn't go below to do my "juice" at all, for that would have added another to the list of "unavailables", and that was something I didn't care to have happen. I kept up well all day as it was. I had to turn in on the gun deck - but I didn't sleep at all during the stormy night.

Sunday, August 22, 1915

When I turned out at 6:45 it was as warm and pleasant as it had been when I turned in. A cooling breeze prevented our becoming too warm. After quarters we went to Chapel. The rest of the day I spent writing a letter and corking off. In the evening after hammocks we went forward of the doghouse. A stiff breeze was blowing. The sea was almost glassy - yet waves began to break over the forecastle. We could guess that a storm was brewing; and during the night it broke. The ship pitched and rolled so that even our hammocks followed the motion. When we turned out it was in full swing.

Saturday, August 21, 1915

Had skipper's inspection in the morning. The Admiral also inspected. Both of them are on the war path so we have to go easy. After quarters we had the Navy Regs read to us, and after that we aired bedding. Need[?] is a typhoid suspect - I hope it doesn't develop. We are steaming in line abreast at 70 turns - wind and current are with us, so we should be making about 12 1/2 knots. We are out of sight of land - and have been since early this morning. At 3 we scrubbed hammocks. The sea is calm - except for the usual long rolls. It is warm and very pleasant and the night promises to be quiet.

Friday, August 20, 1915

Our division, having engineering duty, slept in until 6:30. I had three watches below in the engine room, 8 - 11:30, 2 - 4, and 8 -10. While on my first watch we had locker inspection for which, of course, I was absent. The Exec put me on the pap[?] for it. I don't know yet what I will get out of it. At 3 we scrubbed hammocks. That was all we had to do for the day. I turned in at 11:30 after having scrubbed a pair of trous, a hat and myself.

Thursday, August 19, 1915

We had the guard again today. I was detailed as signalman, but our watch was discontinued - so we had nothing to do. In the afternoon I was surprised to see Mary Howard, Gladys Craine, and their aunts, mothers, etc., come on board. We made arrangements to meet at the ball to be given at the Virginia Hotel in the evening. We did meet there, and I, for one, had a very pleasant evening. It was a fitting end to our liberties on the West Coast, to spend the evening with someone from home. It was past one o'clock when we turned in.

Wednesday, August 18, 1915

The morning was fine - not at all like the days at San Francisco. At 1 o'clock we were granted liberty until 7 o'clock. The beach was splendid - and furnished an afternoon of glorious sport. It was crowded with bathers that animated the ordinarily common looking beach and made everyone feel young and happy. Old people had as much fun as the kiddies - and those in between had as much fun as the other two together. I would like to have more time to spend on Long Beach - but... I turned in early tonight.

Tuesday, August 17, 1915

We slept in until 7 o'clock. The crew scrubbed decks. After dinner we got liberty until 7 o'clock. The water at the beach was not inviting so I stayed aboard ship. At 5 in the afternoon we left for Long Beach, reaching there about 7. McCarthy, who had received treatment on the Ohio for spinal meningitis, died. We are truly distressed to so lose a classmate, especially one of his type. Honors will be given him when he is sent ashore. Our flag will remain at half mast until then.

Monday, August 16, 1915

Again we slept until 6:30. At 8 we dropped anchor in the built up harbor of San Pedro - not far from the cliffs, from which Dana, in his memorable cruise, threw hides over the cliff to waiting boats below. There was practically nothing to see; here and there a house or a factory, and that was all. Of course the docks and warehouses, fish houses and lumber yards were there - but they are not part of the town. In the afternoon we were taken thru the city of Los Angeles in autos. Electrics were furnished us for the trip from San Pedro to Los Angeles - it was arid, unappealing country that we passed thru. In the city we rode thru the business districts and thru the beautiful residential sections, where we saw some of the most charming and beautiful homes I have ever seen. And they were not few in number, for we rode for an hour or more, up broad boulevards and thru parks, bordered by hundreds of homes, each a little paradise in itself. After this most enjoyable trip we dined - and well - at the Hotel Hollenbeck. In the evening we went to the Shrine Auditorium, where, before the ball, we witnessed a very interesting electrical - floral pageant. The ball lasted until 12:30, when we had to return aboard ship. It was after three when we reached there.

Sunday, August 15, 1915

As we have engineering duty at sea our division slept until 6:30. We had quarters, then attended chapel - the rest of the day was spent writing letters - and sleeping off the effects of two weeks of high life. We were in sight of land all day long. It was slightly warmer during the day, and also at night than it had been at San Francisco.

Saturday, August 14, 1915

We spent a big part of the morning scrubbing up the ship. At about 3:30 in the afternoon we got under way, and sailed out of the Golden Gate in column, sorry indeed to be leaving a port where we had had such a splendid time. Only one thing made us willing to leave - it was the beginning of our homeward trip. Out next stop was to be Los Angeles - or rather San Pedro, its sea port. The night - as usual - was foggy and cold when I turned in.

Friday, August 13, 1915

After quarters liberty was granted, but we had the guard so our division was doomed to spend the day showing pretty girls about the ship. A special reck[?] allowed me to dine out in the evening, and made a very enjoyable day out of one that would have been an unusually dry one - after the others we had had.

Wednesday, August 11, and Thursday, August 12, 1915

At 4:30 we turned out to coal ship. We worked, after a breakfast of beans, until 11:30, and again from 12:30 until 6:30. After dinner we worked until 9:30. In all this time we had put on board 1500 tons - a very good showing. After a preliminary bath I turned in until 5 the next morning, when I had to turn out for a field day (Thursday, August 12). We finished cleaning ship early in the afternoon, when we were granted liberty. I went ashore in time to dine out. After an extremely pleasant dinner we came back to the ship for the farewell ball we were giving on board. The quarter deck had all the awning in place, and was well decorated with flags. The band was stationed on top of the turret. In both after compartments splendid 'eats' and punch were served. We had a glorious evening of it - one of the best we had had on the west coast. At 12:30 the visitors had to leave. We could see that the hop had been a successful one by the fact that no one wanted to leave - in fact it took several injunctions from the officer-of-the-deck to make them start away. A funny thing occurred during the evening. Nick and Charley, not dragging, decided that they could not turn in without some of the 'eats' so they got plates and picked out as many choice bits as the plates would hold, and sat in a corner to enjoy them. The exec saw them, and put them on the report for "Indecorous conduct", telling them how ashamed of them he felt.

Tuesday, August 10, 1915

We slept until 7 this morning - four long precious hours - nearly - of good sound sleep. After quarters I went ashore, visiting the fair - and the waffle kitchen in the morning; going to a hop at the California Bld'g in the afternoon; dining out in the early evening, and attending a reception and Ball in the same Bld'g in the evening. We had a very good time until 12 o'clock, when we had to leave. Another invitation to dine out on Thursday was graciously accepted - this time from a different party.

Monday, August 9, 1915

Once more I turned out, only to turn in again. At 8 we took the guard - which meant that we would no get any liberty. At 2 in the afternoon we went ashore under arms to receive a bronze tablet from the directors of the fair commemorating our visit to Frisco. The customary speeches of presentation and acceptance were delivered. On our way from Calder's Monument to the ships we went thru a few maneuvers for the benefit of the "admiring public." At 7:30 we went ashore for the Navy Ball at the Civic Auditorium. The Ball was strictly a society affair, and was attended by army and navy officers and midshipmen. For the benefit of the "old boys" we gave several yells and sang Anchors Aweigh. It was a brilliant evening, both as regards clothes and people. An invitation to dine with a Miss Jacobs was duly accepted for the next day. The floor, as large as it was, was very crowded until about 12, when some of the unattached older people left. This left the floor in splendid shape - and until 2 o'clock we enjoyed the dance and company. It was after 3 when we turned in, tired, but ever so happy over the evening.

Sunday, August 8, 1915

We went to chapel and after that was over we went ashore. Luckily for us the waffle kitchen was in full swing when we arrived. We went to the Hof Brau for dinner, and at 2:15 we went to the Orpheum where we saw a very good vaudeville. This was the first day of liberty that did not appear to a great extent to be a Sunday - and yet it was a Sunday. As we were returning to the ships we saw Silvio Pettirossi, the monoplane artist, in a trial flight over the Exposition grounds. His flight was thrilling - even more so than Art Smith's daredevil loops and twists and drops. We were beginning to feel the strain on our pocketbooks that a week of high life in Frisco had brought on, and were at a point where we realized that we would have to "go easy."

More Art Smith

Saturday, August 7, 1915

Reveille, as far as I am concerned, is a waste of breath on the bugler's part. I couldn't be induced to scrub decks in this cold weather, for anything - except a promise to start for home immediately. After Captain's inspection we got ashore, with 12:30 liberty. The waffle kitchen was the first place we visited - those waffles and syrup and coffee were too good to forget. We had dinner at the Hof Brau - I never had so much to eat at one time in all my life; and it was exceptionally good too. We left there well satisfied with the world in general, and walked about town. For the evening we planned a trip to Chinatown - and about 8 o'clock we went there. It was a queer thing to see that bit of China in America. Everyone was in real Chinese dress; the shops were full of Chinese things; the streets were filled with that Chinese odor akin to burning joss sticks - everything was peculiarly Chinese, and in an equal measure interesting and offensive. It was past ten before we left the resort for Irish's room. We left there in time to get the 12 o'clock boat for the ship.

Friday, August 6, 1915

I got up early, but it was too cold for me on deck so I corked off until breakfast in a hatch with several of the 'gang' who felt as I did. After quarters we went ashore. A visit to the waffle kitchen began the day. Part of the morning was spent looking round the fair before we began our pilgrimage to Solari's shrine. It was four o'clock before we left that place, and seven when we returned to the ship; the three intervening hours being spent at the fair. It was again cold and foggy when I turned in, and for some time the old fog horn at the gate kept me awake.

Next Two Weeks Written From Memory

The account of the next two weeks will be written from memory. I have had no time to do this daily, so I have made it a point to keep in mind the bigger events of the days as they passed. The account will be accurate tho not so full perhaps as it might have been had I been less lax.

Thursday, August 5, 1915

I turned out at 5 this morning, but turned in again until 7:15 in the Fire room hatch. We can't go ashore today as we have guard duty - but I don't much care. Had a splendid dinner at noon. Spent the evening and afternoon writing. As I had no special detail I turned in early and slept soundly all night.

Wednesday, August 4, 1915

When I went ashore this morning I met Prof. Christie and Mrs. Fitch. From there I went to town. At 12:30 five of us had a wonderful feed at Solaris and after that we went to see "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray" a very good, but somewhat tragic piece from London. After the play Dinky and I walked around town until 6 when we returned to the ship. At ten I turned in. It was not so cold tonight as it had been.

Tuesday, August 3, 1915

Turned out at 5 to scrub decks. I hadn't intended to scrub, but Wead[?] put me in charge on the forecastle, so I had to. We finished it as quickly as possible and went below, nearly frozen. At 10 we went ashore visiting the Mines, Machinery, and Transportation Buildings which were very interesting - and the Fine Arts building, in which, among a large number of excellent works, I saw one painting which appealed to me so strongly that I returned to it three times. It was the figure of a girl, standing before a golden yellow curtain, half facing it, as if about to enter a room beyond. She held a small tray with a decanter and glass upon it. On her haid[head] was a white, lacy cap that barely hid her beautiful hair. She wore a bright, but very soft, red skirt, a black bodice with white sleeves and collar and a white apron. I saw the skirt but a moment - there was something that caught the eye and held it. The face was a wonderful piece of work - it seemed to appeal to me as the face of a woman whose pure heart and noble soul are reflected in her features must always appeal to a man. And the beautiful body seemed to hide such a heart and soul. The painting was by Waay. Geok and I were still very much disappointed in everything we saw, and disgusted with the women, who paint like so many Spaniards - and who are as homely as they, too. At 7 we returned to the ships. Fireworks displays, and searchlights made an interesting scene from on deck. Turned in at ten. Again it has been cold from sunset on. I was the Golden Gate tonight as the sun set - and the reason for the name. The sun, falling on the mist that hangs over the entrance to the harbor, made a blanket of gold that hung over the hills and water for half an hour and made a really 'golden' Gate of the entrance.

Monday, August 2, 1915

After quarters at 9:30 we went ashore. Visited in succession, with Geok, the Penn, Illinois, and Indiana buildings. The Illinois building I found to be the best of the state buildings. At 1:30 we gave a short parade and at 4 we were again ashore, visiting various foreign exhibits. At about 5:30 we went to town to look around, and saw nothing astonishing. My impression of Frisco and the Fair is not at all favorable. At about 10:30 I turned in. Woolen pajamas, a sweater and a blanket very nearly kept me warm during the evening - and night.

Sunday, August 1, 1915

At 6:30 I turned out, nearly frozen. The Santa Barbara Islands were in sight - great yellow brown mountains rising from a green sea. We soon left them behind us. About 10 o'clock we picked up land off the starboard bow. It was cold and very foggy, so that, while we were close to it, we could not distinguish it. Slowly the mist rose revealing the wonderful harbor of San Francisco just as we were beginning to enter it. We passed on our right the famous Cliff House and the Seal Rocks - and we saw the seals too. It was greener here than at San Diego by far, and much more beautiful. It was not long until we have in sight of the Exposition grounds, three cruisers and the old Oregon anchored in front of it, and the hills of San Francisco rising sharply beyond it. Swinging round the Naval training Station on Goat[Yerba Buena] Island we passed, in line ahead, the warships, giving them their honors, one by one.
An aviator flew over us as we dropped anchor just outboard of the Oregon, and later flew high above the Exposition grounds, looped the loop, turned on his side and did figure eights, finally landing again from where he rose. We are on guard today so we will be unable to go ashore, But wait till tomorrow! It is very cold here now. Writing letters this afternoon my hands nearly froze.

Saturday, July 31, 1915

Turned out at 6:30. At 8:15 we turned to - general field day. The Santa Barbara islands - great yellow and brown mountains rising from a green sea. I was in charge on the boat deck. We scrubbed paintwork and holystoned the deck until all was clean, then dried down immediately while all the others still had sand all over. After dinner all the others had to turn to again - I went down to the after handling room and played chess with Fully. During the day the sun was warm but the breeze was strong and cold. Turned in at 8:30.

Friday, July 30, 1915

We were allowed to sleep in until 7 this morning. It was cold again, but by 9 o'clock, when we went ashore it was warm. We ate a light breakfast at Kemp's[?] - after the turkey feed of yesterday we couldn't eat much. After breakfast Geok and I took a car for the Exposition intending to go to one of the many beautiful quiet corners and enjoy a rest and smoke. But that turned out to be only an intention. We had been in the grounds about five minutes, and were standing at a corner deciding upon a course to steer when three young ladies passed. Geok and I decided to make their acquaintance - we met them in the varied industries building, at the register. We introduced ourselves, and found that they were sisters from Harvard, Illinois. I took charge of the youngest of the three. The oldest we let be the chaperon. Some time was spent walking thru the buildings getting acquainted and looking around. My friend was well up on art - in fact on all the fine arts, so we two spent quite a time studying paintings and admiring handicraft of various kinds. When we first looked at a clock it was 2 o'clock - and we were very much surprised. We went to the Japanese Tea house where a submissive little Jap woman served us sandwiches, excellent green tea and ice cream - I almost forgot the olives and Jap rice cakes which were excellent too. It was a long time before we left the tea house, and then Geok left before we did. The afternoon was spent walking thru the beautiful grounds, looking at the wonderful flowers that grew in true Californian profusion all about. I humored the older sister along by finding seeds of rare plants that we found - and with the connivance of the younger one added a few tomato seeds that we happened to find. I hope they don't grow - the tomato seeds I mean. We would loose Geok and then run across him again thruout the afternoon. At 5:30 we started back to town. We invited the ladies to the ball to be given us at the Coronado in the evening. At the San Diego we met a man from Harvard so some time was spent talking of home. We finally got started for dinner. We went to Rudder's[?] and left there at nine o'clock - too late to go to the ball - the one disappointment of the day. But we had a very pleasant evening together, swapping experiences and dancing in the small dance hall - there were four of us - on the roof of the San Diego. At eleven - the time we were to be at the dock - Geok and I left the hotel, going to the Coronado dock - only to find that it was the wrong one. We ran across an area of sand, down a railroad track and finally reached the Santa Fe dock, all hot and out of breath, just in time to catch the boat. Just as we jumped aboard the boat shoved off. It had been a wonderful day in every way.

Thursday, July 29, 1915

We were roused from a deep sleep at 5 this morning, but what for I don't know. Until breakfast time I watch the approach to San Diego, the narrow mouth of the harbor, the city, farther on, clustered among the hills, the broad yellow brown areas that with the mountains enclosed the broad body of water that forms the harbor and all its branches. Before we entered the harbor a familiar buzz announced the presence of an aeroplane, and it was not long until we saw not only one, a biplane, but also three biplane-hydroaeroplanes. All of them flew about us waving and cheering. We dropped anchor at 8 in the morning, and before ten were on our way to the dock, with our guns, ready for the parade. Amid the cheers of the crowd that turned out, most of them in two great lines of autos, we marched, between two lines of cavalry, dipping in honor to us, up Broadway. The city was decorated with flags especially the streets along which lay our route. Marching into the plaza at the exposition we formed into two battalion lines, presenting arms before old Teddy - Roosevelt was there to greet us with a speech, one that I can't remember well enuf to attempt to put down here, but one the substance of which I do not want to forget. After that ceremony we marched to cars that carried us back to the landing. It had been a hot walk, but as I was to find out, we were well repaid for the favor. At 2 we were back in San Diego - with 12:30 liberty! That meant a feed at the U.S. Grant, and we had it - from 5:30 to 8. In the afternoon we visited the Exposition. After the feed we went to the ball that was to be given us in the plaza. Only Geok and I went there. It was less than 5 minutes after I arrived when I was introduced to Capt. Jecoup's wife, who immediately after our dance, introduced me to some girls - and from then until 11:45 I kept meeting women and dancing. Many Coronado people were there, and they did their best to show us a good time - and succeeded. When I got back to the ship by the last boat, I was tired but happy. It did not take me long to turn in and fall asleep.

Wednesday, July 28, 1915

Turned out at 6:30 after a cool night's sleep. Land was in sight - they were the islands outside San Diego - great mountainous, barren islands they were and as they reached upward they melted into a cold gray cloud bank. It was very cold all the early morning - so cold and gray that I wondered how Sunkist oranges ever came from California. But I didn't worry long, for as the day grew, the air became warmer, the sun came out suddenly, hot and bright, and in a short time the cold of the dawn was gone. In the afternoon we drilled - on a corking mat for a time in the afternoon sun. We passed slowly between the great brown islands in order to reach the mouth of the harbor in the early morning. We didn't go below - instead we cleaned ship, which I didn't like as well. It was very cold again when I turned in about 8:30.

Tuesday, July 27, 1915

At 6:30 I turned out very much refreshed. Went below at 8:30 to sketch the main and auxiliary drains, jacket steam and drains, oiling system, valve water service and cylinder relief valves - a short morning's work. I finished at 10:30 so until 11:30 I corked off by the circulating pump. In the afternoon, in preparation for tomorrow afternoon's parade in San Diego, we got into blue service and leggings, cleaned the rifles and had an hour and a half of drill on the quarterdeck. We increased our speed from 65 to 78 turns in order to reach San Diego before 8 tomorrow morning. That will be 3 days ahead of time. Turned in early at my billet. For the last three days we have had to wear kaki[khaki] shirts, and at night, one blanket is none too warm.

Monday, July 26, 1915

Turned out at 6:30. Went below at 8:15 on my first day at engineering. The Swine[?] started us out with a speech on work - saying among other things that he intended to give us enuf work to keep us busy until 9 at night. The morning's work was to trace and sketch the main steam, auxiliary steam and auxiliary exhaust. In the afternoon we sketched the air pump, circulating pump, fire and bilge, and the flushing pumps, the fee and filter tank, main condenser, water service and the reversing engine. I worked on my notebook until about 7:30 - not quite the limit. I was tired from standing up all day long so I turned in at 8. It was still very cold above decks and windy. Two whales were seen during the day tho I didn't get a look at them.

Sunday, July 25, 1915

Turned out at 5 after a night spent in rolling constantly in an effort to keep a blanket about me, and swung below until 6:30. Went to chapel at 10:30 after playing a few games of chess. Dinner was very poor - as most of our meals of late have been - and we had to make up for a shortage in 'eats' by a half hour on the porch. Spent the afternoon writing a letter home and playing chess. Turned in at 8:30. It was too cold and windy to sleep on deck so I turned in on my billet.

Saturday, July 24, 1915

Had to turn out at 5, but I went below and slept until 6:30. Early in the morning the sea was a little rough, but before breakfast it was as smooth as ever. Had Captain's inspection in the morning. Another order was read expressing Fullam's confidence in the midshipman. I wish he would stop it - I don't believe he has any in us; I know none of us have any in him. We have just (2 P.M.) sighted Lower California. Did nothing all afternoon but write letters, play chess and cork, then after a 'catch' in the evening on the gallery with the gang I turned in on a forecastle swept by a breeze that threatened to blow my bedclothes from around me.

Friday, July 23, 1915

Slept in until 6:30. Yesterday all day I did nothing but eat and sleep. Wednesday morning I had the 4 - 8 watch below. When I came up I was nearly all in. I had no sleep for 3 days and three nights and was beginning to fell the need of some. I went to sick bay where they gave me morphine and turned me in. I slept all day, got another dose that night and slept until morning. I have come off the black gang for a time - but I am doing nothing at all. I hope I get away with it. The weather for the last four days has been very clear and moderately cool. The breeze we have had would have licked up whitecaps and sent the waves racing over the decks in the Atlantic, but here there is only that eternal steady roll and pitch, with the sea as smooth as glass. We have become accustomed to the pitching and rolling, and somewhat reconciled to the monotony of the quiet ocean. There as been one thing to mar these last four days, that has made everyone rhino - that is the 'dope' which purports to be straight and which has it that we get 7 o'clock liberty at San Diego and Frisco, get $20 for all our liberties, that Fullam refused to permit the citizens of San Diego to give us an auto tour, hop and barbeque[sic], that we coal at San Diego, that we lay in Frisco 12 days for overhauling machinery, and worst of all, that we get traveling expenses plus $10 on Sep leave; enuf to make anybody rhino. Fullam has been given every name that four languages can furnish, and every one feels that those aren't enuf. The gang has a new place now - on the after port gallery - and it is a fine meeting place. We sighted a tramp today, the first sail since we left the canal. Turned in about 8:30 on the forecastle with a full moon and clear sky. Noon position 100 - 56, 14 - 34 N.

Monday, July 19, 1915

Went on watch from 12 - 4 this morning. After I turned in at 4:30 I couldn't go to sleep. After quarters I tried to cork, but for some reason I couldn't. Hagen boobed the game - he tried to get a haircut during drill, whereupon Turner, seeing the black gang had nothing to do, went to Jacobs, who decided that we would go to gun drill. If they do much more of that I'll quit the black gang. The sea was even smoother today than yesterday, tho the swells still made us roll. Saw two turtles, one 6 ft. in diameter, the other smaller, two snakes and a shark, besides the usual number of flying fish and porpoises.

Sunday, July 18, 1915

Had the 8 to 12 watch in the fire room. When I came up I enjoyed the afternoon on deck. The sky was again full of heavy clouds, but there was no rain. The sea was smooth also, with the long low rolls which give us a regular roll and pitch, which when one gets accustomed to it is very pleasant. We have been in sight of land - on our starboard - all day. Turned in at 9 and turned out at 11:30 again to go on watch.

Saturday, July 17, 1915

Slept until 6:45. Had Captain's inspection this morning - the skipper told Tex he should be ashamed to come to quarters with a shirt on like the one he wore. I corked until after that until lunch. At 4 I went on the first dog watch below. At noon we were still headed southeast (245 deg) at ten knots, but were ready to change our course to the northward. The sea is very smooth except for long gentle rolls. The sky has been full of clouds but there has been no rain. Spent the evening, until about 10, in the eyes then turned in on the gun deck.

Friday, July 16, 1915

Click here, here, and here to see pictures of the U.S.S. Missouri in the Panama Canal on July 16, 1915. From the U.S. Naval Historical Center.

We were all turned out at 6:30 this morning to clean up the ship. After breakfast we dressed ship and decorated the quarterdeck with flags and palms, finishing the hot job about 9 o'clock. Not long after visitors - officers of the army and navy and their wives, daughters or lady friends - arrived. We shifted into white service. At 10 we heaved anchor and steamed in line thru Gatun Lake. There were plain and abundant evidences that the Lake is a flooded valley. The channel was marked by light buoys - outside of that trunks of what had been trees jutted out of the water - a veritable forest of bare stumps, crowned, many of them, by a clumsy pelican. The Lake was full of small tree covered islands - everything was green, some dark, some lighter, some hidden by the low lying clouds. We picked our way slowly thru this enticing wilderness, fairly intoxicated with the beauty of it all. After making so many turns that we lost nearly all sense of direction we passed three enormous metal towers - a wireless station with three aerials. From there we approached the dredged part of the canal at whose center lies that dread of engineers, Calebra. The channel was wide enough to allow two big ships to pass each other easily. The banks were sometimes low - high sometimes, as the cut went thru hills of greater or less height. At three points we passed khaki clad soldiers (The 10th, 5th, and 27th regiments) grouped on the bank - always on our right - at their little black stations. They cheered as we passed - their bands played, usually "Columbia the Gem of the Ocean." I noticed that it was impossible to see the soldiers, even when there were a large number in our spot, until they were very close to us. The looked for all the world like like a rock or dead bush or a small new [?] slide. About 3:30 we approached Calebra cut. On the right was a very high hill. The slides could be plainly seen in the tiers of gray clay that lay bare before us. On the left was a great rocky wall, higher even than the hill on the right. Men were washing it away in places with hydraulic pressure. There were several big steam shovels and dredge on either side of the canal as we passed, besides tug boats, cranes and big flat bottomed scows. The recent slides narrowed the channel so much at the cut that a tug had to guide us slowly thru between the temporary buoys that marked the path of safety. The one expression that nearly everyone used, and which tells the most truth, the impression which this great piece of engineering work makes upon one as he passes between these two monstrous mounds, was simply, "This is wonderful." Just as we left Calebra cut, Contractors Hill on the right, Diamond Hill on the left, the Wisconsin was just entering the other end of the Cut, and the Ohio was half way between. It was an impressive sight, and one which will not be seen for some time. I did not realize the greatness of the two hills we had just passed until I saw the Ohio just as she emerged from the cut behind us - she, with her hundred foot masts, went only half way up their sheer sides, and looked as small in comparison as a whale boat beside a man-of-war. A short distance beyond Calebra cut was an enormous crane, built by the "Deutsche Machinenfabric" - it was the U.S. Hercules - and the name was appropriate. I thot [thought] I was fortunate in seeing this, the largest floating crane in the world. Going forward slowly we soon came to the Pedro Miguel locks which dropped us in one lock to the Miraflores lake, a beautiful quiet lake, surrounded by some more beautiful green hills with the cloud crowned mountains behind them. It did not take us long to cross the lake to the Miraflores Locks. Two locks lowered us there to sea level, as quietly and evenly as the others had lifted us to the lakes. We were ready to head out to the Pacific. It was dark when we left the Canal, thoroughly awed by the immensity of it all, wondering, marveling at the brain that could conceive such a work and could work it out until this great inanimate[?] thing remained, to do the work that its creators could not do. There had not been a 'hitch' in our passage, nothing had happened that would not have made Americans feel proud this canal was ours. It is too wonderful to describe - too great to say a little about in an attempt to remove it from its home in the Canal Zone.

We stood out to sea at 6 knots. I had an 8-12 watch below, which was a very easy one.

Thursday, July 15, 1915

Slept in this morning on deck until 6:30. We had a few light rains during the morning. Everyone was anxious to see the coast, and I was anxious for fear we would not get in in time so that I would not have to go below on the first dog watch. At 3:30 we sighted land on our port bow - a beautiful range of cloud and snow crowned mountains with their foothills creeping up to them from the beach. Slowly we rounded the point and approached a low stretch of land - which we soon learned was Cristobal, the port of Colon.
At 4 o'clock we were within the harbor. A great breakwater extends just to either side of the channel from the shore. A part on our port was not completed. Colon and its port is a fair sized town, full of black screened, square houses. On our left as we enter is a large white building, of the red tiled Mexican style. It is a pretty building, and the only large one in sight. On our right are four German steamers. Passing up the river channel we pass the Levern and three of her submarines. An Argentine training ship - a steam bark - is coaling. She fired a salute of 13 guns which we returned. We have cut down our speed to about 6 knots and are entering The Canal proper. This is wonderful. The countryside is a beautiful green, hills and valley covered, crowded with luxuriant tropical vegetation. There on our right are some dilapidated grass tree huts, sticking their yellow roofs above the green trees. Birds are singing and twittering - and such a smell that comes from the hills, sweet and intoxicating. After making two bends we are crossing the path of the old French Canal and are in sight of the Gatun locks. It is about 6 o'clock and is getting dark. Colon - situated on the hill over which we are to be lifted, is black, but cool looking. The two locks are just before us. There are queer looking electric engines ready to tow us in. The mokes on the lock walls heave us a line with the wire cable at the end. Slowly we were pulled into the left hand lock, stopping just short of an immense gray lock gate. There was room and to spare for us there. The great gates that were flush with the concrete sides of the lock as we passed them slowly swung our, without a sound, until they met in a huge V. Almost immediately we began to rise, slowly, evenly - the movement scarcely noticeable, until we reached the next level, when the gates ahead of us swung open, with the same quiet, majestic, mysterious motion that had closed the others. Two time more we were raised from one lock, first to the one above then to Gatun Lake.
There lay at anchor, the BO and the BU who had preceded us the day before. By this time it was 7 o'clock, and dark. The lights of Colon showed us how that town was clustered about the high hill that lay to the right of the lock as on approaches from the lake. We anchored near the lock for the night.

Wednesday, July 14, 1915

Turned out at 3:30 to go below on the 4 to 8 watch. I felt fine until breakfast time when I began to get hungry. The main feed pump broke so we had to slow down to 50 turns. The watch was fairly easy. From 8 in the morning until 8 at night, when I took the 8-12, I had nothing to do but cork off - and I did that most of the time. We had a wonderful lunch. All the pineapple and oranges and cake and iced tea that we could possibly eat. At noon we were about in the middle of the Caribbean making 62 turns - but the current of the Gulf Stream held us back so that from 8 - 12 this morning we made only 10 miles. Had a fine clear night.

Tuesday, July 13, 1915

Bring on the black gang. I slept in until 6:30, but about 3 o'clock a storm drove us below. Hagen, on the quarterdeck, got completely squelched by a wave. We had field day all day, while I slept in a boat with 'Stony' until 12, when I went below for the 12 - 4 watch. It was easy steaming after the fires were cleaned and the ashes pulled. Working 40 minutes and resting 20 under the engine room blower makes the work easy - too easy in fact. I am getting less work from this watch than I did when I went on my own hook. Turned in below about ten.

Monday, July 12, 1915

We got into Guantanamo at about 2:30. When it got light enuf, I took a good look at this, our greatest possibility in the way of a naval station. There is a fine harbor, full of coves, landlocked with a small outlet. A low rang of mountains shelters it on all sides. There is a marine barracks, a two tower wireless station, store houses and a great traveling crane; behind the barracks were seven huge oil tanks. That is all one can see to indicate that the place is a naval base - but there are enormous possibilities! I didn't have much time to gaze at scenery tho. We began coaling at 8 and didn't finish until 7 in the evening. And such coal! It was dirty, dusty and hard to work. In half an hour we were as black as the lighters. I had coal in my eyes, in my lungs, ears and mouth - and the water they gave us was too warm to drink. We had to wet the coal continuously so that we wouldn't choke. Our division finished our lighter at 3:30, then we had to help on deck. I bought a pineapple and some bananas from a bum boat man. By some mistake the bugler blew swimming call - I took advantage of the mistake and jumped in, until somebody called us back. The water was fine - so was the pineapple. I joined the steaming watch in Evan's place. Swung on the forecastle. We left Guantanamo at 8:30. Among some of the uncommon things I saw here were a shark, several herons, a pelican, fish hawks and a fiery red butterfly.

Sunday, July 11, 1915

Slept until 6:30 this morning - I had had a fine night, cool enuf for a sound sleep but not too cool for light pajamas. The morning is fine - a good breeze is blowing off the port bow. We have passed San Salvador, where Columbus landed, Crooked Island and Fortune island [Bahamas], Aklins Island, Castle Island and the Mira por vos Islands[Cays]. From 10 until 12 I was at the wheel. It was great to fell the big ship swing with the wheel. Wrote letters all afternoon. We sighted Cape Maysi[Maisí]light about 8 o'clock (Oce 17) rounded the eastern end of Cuba and steered west guided by lights on the shore. I was on the dog house, a fine cool breeze was blowing when I fell asleep.

Saturday, July 10, 1915

Woke out of a sound sleep at 5 to scrub decks. The cinders were flying so fast and thick that we couldn't get the quarter deck clean. We had to scrub three decks while the gobs slept in. The are getting away with too much - they are lazy and sullen and won't stay on their side of the ship. Had Captain's inspection in the morning - locker inspection was very close. He asked me my name, but I don't know why. From after inspection until noon I corked off. Went below at 1:20 and fired continuously until 4:45 when I was so tired that I had to quit. After a good hot bath and cold salt shower I lay on the dog house until supper. My bones ached so that I couldn't rest but I knew it would be only temporary. I didn't eat much supper, but returned to the dog house where I staid [sic] until almost 9:30. We had a queer sunset. After a marvelously clear, cool day, the sun set in a bank of golden yellow, lighting clouds on the eastern horizon a fiery red. A few minutes after it had sunk out of sight black clouds began racing to the west. All this was an old indication of coming rain. I turned in below about 10.

Friday, July 9, 1915

Slept until 6:30, or rather I stayed in my hammock until then, for in the heat and bad close air of the gun deck I couldn't sleep. We were to have guard mount but for some reason it was knocked off. After quarters we had check sight drill which we managed to stretch out over about 15 minutes. The rest of the morning I corked on the dog house. In the afternoon we had field day - our division on the starb'd side of the quarter deck. I left there about 3 to go below, where I stayed until 5:15, firing, sliceing [sic], pulling fires, and passing coal. While I was on the quarter deck I turned on the water while Doug was looking down the hose - result, Doug got wet all over, I had a good laugh, Doug swore to get me some day, and I was happy. Washed up in the fire men's washroom. The day has been ideal, smooth sea, light wind and light clouds. At 6 P.M. we were about halfway down the coast of Florida. We have been making 65 turns - 11 knots. Had a fine night sleeping on the dog house. There was a light steady breeze all night.

Thursday, July 8, 1915

Turned out at 5 to scrub decks. The morning was a fine one. There was a strong steady wind of our starboard bow - it was a moist salty breeze that made you feel 'gooy'. It was so salty that a drink of fresh water tasted sugary. The sea is a beautiful clear blue - it can't be beat anywhere I believe; it's wonderful. We have sighted at least a half dozen ships. Had quarters and gun drill. The BO steamed abreast of us for check sight drill, then took her position 1000 yards abeam and 500 yards aft - the regular sea steaming formation. They have put in the gun port shutters. The sea is breaking well over the forecastle. A 60 mile gale blew all day - steady on our starboard bow. It washed waves up over the bridge - 42 feet above the water line. I staid [sic] up on deck until 10, cold, but loathe to go below where the air was hot and bad. Stoked from 3 to 5:15.

Wednesday, July 7, 1915

After I turned in last night I knew nothing until I was turned out this morning - and it was 6:30 not 3:30! Something felt different - I looked out of the port and saw the water moving faster than the tide usually had run. I looked further, and saw new land beside us - we were underway and I hadn't heard a thing. I found out the starboard watch had turned out - I'm in the port watch. The Ohio is steaming after us, 400 yards away. Was in the chains from 1 till 2:30. With a 2 fathom swing I could get a sounding every time, but it took some time until I could get a good one with a 16 foot line. We were supposed to scrub hammocks at 3, but I put my new one in my locker and went below. I was there until 5:15, firing and passing coal. we pulled fires and cleaned ash pans. When I came up we had just passed beyond Cape Henry. We had a head wind all the way down the bay, they trip down taking 13 hours - last year it took us less than 12. We spent an hour on the dog house in the evening and turned in early.

Tuesday, July 6, 1915

When I turned out this morning at 5 the sun was shining brilliantly - in shear [sic] delight it seemed at the fact that he would soon see us in other waters, for we leave tomorrow morning. We scrubbed decks as usual, had quarters and were supposed to have gun drill - but the gunner's mate was on liberty and we couldn't find the dotter gear - much to our dismay. At 11 the Wisconsin pulled out. We - the guard - were called aft under arms. As the BU passed us the band played one strain of the national air and we came to present arms. It certainly felt fine to see the old ballyho leaving. I wonder where we will catch her. In the afternoon we were supposed to have signal drill, but I picked Corbett out as my partner and as he knows more than I could tell him we soon finished our work and I went up on the anchor and wrote letters - the last mail was to leave at 3. As it was to be the last day that we would be able to sit behind the anchor davit, we spent a few hours up there in the afternoon. I was corking off and very nearly missed supper formation. After hammocks as much as the gang as was not on watch went to the eyes and spent a very pleasant evening. We turned in about 10:15 expecting to be turned out at 3:30.

Monday, July 5, 1915

When we turned out at 6 this morning it was raining - not hard, just that slow drizzle that makes a rainy day doubtfully unpleasant.
We scrubbed decks without sand then lay around until breakfast. At 8 we dressed ship.

At 8 We Dressed Ship

From after quarters until lunch the gang was in the eyes - reading, talking and smoking. At 12 the three ships fired a 21-gun salute. We could also see - and faintly hear - the boom of the Reina's guns as she fired her salute. I tried to get a picture of the ships, but the weather is so gray and void of light that I doubt they will be good.

The Ships Fired A 21-Gun Salute

I corked on deck all afternoon with the gang. In the evening we had an entertainment. I played in the band. We had boxing, wrestling, boom fighting, music, movies and a performance by a jackie who got out of shackles, handcuffs, lashings and a straight jacket with as much apparent ease as I could get out of a pair of gloves or my dress jacket. He is the same man who hypnotizes, prints pictures and is studying to be a steward. He's a Yid[?] which probably accounts for his queer but some-day-they-might-be-useful tricks in which he has perfected himself. We had a very enjoyable evening and didn't turn in until about 10:30.

Scan of the Programme for the U.S.S Missouri Boxing Bouts And Entertainment








Internet Links

Here's a link to the Internet Movie Database page for "His Kid Sister."

When I search the IMDb for "It Was Some Party", I get this page. Perhaps the French title is what was referenced in the ship's program.

Sunday, July 4, 1915

A fine way to start the 4th is to get up at 6 and scrub decks and shine brightwork. At least that's what we did. The orders are to celebrate the 4th tomorrow - maybe that accounts for it. All I did this morning was loaf and sing in the choir at church. For dinner we had turkey, ham, spuds, dressing, lettuce, cucumbers, peas, gravy, cocoa, vanilla and chocolate ice cream and cake - Some feed! We have liberty this afternoon but I'm not going. I corked on the forecastle all afternoon and returned with the bunch in the evening. Nothing at all has happened worth thinking twice about - except Donavin's wife, who happened to come aboard for a while in the afternoon.

Saturday, July 3, 1915

After turning out at 5 we turned to and washed down the quarter deck. I also helped shine brightwork a little. At quarters Hillary read us a letter from Fullam congratulating us on our neatness and general ability. The old duck isn't over the malady yet. After skipper's inspection we had nothing to do but stand by for locker inspection. I spent the afternoon - until about 4 o'clock - in the eyes. We all chipped in two bits and had ice cream and cakes sent in. That certainly did touch the spot - each one of us could have eaten a whole gallon of that cream, instead of a bowl full. It is raining and misting now. The bunch on liberty will not have such pleasant weather. It was the same last Saturday. We are on guard so we can't go ashore today. I and a few others had to take two sailing launches from the boom. We were towed alongside the Standish by a steamer and took off the returning liberty party, bringing them to the gangway, after which we "Hooked on" and got a ride as the crane lifted us on deck. After hammocks the gang again went to the eyes where they enjoyed themselves immensely until 10.

Friday, July 2, 1915

Turned out at 5 and turned to at 5:30. General field day had started. I worked on the boat deck with the rest of the 2nd classmen. We scrubbed paintwork then washed down the deck with sand and holystones. When we got thru with it - about 10:30 - it was clean, and so was everything on the boat deck. In the afternoon, we had nothing to do. I was too tired to do anything anyway so it was just as well that way. We could easily stand a little rest after these two days of real work. I'm tired. I stayed up in the eyes with the gang until about ten.

Thursday, July 1, 1915

At last it has come! We turned out at 5 and saw the lighters approaching. One of them was made fast to either side, amidships. About 6 we turned to. We were supposed to coal by watches half an hour long - but I didn't like the idea so I stayed in the lighter all morning without a rest. I didn't feel it then. There was the usually fighting for bags, and yelling for more bags, and cries of "Stand from under" as the crane hoisted from 10 to 16 bags. We stopped for breakfast at 7:30 and for lunch at 12:30. There were no sandwiches and coffee at 10, like last year. The coal was as clean as coal can be, not at all dusty, and very easy to work. I stayed on top of the pile all morning, and worked from the deck of the lighter in the afternoon. I was a sorry looking sight I guess - I know I felt as if I should have been. At for o'clock we had the lighters empty - we had taken on 843 tons. After we had finished with the coal our division went to the quarterdeck to wash down - ourselves and the deck. It was lots of fun. We all had swimming trunks on, and it didn't hurt us when someone turned the hose on us. We stayed there an hour, raising Cain and trying to get clean - in vain. Swimming call was sounded, but the jellyfish were too numerous to make the water enticing. The lie was put on the "The water's fine" when we saw the wince caused by a careless jellyfish. I got cleaned up later in the manger and felt fine. I wasn't sore or stiff, just plain tired. I stayed on deck until nearly eleven o'clock with the gang. It started to rain then and I went below.

Wednesday, June 30, 1915

Disappointment seems to be the one thing we are certain of on this cruise. We turned out at 4:30 alright - only to find that there were no lighters alongside. From the topside one could see one on the beach, apparently in a sinking condition, and several others on their way to Crabtown. We lay around singing etc. until about 10 o'clock (had breakfast in the meantime of course) when we crawled out of our various coaling uniforms into kaki [khaki]. Something new has come up - a hazing investigation is being held. Incidentally there is one being conducted at West Point now too. Here it applies only to the new plebes. The say that 3 1st classmen and 5 youngsters have been caught. We had to tell under oath that we had done no hazing and had seen none. Fortunately I could easily do that. But if a big investigation should be started involving last years plebes I would be out of luck - as would every other upperclassman in the academy. We are all hoping that it will go no further. There is nothing to do this afternoon but cork off. The say we coal tomorrow, but I doubt it right now. Another evening in the eyes cheered us up enuf to make the prospects of coaling tomorrow not at all dreadful.

Tuesday, June 29, 1915

I had to turn out at 5 this morning, but it was not my morning to scrub. We got beat at signal drill they the BU, after which I went to quarters and gun drill where I took a 3" breech apart and assembled it again. After that I returned to the bridge until 12:30. I was off all afternoon. Turner told us he didn't want to see a sign of us - and he didn't. He surely is a lazy man and a prince to us. Preparations are being made to coal tomorrow. The chutes are in place, bags and shovels piled on deck and the life lines taken down in the vicinity of the coaling booms. I was on watch from 8 - 10 tonight - sent the blinker message to the BO. The word was passed that reveille would be at 4:30, coffee at 4:45 and 'turn to' at 4:55.

Monday, June 28, 1915

It was this morning that I stood that 2 - 4 AM watch for Nick - but I corked during nearly the whole watch. I couldn't help it. Was on the bridge from 6 - 8. We had swedish competitions there - a queer form of amusement, but an effective one. After quarters I went to gun drill. Ran off a pretty good string. After gun drill went back to the bridge. In the afternoon I was excused for nav, but after a short lecture on stereo I went below where I threw 50 buckets from the bunkers, shot a pile of ashes and fired 6 times. Spent a pleasant evening in the eyes, turning in about 10. The nights for the last week have been extremely windy, while the days as a rule have been sunny and cool.

Sunday, June 27, 1915

Had to turn out at 5 but I corked on a bench until 6:30. Went on the bridge from 8 to 12. Josh called from the BO for me and we had a good chat via semaphore. As our division has guard duty today we cannot go ashore - so I am behind the anchor davit writing letters. While I was on the bridge this afternoon Miss Pedmond and a party of friends and relations came aboard. We had a jolly time showing them around the ship. A promise of some more of that good candy didn't make us smile at all - no, not at all. Price slipped one over on me by making me stand a watch which I didn't rate. He'll know it feels to have one slipped over on him some day. Stood a 2-4 AM watch for Nick tomorrow morning.

Saturday, June 26, 1915

Turned out at 5 to swab the bridge, but we had nothing to do. The Admiral - Fullam - came aboard for inspection this morning. I don't know whether it was just my imagination or not, but it seemed to me that his head has grown grayer than it was. I can easily see how it might. It means a lifetime of hard work to become a rear admiral, and to lose that honor once it has been achieved is enuf to turn a man's head white. We had liberty this afternoon but I didn't go ashore. The 'gang' met again in the eyes.

Friday, June 25, 1915

Turned out early this morning. As it was field day we merely washed down with water. I went on a new signal detail at 8 A.M. I am the only 'old' man on my crew. We lost to the Wisconsin. At 1:15 we turned to on the bridge gratings - and were finished at about 2:30. From then until 4 I had nothing to do. I was on again from 4 - 6:30, or rather I should have been. But I traded a 2 - 4 night watch with Nick so that I could practice our quartet. Had nearly a whole can of peaches at supper. Was on the bridge from 8 - 10. I broke out a searchlight and signaled to the BU. They were rotten - I don't know how they thot I was.

Thursday, June 24, 1915

Turned out at about 5:15 but did not scrub decks. Had spuds drill, followed by gun drill. My string was pretty good. Amused myself with Geok and some Indian bouts. Had a lecture on target practice by Turner in the morning and one on aids to navigation in the afternoon. I was very sorry to hear of the death of Commodore Bechler - he was a man who earned and well deserved the love of all who knew him.

Stoked from 4 to 5:30 this evening. Just before that I spent a half hour practicing a cornet part for a quartet we are getting up. Listened to old Mose Bell - who has the iron Bull now. He is fat - and has the deep healthy laugh so characteristic of fat men. If it wasn't that he is black he might be a good 'bull' companion - but I haven't come to the point yet where I want to run around with a black man. He seems to be in well with the crew - as most black enlisted men are.

Wednesday, June 23, 1915

We Had Gun Duty

Felt that it was my 'deutay to the Nevay' to turn out at 5 this morning - and then we didn't scrub decks. All I did was make up two hatch covers. Had fire quarters and then gun drill. Played chess for an hour. Instead of scrubbing hammocks at 4, I folded up my new one, turned the old one inside out, and went below. I fired one boiler for an hour with the advice of the old fireman. I like it immensely. Sat in the eyes again till about 8:30. The wind was blowing about 60 miles. Those who slept on deck must have almost been blow from their hammocks.

Tuesday, June 22, 1915

Slept in again, but only until 6 o'clock. I heard there were only 3 secondclassmen on the quarterdeck - and from the number that admitted they slept in I believe 'three' was right. Turner went to the investigation today, so after spuds drill we ran off a string on the gun - a pretty good one, with the exception of one shot - and played chess with Fully on the forecastle behind the anchor davit. Played chess from 1:15 to 4 again. It's a mighty fine game and has checkers beat a mile. Had a hail storm this afternoon, and without exaggerating at all, some of the hail stones were as large as walnuts. None that I saw were smaller than lima beans. Stoked from 4:15 to 5:45. It was a little stiff but I'll soon fall into it I guess. The dope was that we would scrub hammocks this afternoon, but again it wasn't straight. Spent the evening in the eyes again till about 10.

Monday, June 21, 1915

Slept in this morning until 6:30. Had regular spuds and gun drill this morning. My string wasn't as good as it might have been. Had another nav prob and lecture on charts - which we had to write up. Old Donavin sure has a good line to hand out. Made all arrangements to stoke with Lt. Zill(?). I guess he thot, "there goes another 40%", when I asked him. Doug showed me the first principles of chess this afternoon. I believe I'll like the game. Spent another pleasant evening in the eyes and turned in at 10.

Sunday, June 20, 1915

The sinners made us turn out at 5:30 this morning instead of 6. They even begrudge us that little half hour's sleep - but I got mine somewhere else. Went to church this morning. The theme of the short sermon was that part of the prayer which asks for the will to think what was right, and strength to do what is right - the argument, that we can become what we want, if we think right. It is a strange thing how a service, no matter how short it is or where it is held, changes the atmosphere of the place - it seems to rest one, and puts him more at ease. At least that is the way it affects me. There is liberty this afternoon, but I'm not going ashore. I don't spoon on making a liberty on a coal barge. Six of us bought a big cake from the captain's steward this afternoon. It was a three layer cake and was certainly fine.

Saturday, June 19, 1915

Turned out early, but we had little to do before breakfast. Uniform for quarters was white service, so we had to bear a hand and break it out for Captain's inspection. Had on one white glove and one yellow one - but I got away with it. Got liberty after lunch. At 12:30 we left the ship in a kicker which took us to the Standish, to which a lighter was lashed. After the liberty parties had all been taken aboard we started for Crabtown where we landed at 1:55 - Some trip. Mac, Frank, Red, Charley, Isish, Ole and myself had a feed at the Maryland grill. It was seven rounds of everything, repeated two or three times. We would have been fruit for an Armour agent. But that plank and those strawberries were to (sic) good to resist. Visited the plebes. One even faced the wall of the terrace. They look promising enuf - for plebes. The trip back in the Standish was awful. Most everybody got wet. I've never made such a liberty and never want to make another like it.

Friday, June 18, 1915

Had to turn out this morning at 5. As it was field day we didn't scrub with sand in the morning. Ran off a good string of dotter drill this morning. The second period we didn't have a doggoned thing to do. I skipped guard mount. We turned to at 1:15 with sand, kiyies and holy stones. It was good work - just the exercise made it worthwhile. We were thru by 3:30 then had to sit around until 4. Charley and I had an Indian wrestling bout - but when we had three final ones to wind up, I beat him. Twas lots of fun - and made the shower feel the better. This evening a big motor boat came near us and wanted us to heave them a line. We motioned and called to them to come alongside, but they lay off about 60 yards at least and yelled for a line. They didn't get it for two reasons - the line wasn't that long, and it couldn't have been thrown that far if it had been long enuf. After a time the cruiser left and made for Crabtown - in disgust I guess. And those people evidently believe they are really intelligent! It's a queer world after all. The dope today was that we would get liberty tomorrow. I hope it's straight.