Lone Star Sailor

Fin De Blog

2011-03-07T06:00:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's post represents the last of the personal correspondence to and between an older generation of family. Many of these people I remember from childhood, but some, like Great-Uncles Edwin and Donovan, and Great-Aunts Katherine and Elizabeth, I know only from snapshots. I've enjoyed the posting of daily letters, and hope that those relatives who stumble on this blog will have fun reading them.

My grandfather's Navy days ended shortly after returning to the US in 1919. He presented an affidavit stating his talents were needed in Texas, and as the war was indeed over, many enlistees were being released from service. Enlistment terms at that time were variable, and it was not uncommon for men to be discharged after only a year or so.

I learned a great deal about my grandfather from these letters. I knew him as a successful, middle-aged man who smoked cigarettes and drank with gusto. I never knew him as these letters' relatively naive Texas teen, leaving home for adventures in the Navy during World War I. At that time he was impulsive, and a spendthrift who was always in debt. Like most young men his age, he would rather have been off having fun and being entertained than working full time. He was self-centered and somewhat spoiled, being the oldest son of an upper-middle class family. He was a small town fellow learning about the Real World in a hurry. His opinions about other people and countries were somewhat cavalier, but understandable given his age and upbringing.

The original letters were given to me by my father, whose grandmother (Mrs. H.F. Weldon) had kept them in cardboard shoeboxes, a very acidic environment. The letters were all written on cheap pulp, which was highly acid, and with the corrosive ink characteristic of the early 20th century. They had been exposed to extreme heat conditions in my grandmother's Dallas home and my father's upper crawlspace in Florida. I had the letters only a few weeks before I began transcribing them in the late 1980s. At that time home scanners did not exist.

A combination of factors has made the letters untouchable today. Heat, moisture, and acidity have damaged them beyond recovery. The paper falls apart into confetti and dust the moment it is taken from an envelope. After consulting with an archival librarian on the best way to preserve them, I got the bad news -- the best option was to transcribe them because there is no way to preserve them. Even before they reached this state, when I could actually handle them to transcribe them, photocopying was not recommended. I was told that the light from a copy machine would only damage the letters further.

This blog will be the only record available of my grandfather's teen-aged naval adventures. The originals, such as they are, will be passed on to another generation, who sadly will not be able to read them unless it is from this blog. Nevertheless, it has been time well spent to get them online and available in some form for posterity.

I suppose this blog will stay intact as long as Google/Blogger keeps the site active. Nothing lasts forever, though. If you want to save the content, it would be best to download posts and save them to a file. There is a link to the source folder for all the photos and illustrations in the slideshow. Interested parties can also download and save any of those images easily.

This material is copyrighted but may be used for any nonprofit purpose. For permission to use the material for profit, please contact me through the site.

The Only Letter From Mother

2011-03-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Mrs. H.F. Weldon
1548 Parkland Drive
Lynchburg, Va.
May 15, 1943

Dear Heywood,

The records I am sending will be of interest to you. I thought you'd like to have them for Little Heywood [Ed. note: Little Heywood was my father]. The experience of getting them was interesting to me.

The sailor-attendant offered to get your private record -- which no one else can handle -- and gave me dates, etc., and said your record was clear all through.

The modern Radar [sic]must be the improvement on the listening device.

Last night we went to the picture show and in the newsreel saw the Blakeley still in commission. I'd heard over the radio that she'd been torpedoed in the North Atlantic while with a convoy. She was badly damaged but still afloat and will, they say, "live to fight another day."

Worlds of love,
Mother

(Postmarked Lynchburg, Va., May 17, 1943)

From The National Archives

2011-03-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

The National Archives
Washington, DC
March 9, 1943

My dear Mrs. Weldon:

There are on file in the National Archives records of the Navy Department relating to the installation of listening devices on the USS Blakeley in 1919. The log of this vessel shows that Heywood W. Weldon served on it, and his service records show him to have been a "qualified listener." This material is available for your use should you care to examine it.

Very truly yours,
P.M. Hamer
Director of Reference Service

P.S. Enclosed is a Card of Admission to Search Rooms for Mrs. H.F. Weldon.

Letter From Donovan Weldon To His Father

2011-03-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

[Ed. note: Donovan and Edwin were my grandfather's brothers]

Donovan Weldon
The Corpus Christi Times
Corpus Christi, Texas
Tuesday, May 17, 1927

Dear Dad:

Was surely glad to get your letter. Have read it half a dozen times. Got one from Mother with it. While I know I don't write any too much, I jump on letters from you and Mother as soon as I can get my hands on them, and they help to keep me going. It isn't all sunshine being away from home, although I am awfully well pleased here. I keep busy enough that I don't get homesick, but I sure get lonesome sometimes.

I am sending you a couple of pictures taken on our fishing trip last Saturday and Sunday. They aren't really good, but they show what we catch down here, once in a while. The fish is a red grouper (I think that is the way you spell it), and I caught it on a redfish line, which is meant for a fish a lot smaller. He weighed over 40 pounds, and was a tough one to get in the boat. We managed to get him up fairly easily, but when we started to get him in the boat I thought we had lost him, he thrashed so. The line was not nearly strong enough to hold him when he got a direct pull, but Vance Griffith, who was with me, got a gaff hook under him and hauled him in. Vance is publicity manager for the Chamber of Commerce, and a good fisherman. He took the picture with the Graflex camera he carries with him, but for some reason they did not show up well. This fish was caught near the jetties, nineteen miles from the pass, where we fish for redfish.

We had a lot of fun on this trip, going down Saturday and coming back Sunday afternoon. Only the two of us went, but we caught more fish than on any previous trip. Van had a run-in with a shark while we were fishing in the surf. The pass is right on the Gulf [of Mexico], and you fish in the surf off of a sandbar where the water is about 4 feet deep. We had caught a half dozen big reds, and Vance had them on a stringer tied to his belt, floating about 6 feet away from him. They weigh so much you have to let them float out that way. About 1 o'clock at night (you fish at night for the best ones) I heard him yell about 100 feet from me, and began thrashing the water with his pole, and a shark about 8 feet long had the fish.

It was as moonlight as day and we could see the shark in the water with his back sticking up. Vance had the stringer tied tight and couldn't let go, and it dragged him about 20 feet before he scared it away by whipping it with the pole. It got our best fish, and just left us the head. The sharks won't bother a man, but if you have any fish in the water outside the bar, they will sure get them. We are going to try a stunt with them by putting a fish on a stringer and trying to harpoon a shark. I never heard of it being tried, and neither did Vance, but the fishermen say it might work, so we are going to try it the next time we go down. One of us will carry the keg, attached to one end of the line, and the other will take the harpoon and bait fish. Vance will try the harpooning stunt, for he can throw one. He harpoons porpoise from motor boats a lot, and there is really an art to it. What will happen when we hit one, I don't know, for Mr. Shark will probably take keg and all out to sea, but it will be a lot of fun, anyway.

Aside from working, fishing, and swimming, I live a mighty simple life. I leave the office every afternoon and go straight to the beach, after dressing at home, and swim for an hour or two. I have gotten accustomed to the salt water now, and can swim all right in the waves, though at first I was a total loss. Then I go home, take a bath, shave, and go to town to eat about 7:30. At night I read, having only about one date in ten days or so. I know a lot of people here, but have not gotten interested in most of them. Spend a lot of my time at Vance's house, or riding with him and his wife. They are fine people. Also spend some time with Ralph Bradford and his wife; he is manager of the Corpus Christi Times. They have been mighty nice to me, and have invited me to dinner a couple of times.

The exercise I take has sure made me feel better, and I am brown as a Mexican and hard as a rock. Tell Heywood I will take him on in a scrap now. There really has been a mighty big change in me. I weigh 170 and am not a bit fat. I go to bed at night early, and am usually ready to sleep, for after we swim we always run down the beach to the beacon, which is a mile away. Usually we run both ways, making a two-mile jog, and I have gotten so used to it doesn't bother me a bit. And I row a lot. An hour's steady rowing is just good exercise when you are used to it.

Vance and I are going to get up in the morning at four and row out to the light, two miles past the jetties, and try for trout. We go out often, getting back in time to dress and get to work by eight, and sometimes get some nice fish. But you never can tell when they will biting there. The mackerel fishing is just starting, and I want to try that too. That is the sort of fishing you would like, trolling for them in a motor boat. They are supposed to be mighty game.

I started this to be a short note, and wrote on this short letterhead, but it seems to be a rather long treatise on recreation in Corpus Christi. It is also novel to me, and I am so interested in the sport here that I could keep on by the hour. I can't get used to catching fish that pull like a mule.

Will have to stop and get out some copy, so give everyone my love, and tell them I would surely like to see them. And ask them all to write me often.

Love,
Donovan

P.S. Mr. Lewis just phoned that they have put me on the committee to draw up a constitution for the Junior Chamber of Commerce, which was organized here last week. They have a mighty fine bunch of young fellows here. There is another banquet next week -- I get to meet a lot of people that way.

Wielder Of The Goose Quill

2011-03-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

Ancient and Honorable Order of the Blue Goose
Office of the Wielder of the Goose Quill
Hall Building
Little Rock, Arkansas
May 31, 1924

Dear Dad:

Although I started this letter on the above date, it is now Monday morning and I am taking a few minutes before digging into a week's work.

You will find enclosed a blank note in the amount of $250.00 signed by me, and I'm wondering if you would mind once more placing your signature below mine, and see if the Wichita State Bank will make me a 90-day loan. I'm not broke, but am a little short on cash in view of numerous expenses such as doctors, dentists, etc. However, the main reason for the loan is that I want to be fully prepared to make a long vacation this summer, perhaps a month, beginning sometime the latter part of June. If for any reason you do not feel like doing the needful, don't hesitate to say so. I can get it in Little Rock but I'm not much on having to get an endorser other than the Dad of me.

Our weather has been cool for over a week and I guess you have had the same kind. Saw a double header ball game between Little Rock and Atlanta Friday. The southern league is not as fast as the Texas, regardless of much talk to the contrary. I surely wish you and Mother could drive or come up for a little visit before I come home. If you can get away, come on. If not, you must come in the fall sometime. I'm getting to be a regular Arkansan and want to show you the sights around these parts.

I hope Donovan is getting along better -- he's had a harder time than we realized last year. I hear you have purchased a boat and outboard motor -- did you ever get an island to rule over?

Must halt and get out some mail. Will be in El Dorado and vicinity again this week. Reports reaching me indicate that V. Allred is not on the right side of the fence, and will be beaten in the coming race for District Attorney.

Love to the family and lots to yourself from
Your son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Little Rock, Arkansas, June 2, 1924)

Man About Town

2011-03-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ed. note: Yesterday's post was the last letter from my grandfather's stint in the Navy. There are a few more family letters to read.

November 9, 1923
Southwestern Adjustment Company letterhead
524 Hall
Little Rock, Arkansas

Dear Mother:

Returned to Little Rock yesterday at noon after being gone two days, and will remain in town until Tuesday morning. We are experiencing such wonderful weather that I don't mind traveling, but business has been light the past week.

We have been settled in our new office over a week and it is certainly a great improvement over the Gazette Building. The building has just been completed and is so much cleaner and lighter.

Earle just came in to ask me to go to a football game with him, but I refused. Little Rock College is playing the State Normal, and I'm not interested in either team. I'll be on hand tomorrow, though, to see Little Rock High play East St. Louis High. Little Rock has won from all Arkansas teams as well as the leading high school teams of Memphis and New Orleans, and if they can win from St. Louis and Birmingham, Ala., they will be in a position to claim the southwest championship, for there is no question but that they have a better team than Dallas has. They play Bryan High on December 8 at Dallas, however.

You will be interested to know that I am having a much better time here than before. The last month I've been making quite a few dances and the fellows of the younger crowd seem to have taken me up. Just received an invitation to the coming out ball of Alice England, who is the "queen bee" deb this year. Also, of course, will be at the "Boat House" debutante cotillion on the 18th of November (which is also formal). However, the boys and girls don't compare with the crowd I know in Wichita Falls and Dallas, and don't have the clannish crowd of girls like at home. Am going to a dance tonight and dragging quite a social light [Ed. note: this is a pun on socialite] who is also a pretty little button. I suppose by 1925 I will have made my own debut into Little Rock society. One thing is certain -- I've never asked for an introduction to anyone, anywhere, an if I'm taken up they will certainly do the advancing.

Went to the Majestic last night and saw an exceptionally good bill -- the famous Arkansas Travelers were a knockout.

Don's and the other fellow's paper is OK. Earle came up, read it, and made very favorable comments. Tell Dad I congratulate him on his victory in re picture shows. Hurrah for Wichita; she is finally trying to make herself act like a city instead of a town.

I think you are absolutely correct about having a quiet Christmas, and I don't want anyone to get me a thing, for my Christmas present will be in being at home for a few days.

Since I have some dictation to give the lady, will have to call a halt for this time, but I'll try not to neglect writing for so long again.

Love to you and the family from
Your son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Little Rock, November 19, 1923)

The Guardian Of The Perch

2011-03-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

1923
Southwestern Adjustment Company letterhead
Gazette Building
Little Rock, Arkansas

My dearest Mom:

I think this is the first time I have ever missed your birthday, but that does not lessen the regret I feel for doing it now. I knew it was sometime in October but the time slipped up on me. I won't ask you to forgive, for I know you have forgiven -- as you always do when your sons are neglectful and thoughtless. I wish I could make you as happy on your birthdays as I always am when I think of you, which is often. I wish it were in my power to put into words my thoughts of you so you might know that your son loves you all the time, even though he tells you very seldom.

It's now 10 o'clock and I have been in the city only an hour, having spent the day in Hope, leaving there at 5:30. The last four nights I have slept an average of about three hours each night, due to many night trains, but I shall sleep in tomorrow until about nine, and possibly feel better for it. I find a wire on my desk to meet a president of an oil company in Smackover Monday morning, so I shall be forced to leave town Sunday evening. Losses are picking up and we are both on the road quite a bit now. Frank won't get in until tomorrow night at eight. Earle is in Fort Smith attending a field conference but I feel sure he will return tomorrow morning. Rice plays Arkansas University and we are both going. I intend to look up J.J. Campbell the first thing tomorrow and then I'll see him at the dance tomorrow evening.

You asked about the Blue Goose election [Ed. note: Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, International, a fraternal organization for those working in property/casualty insurance industry]. It went badly. We had everything fixed so an older member of the firm would nominate an opposition slate to the old guard, however, they forestalled that by putting over a vote to appoint a nominating committee of three, and our bunch were so surprised that they didn't vote en masse -- not having been instructed as to that feature. My name was not on our list, though Earle's was, and the nominating committee didn't put any of our list on. They did, however, nominate me for the Guardian of the Perch (not the highest office but the next) and I was so elected and took the oath.

Of course I feel highly elated personally for it is more of an honor to have gotten it that way than by strong arm methods, but I feel that had I not been on the road the last few days preceding the meeting, we could have foreseen the places of the opposition and thwarted them. I am glad, however, that I remained so much in the background during Earle's and my planning, for it would be most embarrassing to officiate with the other officers, who are older, had they known I was "agin" them.

Note the writing. I haven't slept in so long that I'm so nervous I can hardly scribe.

The verse to Dad is wonderful and I'll keep it in a safe place so I'll never lose it. I wish I could get all your work together sometime and have it published -- may, too.

Much happiness to you, Mother.

I love you,
Heywood

(Postmarked Little Rock, Arkansas, October 19, 1923)

From Shawnee

2011-02-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fidelity Building & Loan Association
Shawnee, Oklahoma
July 7, 1922

Dearest Mother,

Your last letter rec'd last night and I'm hoping I get another when I get back to the hotel. Have finished my work here in Shawnee and will go to Konowa tomorrow, and then back in the city for Sunday, and new assignments next week.

Edwin promised me he would write me but to date no letter has shown up -- ask him why.

Woke up this a.m. and it felt like fall it was so cool -- however he sun has come out this afternoon and it's warmer.

Was walking down the main drag yesterday and who should I meet but "Skinny" Staggs. I hadn't seen him for about six years and consequently we did not know each other -- just got in a conversation as we were nearing the hotel. We both went into the cafe to eat and sat down together; then he introduced himself and I told him my name and asked if he wasn't Brad's brother "Skinny." He is selling something out of Dallas. Also saw "Ish" Clarke, and old friend of Earle's from Hillsboro and Dallas.

Went swimming for a long time at Belle Isle on the 4th, as my shoulders are now well. However I have about given up hope of being entirely all to the merry, for I now have a fever blister on my lip -- am battling same with camphor so may win out!

Hope Katherine won out in her swimming event, and am sorry Elizabeth couldn't get into her event.

Love from your son,
Heywood

P.S. Address all letters from now on to office at Okla. City. H.W.W.

(Postmarked Shawnee, Oklahoma, July 7, 1922)

A Letter From Brad

2011-02-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

Ed. note: I have no idea who this is, but obviously he was a friend of the family.

November 17, 1920

Dear Mrs. Weldon,

I've read Lou's letter and I fully agree with him. It certainly was kind and thoughtful of you getting us together this way. We have spent a very pleasant evening together all due to you.

I'll be in Wichita Falls by Tuesday and I'd like to come out to a supper with hot biscuits and to thank you in person.

With best wishes to yourself and Heywood I am
As ever
Brad

(Postmarked New York, New York, November 18, 1920)

A Letter From L.C. Goetting, Jr.

2011-02-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

303 5th Avenue
New York City, New York
November 17, 1920

Dear Mother Weldon,

Well here we are after spending a mighty pleasant evening together all due to your very kind and thoughtful telegram. Meeting Brad here was certainly a great surprise, but only wish I had known he was here sooner. He starts back for Wichita Falls tomorrow.

Brad is going to add a few lines but before he starts in I want to thank you a thousand times. You surely are mighty nice and believe me it is appreciated.

I find Brad has gone to another desk to write so will continue.

Sunday I was at Plainfield and found a lot of your old letters you had written to Jess and me, and also those to me only. It sure was a pleasure to read them again. I also have your verses which you sent Jess and me a copy of, and was pondering over them the other night in my room.

This is by no means an answer to your last letter. We'll answer, that's just a little later.

With many thanks again, and love to all of you,
I am as always

Lou

A Letter From Grandmother

2011-02-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

[Ed. note: I have no idea what this letter is about, but it was so amusing that I include it with the rest of the correspondence. The author is either his maternal grandmother Mary Jane Rider Walker or paternal grandmother Sarah Finley Hobbs, both of whom lived in Texas.]

At Home
June 30, 1920

Dear Heywood,

Am writing for information concerning Edith Wade's annual. When the boy came for it, did you give it to him? He was here a few minutes ago, and said he did not get it. Grandpa was going to give him Earle's, but I told him I knew you gave the boy hers. You know here book had her name in it. Please, my "Romany Sunshine", answer me at once. Granddad still grunting, all the rest well. Don't take typhoid while at home. I see there are a great many cases there. Am in hurry. You better come home to supper this Eve. -- going to have fried chick.

Lots of love
Grandmother

Grace Writes Again

2011-02-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Grace A. Hapgood
Eununa Willard School
Troy, New York

My dear Heywood,

Have been intending to write and tell you how sorry I was that I was not able to see you when I was home. Planned to have you for dinner several times but everything was so uncertain that I simply couldn't. But if you are there in June I won't let you forget an old friend.

We are all muchly excited as we have our junior-senior prom this weekend. Then only five weeks more and I shall be through with school -- and be counted among the learned as our Gen'l Weldon.

How about the letter you promised to write to just --
Grace

From KC Robinson to Heywood

2011-02-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ed. note: A letter to my grandfather from a Navy friend.

Rome, Italy
November 4, 1919

Gen. Signor H.W. Weldon
1901 Elizabeth Ave.
Wichita Falls, Texas,
Stati Uniti

My dear Texas:

Today is a holiday for all the Romans, but it's only Tuesday, November 4th for me, perche io molto a fare prima de la mia partenza da Romas per l"America!

Yours of October 15th arrived some ten minutes ago and I'm going to swipe a little time from our noble organization and answer it while my morale is high. You've doubtless heard of the famous place said to be paved with good intentions. I'm afraid I've recently contributed enough to lay an entire boulevard.

For the first time in my eventful young life I've been obliged to stay in bed for a week or so . . . la grippe and general cussedness . . . and I've developed such a nasty disposition that the angels in heaven couldn't please me, and the devil himself wouldn't live with me. We had just decided on an elegant first class funeral in Venice (you know how fascinating a Venetian funeral is), with heaps of yellow mums, etc. but the gondoliers have gone on strike and we had to postpone it. I had by that time become very tired of the four walls of my room and determined to recover.

We have had nothing but rain for the past twenty days. Anyone might think this was where Mr. Noah launched the Ark. On account of the victory celebration we're having a special dispensation of sunshine today.

Rome becomes dearer to me every day and I know I shall miss the fascinating life here. Like all superstitious and weak-minded pagans, I shall doubtless throw a coin in the Tiber and another in the Trevi fountain to be certain of returning sometime, somehow, somewhere.

The Venice canteen is the only canteen operating in Italy now and that will close December 31st. They had a big dance Halloween but I could not get up for the gala occasion. Miss Keene and Billie Williams are still there but Miss Williams expects to return to the States sometime in December.

You accounts of university games, club life, and the tired businessman seem like fairy tales to me but I shall doubtless find them true on my return. I have a wild desire to go to California and get the frost thawed out of my system, but if my intentions hold good and the Fates are willing, I may do some reconstruction work in the government hospitals when I return. Life is never prosaic to me but somehow the idea of one day after another, one tea after another, or even a moderately thrilling business adventure does not appeal to me as it once did. Perhaps it is an indication of approaching decrepitude. Chi lo sa?

Have just had the temerity to pose for the cameraman in my official uniform. The result is a fairly good likeness of a Ford, 1913 model. In fact, I have been so unpleasantly disillusioned that I am seriously considering going home in a barrel. Moreover a barrel would doubtless be convenient for the prospects are that I may have to swim, fly or walk. All sailings are indefinitely postponed on account of the longshoreman's strike.

Thanks for the Pope's blessing and your hopes for a voyage sans mal de mer. November 15th is the eventful day of departure and I shall hie me to Spain and Monte Carlo and stay there until I can get passage on some homebound steamer. I shall certainly endeavor to move heaven, earth, and the waters under the earth in order to celebrate Christmas in the Stati Uniti and . . . failing in that, perhaps I can play roulette at the casino until I make a fortune, or more likely, lose all the soldi I have. It would doubtless be thrilling to make a fortune at Monte Carlo, but I hope you will use your influence with the strikers so my little bark will reach New York before December 25th.

Until then tanti saluti adn (as we say here in Italy)

"chow",
"K"

K.C. Robinson
4 Francesco Crisopi
Roma, Italia

c/o C.H. Roy
215 Linwood Ave.
Kansas City, Missouri

Last Naval Letter

2011-02-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ed. note: This is the last letter my grandfather wrote home while in the Navy. He and other people continued their correspondence with his family, and those that were saved will continue on this blog.

Brooklyn, New York
August 17, 1919

Dear Mother,

Am on liberty, and John and I have just gotten back from dinner with some friends of his by the name of Rasmussen, who live here in Brooklyn. We cam over to New York this morning about 10 o'clock and had chow, then came over here and go out to the house about 3 this afternoon. We went to a show and are now in the Sailors' Club about to turn in for the night. Our liberty is up tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock, so we will get to sleep in til seven.

The Blakeley stays here until the 25th, and then joins the squadron at Newport for fall maneuvers. I hope and think I'll get out -- rather than be transferred off the ship to a receiving ship for discharge before she sails again. Everything is so doggone uncertain, however, that I am up in the air and don't know when I'll get off.

The weather is cool here because it is misty and disagreeable since we landed. Most of the subways and el's are on strike, so that makes it pretty hard to get around very quickly.

We got all our back mail yesterday, and I got about twenty letters, which made me feel pretty good.

Am not going to write a long letter until I know something definite. Besides I am tired and sleepy, so will turn in.

Love,
Heywood

(Postmarked Brooklyn, New York, August 18, 1919)

Home Again

2011-02-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

New York
August 15, 1919

Dear Mother and Father,

Arrived here today noon after a five and a half day trip from Ponta Delgada, Azores. We left Venice the 29th for Trieste and Fiume, Austria, and after a short stay at Trieste we got underway for Spalato again. Left Spalato the afternoon of the 30th, and arrived at Gibraltar the 2nd of August. We stayed there several days because we couldn't get fuel oil from the English. Finally got 25,000 gallons and got underway with the USS Badger and Ellis, and made port at Azores.

Am more than glad to see New York again, and it ought not be very long before I start toward Texas (I hope).

Had a fine trip with the exception of two days when we ran into a storm. However, I don't get seasick any more so I go by OK.

Will write a long letter when I get more time. Am enclosing a letter I wrote from Venice and forgot to mail -- it got here sooner than if I had posted it.

Give my love to the kids,
Heywood

(Postmarked Staten Island, New York, August 15, 1919)

A Letter From Edwin

2011-02-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

Ed. note: My grandfather had two younger brothers, Edwin and Donovan. This letter was written to their mother when Edwin was working in a oil field after high school.

Somewhere in Texas
Wednesday

Dear Mother,

I wrote you yesterday and though I have received no mail will write again.

I was in a hurry when I wrote as it was right before dinner and I had to hurry to avoid the rush for chow.

The work today was not so hard as yesterday's, and I believe I am going to be able to stand it better after this. But for goodness sake don't think of sending Donovan out here. He wouldn't last a day. Needn't tell him so, but it's the truth.

The boarding house is as good as cam be expected. They have about the same thing all of the time, however. I sure do get dirty. The first day I couldn't get a bath, but yesterday I went up to the so-called bath house, and swiped a hose off a derrick and took a bath. It's just a shack without a top where you can connect a hose. I am going to take another bath as soon as I finish this letter. If the hose is gone, I'll have to hook another one.

I would like to have the mandolin out here, but it would sure get broken, so don't send it.

I am bunking with a guy called Shorty, who has a Ford, and wants to make a contract by which he will haul me to town if I will show him some girls. However he is absolutely impossible as far as society goes, so can't take him up. Lots of the fellows are absolute roughnecks, but a few are all right. That's one reason why Don has no business out here. I haven't shaved since I came and I look like a bear.

Love,
Edwin

P.S. Please excuse dirt but everything is dirty! E.W.

(Postmarked Wichita Falls, Texas, August 1, 1919)

A Fine Time

2011-02-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Venice, Italy
July 25, 1919

Dear Father and Mother,

Our stay here was extended so we will be here over Monday. There is a two-day leave being granted, starting tomorrow morning, for us to go to to the battlefront -- Piave section under the supervision of a YMCA man. Of course we pay our own expenses, but that won't be much. Am on watch tomorrow so can't leave until early Sunday morning, but can make the trip all OK then.

I had to cash your check -- the chief yeoman aboard cashed it for me and he is going to get the money for it when we hit the States. I got the executive officer's endorsement so he is sure of his money -- anyway, I could have gotten it cashed at Cooks here I think.

We are having a fine time here, and to tell the truth I would like to stay here a couple of weeks longer before we leave -- Spalato is a bum place.

There is to be a dance at the Y tomorrow night and all the girls will be American. There are three Y girls who have been over here two years running this place, and they give dances and the girls from neighboring places come down -- canteen workers, Red Cross -- and they say they have good dances. Am going to get ashore if I can get relieved of my watch.

Have bought several things over here to take back with me. Got you several pairs of gloves and certainly hope they fit. Gloves are dirt cheap, nice kid, for 8 lires or about a dollar. You can't very well get them in the States for that.

Went over ashore today and had another good feed. They sure know how to cook here compared to the other places and always the best of service.

Have had no mail since we have been here, and there is a rumor that they have stopped sending our mail over because we are going back soon, but rumors are easy to start.

Went down to Lido to the beach today and had a swim, but the air is much cooler here than farther down the Adriatic.

Our watches are getting easy. There are only two American ships here and one English one, so there is very little signaling -- all we have to do is watch for boats coming alongside.

You ought so see the motor boats they have here -- all kinds running around all the time -- built almost like automobiles and varnished up to a million. All the people own them instead of automobiles. I can't say that I see what they could do with a car if they had one.

Give my love to Grandma and Grandpa when you write.

Your affectionate son,
Heywood

(No postmark)

Venice

2011-02-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

Venice, Italy
July 23, 1919
USS Blakeley
US Naval Forces
European Waters

Dear Mother,

We got here from Spalato early yesterday morning after an all night run, and I had to stay aboard yesterday, so get liberty from 10 this morning til 9 o'clock tonight.

This is some place -- the others have just been wide places in the road when you compare them to Venice. The people are well-dressed, have wonderful manners, and are really good looking. Besides you can get good eats, and that is one thing I surely missed since we have been over here. Am going to try and get a small cameo ring before we leave. They are much cheaper here than anywhere I've seen.

We are to leave for the States in less than a month, so I ought to get out and be home before the first of October.

Have just been through the San Marco Cathedral, and it's more wonderful than I ever thought -- gold inlaid and covered with precious stones throughout. The guards say they are priceless and I believe them, for they are larger than I ever saw.

I will have to make a note of this for I can't afford to waste my shore liberty.

Whiteside and I are ashore together, and are now going out and get some more chow, then get a gondola and go around the city some.

We can't very well play the Aaron Ward baseball like we wanted to before they went back to the U.S. They leave tonight so we will just count them defeated, since we beat the team that won from them. Anyway, I don't think we could play very well on water -- not having practiced up in water baseball.

Will write a longer letter when I get to the ship.

Love to all of you,
Your Son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Benezia, Ferrovia, July 24, 1919)

Wild Rumors

2011-02-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Spalato, Dalmatia
July 18, 1919

Dear Mother,

It's now about 7 p.m. and I just came ashore to get a bunch of lemons so we can make lemonade tonight. We played the sub chasers ball team today and won 10-5, so I had to go back to the ship and take a bath and dress before I came over. Two hours is all the liberty I want anyway, and I can barely stretch out my time to last that long.

The past few days have been cool and raining half the time. It was down to 60 degrees for a while, but now it's getting warmer again -- almost up to 80 degrees.

Tomorrow is inspection day, so will have to rise early and clean up around the bridge before 9 o'clock. We rate liberty at noon again tomorrow, but I think we have another ball game scheduled then so I'll be glad to have something to do in the p.m.

Went down to the beach again. Their beach is splendid here and the water is just as clear as can be, but it's entirely too salty. I would much rather swim in fresh.

And so we are the proud possessors of a Winton Six now [Ed. note: a 6-cylinder car manufactured by the Winton Motor Carriage Company around the early 20th century]. That's fine, and I'm glad you got rid of the old REO before it was too late to get anything for it.

There are wild rumors that we are due back to the States by the middle of August, but I don't think so, for Mr. Dashiell told me that we were to be the last ship to leave out of this bunch.

And so Kathy and Everett are married at last. Where do they live now? When are Earle and Martha going to have a wedding?

Got my hair cut again today, and these barbers do a pretty good job considering the fact that they can't understand enough English to know how you want it done. They more than rake you over when they shave -- I really believe they are worse than Navy barbers when it comes to shaving.

Am sitting here eating K of C doughnuts and drinking their coffee. I've about stopped drinking coffee aboard, it's getting to be so poor.

Two new destroyers just came in here -- the 167 and 147. One's name is the Roper but I don't know the other -- have forgotten rather. Every ship that comes in makes more work for us, for it's just that much more signaling to be done. And when several ships are lying in the harbor we have to keep a sharp lookout, or when two or three call at once we will miss out. When we are by ourselves a watch is just a formality, and we have to do is write in the log once an hour.

Love to you all,
From your son,
Heywood

(No postmark)

Watches

2011-02-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

Spalato, Dalmatia
July 16, 1919

Dear Father and Mother,

Your letters came today and you can guess how I devoured them. They are the second I have gotten. I still have several dollars left, and am not going to cash it unless I have to, and only then if we go to some place of special interest.

Nothing new is happening but will write this and get it off when the Williams or Gridley sails for home in a day or so. They brought our mail to us from Venice today.

Have just come in from swimming. We certainly swim a great deal over here, but every little Serbian or Jugoslav kid can swim almost as soon as he can walk.

Had to stop this afternoon but will finish now. I am on the 12 to 4 watch. I usually do my letter writing when I have the mid watch.

We were all broken out at 11:45 tonight and removed from the dock and came out of the harbor. A pretty stiff wind came up and the captain was afraid we would be knocked against the cement breakwater, so we "up anchors" and here we are, out a ways from the harbor with both anchors out. It's now about 2:30 and all have just turned in again. It didn't worry me to get up for I had to anyway to go on watch. When we first got up it was raining and dark clouds covered the sky. Now it's as clear as a beer -- that's the way it does in the Adriatic -- all storms come up and die down quickly.

Played the McCook baseball team again yesterday and beat them 9-8. The McCook, Gridley, and Williams are all going back to the States this morning at 10 a.m. The McCook came over with us, so we may start back any time during the next 10 months.

The big battle cruiser Pittsburgh came in the other day, and is now coaling ship preparatory to getting underway again for someplace.

With the bunch of ships now in the harbor we have to keep pretty busy, for never 5 or 10 minutes go by without a signal coming in or we are sending one. Then too we have to keep a sharp lookout and report all motor boats from the different ships coming alongside, as well as find time to write the log and do numerous odd jobs. It surely keeps one fellow busy for 4 hours. At night there are messages up til 12, but after that we usually don't have much work to do. That is one reason the 12 to 4 isn't as bad as it sounds. Of course it beats us out of lots of sleep.

Here is the way we stand watches: three days on -- two off, or like I go in today 12 to 4 p.m. Wednesday: 12 to 4 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday 4 to 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and then I am off duty til Sunday at 12 o'clock again. In the morning we are going back into the harbor, or we will have breakfast at 6:30 instead of 7:30, or there won't be much sleep for me after 4 o'clock comes. Am feeling fine, however am losing weight I know. You can see that when I stand the 4 - 8 a.m. Thursday, I will stand 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. that night, also will have to be up twenty hours. Go to bed at 12 a.m. and get up at 7, and go on watch at 8 again. It's rather strenuous but won't kill anyone. However, you can bet I'll be glad to sleep all night for about a week once more.

Got letters from Sara, Grace, and Winnie Bradford today. You ought to see the fellows go wild when mail comes in over here. They naturally want to hear from home more now that we are farther away. A fellow got a package of newspapers today -- he could have made a fortune if her had sold them. We got the returns from the Willard-Dempsey fight yesterday, and hear that the States didn't go dry.

Just went down and caught the anchor watch asleep. The anchor watch is a seaman who stands gangway watch on the main deck. Of course, if I put him down he would get a good balling-out at least, but I'm a good feller so I just woke him up and laughed at him. It's funny to hear a fellow make excuses for something that's perfectly plain. He said he wasn't exactly asleep -- was just lying there with his eyes closed. It really makes no difference if he was to sleep all night, for there isn't anything to do now we are out here away from shore.

Dewey Wright was over day before yesterday and we talked quite a while. He tried to trade places with a fellow on here so he could stay over here. Then too, he likes the Blakeley better than the McCook. He made first class gunners mate the other day -- that's like a sergeant in the Army only it draws more money. He gets $56 per month. If the new pay bill goes through Congress, he would get $78, and I would get $63 instead of $46.50. He intends staying with the outfit after his first enlistment is up. I don't blame him, for he has more at home to want to go back to.

Am glad the boys are doing so well. Kiss the girlies for me.

Love,
Heywood

(No postmark)

Dalmatia

2011-02-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

Spalato, Dalmatia
July 7, 1919

Dear Father and Mother,

Just finished cleaning up the bridge -- have worked all morning and it's now 2 p.m.

Yesterday was a holiday, being Sunday, but there was no liberty. In the morning we got the skiff and pulled about five miles down the bay (we are now anchored in Castelli Bay about four miles down from Spalato) and we all had our bathing suits on. The water is always warm, even at night. We surely did get blistered, but had a good time and we got pictures, which we will have developed as soon as we find a place to have it done.

In the afternoon we went inland a few miles to some old Roman ruins at Salona. It was a long trip after we went as far as we could in the motor sailer, but I am glad I went along even if there wasn't much to see. Some of the pillars were still standing, and parts of a few buildings were fenced off so they were pretty well preserved, but a lot was just left to face down.

The Serbian soldiers here are stationed in a building built by Napoleon.

Haven't gotten any more letters but the Aaron Ward went to Venice after mail, and is due in today so ought to hear then.

We leave for Venice, Trieste, and Fiume Friday at 6 p.m. for a short trip, then back here to Spalato. This is the base for all American ships in the Adriatic. There is an admiral on the USS Olympia, and we got our orders from him. We have target practice tomorrow and fire torpedoes Wednesday and Thursday for practice.

Whites are the uniform all the time on liberty here, but we don't wear any jumpers [Ed. note: jumpers are the shirts with the square collars worn by sailors] at all aboard ship -- just our undershirts. I took my mattress and blanket and went up on deck and slept last night. Our compartments get pretty hot even though they have ventilators and ports and electric fans.

The destroyers we relieved over here had been here seven months, so we may stay quite a while. I'd just as soon come back now that I've gotten across. The only difference in being over here is that when you get to thinking that we are several thousand miles from home, then it seems like we will never get back.

I have the 8 to 12 tonight, the 8 to 12 in the morning, and then I am off for two days without a watch. I've gotten so used to getting about 5 or 6 hours sleep that I don't try to sleep more than that even when I'm off watch for two nights. We usually sit up after dark and talk a while, and it doesn't get dark til about 9:30, so it's late when we do turn in.

We can't get any news about the Willard-Dempsey fight. I don't see why the admiral won't let news of the U.S. out, but he won't. He receives radio direct from America every night, but no one but his staff gets the news. Now that war is over they ought to loosen up, it seems to me, especially about things that wouldn't make a difference.

Swimming call goes in about 15 minutes so will knock off. We are in the water on an average of three hours a day now, and yesterday we stayed in all morning.

Had a baseball game this p.m. but it fell through, and I'm glad of it for I'm tired and hate to put on my uniform and go over to the grounds.

Will drop a line from Venice if I get ashore there.

Love to all,
Your Son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Olympia, July 14, 1919)

Spalato

2011-02-14T06:00:00.004-05:00

US Naval Forces
European Waters
Spalato, Austria
June 29, 1919

Dear Mother,

Got here yesterday about 3 o'clock and tied up to a neat white stone dock right in the city. There are all kinds of ships tied up or anchored here -- even two or three Austrian ships with American crews aboard.

Spalato is composed of two kinds of people -- Austrians or Jugo-Slavs, and Italians. The Italians, as a general rule, seem to be the swarthy of the lot. All of them, however, are crazy to get soap, chocolate candy, or cigarettes, and you can buy more with a dime's worth of any of them than with six krone (or a quarter). Am enclosing one krone -- notice the difference of the languages printed on it. This is worth about four cents gold.

Williams, another quartermaster, and I went up to the YMCA last night to a dance given by them. All the girls were Italian but had been taught to dance by the gobs, so we had a pretty good time.

Wine and cake were served out afterwards. There was a dance at the K of C too, but the girls there were Austrian. They can't mix the two peoples for after trying it once at the Y, they decided they had better take time about having them at the Y and K of C. When they get together they just have a battle royal.

Met a fellow last night off one of the Austrian ships, from Houston, named Bonham.

We might as well be buried as far as hearing from the peace conferences is concerned. We don't hear a thing any more. I suppose it will be signed when this reaches you, however.

They have been after me to extend my time for a year from now, but so far I have resisted their entreaties. Mr. DeTreville told me today that we were going to hit Venice, Fiume, Trieste, Athens, and Constantinople before we went back if nothing happened. Unless I extend my time, I may be shipped home without getting to go along. I told him I'd rather not sign up again, but he said he was going to talk to me again in a day or so, and hoped I'd change my mind.

I wish I could write for your opinion on the matter. I think, however, that I will take a chance just like I did in coming over, and if I don't get to see those places, I don't. That's all.

An English destroyer, one left in Malta, the Tomahawk, just came in and tied up alongside us. I can get by after a fashion with signs, but I sure can't get their lingo.

The people here speak German a good deal, so what little I know comes in good. I can get along much better than either in Malta or Gibraltar. We are still having wonderful weather, and we all went in swimming for over an hour this afternoon.

Had a good chow of roast chicken and lemon pie today at noon, but we are still eating Italian bread. It's about the shape, size, and weight of a 20-pound rock. However, it's better than the hardtack we had to do with for a couple of days.

There are nine million kids [Ed. note: an exaggeration] on the dock at all times of he day, and most of them don't wear a stitch of clothes. They range from about three to 15 years old, but the people don't seem to care, so I'm sure we don't. They go into the water and capture any piece of soggy bread that happens to be floating around, while the women have become expert in throwing a bucket with rope attached, and capturing it that way. They stand around and wait for our mess cooks to come up on deck with the scraps from our meals, and they make a rush for them, and take them back home to eat.

I took about a 2-mile walk out in the country last evening and it's not only pretty and picturesque, but there is quite a great deal of grain almost ripe -- lots of wheat and oats.

There are Austrian soldiers still coming back here to their homes, but the town is guarded by Italians, and we too have provost guards out.

Am making a couple of pillow tops out of some different colored thread I bought from a fellow, and unless I get so hard up I have to raffle them off, I'll bring them back with me. We can't get any belt making cord, or I would make several while I'm over here with little to do.

Have several postcards taken by the fellow who has the big camera, but will only send a few home. Enclosed please find two.

Mail comes in here twice a week from the States, so it won't be long before I hear from you, I'm sure.

They won't give anyone liberty on Sunday here, for the people from miles around come to town, and gobs and their gang have battles nearly every time. We get from 4 til 9 on every weeknight except Saturday, when we get to stay as long as the dances last, which is usually 1 o'clock.

Can't say how long we will lay here, but this will be our "home" port while over here.

All the love in the world to all of you.

Your loving son,
Heywood

(No postmark)

On To Malta

2011-02-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

US Naval Forces
European Waters
At Sea, June 25, 1919
En route to Malta

Dear Father and Mother,

Left Gibraltar Monday morning at 10, and are supposed to get to Valleta harbor, Malta, this afternoon at 4, and after staying there a day or so go on up by Italy to Spalato, Austria. We may make an Italian port on the way, and I hope so.

I dropped Miss Jettie a letter just before we left Gibraltar -- wish I could get your letters -- but I'll just sit down and read them all when they do get here.

Dewey Wright comes over often, or rather he did before we left. She (the Blakeley) has rolled quite a bit this trip, but my "stummick" is getting sea going, and unless we strike some unusually rough weather, I think I'm all OK.

You can't imagine what fine weather we are having -- five sunny days, but the thermometer very seldom gets near 90 -- usually around 75 or 80 degrees in the shade.

They skipped this last payday, but I didn't go strong on my last pay, so still have some money. Am glad I didn't cash you $20 to buy a new suit, for we wear whites mostly, and even when we wear blues my old suit will do for this neck of the woods. you ought to see how they dress. They have every kind of people here in Malta from blooming English to black Moroccans with bare legs, skirts, and fez's.

Am not having a wonderful time over here, for there isn't anything to do, but am enjoying the trip anyway. It might be said that Heywood Weldon was making a pleasure cruise in his B---.

Will write again before we leave Malta.

Love from son,
Heywood

P.S. Excuse writing but she is rolling a bit.

Gibraltar

2011-02-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Gibraltar
June 20, 1919

Dear Mother and Father,

Arrived here today about 6 p.m. after being at sea since Wednesday.

First day we had calm weather, but yesterday it got pretty rough, but got calm again this morning. Can't go ashore until tomorrow night, and then only from 4 in the afternoon until 10 at night.

As we moved alongside the #2 I looked over on the McCook, and there was a gunner's mate on deck who looked mighty familiar to me. I took a long glass and looked him over. It was Dewey Wright.

Naturally I went right over to his ship, and at first he didn't even recognize me -- he said that Gibraltar was the last place he would expect to meet me. We had quite a talk, and he is coming over tomorrow while I'm on watch to stay a while. He said he saw Weldon Younce and Barton Philpot in Boston when he was there.

We are having fine weather and the fellows are taking some good pictures. I'll get all I can when we stay in one place long enough to have them developed. The yeoman does that kind of work, but they have too much business to handle.

I haven't gotten a letter, for we have been beating it right along, but after we stay in Spalato, Austria-Hungary for about a month, we ought to get a bunch at once. you should have gotten my letter from Ponta Delgada by the 1st of July, for the big transport was leaving right away.

Will try and get some souvenirs as I go along, but can't get many or I won't have any room for them. The boys are beginning to drift back with all kinds of souvenirs. I am going to price a silk kimono tomorrow night, and if they don't cost to much I am going to get one.

The boatswain's mate is just going to turn the lights out, so will have to stop. Will finish on my watch.

12:15 a.m. Am now on watch so can finish writing.

We are just across a narrow harbor from the main part of the city, which is built right at the foot of the rock. The rock is nothing more than just a great big hill, steep as can be, with a funny looking little city at its base. A funny thing about these towns over here is that they are composed entirely of buildings with very few, if any, wooden houses. This is certainly a pretty place -- all green in the background, which makes the light-colored cement buildings stand out, and makes it look clean.

We came right by Tangiers, Morocco as we came through the Straights, and Africa is still in plain sight. Am going to run out and go across the Spanish line so I can say I've at least been in Spain.

The ships lying in here are nearly all English, and a bunch are still in their war paint.

If I were a millionaire now, or had plenty of backing, I would buy up a lot of stuff and take it back to the U.S., for we don't have to pay duty on anything we take back. This would be a big profit.

The uniform of the day is still whites, although at sea we are allowed to wear anything and everything we want to.

We lay in here in port til Monday morning at least, and perhaps longer. Go from here to Malta, and from there go on up in the direction of Spalato.

The seamen have to go over the side to paint tomorrow, so there will be no captain's inspection. Of course inspection isn't much, but when it happens everything has to be spic and span, and we have to wear clean clothes, and have our faces and shoes shined.

The Arizona pulled up anchor and stood out to sea tonight -- rumor says she will meet the president of the Azores. She came over for the trans-Atlantic flight.

I have less time than ever to write -- I did drop Aunt Maude a card, but will try and get them a letter off before we leave here.

Suppose it must be as hot as the dickens at home now, while we are having warm weather, but not that hot.

We don't work overly much, but when you figure that we hardly ever get a night in bed, you can she why it seems like work. I haven't slept all night since long before we got to Philadelphia. have either the 8 - 12 and 12 - 4, or else get up at 4 and stand watch til 8 in the morning.

It seems like I am not going to get to see either Bishop or Price, as I doubt very much whether or not we will go by France when we start back home. I would like to though -- just make one liberty there and then leave.

Give my regards to the people in Bowie when you go down. Will surely be glad when I start getting letters again.

Much love to all of you, from your loving son,
Heywood

(No postmark)

The Azores

2011-02-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

Ponta Delgada,
San Miguel, Azore Islands
June 17, 1919

Dear Mother and Father,

It's 12:25 and I have just taken over the 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. watch, so have time to write as there is nothing do but watch for the motor boat bringing the captain back aboard ship.

We left Philadelphia Tuesday at 1 o'clock, and got in here today (Monday) at 3 o'clock. Ponta Delgada is a funny looking place, but the houses are as clean as can be. We only got liberty til 10 o'clock -- but that was more than enough for some of the fellows, as saloons are wide open for gobs. All the people here are Portuguese, and are funny looking and talk like ducks.

We had rather a calm trip over -- naturally I was seasick the first day out, but got over it and enjoyed the trip the rest of the way over. We were flagship for five destroyers, and had to stand four hours on and eight hours off watch all the way. I never go one whole night's sleep except in snatches since we left Philadelphia.

We are taking oil aboard now, and I think will be underway in a very few days, but don't know where for yet. Hope it's the Mediterranean and that we stop in France and England as we go back.

It's 3:00 a.m. now. Had to stop a while ago, for all the officers who were ashore came back aboard. Just got up the radio electrician to get a tick [Ed. note: a time signal for coordination of ship's clocks] from Washington to set the chronometers by, and he said we leave tomorrow -- rather today the 17th -- at noon for Gibraltar, with two of the destroyers. The Evans and the Greer leave for England at the same time, I think.

Had beautiful weather all except one day coming over, and it's still cool and nice, although there is no wind blowing at all.

We are lying alongside an American oil tanker and around us are Italian, French, Spanish, and English ships. There is also a Portuguese gunboat. We passed the French cruiser Jean d'Arc bound for America, with the Brazilian president aboard. He was going to N.Y., Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, and was going to Texas and Georgia to look at cotton crops, but we got a wireless to forward saying that owing to illness, he wouldn't go to Texas.

Tell Donovan we saw three whales coming over. I know he would like to have seen them blow. I went up on the bridge and got a long glass so I could see them better -- we got by too quickly though.

Made 16 knots per hour up until Sunday noon, when we made 21 knots or about 24 miles per hour.

The yeoman aboard has been taking some pictures, and if I can get one he has just developed, I'll put it in the letter.

I talked to Clyde Haney again just before we shoved off, and he thought he would get out in July or August. I said I was going to stay in til I got across, and now that I am, I'm even more willing to go back any time they will let me. I'll drop in on you some time this fall about September -- all dolled up in civilians and everything. If I had gotten out I was going to buy some clothes in Philadelphia or New York before I went back.

We have a dog aboard -- or rather a pup. The fellows stole him in Philadelphia somewhere, and by the looks of him I'd say he was of good stock. He only got seasick once, and was the funniest looking pup you ever saw. His eyes rolled up and he evidently couldn't understand what made him so darn sick. Got all right in a few hours.

Remember the man who took me to the depot? Give him my regards. He told me to drop him a line from a foreign port, and said he bet I would forget to do it. I can't think of his name or I'd drop him a card.

Will knock off as my watch is about over, and I have to call my relief. Will write as soon as I get liberty in Gibraltar.

Love to every one of you,
Your affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Buffalo, New York, June 18, 1919)

Going Across

2011-02-10T06:00:00.004-05:00

Philadelphia
June 9, 1919

Dear Mother and Father,

Have sadly neglected you I know, but we have been pretty busy since we landed in Philadelphia.

I did get the weekend liberty, and wrote you a letter and then left it lying on a table at the service club. It was stamped, so you may get it yet.

They didn't give liberty here tonight, or I would have wired you. I didn't know until today whether or not I was going over with the Blakeley, but this morning the executive officer called me up and told me I was to stay with the ship for this trip at least, and that is just what I wanted him to say. By the time this reaches you I will be about halfway across -- and "going strong." I have an idea I will be pretty seasick for a while, but it may not be very rough. Let's hope not!

Saturday afternoon Waggenseller (he is still in the yard) and I went up to see Cleveland and Phillie play baseball -- then went to the theatre at night. Got up about 11 o'clock Sunday morning and went over in New Jersey to a country club on an inland lake. They had canoes, and after spending about two hours on the water, we danced a while and then ate. There were only a few gobs there but they were treated splendidly. A Catholic man invited us out -- we stayed at the K of C [Ed. note: Knights of Columbus] service club Saturday night.

Since I'm going across I am going to make my old suit do. I have enough to get it without cashing the $20 check, but I was waiting to find out which to buy -- a civilian suit or a new gob suit. Now I'll wait til I get back -- if possible.

We stored up here with a full 6 months rations, but that doesn't mean we are going to stay that long. I really think we will be back on this side by the middle or last of October, if not sooner. I would like to go over and stay about three months, and then come back and get a discharge. That would be about the right time to go back to Texas -- it would be starting to cool off again.

Thom, the little fellow from Chicago, was transferred today, and we all surely hated to see him go -- he was always smiling, never seemed to get peevish about anything at all, and the most accommodating fellow I ever saw. He was a reserve listener and didn't know signals. They got two more radio men aboard to take his and my place on the listening apparatus. I am to do nothing but general quartermaster work on the bridge, and I surely like it better than being in that little cubbyhole in the fo'castle. Of course I've been on the bridge quite a good deal, but had part of the other work to do too.

The fellows are up on deck playing the Victrola, and I admit I'm just a little bit homesick. I thought I was going to get out instead of staying in, and looked forward to surprising you someday in the near future.

I got your letter this morning with Bishop's and Price's addresses in it, and if I hit France, I know it will be Brest, and will at least look Heney up. Our orders now read Antwerp, Belgium -- and from there to Turkey, but we might hit a French port. Hope so. More than likely we will go first to Ponte Delgade, Azore Islands -- will drop you a line from the first port we hit. We have a squadron of five ships and are flagship.

Am certainly glad Donovan is doing well, and hope he is able to make up on his studies before next term -- but make him graduate even if he is 25 when he does.

Aunt Pat and the boys ought to have a wonderfully happy family reunion at Long Beach this summer. I surely wish you could go out to Los Angeles -- it's all you hear, and more.

Waggie and I went to Wilmington Sunday night and stayed til the 1 o'clock train, so I didn't get to bed til almost 4:30, and I have the 12 - 4 a.m. watch tonight. My rest is going to suffer for a while since we will stand 4 on and 8 off while at sea. I am certainly glad that seamen have to steer instead of quartermasters. We only have to take the wheel in difficult landings and bad shoals. Steering a ship by compass is more trying than making a 4-hour auto drive.

Am going to try and get some good pictures while I am gone, and will bring 'em back -- might lose them if I mailed them.

All the love in the world to all of you,
Your affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, June 10, 1919)

More About Baseball

2011-02-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

May 31, 1919

Dear Father,

Got another letter from Mother today while I was playing ball -- the mail orderly came by and gave it to me there instead of making me wait until I got back to the ship.

And so you are to really be "Judge" Weldon. I don't know whether to be glad or not, for it's going to work you mighty hard jumping around all the time. However, I'm "fer you strong" in anything you decide to do.

Yesterday the executive officer called me over and talked to me about getting out, and said he wasn't sure whether I would go across with the ship or not, but he gave me lots of satisfaction when he said he would either give me a discharge or take me over with them. He asked me about finishing out my four years, but I told him I'd rather be out. I'll be mighty disappointed if I don't get to go across, but at the same time I'll get out if I don't, so I'll be satisfied either way. One thing is certain -- if I am going to get out, it will be before the 15th of June.

Had good luck in yesterday's ball game when we played a Coast Guard cutter team. I knocked the furthest fly ball, they say, that has ever been hit in the park. There was a man on first and we both scored, which gave us a decided lead. Am doing very well playing first base -- playing much better ball than I did when I played with Bowie [Ed. note: his high school team]. Our suits are pretty good material, with Blakeley down the front and a blue B on the cap. I have a good lightweight pair of sprinting baseball shoes they issued us. Really wish I could bring them and my big leather sea boots home with me, but not a chance.

Are having perfectly splendid weather up here now. It was 90 degrees in the shade yesterday, but a breeze was blowing from the sea today so it was cooler. The nights are cooler than at home anyway.

We will be in Philadelphia about the 5th, and I'll let you know as soon as I find out anything definite about getting out.

Love to all,
Your loving son,
Heywood

(No postmark)

New Orders

2011-02-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

USS Blakeley
New London

Dear Mother,

Have just gotten back from playing a game of baseball -- before that we all went swimming. It was 90 degrees in the shade today -- this country isn't so cool in the summer I'm thinking. A fellow took a picture of a bunch of us, and if I can get one I'll send it on.

New orders came to us today -- we are to get new provisions and be ready to shove off for France by the 10th of June. I'm hoping and praying they don't put me off the ship because I'm not a 4-year man. Of course, it's not certain but that's what the skipper said we would do if nothing else happens. Be at Philadelphia by the 6th, and then across. There is no telling ow fast they change their minds in any matters. Yesterday they thought they were going to Hampton Roads, and now all that's been changed, so they may send another order along and we won't go. All but a few of us have been over long ago, but they would all like to go b ack for a couple of months or so. If I am to go, I'll wire you when I leave.

We aren't working at all now, and won't til Monday because tomorrow is a holiday, and comes Saturday and Sunday. Haven't turned our hands for two days already -- just lay around and read or sleep on deck. We put up our awnings and that shades almost the whole ship.

Whiteside jumped ship -- that is, he went on liberty when he didn't rate it, and now he will get some form of court martial. It's not as bad as it sounds, for they give them for a little of nothing in the Navy. He may lose a bunch of his pay however, and that's pretty bad.

Will put two postcards in this letter instead of mailing them.

If I get to go with the Blakeley, I'm satisfied, and if I don't I may get out, so it may turn out all OK anyway -- can't do anything but wait and see.

Will write again when I get definite news.

Love to you all,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, May 30, 1919)

The Blakeley At Dock

2011-02-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

USS Blakeley
New London
May 28, 1919

Dear Mother,

The ship is still tied up to the dock, and I don't think we will leave before the first of the month now. Mr. Dashiel, 3rd officer in charge, said yesterday that we were supposed to have gone to Hampton Roads for target practice before we join the fleet. We have been appointed flagship [Ed. note: Division Admiral's ship when he is underway] for the 7th Division, which takes in a bunch of destroyers.

Don't think there is much chance of our going across soon, so I don't care where we go from here. The DuPont came out a couple of weeks before we did and she is over already. The reason we aren't is because we are fooling around with a new invention on the listening device.

We all went swimming in the Thames River today -- climbed into our trunks and just jumped overboard. The water was pretty cool but it won't hurt anybody, for the weather is fine the last few days.

Can't get the check cashed here -- could have if I had taken it over when I first came, and waited for it to go to Texas and back, but we weren't certain of staying long enough. Anyway, I don't go ashore much so am making my old suit do. I'll rock along without a new suit for a while. I'll tear the check up if I don't cash it by the first, which I think I won't.

Am certainly glad Edwin has gotten a good place and at the same time go to school. Maybe he will stick to it and get an education. When I get out I'll guarantee he can get one if he will only go away to school after graduating there.

Got Donovan's letter yesterday afternoon. Tell Edwin to drop a line or two during his spare moments.

Grace Hapgood said she was going to be in Philadelphia on the 13th of June, but we won't go back there til about the middle of July, so can't see her unless I'm in New York and can run down.

If peace is only signed by the last of July, I ought to be out by the last of August. That would make a year in the service and a year I won't regret losing at all.

I have a couple of postcard pictures of the Blakeley I am going to mail to you. They won't go in an envelope.

Another destroyer, from the west coast, came in last night and we stayed up til about 10:30 talking to them with the blinker. They went out this morning to New York.

We went canoeing again. I surely do wish we had a good body of water at home so we could get a canoe. Whiteside went to a dance at Ocean Beach tonight, but I'm tired and sleepy so I didn't go with him.

Give Judge Weldon my heartiest congratulations as well as my love.

Your affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, May 28, 1919)

At Sea

2011-02-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Aboard, May 24, 1919

Dear Mother,

A letter from you came this morning as I thought it would. We got in last night at 9 o'clock, after having spent two days at sea. We went out where we get a pretty good deal of pitching and rolling, but I didn't get as sick as before.

Am sending some pictures we took the other day -- will try and get a side view of the ship some day when she is not tied up at the dock, and send you.

Thom and I went ashore this afternoon and out our European charts [Ed. note: navigational maps] out of the post office, and brought them back to the ship. We leave here between next Wednesday and Friday -- I don't know where for.

I would go ashore tonight but I have the 8 til 12 quartermaster watch on the bridge. My go anyway if I can get Barnsdale to change watches with me.

It's been raining a great deal up here too, during the last two weeks. It was foggy all day Thursday while we were out, so Thom and I had to stand listener watch all day long -- sick or no sick. There is a law in the Navy that says seasickness excuses no one, so sick officers and all must abide by it.

Got a letter from Grace Hapgood this morning, and I fear she gets entirely too sentimental.

Haven't been able to cash that check yet, but suppose I can when I get back to Philadelphia again. We may be back there in less than a month now. I would like to run into New York for a couple of weeks first, though.

If I was in for four years and had at least a year to do, I could get the mail clerk's job aboard, and that pays $15 a month extra. They said if I would sign up to finish my four years, they would guarantee that I kept it as long as I was aboard the Blakeley. I only laughed at them. I don't want to stay in three more years.

I have kept my insurance but only $5,000 of it. I figure that is all I will want to carry on the outside, when I do get out and change it over.

Got the clipping about the rodeo, and I sure wish I could be there to see it. I will be next year -- more than likely.

It clouded up right after dinner, but the sun is out now and it is a fine day. I sincerely hope it doesn't rain for a while.

Give the kiddies and Father my love.

Your affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, May 31, 1919)

Midwatch

2011-02-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

USS Blakeley
May 19, 1919
3:05 a.m.

Dear Mother,

You are right -- it's not time to be writing letters, but I have the midwatch on the bridge [Ed. note: midnight to 4 a.m. watch. Those assigned to midwatch are allowed to sleep late]. Have just finished writing the 3 o'clock log so have just one more hour to stand before turning in again. It's sure tough to go to bed at ten, and have to get up at twelve and stay up for four hours. However, we have an electric toaster up here, and the galley keeps their bread and butter so we can get it, so I made toast and am now so full I can't eat any breakfast I know.

We played ball again today and Ensign Boone pitched for us. We won 8 - 5. That fellow Boone is certainly one fine fellow to be with. I almost forget he's an officer when he's not all dolled up. The reason for his being so much like he is, is because he was a gob for six months before he got his commission. He says he had more fun the half-year he was a gob than the year he's been an ensign. He came from Baltimore and went to school at Princeton -- was catcher for their baseball team and made All-American halfback while with them. Every officer except the skipper and one ensign are from below the Mason-Dixon line, and over 3/4 of the enlisted men. Mr. DeTreville, executive or second officer in command, is from Houston originally.

Today (I mean yesterday) started out rainy but along toward noon it cleared up, and we had a pretty warm afternoon. We go out of the harbor tomorrow and may not be back til Tuesday night. But we stay in Wednesday again. Haven't heard in a couple of days now. Will try to give this to the mail orderly before we shove off tomorrow -- we don't leave til 9:30.

Mr. DeTreville called Thom (the other fellow who went through listeners school) down today, and told him that he was going to try to get a relief for him from the station here, and let Thom be released from the service. Thomas has a good dependent's claim, and his mother had their congressman write for her. I ought to be out by the middle of July myself. I saw in the paper last night that all DOW [Ed note: department of war?] reserves were going to be out by then if possible.

We are on the reserve list to go across and would have been across if it hadn't been for putting on these listening devices. We must be in N.Y. the 15th of June for a review, and Newport the 1st of July, so am sure we won't go across til then anyway. The ship that was put into commission just before we were is already across -- is stationed along the route of the Navy seaplanes that flew across the other day.

Will knock off and do a little looking around -- someone might have been trying to signal us on blinker for 30 minutes.

Love,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, May 19, 1919)

On The Sound

2011-02-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

New London
May 17, 1919

Dear Mother,

Mess is just over and since it's raining I'm not going ashore. We played some Coast Guard cadets baseball this afternoon before the rain, and they beat us. However, we will try them again before we leave.

We went out yesterday in the sound and finished testing out the listening apparatus, and came in about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. We tied up to a dock instead of at the buoy [Ed. note: mooring buoy, set in deep enough water for a big ship like the Blakeley].

Whiteside went to New York today, and I promised him I would stand his watch tomorrow, so won't go out. Really don't care to as there isn't anything on earth to do here.

Had an 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. watch last night, but I slept in til nearly 7:30 this morning so am not very sleepy. Playing baseball has made me one real tired "feller" tonight so am going to flop early on that account.

Didn't get a letter from you today but suppose a bunch will come all together. Did get one yesterday with the clipping about Father in it?

We will be here at least a week longer -- they are going to put another listening device in the forward oil tank, and that will take almost that long.

There isn't any news to write about as long as we lay in here, but I'll try to keep up my end of the correspondence.

Love to you all,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, May 19, 1919)

New London Redux

2011-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London
May 14, 1919

Dear Mother,

Again I take my pen in hand and drop a line from New London, although it's been a long time since I was here in the Y.

We got here last night about 8 o'clock and tied up to a buoy in midstream, but they didn't give us liberty until today at 4 o'clock.

They are putting on the compensator to the devices we got put on in Philadelphia. When they get on, I will have to look after that as well as stand quartermaster watches.

The trip from Newport was great -- warmed up, so we lay on the mats on deck and had a "jake of a time" all the way. Got some pictures of her as she was making about 30 knots, an surely hope they are good -- will have them developed here if we stay long enough and I think we will. Tomorrow we paint ship, but thank the Lord we don't have much of that to do -- just the bridge, while the deck force has to go over the side on stages [Ed. note: scaffolds] and bosn's chairs.

Haven't had a letter since last Friday but know they are just being sent around following us. We will get them here in New London, I'm sure.

We surely have a good bunch of officers -- no regulations whatever. We wear anything from dungarees to a combination of blues and whites, and the liberty party came ashore with everything from white hats to flat hats on. Seems funny to have to get in a motor sailor (whale boat with motor) [Ed. note: generic term is liberty launch] to go on liberty.

Didn't get to go down to Wilmington before we shoved off, and haven't even written them. However, haven't much better writing home.

One thing I like about the Blakeley, they don't make us get up til we want to -- up to 7:30, when we have chow. Just roll out of our bunks and step about 3 feet to the chow table -- wash if you really feel equal to the occasion.

New London seems rather tame compared to Philadelphia, and the fellows are just wandering around the main street for the shows or dance halls to open up.

Last night we stayed on the bridge and "chewed the fat" -- that is, carried on an animated conversation by means of the blinker -- with other ships in the bay.

We have liberty til tomorrow at 7:30, but am going back on the 12 o'clock boat and turn in so I won't have to get up so early.

Can't say where we will go from here, but hope we run up to Boston and then back down to New York.

I forgot to tell you I got your liberty buttons, and I thank you from the depths of my heart for the bond. I took out a $50 one myself, and if it's not paid out by the time I'm discharged, I'll pay the difference out of the $60 I'll get. I don't think it will be ten months before we get out.

Thanks again for the check for twenty -- I may be compelled to cash it sometime if we aren't paid in the next month or so, but will keep from doing it as long as I can.

Love to you and Dad and the kiddies,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, May 14, 1919)

Salty Dog

2011-02-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Newport, R.I.
May 12, 1919

Dear Mother,

Have just tied up at the dock and the gunners mates are getting ready to take on torpedoes. It is unofficially reported that we leave tonight for Boston, but we may go to New London, Conn. We left Philadelphia yesterday at 9:20 a.m., and it's about 12 o'clock now so didn't make such a fast trip. I was pretty sick last night for a while, but feel all right this morning. If we go to Boston right away I know I'll get seasick again, for my stomach still feels "wobbly."

Am writing this aboard as we don't get liberty here, and will mail it by giving it to someone on the dock.

Am going to take a bunch of pictures and send them to you. We have big leather knee-high boots, and blanket coats with hoods, so you can imagine how we look.

The weather has certainly been bad the last four days, and now it's turned as cold as the dickens and the sky is still thickly overcast. Am not used to life aboard ship yet but I think that within a month I'll be a "salty dog."

May be able to get a relief at New London but I doubt it. There is no telling when I'll get off. As soon as I get ashore I'll write a regular letter, but can't do it now since I've got to go on the bridge in a few minutes. Will now go out on the dock and try and get this mailed.

Your loving son,
Heywood

(Postmarked USS Dixie

Anchors Aweigh

2011-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia
May 10, 1919

Dear Mother,

This is the first opportunity I've had to write since we went aboard, for we have had some work to do, but it's about all done. We are supposed to shove off tomorrow (Sunday) at 9 a.m., but when I was on watch on the bridge today, I heard the skipper say that unless the fog lifted he would be afraid to chance it, since he hasn't completely tested his compass. It's been raining for two days now, and I had a 4-hour watch last night on the bridge. Of course I had on oilskins, but still it wasn't exactly comfort.

I rate liberty tonight but am not going since liberty for us is up at 12 o'clock.

Got Father's check last night and I certainly do thank you for it. Of course I won't cash it until we get somewhere where we will be long enough for it to go through the bank and back to me. I'll save it anyway til I get a chance to buy a good suit [Ed. note: a new blue uniform, not a civilian suit].

Can't tell you all I want to because I must hurry back aboard -- just came over to take a bath. We haven't very roomy washing quarters aboard.

Have been aboard since Wednesday and like it fine, even if we do have to work harder.

Will write tomorrow if we don't get away.

Love to you and Dad,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, May 10, 1919)

Tomorrow We Sail

2011-01-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia
May 7, 1919

Dear Mother,

Have been aboard the Blakeley all day and we will bring our sea bags over tomorrow, when at 2 o'clock she will go into commission.

We leave Sunday or Monday for Newport, R.I., but since I don't know how long I'll be there, write to Postmaster N.Y. til I send you my address -- that is, if we lay in one place a couple of weeks or so, I can get my mail at the Y or somewhere.

You can't know how sorry I am that I missed seeing Bart. I hadn't heard from her in quite a while, or I would have known where she was going to be when I was at home.

Am going to see a musical comedy tonight that has been playing here for quite a while. Ensign Boone, Chief Quartermaster Legwood, and another fellow and I were sitting in the chart room today, talking about everything from baseball to women and shows, and he said it was fine and not to miss it.

Waggie and I were going anyway -- but we had to pay $2.00 each for seats. I didn't get the new suit -- it wouldn't fit me in the shoulders, and I wouldn't buy one that wouldn't fit. I couldn't buy a new suit, for they cost 30 bucks, so will wear my old one a while yet.

Am going to write Bart before the show will stop.

Much love to all of you,
Your son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, May 9, 1919)

Last Splurge

2011-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

National Catholic War Council
Service Club
Philadelphia
May 6, 1919

Dear Mother,

Am in town -- I just got back from Cramps' shipyards where we tested out the tubes before the ship goes off the ways tomorrow morning.

Last night Wagenseller and I gave each other a farewell party since we are to leave without him. They transferred him to the USS Cole.

Am going out to that fellow's house tonight and look at his suit of clothes. I drew 25 bucks this payday; of course, Wagenseller and I spent a good bit last night. We had dinner at Boothby's and went to see a show at the Schubert Theatre that cost $1.75 apiece. It was a darn good show and I'm glad I went. I can buy this suit for 20 dollars, I'm sure, and can borrow a few dollars from John to tide me over. I don't mind borrowing from him because he was overdrawn once and didn't get paid for a month, and we got along all right til he could pay back what he had borrowed.

You had better write all my letters from now on in care of the Postmaster New York - USS Blakeley, and be sure to spell BLAKELEY right. Am sure we will be in Newport in a week or so.

Can't write much today because I am going to be out at that fellow's house at 6:30. Will drop a line tomorrow.

Love from,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, May 6, 1919)

IWW's and Bolsheviki's

2011-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia
May 2nd, 1919

Dear Mother,

It rained all day yesterday and we were over at Cramps' shipyard, and had to stay all day over there, and then came back on a trolley in our dungarees. Today is bright and warm, and I only hope the weekend stays like this. I haven't been on liberty since last Monday, but I still have a dollar and a half, so will go out tomorrow night. Of course I was out that afternoon we went down to the river, and the money I got allows me this weekend liberty.

Here are a couple of clippings I tore from the paper. I sent the message that told Col. Clement where to meet his wife. She was on the boat I was, and I asked the quartermaster on the Mercury to tell him to come on deck, and then his wife nearly went nuts when she saw him. He came ashore at the pier with General Muir, but the General was in civilian clothes and didn't look much like a soldier.

The Athletics play their first home game today, but I can't afford to go out and see them, for I'd rather not go than have to stay in over Sunday.

They had a bunch of rioting here by IWWs and Bolsheviki's yesterday, and a couple of companies of Marines were sent out on guard after a couple of policemen had been killed. They wouldn't let any gobs in camp go out on liberty for fear they would get into trouble. Of course, the ones on the ships got liberty.

We haven't more than two more truck loads to take over to the ship, but I have to go over anyway to stand around and try to learn how the put the tubes on. The listening apparatus on the Blakeley will cost almost $10,000 to install.

Got a letter from you yesterday that you wrote last Sunday and gave to Edwin and Abe to mail.

Love,
Heywood

Clipping enclosed with above:

Sees Relatives

Lieutenant Colonel Charles F. Clement, of Sunbury, acting chief of staff, had many duties to occupy him yesterday, but twice he was observed in oblivious contemplation of other things than duty. Once was down the river, when the division emblem was run to the masthead. The other time was at the pier, when he saw Mrs. Charles F. Clement, and his father, who was commander of the 28th Division when it was known as the National Guard of Pennsylvania.

Welcome Home

2011-01-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

National Catholic War Council
Visitors' House
Philadelphia, Pa.
April 30, 1919

Dear Dad,

Wrote Mother this morning before I went back to the barracks for chow -- when I got there, a messenger was waiting for John and me with a message from the Admiral in charge of the district. It said to send two quartermasters off the Blakeley detail to the City Pier at Race Street. We are to go out on police ships to welcome ships coming in. My first message was from a city official to General Muir, and as the general's wife was aboard, I sent him a message telling him where to meet her. The people we sent the messages for gave me a couple of dollars, and Whiteside got nearly four dollars from the people on the Springfield, the boat he was on.

I read about the new well, and hoped you had some holdings near. It ought to be a good thing if only there is oil under your acreage. I'd like to be there now and get in on a lot of that stuff.

Think I'll drop my insurance down to $5,000 and take out another $50 bond. Of course, I can't get it paid off, but I'll pay the difference when I get discharged, and save whatever I have paid on it.

Am sending my admittance card -- give it to Mother to keep for me as a souvenir.

Love to all of you,
Heywood

Enclosed was a guest card admitting him to the Boat Springfield to welcome returning troops aboard the USS Mercury, May, 1919.

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 30, 1919)

Loads of Stores

2011-01-27T06:00:00.003-05:00

Philadelphia
April 30, 1919

Dear Mother,

Loaded stores [Ed. note: ship's supplies] all day yesterday so didn't write you. All that the ship lacks now to make it complete is finishing putting on the listening tubes, and they are working on them now. They are a new kind, and over 150 holes must be drilled in the hull of the ship to put them on.

They took all but one last load of stores on board this morning, but I decided not to go over since I've been working pretty steady for the last week -- that is, making the trip every other day. When we go in commission we will have all our stores aboard, which will leave us more time to gets things fixed up, and be ready to shove off within a week. We go to Newport, R.I. first to get torpedoes, I think.

We had a game of baseball matched with the Marines for tomorrow, but they canceled it for some reason. They have a good team and we wanted to play them.

That poetry was fine. I let Wagenseller and John read it, and they agreed with me. I'll return it since I might lose it if I keep it in my bag.

We are about used to hammocks again, and as the showers, wash, and scrub rooms are so much nicer where we are now, we are satisfied with the change.

I know Mrs. Russell thinks he Navy is ruining me, but it's not at all. I haven't changed a bit. You didn't notice any change when I was at home, did you? I don't think I'm one bit lazier than I used to be, and really believe not much so. Of course I don't work unless I have to, or don't go round hunting, for it's not like the outside -- you get just as much out of the Navy by being a good manager as you do working hard in civilian life.

I do hope Father makes money on his oil land. I don't much blame him for not quitting his law, for I know he likes it, but he should be able to make himself some money on the side.

I'm sure I'll like it at home if I ever get there, but I can't see far enough ahead to see a discharge paper yet. It may be I will get a chance to get out when I'm least expecting it.

A fellow named Fricker was paid off only a week after he got a new suit, and he wants to sell it for twenty dollars, so if I draw twenty next pay, I am going to buy it if I have to stay broke another two weeks. I have got to have one -- this old one is just about gone. A new one from town costs at least $30, so if I can get this one I'll save, and in the next place I'd never save the $30 to get one, I'm afraid.

White hats [Ed. note: "Dixie cup" hats] are going to be the uniform of the day beginning tomorrow, but I'm all right for mine are still clean from the time you washed them at home. I'd rather wear white hats except they are hard to keep clean.

The only bad feature about sleeping in our new barracks is that we have to rise and shine at 5:45 every morning, and as you know that's pretty early, especially since this new hour went into effect again. I think I'll live, however.

Love from you son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 30, 1919)

Up On The Ways

2011-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia
April 28, 1919

Dear Mother,

The ship is "up on the ways" for the last time before being taken over by the government, so we don't have to take stores aboard her today. Therefore nothing to do but lay around at our club.

Went to Wilmington yesterday -- rather Saturday afternoon, and stayed over til last evening about 7:30. I came home early because my hammock is hard to swing in the dark.

There was a gob there off the Montana who had just gotten back from hospital in Russia. He was the electrician in the landing party and was stabbed twice by a Russian before he could shoot him, therefore he rates two wound chevrons, as well as tour overseas ones. Lives in Lebanon, Tennessee, and went to Cumberland University. He said if I knew anyone who was going to Lebanon to school next year, to let him know so he could look them up.

It's warm again -- they talk about Texas changing from warm to cold in a hurry, but it hasn't anything on Pennsylvania.

Got Edwin's letter when I got up this morning and am glad he took the time to write. Will write him in a day or so.

Duncan, the fellow who used to live in Wichita Falls, is leaving today on the Biddle. She just went into commission last week. We went over and went aboard her this morning, and told her crew we'd meet them in Newport, R.I. They were in the same barracks with us for a while. We ought to leave the yard in two weeks for Newport, so may meet them and play them in baseball again.

Hope I have a letter from you when I get back to the barracks. Ought to, since none came Saturday or Sunday.

Give Bart my love; I wish I could be there -- and more love for the rest of you.

Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 28, 1919)

New Barracks

2011-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia
April 25, 1919

Dear Mother,

We have moved to another barracks this morning so when you write, put down Barracks No. 366 Blakeley Detail. Excuse writing but my hands are cold, for we had to carry our bags and hammocks about a quarter of a mile, and it's snowing this morning. Looks like it will clear off soon though.

The worst part of changing barracks is now we have to sleep in hammocks instead of our iron bunks, however, we won't be here very long before we go aboard. We get more liberty and have less work here in the yard, so the fellows don't care when we go into commission.

Practically no one is getting out here now. The other morning they called us up and asked for volunteers out of the D.O.W. and Reserve forces to sign up til the president said the national emergency was over -- and not ask to be let out when peace was signed. Did I go up? I did not. That's too indefinite -- it might mean over four years.

Wagenseller and I went to a good show yesterday afternoon. We get the other fellow to muster for us when we want to stay out, and then we muster for them when they want to.

Edwin's poem was so fine. It seems as if all the Weldons are accomplished except the admiral. However, he is young so you may make something out of him yet.

Sara wrote me that she got a letter from you and she was tickled to death. They wrote and told me to come down this Saturday, but I think I'll wait til Sunday morning, for her Aunt Mayme isn't feeling very well, and I hate to impose upon them. They don's seem to mind my coming and always tell me to be sure and come, and I guess they wouldn't invite me all the time if they didn't want me.

Just about the time we started in last night, the cold west wind came up and we almost froze to death running from the main gate to the barracks, and we didn't have our pea coats either.

Got another letter from Di Avis yesterday.

I have been writing to you regularly and I don't know why you haven't gotten them, for I write three or four times a week. If you haven't gotten the money, let me know for I've got the receipt.

Lovingly,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 25, 1919)

Baseball Season

2011-01-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

National Catholic War Council Service Club
Philadelphia
April 23, 1919

Dear Father,

Today was the opening of the baseball season (naturally you know that), so Whiteside and I went out and saw the Phillies and the New York Giants play -- it was a good game even if the score was large. About the middle of the game Benny Kaufe proceeded to meet a fast one and over right field fence it went, for a home run.

The only punt playing that was pulled off was by Baird of the Phillies. On third he let in two runs by booting the ball around. Am going to see as many teams play as I can, but can only afford to go to see one game of a series, for 85 cents per game soon drains a gob's pocketbook. I told John today that if you were here, you would surely have been there with me.

Am doing rather well on the Blakeley team, especially batting. They asked me where I learned to play, and I told them I inherited it from my "Pa."

The whole camp is getting up a team, and the officer in charge came down the other day and said he wanted to see that white-headed fellow who played first base for the Blakeley. I came over and he said if I was going to be in the yard over a month, he would like for me to come out for the team, but I knew I wouldn't be so didn't go out. He had watched a game we played and evidently thought I could play better than I can.

We took another truck load of stores [Ed. note: Stores are ship's supplies] to Cramps today and thereby missed our noon chow, but luckily I wasn't hungry. I've got a pretty good drag with the cook, so he lets me come in the galley and cooks steak and eggs, so I've been faring better than most. Cooks eat almost as good a feed as officers because they cook themselves just what they feel like eating.

Every day there is a big Victory Loan parade here, with tanks and big guns and stuff on the street all the time. They had one this afternoon but I'd rather see one ball game than 19 parades.

Am going to sleep here at the service club tonight so I won't have to get up early in the morning. They give us beds with sheets and a blanket for 30 cents, so can well afford it.

Tell Ed I said that was a darn good piece of poetry he wrote. Meant to write him, but my business is so rushing this time of the season that I can't do all the things I mean to.

Will write again in a few days.

Lovingly,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 24, 1919)

A Letter From Mary E. Russell

2011-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

722 East 11th Street
Wilmington, Delaware
April 23, 1919

Dear Mrs. Weldon,

I have no excuse to offer for not having written to you before this, other than that so much of the time I do not feel well. I have had quite a time this past winter. I had the flu in the fall, and since then I have had so much trouble with my throat. Also just at this time in my life I am going through, some say, severe changes, but I hope I will be all right before very long.

We all enjoyed your real home letters, and surely do enjoy having Heywood with us. He is certainly a mighty fine boy, and one you may well be proud of. Only I do hope he will soon be able to get out of the Navy. I think it is all right and was fine for our nice boys to do their part, but now that the war is over I am afraid they will form habits it will be hard to get away from after a while, and Heywood is capable of making good in some line worthwhile.

My married daughter has been home with her dear little girl this week, and I have not been able to do much but love the baby. I am sending you a picture of them. Heywood met them here on Easter, and the baby liked him very much. I will enclose this in Sara's letter. We all liked the pictures of your nice family. We had not seem them before. When those sailors get here they don't know what to do with themselves, but I enjoy it as much as anyone, and will miss them a lot when they leave. If only Delaware and Texas were not so far apart, how niced it would be to get to know you all.

With love to all,
Mary E. Russell

(Photograph enclosed of Mrs. N.W. Swayne and her daughter, Carolyn Hope Swayne.)

[Ed. note: Mary E. Russell was the mother of Sara and Dot].

A Letter From Sara Whiteside

2011-01-22T06:00:00.002-05:00

722 East 11th Street
Wilmington, Delaware
April 23, 1919

My dear Mrs. Weldon,

Your lovely letter came several days ago, but when one is a "hard-working" girl, time disappears, and no one knows where it has gone. I certainly was happy to hear from you and wrote immediately to Heywood to let him know about it.

I thank you so much for those pictures. They are fine of everyone, but I couldn't see your face very well.

We all think very much of Heywood down here, and I am sure we would feel the same toward the rest of his family. There is no one in this world like his dear Mother and "Dad."

Love to all,
Sara

Distress Signal

2011-01-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Western Union Telegram
To H.F. Weldon
April 18, 1919

WE DON'T GET PAID UNTIL MONDAY CAN YOU WIRE TEN DOLLARS WILL SEND IT BACK AS SOON AS I GET PAID HEYWOOD

Philadelphia
April 22, 1919

Dear Father,

Again my distress signal has been heard and answered, but this time I have the "sponderlicks" to return to you.

Am enclosing a money order made out to Edwin so he can get it for you. I remember once when I paid back some you lent me when I was working with Kimball that you said you hated to cash checks with my name on them.

The weather is fine up here. Of course I'd rather it would be a little warmer but it's not very chilly in the afternoon.

They had some big parade last night in the city, and unveiled a liberty statue on Broad Street. I have gotten out of all the parades and am certainly glad of it, for it's at least four or five miles from this part of town to the center, and the fellows have to march all the way there and back.

Don't think I'll take out a victory bond at all -- even a 50-dollar one -- for I know I'll be out before the 10 months are up that it takes to pay for it.

Just came back from a ship over to Cramps to take some more stores on board the ship -- it's about 15 miles over there from where the stores were, so we had a good time riding on the truck, although it was pretty rough part of the way. The Blakeley's sister ship went into commission this morning but we are still waiting. Don't know why they delay so long, for she has been finished almost a month now.

I surely wish you could get to come up here while I'm still here, for I could get leave to be with you, I'm sure.

Have to go over to the yard post office to get the money order so as it's now eleven o'clock I'll have to hurry.

My love to all of you. I hope you get to feeling better than you have been -- you need a vacation for you haven't had one in a long time. If you could only be in the Navy with me for a couple of months, I know would get to feeling fine.

Your affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 22, 1919)

Waiting To Sail

2011-01-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

Philadelphia
April 15, 1919

Dear Mother,

Two letters came yesterday -- one written on the 11th and one on the 12th.

The ship is now in commission but we don't go aboard til after payday. Payday comes on Easter Sunday and I surely hope they pay us before rather than after the 20th. If not, they will have a big bunch on hand for Easter dinner.

Boone has never paid me -- of course, he doesn't know my address now, but I'm going to write to him this morning and tell him a thing or two. I can't wait all year on him.

Father and you both need a vacation, and as soon as I get out and get working, I'm going to see that you both go off and stay a while. Peace ought to be signed in a month or so -- hope it is so, anyway.

When I got back I dropped Gretchen Ames a note, and got a long letter back from her.

It has been raining unsteadily for the last two days and turned a little colder.

Our baseball team won again on a wet diamond. We beat the Barney crew 8-3.

Came down to the recreation center last night and saw professional vaudeville. They put on pretty good stuff here on Tuesday nights.

Am going swimming with the bunch in a few minutes, after taking a good shower. I brought clean underwear in my pocket so I can change when I bathe.

Got a letter from Ethel Mae Gilliland the other day. She is more than pleased with Henrietta.

Whenever it's warm we take long walks around the yard, "inspecting" the battle wagons, subs, etc. Two more battleships, the Alabama and another one came in from Cuba the day before yesterday. Weldon Younce is on the Minnesota, and she may come back in here, so I may see him. It left on the 12th of March when I was at home, but I could have seen him before that if I had known. I like to meet fellows I have known before, whether I was intimate with them or not.

I hope Father gets to feeling better as spring comes -- if he doesn't get the hay fever, he will, I'm sure.

Saw a man crushed between two streetcars the other night, but he was conscious when they carried him away, so don't know whether he died or not.

Your affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 16, 1919)

Recreation

2011-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia
April 14, 1919

Dear Mother,

Haven't heard in two days from you but suppose I will by this afternoon's mail.

We had bag inspection just a little while ago and my bag had all it was supposed to have in it. It should have, for I've drawn enough at the small stores to more than keep it filled.

Have been playing basketball a great deal lately, and we have a pretty good team on the Blakeley. Have played the crews of the Jacob James, the Breckenridge, the Biddle twice, and Sunday morning we played the pick of the 7th Battalion. We haven't lost a game yet. As soon as we get aboard, we get suits and baseball shoes, as well as playing gear, from the ship. Am playing very well and am pretty sure of making the team when the athletic officer makes the final selection.

Whiteside and I went to a dance and free supper at the Historical Society Saturday night and had a good time. The people who were there were of the very best families and all had to be invited to attend.

The society building itself is a gray stone building on the corner of 13th and Locust Streets, and is beautifully furnished inside. Uniforms were the fellow's pass, and we were met by doormen in dress suits who took our coats and hats. The men and women were in full dress. Dinner was a continuous service affair, served in the larger dining room, consisting of sandwiches of all kinds, salad, ice cream and cake, and coffee or lemonade. The dancing floor was just off from the dining room and dancing went on from 7:45 to 11.

My idea of why we haven't put the Blakeley in commission yet is because the skipper wants to keep out of the big review in New York on the 16th of this month. Now that we can't go to Cuba, I don't care when we go aboard. It won't be long, however, because the ship has been accepted by the government already, just waits for the captain to say the word.

I found a note in my pea coat pocket to Katherine that I had forgotten to put in a letter I promised to. Tell I am sorry I neglected it, and will write her sometime.

Love to all,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 15, 1919)

Spring In The City

2011-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia
April 8, 1919

Dear Mother,

Got two letters from you yesterday -- both written on the 4th, and before you got a letter telling you I was all right again.

The Blakeley made her speed run yesterday and made over 36 knots without pushing her. That's about 40 miles per, and after she gets run for a while, they are sure of 40 knots. We are supposed to go aboard Friday, but they have had such hard luck so far that I doubt it seriously. Really would rather wait til after the weekend.

We went out to Fairmount Park (the largest park in the country) Sunday, and got a canoe and made a pilgrimage down the Schuylkill River. It is some pretty park and has mansions all over it. You've heard of the Strawberry Mansion. We had ice cream and cake there when we came in off the river. There are canoe and boat clubs all along the banks of the river, and we saw a pretty race between 3 eight-oared racing shell teams -- also a good canoe race. The park is so large that it has its own trolley system and we rode over part of it on the car.

The weather is still war and I suppose spring is here to stay now.

We never miss a day going swimming in the Y natatorium and it's surely fine. It's the first time I've gotten to swim all winter long.

If I've got enough money Easter Sunday I am going with Wagenseller to Atlantic City. The fare will be reduced on the holiday I'm sure.

We went up to the store room and made a few more hard swabs, and came over and played basketball. Went to a dance at the recreation center last night, and had just as good a time as if I was ashore.

I hear we are going to New London for a couple of weeks to put on listening tubes. I hope we wait til summer, for they say it's a fine place then. They have several big summer hotels there on the Thames, and I know it's the coldest place on earth in the winter, so it ought to be cool in the summer.

They won't let anyone here talk to them about getting out. Maybe I'll have better luck when I get aboard the ship. I hope so anyway, although it will be hard to come back to Texas right in the hottest weather. I'll get out any time I can though.

We got some fishing lines out of the ship's stores the other day, and we are going down to the river and try to catch something this afternoon. Will dig worms out behind the barracks at noon.

This weather makes me want to go camping, too, an that's the first thing I'm going to do when I get back.

I did a big washing last night before I went to the dance, and hung 'em out to dry. Now I've got to go back and roll 'em up.

Love from your son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 8, 1919)

On The Town

2011-01-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

Club House for Enlisted Men
of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps
Northwest Corner of Broad and Spruce Streets
Philadelphia
April 6, 1919

Dear Mother,

Am in town and have just gotten up from my peaceful slumbers at the service club, where I slept for the paltry sum of 30 cents. John had to go over to Cramps' shipyard and go aboard the Blakeley last night, so Wagenseller (another quartermaster) and I went to the Globe theatre. It's like a Keith's vaudeville house only has a good bill every week.

It certainly is a great day here. Not quite as warm as it was while I was at home, but the sun is shining and there is no wind. It has rained a couple of nights lately but it's not like when it rains at home, for we don't have to go anywhere it's muddy in camps, and when on liberty we never see anything but paved streets, so it really makes no difference if it does rain.

I went on liberty Friday night for the first time in about 10 days. It sounds funny that a fellow would stay in when he has money to go out, but it's lots of trouble to dress up. We have to be in on weekdays by seven the next morning, so I always come back the same night and that makes me sleepy the next day. Besides we have shows at the recreation center every night, and can go to the camp cafeteria and get eats any time we want to, so why bother to go to the city?

I suppose Katherine is entirely well by now. Will enclose her a note in your letter.

We go into commission this week sometime but will stay in the river here for a couple of weeks getting stores aboard. Then I don't know where we go.

Just pick up a little book that tells about Philadelphia. I went on one of these hikes so will send the book along. Where the cross is on the map of the city is where I live when on League Island.

Wagenseller and I went down to his old ship, the Felix Tausig, which had just docked a day or so ago, with a soldier from France. He knows all the officers well and we sat in their cabins and talked to them as if they were just plain gobs. They all laughed and told jokes with us. It seems that they all like Waggie as well as each other, for they told me about going ashore with him. It's the first time I ever saw officers all like a gob so well. We ate dinner last night at officers' mess with them -- so you know we had a good chow. Wagenseller lives in Decatur, Ill., and was on the Tausig over a year. He is a first class quartermaster and is going to be with us on the Blakeley.

I got a letter from you the other day written on the 5th of March -- before I went home. It hadn't been forwarded from anywhere so I suppose it had just laid around at the camp post office all this time.

Am sorry to hear that the Texas company has to be dropped from the firm's business list, but it's bound to be for the best. I'd rather do without their money than to be under any orders about my actions.

You know Clyde Haney who used to work in Brad Stagg's tailor shop -- well, I met him up here in the yard about a week ago, and since then have seen him several times. He is in the Marines.

I hope Alice and Larry make good in Wichita -- send me their address so I can drop them a line.

I left the barracks before mail line yesterday, so I suppose I'll get a letter from you when I go in tonight.

Love to all of you,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, April 6, 1919)

Pardoned

2011-01-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

Philadelphia
March 31, 1919

Dear Mother,

Just got pardoned so am now out of the sick bay. Had to argue with the doctor, but I didn't have any fever and as I told him I was needed badly, he let me out without holding me til he was sure I wouldn't get sick again.

Am feeling all O.K. now and rather enjoyed lying in bed for a while.

Got a letter from Grace H. who is spending her mid-term vacation in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with some girlfriends. Another letter from you came, written on the T, and you said you hadn't heard yet -- you should have, I'm sure.

I hated to leave Edwin on the corner like that, but I know he didn't really want to go. Say who is the man? I know he is a barber, but have forgotten his name.

It's been as cold as the dickens up here -- wind all the time. I surely hope it warms up a bit in the next few days for it's decidedly unpleasant.

Don't think I'll go to Wilmington this week, even if I didn't get to go last weekend. John is going down so I am not going to impose on them by going down, as a cousin of Dot's is to be there too.

The pictures were fine and I'm going to take them with me the next time I drop down. They can't have them though 'cause I want them.

The Blakeley makes her trial trip Friday and I certainly hope she doesn't strip her turbines again, for I want to get aboard and get settled, so I can try and get out.

Love to all the kiddies and more to you and Father.

Your affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., April 1, 1919)

Influenza Again

2011-01-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 29, 1919

Dear Mother,

Another letter came from you today, and you hadn't yet heard from me, but by now you have at least two letters I'm sure.

Don't know whether I ever told you how fine the lunch was or not, but it was "Jake and a half" -- I can tell you. Made fast friends with an aviator lieutenant by giving him a chicken sandwich and a piece of cake. And it saved me lots of money because I didn't have to buy any meals on the train.

Haven't been on liberty since Wednesday and am not going out this weekend. Why? 'Cause I can't. You think I'm broke, don't you? Wrong! I'm not -- but the old admiral is now spending his time cheering up the hospital patients. Yep! Got the flu again, but ain't sick a bit. Fever stays just about a hundred, just enough to keep me here. On the sly I believe they want to keep my learning young countenance here for the sick fellows to laugh at. I came down Thursday morning to get a little medicine, and the darn fools threw me in bed, and I'm not up yet. If they had just let me alone I'd have forgotten I felt bad in a day or so. Here I've wasted three whole days merely lying in bed and reading.

They are having big storms up here -- cold, and the wind has been blowing a gale for about 30 hours.

Am glad to hear Father is feeling better than he was when I was there.

Don't know when I'll get out now that I can't find a relief. If I could get someone to take my place on the ship, I'd probably have a chance to get out, but I can't find anyone. I really want out now. Maybe I wouldn't if I hadn't gotten the furlough.

Excuse writing but am writing in bed and in a hurry too, as the lights go out at nine in here.

Love to all,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., March 31, 1919)

Signal Halyards

2011-01-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia
March 26, 1919

Dear Mother,

No letter from you in two days, but I shouldn't say a word about it for I haven't written but twice myself.

Just got back from Cramps shipyard, where we have been putting up our signal halyards, and my standpipe climbing has made it easier for me to get to the top of sixty-foot mast as I reeve a line through a block. The first forty-five feet have spikes to climb, but from there on is only a straight pole to the yardarm about twelve feet above. However I got by very well and didn't fail, and now it's all done.

The ship is a beauty -- long and low, and all the compartments are fixed up "Jake and a half." I went to Mr. DeTreville with my affidavit to get out, and he said they had "received orders not to let any more out, and especially quartermasters and listeners," so I'd have to stay a while. After him telling me that, I wanted out bad, but I don't know how to go about it since he has temporarily turned me down.

On account of having to repair the turbines we may miss our trip to Cuba in the bargain. However, I'll just make the best of it and talk to him again as soon as the ship goes into commission.

The weather has been fine since I've been back, but it's still too cold not to go on liberty without a pea coat. Will be glad when we can wear white hats instead of that pancake.

Got six letters from Grace Hapgood that had been delayed since January.

Am going to turn in early tonight for the unusual exercise made me pretty tired.

Will write as soon as I hear.

Love to all,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., March 27, 1919)

Second Furlough

2011-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Western Union Telegram
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 8, 1919
6:30 a.m.

Leave this morning on furlough. Get there Monday on MK&T. Heywood.

League Island
March 24, 1919

Dear Mother,

A fine son you have -- not to write until now. To tell the truth, I did write Friday but never finished it, and besides I've had to work every day. Saturday morning I had to stand inspection until 10:30, and then come back to the barracks and have bag inspection. [Ed. note: Bag inspection was also called "Junk on a Bunk," an inspection of clothing laid out on the bed or floor.] Went on liberty at two o'clock and went to Wilmington on the three o'clock train. Had a good time and ate good eats, but after being at home, it doesn't seem as nice a place as usual.

The trip back wasn't so bad -- there were four soldiers, three marines, and three sailors on the Pullman, so we got quite well acquainted.

After we left Ft. Worth we didn't have to change except at St. Louis -- didn't get to see Williams because I lost his address.

Got here Wednesday night all O.K., and stayed all night at a service club and reported in early Thursday a.m.

The Chief just came in and said he would get me out of going to the working parties every morning, and go back to practicing signals like I used to. I hope so, for I got my hands blistered Friday afternoon marking points on 2" x 4" lumber for stakes to make a boardwalk.

We were supposed to go aboard the ship tomorrow, but on her trial trip they stripped the starboard turbine, and now it will take til about the 15th of April before she goes in. I am going to talk to Commander DeTreville as soon as I can see him, but he hasn't been in camp since I've been back. After being at home, I want to get out but I don't know when I'll get to.

Got to stay in Dallas from 9:30 - 1:30 -- not very long, but got to see them anyway.

Will write again tomorrow and will try to keep up my end of the writing. Have only gotten one letter from you, though, since I got back. Love to all of you. Tell Ed and the rest to write.

Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., March 224, 1919)

A Letter From Dorothea Russell

2011-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ed. note: This is a letter to my great-grandmother from Mrs. M. Russell, who had hosted my grandfather in her home.

Dorothea G. Russell
722 East 11th Street
Wilmington, Delaware
March 4, 1919

Dear Mrs. Weldon,

Perhaps you are wondering what strange personage is now writing to you, but allow me, in order to save you from any bewilderment, to introduce myself to you as "Weldon's" adopted sister, "Dot." Just plain "Dot."

Mother received your letter, and you really do not know how much she appreciated it. She has not been feeling at all well, and that is why she has not answered. She is going to do so soon.

Now to the important factor -- your son. It is almost useless for me to try and tell you how much we enjoy having him with us, and you need not instruct us to put our arms around him, for we just could not do otherwise. We all really love him. I have accepted him as a brother, and he really seems like one to me. Of course, I have to advise him as to what I think best (being one year and a half his senior, I think I know a lot more), and he does what I tell him, and very willingly. We have lots of fun here, and the Sundays that he is not here, I miss him a good deal.

He and Sara are very much in love with each other, and I like to kid them, for I have been in love so many time myself, that it seems funny to me now, and I can see the laughable side, while they still take it all very seriously. However, if Weldon were ever to describe me, I feel sure he would tell you that nothing ever does worry me very much. He also teases me for my independent way, which he thinks funny.

There, I have wandered off on the "ego" side of it, and I really did not intend to. Please pardon it, but speaking of "Weldon" reminds me of so many things.

Please write to us, for we surely did enjoy your letter, and even if Texas is rather a long walk from here, a letter and an occasional glimpse of your son, seems to bring us closer together.

Please give my love to all of your other children, about whom I have heard a great deal.

Most Sincerely,
Dorothea G. Russell

(Postmarked Wilmington, Delaware, March 5, 1919)

The Country

2011-01-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

League Island
February 24, 1919

My dear, dear Mother,

Your long letter came yesterday and you can never know how I appreciated the things you said. Not many mothers have the same faith in their sons you seem to have in me. I have re-read it at least twice already. The verses were splendid and I liked the ones about Dad best of them all.

Why will Father send more money than I asked for? It makes me feel bad enough to have to wire for ten, let alone get twice the amount I had to ask for. I don't know where my money goes. I drew twenty about the fifth, but I owed seven or eight, and bought some socks on the outside for a couple of dollars more. Then this pay they didn't pay me for some reason, but I ought to get about twenty-five, less $6.75 for a pair of shoes I must draw this week, so I'll have plenty again. I don't go on liberty but a very few times a week although I can go out every night.

I had not had any too much money for a while, so I went out and bought myself a feed. Then yesterday John and I went out on the trolley to try and get out in the country. Up here they don't run inter-urbans -- just plain trolleys that don't cost much to go on. We went to Chester, Delaware City, Darby, and John's hometown, Newcastle, for about fifty cents. Got out in the country (if you can call it that, with houses all around), and walked for a couple of hours.

If I can ever get a cent-a-mile slip, I am going to Washington, but it costs three times as much when you don't have the cent-a-mile rate. Am going to talk to the skipper about it in a day or two. Got the dollar bill and it made me feel bad to think I had telegraphed for money after you had put that in. I didn't go down to Sara's this weekend, but I have a date with her for the big Harlan dance given every year in Wilmington, so will go down Wednesday afternoon if I can get out of the Yard.

This morning is just like a warm spring day. Duncan came back from Bonham, Texas, and he says it's colder there than here. He got several dollars, and they gave him cent-a-mile slips for doing it, so he came out ahead.

The Northland, a big British transport, came in Friday and Whiteside went out on the City Police tug, and semaphored greetings to returning officers from their mothers.

I thought you knew Sara's last name. It's Whiteside -- you hear me talk about John Whiteside all the time.

Am putting in a couple of very poor pictures we took on a dull day. I had a small picture taken of me when I was downtown the other night, so will send you a couple. I didn't like those doggone ones I had taken in New York.

A two-striper [Ed. note: A lieutenant, grade O-3] just came down and I talked to him about getting out, and he said turn it in, so I will get a typewriter and make out a formal request, and turn it in with the affidavit.

Hope I get another letter from you this morning. I can't tell you how much I thank you and Father for helping me out when I am broke. Boone hasn't sent any money yet, but he may do so.

Love to all of you,
Your most loving son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., February 25, 1919)

Standstill

2011-01-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

February 19, 1919

Dear Mother,

Just got back from the Recreation Center where I saw some good professional vaudeville put on by the Jewish Welfare League. They get Keith's best, and have them come out and entertain. The Y has only amateur musicals and the like, and they are very poorly attended.

Am at a standstill with my affidavit. Nothing can be done for a while, but the first time they will let me see the skipper of the Blakeley, I'll talk to him about it.

There was a big draft yesterday for Hamburg, Germany, and I was on the list until they found out I was standing by for the Blakeley, and they took my name off. Am glad I didn't get to go, for it would have meant at least six months across. The fellows are going to take over a bunch of German vessels.

The ink ran out in the pen so I had to fill it with a different color.

No letter came today, so I suppose you sold thrift stamps like you thought you would.

There is a rumor out that on account of changing paymasters, we won't receive our pay this payday and will have to wait til the 5th of next month. If they do, I am going to have to wire for a few dollars again. I don't mind being broke for a few days, but when it comes to two or three weeks, it's pretty bad.

Have never seen Ray, although I went up to his hotel one night but he wasn't there. I am going up again after payday.

Won't write much this time as it's time to "retire."

Your loving son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., February 20, 1919)

News From The Island

2011-01-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

League Island
February 13, 1919

Dear Mother,

The box came yesterday and contained just exactly the things I needed. My shaving cream was just about gone, as well as my toothpaste, so am sure glad you thought of them. As for talcum powder, I have about a half of a can left from the other you sent, but now I won't need any for many months to come.

We took a couple of pictures today but are going to wait til sometime when we are dressed up before we finish out the roll and have it developed.

I went out to a little supper and card party at Germantown, a suburb of Philly, last night with a fellow I have known in Connecticut. They were either distant relations or friends of his; I've forgotten which. Anyway, we had a pretty good time and good eats. However card parties aren't exactly in my line, so I don't think I'll go back, although I did get an invitation.

John has a date tonight but I wouldn't make one, so he went alone. We met some girls and their mothers at a party given here in camp for us, and they invited us out. We went out there a couple of times, but I don't enjoy running around with people I hardly know.

Am not quite broke yet -- still have 75 cents, but I don't think that will bet me by a weekend of liberty, so will have to stay in. Out of next payday must come a dozen handkerchiefs and a half dozen pairs of socks. I've put it off for two or three weeks already, but I get tired of washing my four handkerchiefs every few days. I lose them as fast as I draw them almost, and I never darn socks -- if they get a hole in them, I just wear them til they get too "holey" and then throw them away. It's hard enough keeping buttons on your clothes, let alone darning.

Freddie Hendricks came over today and told me his mother had been killed, and wanted some money, but I only had a dollar to let him have, but I sure wish I had had more. Naturally I didn't ask particulars about how she came to get killed, because he was all up in the air -- don't know whether he got enough money to get home or not. Hope he did, for it would be awful if he didn't and had to wait several days to have it sent to him.

Haven't gotten a letter for two days so I guess I'll get one tomorrow -- we get mail at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., and besides chow time those are the most important times of the day.

Will mail this in the morning so it will leave the Yard at eight o'clock.

Thank you again for the Kodak and things.

Your loving son,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., February 14, 1919)

All Grown Up

2011-01-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

League Island
February 11, 1919

Dear Mother,

Started a letter yesterday but didn't get to finish it, so will start again.

We went to Wilmington Saturday but couldn't go down until about five o'clock in the afternoon on account of the parade. We had intended going down in the morning. We had a fine time, I can tell you -- John's aunt is certainly a fine woman. They treat me exactly like "home folks" so I almost feel at home -- go out in the kitchen and watch her cook. Doggone if I didn't dry dishes for her Saturday night, so you know I evidently do like to hang around. John and I eat enough on weekends to last all week. You ought to drop her a line -- maybe it will show her that I appreciate everything she has done -- I can't tell them how I enjoy myself even if I had rather stay there than anywhere except home. Her address is Mrs. M. Russell, 722 East 11th Street, Wilmington, Delaware.

As I was going into mess hall the other day, I noticed a fellow behind me who looked familiar, but it was a little dark and I couldn't place him. He looked at me and asked if I wasn't from Pedro, and did I know a fellow named Hendricks. I said I knew a Freddie Hendricks from Wichita Falls, and he said, "Well, that's me." And sure enough it was. He had been taken off "The Ship" about two weeks before. I don't know what he is going to do now.

I can't tell whether I will go on the Blakeley or not -- anyway, if Father will do it, have him send an affidavit saying he wants to send me to school (not that I am going back), and that I need preparation to enter next fall. Have it sworn to by a notary public. They may hold me for four years anyway. The only reason I want out is because you want me to get out. I hate to come home without going anywhere. I've always been afraid that you and Father would be disappointed in your son, but some way I just can't make up my mind to come home without being able to say I've been somewhere and had a little experience.

When I get to thinking about it, I surely feel bad. Some of my ancestors must have been roamers or something like that, for I can't get settle down [Ed. note: His ancestors came to Texas via the Netherlands, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky, among other places]. The only thing is that I would have to wait three more years before I could get a home of my own. I've grown up quite a good deal since I've been away -- more so than in the last several years.

I'm not nuts about Sara like I have been over some silly kids, but I really mean to marry her sometime. Naturally she is just a kid herself yet, so a few years won't make any difference. I know darn well I'm serious even if you won't think so. I've been with every kind of girl since I've been in -- more girls than I've gone with in all my life. I've really seen and understood more things than I could ever have done on the outside. A fellow grows up more in the outfit even if he doesn't run through a few months of service without trying to advance any.

The Chief said this morning that he could get me transferred to a Navy quartermasters if I wanted to go on with my cruise -- and I do want to -- however, you send the affidavit if you want to, and I'll see what I can do. If I ship over I'll be 22 when I come out. Did Father get a start that young, or no? No, he didn't, and I could start just as well then.

The Chief said for us to get a little practice so I will have to stop.

We sure did not have a long way to march Saturday -- all the way into Philadelphia from the Island -- but I caught a ride back. An officer tried to stop the auto when he saw I had a gun and bayonet, but the man just laughed at him and kept going. We were not supposed to ride back at all.

Just got your letter written on the 6th this a.m. -- of course, it makes me want to come home more than ever, but I don't know what to do.

Will wait for a letter from you.

Haven't gotten the verses at all -- evidently something went wrong with the letter. I got a letter from Father this morning, written on the 16th of December, so you see how easy it is to get lost. Send me another copy of them if you will.

My love to all of you -- I hope you do what you want about the house.

Your Son,
Heywood

(No postmark, U.S.S. Blakeley, Barracks 297, League Island, Pennsylvania)

Lazy Days

2011-01-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

League Island
February 2, 1919

Dear Mother,

You letter and the one you wrote to Connecticut came yesterday. I am more than glad to get the stamps, too. Will use one in writing you this morning. Am certainly sorry those brainless Post Office gobs could not have forwarded my mail.

Hope Father makes a world of money, for he certainly deserves it -- he has worked long enough to have some.

The weather has turned colder -- the thermometer is around 25 degrees now. I slept in this morning til 9 o'clock and thereby missed chow. However they said it was not good anyways, so I'll wait til noon. Haven't gotten your box yet but am sure they won't lose that. Have you gotten the little bundle I sent you for the girls? I haven't gotten the new thread for you bag, but will do so this week. I got a letter from Boone in Dallas yesterday, and he said he would send me the $13 in the near future. Unless I'm absolutely broke I'll send it right on home.

We don't do one solitary thing -- I am getting so lazy I'm afraid I'll never be of any use to anyone after I get out. We can sleep as late as we want to, and nothing to do til bedtime, when we have to do the hard work of sleeping. When we get on the ship, we will only have to stand 4 on and 8 off for two days -- then off altogether for 3 days, so that will be almost as easy.

If I had had the Kodak the other day when the Haverford, and English transport, came in with American soldiers, I could have gotten a fairly good picture of her as she passed up the river.

We (our quartermaster bunch) are to go over to the Blakeley about the 15th, and take a look at the signal apparatus, searchlights, etc. -- so we will know all about them when we go on board. Everything is the very latest type, and she is supposed to make over 40 knots per hour, which is nearly 50 miles an hour. She will be some destroyer. I am surely glad I am going to get to help put her in commission.

I saw Betsy Ross's home when I was out the other day -- also the grave of Benjamin Franklin. Am going to Valley Forge if I have time. I don't go to town over once or twice a week. It's not so bad to stay in when you know you can go out whenever you want to.

We get mail only once on Sunday, so I hope your letter gets here early so I'll get it today instead of Monday.

Why doesn't father drop me a note once in a while? I know he is busy, but you make him take time to write a note anyway.

Love from,
Heywood

P.S. The song books I sent along are the ones we sing from at the Recreation Center. The popular ones are Jada, I Ain't Got Weary Yet, and a parody on Smiles.

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., February 3, 1919)

Letter from Lou Goetting

2011-01-06T06:00:00.003-05:00

Ed. Note: This is a letter written to my great-grandmother from a young Army man she had hosted in her home. His obituary is at the bottom of this post.

Love Field
Dallas, Texas
January 31, 1919

Dear Mrs. Weldon,

Just a line here tonight for I am really tired, but wish to send you these pictures. I'm afraid it was a little late in the day to take them, otherwise they would have come out clearer. The one of the loaded truck was taken on the same film but in the forenoon. Don't think they are half bad though, do you? Am sending films also in case you want any more prints. [Ed. note: Enclosed in this letter were eight negatives which were damaged and in such poor condition they could not be printed. They appeared to be of Mrs. Weldon and her family with this serviceman.]

Dropped Miss Neville a note the other day. Am wondering if she is going to object.

We are kept very busy now. We have to do all sorts of work on the post from morning until retreat. Sure get tired at the end of the day.

Was on the flying list today but didn't get up. Hope for better luck tomorrow.

Received some time ago your kind letter. Jesse and I phoned Miss Walker some days ago. Had a very pleasant chat and we are to visit her as soon as we can get off. Yes, we will keep you posted of what we are doing.

Sure hope you and all the rest are in the best of health. We are fine, only sometimes disgusted with things on the post here.

Please remember me kindly to all.

Sincerely,
Lou Goetting

The New York Times, October 4, 1962 Obituaries

Saddle River, NJ, Oct 3

Louis C. Goetting, Jr., head of a certified public accounting firm bearing his name at 19 Rector Street, New York, died yesterday at Harkness Pavilion of Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. He was 68 years old and lived at 24 Chestnut Ridge Road.

Mr. Goetting had been associated for 40 years with the company his father founded. He was also the vice president of the Manifold Supplies Company of Brooklyn and secretary of the Textile Cutting Corporation, Bomont, Inc., the Moller Products Corporation, Moller Products of Canada and Slit and Edge, Ltd of Canada.

He was assistant secretary and treasurer of the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks and assistant treasurer of the Manhattan Rifle and Revolver Association, and the Pan-American section of the International Committee for Bird Preservation.

Mr. Goetting was a member of the Downtown Athletic Club, the Camp Fire Club of America, and the Bay Head Yacht Club.

As a pilot in World War I, he held the rank of second Lieutenant.

Surviving are his widow, the former Marguerite Kennedy; two sons, Louis C. 3d of Ridgewood and Jerome K. of Saddle River, and three grandsons.

Nothing To Do

2011-01-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Navy Yard
January 29, 1919

Dear Mother,

Nothing else to do this afternoon except sleep, so I am taking advantage of it and writing a few letters I owe.

We had an exam this afternoon by Chief Legerwood and considering that I'm not rated a Signals Quartermaster, I did very well. He said I could even change my rate from Listener to Signals (which is an advance) in a short while if I practiced.

Can you still spare the Kodak? If so, I can get some good pictures with it when we go into commission -- and can you still get pound paper like you used to get in Bowie? I can't get any here, and don't want to pay for a fancy box of stationery.

I didn't get to bed early like I wanted to last night. I let them talk me into going up to the Recreation Center to see professional vaudeville. Am glad I went though, for it was a good as Majestic dope.

Weather still continues to be moderate and it looks like we won't have any winter at all. The thermometer hasn't been below 40 for over a week.

There is absolutely no news, for I don't go outside the Yard much. Went over to the Kenawba this morning with Johnson Whiteside -- he was on that ship in the war zone for 15 months.

Now I think I will be sent on the Blakeley even if I don't ship over, which I won't do. I won't go across, but may put into southern waters some before I get my discharge. This Navy life isn't half bad, though.

My love to all of you,
Your son,
Heywood

(No postmarked envelope.)

A Short Trip

2011-01-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

Navy Yard
January 27, 1919

Dear Mother,

Well we went to Wilmington after all, and I'm certainly glad I did. Had a wonderful time and Whiteside's people are certainly nice -- and you ought to see his sister. She is just about your height and pretty -- oh, my! How should you like to have a daughter-in-law?

We aren't going down next Saturday on account of lowness of funds, but after the 5th we will go down again. It only costs about 45 cents to go down on a trolley, and last time we ate and slept at John's aunt's. She is about 60 and looks like Grandma, but is a regular sport.

If I shipped over [Ed note: Ship over = re-enlist] I would have to ship for 4 years. I've decided I can't stay that long, for there isn't enough money in it. I must pay you what I ow you as soon as possible, and I don't seem to be making much headway in the outfit. Besides, I want to start in and save some for myself. If I could get $150 a month for a year, I could save over 500 beans. That would be a start anyway. May need it -- can't ever tell!

After tomorrow I'll know whether or not I'll get on the Blakeley. The Lt. Commander is coming down and I'll talk to him. If I get off the detail, I'll try and get a discharge. I don't know what excuse I'd put up -- better just tell them I have a good job waiting for me, and that they don't need my services any longer -- which is true. The main thing is getting off the destroyer detail.

Am going to sleep tonight early as I was up late getting back to the Yard from Wilmington. I've been in one more state anyway.

The weather has certainly been great the last two weeks, and I hope it stays so.

Got your letter this morning.

Lt. Ray was out to see me yesterday when I wasn't here. He left me a note with his address on it, so after payday I'll look him up. It's a week off and I guess he will wonder why I don't come up sooner, but I don't want to go out til I have a little money anyway.

No, I don't shoot craps -- I play penny ante once in a while, but couldn't win or lose enough to make any difference one way or another.

Give my love to all the rest.

Lovingly,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., January 28, 1919)

Bonnets

2011-01-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

League Island Navy Yard, Philadelphia
January 23, 1919

Dear Mother,

No letter today -- don't know what is the matter with the Post Office people here, for am sure you are writing oftener than I hear.

Am enclosing two small (regulation) flat "bonnets" to the two girls -- all I could get without paying $2.50 a piece. The belt is in the package too -- am sorry I haven't your handbag ready, but I haven't gotten the new cord yet. Of course I'll get soft silk cord of some kind -- a bag made out of fishing twine wouldn't look very good.

It's raining steadily this evening -- quite unpleasant although it's warm enough.

Got out my Kodak book today and spent about an hour looking at it. I have two or three old letters from you. I had burned the others. Wish I had kept them to read when I can't hear from you.

Am certainly glad that all the kids made such good grades in school. They are certainly beating my record.

Haven't gotten the snapshots we took just before we left New London -- have written Hughes to send them though.

My love to all,
Your loving son,
Heywood

P.S. One of the caps hasn't a band on it -- as soon as I can get a hold of one I'll send it. If you don't like the band, take it off the other one and let them wear them plain. If you will wash the uppers to make them soft, the hat will lay over like the girls like to wear them better.

(No postmarked envelope -- letter enclosed in package)

Mo' Money Blues

2011-01-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

League Island Navy Yard
January 22, 1919

Dear Mother and Father,

Am sorry you didn't hear from me -- I've written you twice (you have those by now I'm sure) and should have sent more. Haven't made but one liberty and that was last night. I drew only $5.00 and will have to lay low like I have been doing, for I needed face soap, scrubbing soap, and toothpaste, which I got the first thing. I'll draw $22.00 next payday less whatever a suit of dungarees. It's a suit of overalls with the trousers built like ordinary civilian pants instead of having a bib and suspenders like overalls [Ed. note: This is a blue chambray shirt and bell-bottom jeans]. That will be about $3.85.

Am invited to go to Wilmington Saturday for a birthday party and to stay over Sunday, by a fellow named Whiteside, a quartermaster. Don't know whether I'll go or not for it will cost me $1.00 for the round trip -- may though, for I don't know whether I'll get to go to Washington or not, and would at least like to go over to Wilmington, Delaware.

Another thing -- I ruined your bag I started -- broke one of the rings. However, next payday I'm going to get another set of rings and make you one. Will send the belt on as I can't send the bag for a while.

The last few days have been warm and it's still pleasant, although the sky is overcast and it's a little foggy.

I haven't gotten a letter forwarded from New London, and have only gotten a few from you. Haven't heard from Lt. Ray but have his address, so will look him up in about a week if he doesn't find me. I may wait til after the 5th of Feb., which is payday, so I won't be absolutely busted.

I had some stamps you sent me somewhere in my sea bag but couldn't find them, so three letters I'd written you remained unmailed til yesterday. I tore up one I'd written you, though, as I'm writing a new one. Got a letter from Rene Richards and he told me he couldn't pay me til later -- but since I can't even pay my own father and mother what I owe them, I haven't the heart to get mad at him. He's like I am -- will pay when he can. He has an allotment too, so that is against him. However, I guess he will cancel his insurance and that will let him have $6.50 per month more, so he ought to send it to me in a little while.

Hope to hear from you today. Will have to stop for the ink is running out and I'm at the barracks writing with Whiteside's pen.

Love to all,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Penn., January 22, 1919)

League Island

2011-01-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Philadelphia Naval Yard
League Island
January 15, 1919

Dear Mother and Father,

Have been looking forward to a letter from you ever since I've been here, but none have come. There is some ignoramus in the post office, for I sent my address to New London.

Didn't do a thing all day. I have fallen into luck ever since I've been in the outfit. As long as I'm here I won't have to do a thing but send and receive blinker and semaphore -- and when we do, we just lay down on a bunk and take it easy -- that's when we are receiving.

Haven't been to town since the first night. To tell the truth, I have been badly bent, and today all but three cents went up in smoke for cigarettes. But my friend Duncan (a Wichita Falls boy) has enough to keep us in smokes until Tuesday, which is payday. I don't draw much, for my Liberty Bond and insurance come out, as well as 40 cents for the hospital fund -- altogether about $12 out, but will be more than enough til next payday, when perhaps I can at least start to pay what I owe father.

Has the influenza gotten worse there? Haven't heard of any for a long time in this part of the country.

The Blakeley goes into commission about the 25th of March, and in about a month goes to China to the Asiatic Fleet for a while. I won't go of course, for I haven't at least a year to do -- the amount necessary to go. They might not come back before 12 months, so they don't want to take any fellows who would have served their time before then.

It warmed up yesterday and the ice melted off the water, but there are still chunks all over the bay -- looks like ice in an ice cream freezer when the freezer is half full of water.

I did a washing the other day that looked almost like a family washing. Three suits of winter underwear, 1 of summer, 8 handkerchiefs, 6 pairs of sox, and a sweater. I put on summer underwear the other day and haven't taken them off, but think I'll change back tomorrow.

I played basketball tonight at the YMCA -- they have a big gymnasium and showers and swimming pool. I took a swim last night after a good shower. Will go in again tomorrow night.

They are giving a dance at the recreation center tonight. I think there is one at the K of C too, so I'll go up after I finish this. It's about 9 o'clock but they allow the lights to stay on til 10:30 here, and we can get in when we want to. No regulations since we aren't in the training camp part of the Yard. All the fellows but a few are regular Navy men waiting for new ships.

Don't know whether I'll get to Washington or not, but hope I do while I'm where I can.

Have no place to put the Kodak if I had it; my sea bag is absolutely full, and I have to pack things tight to get them in at all.

How is the oil well coming you are interested in? Is quail hunting as good as other years? I surely would like to get somewhere where I could see some woods and country. Ever since I've been on the east coast, I've been stationed right on the water, and it would take a long time to get out of town. Newark and Trenton have villages so thick between them they might almost be connected as one, although several miles apart.

The right address is this: League Island Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Barracks 307, U.S.S. Blakeley Detail. So write it here -- the ones you wrote to 207 and addressed the other way will get here too, though I will watch out for them in 297.

My love to all of you -- your loving son,
Heywood

P.S. Haven't heard from Boone or Richards. If you would ever see little Rene Richards, though, you wouldn't doubt him in the least. I can see Boone in Dallas if he doesn't pay me before I get out. I'll never ask Rene, for it though.

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Pa., January 17, 1919)

Quandry

2010-12-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Navy Yard
January 14, 1919

My dear Mother,

Am not keeping my contract about writing, but the Y is so far, and I've never been over to get a supply of paper until tonight. [Ed. note: this letter was written on letterhead of Army and Navy Young Men's Christian Association, "For the Colors"].

I don't think they will ship me on the destroyer now unless I extend my services -- they don't want any of the men who have less than six months to do. I'll do just as you say about shipping over.

We practiced blinkers this morning for about an hour, but haven't done anything since then but work a little on your handbag, and read some rules of navigation QMs are supposed to know. Of course I won't need it if I get out of the service. They told us today we would be released as soon as peace was formally signed, but you know how indefinite that is. If I was sure I had six months or a year to do, I'd sign over and get it over with.

Haven't heard from you since I left New London, and it seems a much longer time than that.

I'll try to get a letter off every other day from now on. Hope I get some mail tomorrow.

I won't send the belt until I finish the bag. Kiss the girlies for me and lots of love to all of you.

Your Son,
Heywood

P.S. Excuse writing. The pen had ink on it up close to the point so I have to hold it back farther.

(Postmarked Philadelphia Navy Yard Station, January 15, 1919)

The Blakeley Detail

2010-12-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

Philadelphia, Pa.
January 13, 1919

Dear Mother,

This is the first letter I've written since the first night I was in town. Haven't been out on liberty since that night, although I've had liberty every night. It's been so cold I didn't have enough energy to go down, for it's about a thirty-minute ride into the main part. They won't let us go over to the Y or recreation center but during certain hours, so I've never been over but once, and then a show was going on and I couldn't write.

I've made a belt for one of the boys -- I suppose it will fall to Donovan as Father and Edwin are more sporty dressers, and the belt isn't at all sporty. All you have to do when it is dirty is take a kiyi brush and soap, and give it a good scrubbing. It's made out of white fish line, but if you want to you can dye it black. It took about 10 hours of knot-tying and still doesn't look very good -- anyway, I made it by myself. I started you a handbag but today I stopped and laughed at the darn thing. I can't imagine your carrying it anywhere. It's made out of the funniest colored cord you ever saw -- you can dye it too, or give it to the girls. I won't finish it until next week anyway.

I was lucky as could be -- got under the best chief in the Blakeley detail (the boat is named Blakeley). All we do in the daytime is go over in an empty barracks, turn on the steam, and practice semaphore and blinker.

The captain of the Blakeley came over today and talked to me about shipping over in the regular Navy, but I told him I wouldn't do it at all if I had to revert back to seaman and begin all over again. He said if I wanted to ship over [Ed. note: this meant re-enlist], he would confirm my rating and let me stay QM2C. All men shipping over get a month's extra pay and a 30-day furlough home. I don't know what to do, whether to come home when my time's up for good, or take the 30 days and ship over. The Navy isn't such a bad place after all, and I hate to come home without making a cruise over to England and France anyway.

All the fellows except Thorn and me have been across since the war started, and are regulars. I am sure you will raise the dickens about me enlisting over -- of course, I don't know yet what I want to do.

Write me at Barracks 307 instead of 297. I never have gotten your candy yet. I expect the fellows at New London ate it after I went away.

Love to all of you,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 15, 1919)

Philadelphia

2010-12-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Philopatrian Service Club
1411-13 Arch Street
Philadelphia, Pa.
January 8, 1919

Dear Mother,

Got here this afternoon at one o'clock. We stayed over in New York because we knew it would be the last time we would be there in a long time. I went to the Rialto theatre in the afternoon, and to Nora Bayes in the evening, and saw Ladies First -- the best musical comedy I ever saw.

My orders read to go to the USS Dr. Lang, but after we got here we found we have been transferred to the Bradley or something like that, and it isn't completed yet -- will be one of the newest destroyers. We will have to stand by for a while in the Navy Yard at Legget Island until it's completed -- and it's some big place. We get liberty every night, however, so if we want to take it, it won't seem so much like being cooped up.

My address for the present is: Philadelphia Navy Yard, Barracks 297, Philadelphia, Pa.

Love to all,
Heywood

(Postmarked Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1919)

Onward

2010-12-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

New York City
January 7, 1919

Dear Mother,

Arrived here this a.m. by boat and will leave tonight for Philadelphia.

Went to a picture show just now and saw Under the Top -- I didn't like it very well.

The bunch has separated and will meet me this afternoon at the depot. If they aren't there it's their own fault, so I should worry if they get left. I sure hated to leave the bunch at New London, for they were the best bunch of fellows I've run across in the Navy. I have a bunch of addresses so I might be able to see some of them after we all get discharged.

There is no news to tell you much. Just saw an airplane doing stunts over Times Square.

Will write from Philadelphia.

Love,
Heywood

(Postmarked Grand Central Station, New York, New York, January 7, 1919)

From The Mohican Hotel

2010-12-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
January 6, 1919

Dear Pa and Ma,

Well, we didn't shove off this morning but are getting away tonight at 11:30. We go by boat to New York so we get to sleep all night. From the pier at New York we go to the Pennsylvania Depot, and get a train on to Philadelphia.

Your illustrious son is in charge of the party of twelve, and I have all our records, transportation, and money for meals, etc. It's no good job though, for if anyone gets lost or I lose any of our records, I'm out of luck.

Has snowed all day but isn't very cold. I thought today that if I ran around in the snow with my neck uncovered like we do now, the people would think me crazy.

I dropped Aunt Katy Gault a note today.

Think I'll go down and see a picture show til eleven o'clock, and help pass the time that way.

Love to all of you,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, Jan. 6, 1919)

The Big Apple

2010-12-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

American Red Cross Rest Station
Grand Central Station
December 29, 1918

Dear Father and Mother,

Have been down since yesterday at 2:30 and am having a pretty good time, but am trying to be economical so I'll have enough Jack to last the week out.

Had the best luck in the world -- called Ruth up as soon as I got here, and got Chilton Ayres' address. He was staying with his cousin, Mrs. Chas. Stone, in Brooklyn. He came down and we went to a free dance given by the W.C.C.S. in the armory at 34th and Park Avenue. He said I was invited to eat dinner at the Stone's today. Naturally I went and my, what a feed we had -- roast chicken and all the fixings, including good biscuits and homemade jelly. After dinner they brought out a bunch of homemade candy and some mints, and cigarettes.

Their apartment is in a very fashionable part of Brooklyn -- 125 Prospect Park West -- and is furnished beautifully. They have a Franklin Six and after dinner, about 2:30, we got in and they took Chilton and me down to Coney Island, Brighton Beach, and all along the waterfront to see the grand fleet that's lying in the river and harbor.

Chilton's seven days was up today, so he just got on the train to go back to Boston. Before he got one he opened up his lunch they had fixed for him, and gave me a packet full of his homemade candy. I wish he could have had seven days while I have mine. They had written him if he could to bring Julius or me out with him to stay. Do you know Mrs. Stone? She used to be Miss McKay or someone like that.

I can't write because my hands are still cold. Today was sunshiney but it has been snowing in little flurries for a week.

Coming back today we rode through Prospect Park proper, and we saw lots of men and women on their ponies and little saddles, and all of them make work out of riding by jiminy up and down in a fashionable manner everywhere the horse takes a step.

On the way down we passed through Bridgeport and New Haven, Conn. I didn't get to see those towns going up because we went up on a boat.

A fellow in the office says all of our repair class are to go on destroyers as soon as our furloughs are up -- either to Boston, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Key West, or San Francisco.

Have a date tonight to go out and see the three girls from Hughes' hometown in Mississippi with him (Hughes). Am supposed to meet him here at six o'clock.

I never saw so many wounded soldiers in my life. You can't imagine how many they have brought back already. We all rate ace high here in New York, but a man with a gold chevron on his right sleeve is IT, as he should be.

I saw a fellow from the Prairie yesterday, and he said Dick was on furlough, but that he had to be back today, so tomorrow I'm going down to 79th Street to see if I can find him. They changed from the pier at 96th.

Love to all of you. I'm thinking of you always. Hope I have a pile of letters when I get back to New London. I hadn't heard in three days when I left.

Heywood

(Postmarked Grand Central Station, New York, New York, December 29, 1918)

Christmas Break

2010-12-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Readers:

These letters will resume on December 26.

Have happy holidays in the interim,

and please resume my grandfather's adventures then.

Furlough

2010-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
December 26, 1918

Dear Mother,

My seven days start tomorrow at 12 o'clock, and I think I'll go up to New York and stay a day or so, if I don't stay the whole seven. I told them I'd give up my seven if I could get a long furlough later on, but they said I wouldn't stand any better chance, so I'm going to take it.

We only have one more day of this dizzy repair course. But I like it, for we just stand around and learn how to wire and assemble the different tubes. Today we took apart and put back together a compensator, and it took all day long to do it. Have just finished making the last diagrams in my notebook.

There is a better bunch of fellows here at the Pier than anyplace I've been -- so many of them college fellows. We all gather in one of their rooms at the YMCA, and just sit around til bedtime, and don't go to town at all, even though State Street, which is the main street, is only a block away. I wasn't out even on Christmas Eve, and only for a little bit last night.

Got a box of candy from the Bedford girls today -- divinity, so it's all gone now -- that kind is scarce and the fellows grabbed it up. For the past week some one of the boys has had a package, so we have been stuffed to death. Am enclosing a menu of our Christmas dinner at the Pier. It wasn't as good as the one we had Thanksgiving, but was cooked all O.K.

Haven't heard from Boone yet. I wish he had sent it [Ed. note: Refers to the loan made to Boone] before my furlough. I'll see Ruth Halton I'm sure, although I have heard from her for quite a while.

Maude Thomas sent me a Christmas card and I had neglected to send her one.

Didn't get a letter today -- or one yesterday, but expect one tomorrow afternoon.

It snowed all day today but melted right away. We are right on the shore, so it isn't as cold as Boston or even a few miles inland. They had a ten-inch snow at Norwich, only fifteen miles inland. Also a foot at Boston.

Christmas Day was warm and sunny here -- reminded me of some we've had at home.

Love to all of you -- and a merry and happy New Year.

Your son,
Heywood

P.S. Got Dad's Christmas telegram and wanted to telegraph back, but was a tightwad so didn't do it. I sure was glad to get it, I can tell you.

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, December 26, 1918)

Christmas Eve

2010-12-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve, 1918

We got off this afternoon until Thursday morning at eight -- then Saturday morning we are off for seven days. There is no place like this place for liberty.

Didn't have time to tell you all about my trip to Boston.

After walking most of the morning, Julius took me back to Harvard for lunch. Afterward we took a subway over to Boston and went to a free theatre -- and it was fine. I saw the Japanese fellow who was in Texas a year or two ago -- he talks and writes headlines from the newspaper backwards at the same time, as well as harder concentration tasks.

That night we went home with a woman for supper, and stayed until about 9:30. I caught the 11:30 train back to New London, getting here about 3:00 -- went to bed and slept til seven. I didn't get to bed as early as I expected last night on account of writing up some work we'd gotten the day before, so I think I'll try and get some sleep. It will be the first Christmas Eve I've gone to bed early in several years.

Aunt Hattie sent me a fine linen handkerchief. I haven't written her yet, but will tomorrow.

You may be sure pecans will make her a good present -- at least if she appreciates them like I did the ones you sent me.

It is raining again -- seems like it rains every holiday. Yesterday was like a Texas spring day -- during the two hours we get off for lunch I just stretched out on the dock at the edge of the water, and slept and made out like I was back home.

The boat Mrs. Billingsly's brother sailed on is the Ozaka -- it left just after we did. I helped put provisions on it while I was at Pedro. He has had a wonderful trip I know, but I wouldn't change places with him. He will still be a seaman when he gets back off the boat. We all wanted to get drafted on the Ozaka when she was put in commission though. Everything seems to turn out for the best every time.

Julius is looking fine and really looks good in uniform. I didn't get to see Victor Layton or Chilton Ayres because they had gone to New York.

Am going back into camp tomorrow morning to get my letter from you -- I hate to wait til Thursday morning.

Love to all the Weldons this first Christmas I've been away.

Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, December 24, 1918)

Make Merry

2010-12-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
December 23, 1918

Western Union Telegram, Wichita Falls, Texas

WE MISS YOU AT THIS TIME MORE THAN EVER STOP MAKE MERRY STOP MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING YOU MUCH PLEASURE STOP LOVE FROM ALL STOP FATHER

Dear Mother and Father,

Have just finished eating a bunch of the stuff you sent and maybe you think we didn't enjoy it. Young and Bieger helped me carry the box from the pier to the YMCA, and then we had a feed. We ate half the cake you made, but saved the other to have with some of the canned goods on Christmas Day. You were surely complimented for your cake making. It sure was good, and you needn't worry about its being burnt that little bit on the bottom, for we didn't even scrape it off.

Tell the girls I saved their cards that they wrote "Merry Christmas" on and put them in my album. The box made me feel "homesicker" than I did before, but the eats sure tasted good.

I went to Boston Saturday with Julius and stayed til Sunday night at 11:30. Didn't get up til 4 Saturday afternoon, but Sunday morning we went out walking: saw the Harvard stadium, Lowell's house, the place where Washington took command of his armies, and a bunch of other places. I saw the Old North Church when still over in old Boston.

Have had one day of work in the electrical repair school, and we had to work out experiments with the electrical apparatus just like we used to do in physics, only we make more copious notes on them.

Am sending some more pictures -- which is getting to be a habit -- that I told you about taking. The ones with the big camera are the best we've gotten. You can see by them that I'm not getting very thin in the Navy.

Must write up some notes tonight before corking off. Many thanks and a kiss all round. May this be a merry merry Christmas for all of you.

Your most affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked from New London, Connecticut)

Henry Ford's Eagles

2010-12-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London
December 16, 1918

Dear Mother,

Just a note before bedtime -- can't write much for I must get back to camp tonight. I gave up my room at the Y today as we are to be shipped in a few days.

Tomorrow is the last day we go out on the sub chaser boats [Ed. note: Gasoline-powered, about 85' in length, resemble PT boats]. Have just been down to the far end of the pier to look at two of Henry Ford's new Eagle boats, and they certainly are beauties -- about 225 feet long, with a high bow and an all-steel, flush deck tapering down to almost the water's edge at the stern. And they are high amidships, which gives them a "bulldog" appearance. Up to the 1st of November there were only three finished and in commission. It would satisfy me if I could only get on board one of them as a listener, although I expect they are madhouses for work, just like a destroyer is. Am going to try and get a picture of them tomorrow if I can find someone with a camera.

Am sure glad you got the kiddies the dolls, even if they did cost something -- if necessary, leave some of the things you are doing for those doggone boys. I know you used to give me more than I deserved.

If I can possibly get an extra hammock before I'm discharged I'm going to send it home, as they make us turn ours in before we go home -- and I would like to have one to keep.

Got Bart's letter today as well as one from you. The main thing I look forward to when I get off the sub chaser is getting my letters from home. You ought to see the fight to get in the mail line -- today was the first day I've ever headed the line.

Love to all,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, December 16, 1918)

In The Red

2010-12-19T06:00:00.002-05:00

New London, Connecticut
December 17, 1918

Dear Father,

Got a few snapshots this morning, and to keep from losing them before I get back tonight, I'll send 'em now. Don't let my expressions in these pictures make you think I'm disgusted with the Navy -- there was a cold wind blowing, therefore the frown.

After all my good intentions and resolutions, I have been unable to pay any part of your $50 back, and not only that, but I must ask for more to tide me over. You can't imagine how I hate to have to depend on my father and mother when they have so much to look after already. You know I let Boone and Richards have $26 between them. Well Boone wrote from New Orleans that he would be home about the 19th or 20th, and would mail me a money order. Richards hasn't gotten across the continent yet, so for the last week I've been without any money.

I wouldn't wire you there if it wasn't for the fact that I have some shoes in the shop getting half-soles, and have not been able to get them out. As I leave Friday, I can't afford to leave them here -- shoes cost money. I am now drawing $46.50 per month, and on the 5th of January will have $25.00 coming. On account of them making us buy so many clothes to fill our sea bags, I didn't draw any pay last 5th nor will I on the 20th.

If it wasn't for the fact that our bunch that have gone through school together are being separated Friday, I would have a little from one of them, but can't ask them to trust me to send it to them. If Boone or Richards were here and had it, I could get it in a minute.

Will pay back the ten on the 5th of January, and the other $50 right along now that I get more money. Some of the fellows dropped their insurance to get the extra $6.50 per month -- also their liberty bonds -- but I didn't. By taking $5.00 out of every pay for a bond, I'll soon have enough to pay any little amount I might owe you when I come home.

Got the paper today where it said you were to be the main speaker for Wichita County -- that speaks mighty well for you. You don't know how proud I am of my "father-pal."

Give my love to the buds and kiss the three girls for me [Ed. note: His mother and two sisters].

Your son,
Heywood

P.S. I was recommended for a destroyer today -- which is an honor -- hope I get on one, for they are the best for a listener. My general average was 3.7.

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, December 17, 1918}

School's Out

2010-12-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
December 14, 1918

Dear Mother,

Our course is finished -- all we have is one more oral examination and then we will be sent somewhere else. If I'm not recommended for repair school, I'll be away from New London State Pier before the 20th. The best in each squad is sent to repair school for a week more, but am not at all sure I'm the best. Anyway, I now have the two red chevrons, a mariner's wheel embroidered in white silk, and a white silk embroidered eagle on my right sleeve, and from the 20th on will have an increase in pay.

Am enclosing a few more pictures and have more being developed of our crows taken the other day.

Naturally I had to pose for my picture behind the forward gun. In the picture of the crow's nest I am on top of the bridge getting a bearing on a sub with the pelorus scale. I didn't pose for this so didn't get my face in -- wasn't even supposed to be taken with the fellow in the nest. As the days are usually cloudy the pictures are dull, but perhaps we will have a good day sometime.

Got another letter from you today -- also the one from Julius. Hope I'm here and have enough dough to go up to Boston -- rather Cambridge -- to see them next Saturday.

I get a seven-day furlough Christmas or New Year's, wherever I am, but naturally won't come to Texas.

It's foggy today but we didn't have to go out because we had captain's inspection.

Can't tell you about my liberty any more, because I'm always on liberty here -- just at the station in the daytime. Since I've been staying at the Y I haven't gone anywhere much at night -- a bunch of fellows are always up in the room, so we stay in.

That was certainly hard luck to have the deuce sold, but I suppose you can get another -- however, it will take up more of the time you are trying to string out to cover everything.

I can't get the girls caps through the small stores, but they can have my word I'll get them as soon as Boone sends me what he owes me, for they are not to think their Bud will promise anything and not do it.

Hope everybody stays clear of the flu from now on. Be careful, for you can have it twice you know. Am feeling fine -- although I've lost a few pounds since I have been going out on the sub chasers. I think my seasickness is over with.

Your affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, December 14, 1918)

The End Is Near

2010-12-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
December 10, 1918

Dear Mother,

Didn't hear from you today -- the mail must be held up.

I have only four more days on the sub chasers and then I get my rating. I will be lonesome now, for Rene Richards leaves Saturday for San Francisco to go on board the U.S.S. Ludlow, and as Boone and Priddy are already gone, I won't know anyone I really care to run around with.

I am going to get a quartermaster 2nd class, so I'll be paid $47.50 per month after the next payday -- the 20th. I didn't get any pay the last time, so I hope for some this time. I haven't heard from Boone yet, but he has hardly had time to get home yet -- hope he sends it back soon though.

I was going to Boston this Saturday but am too low to go. I hope I'll be here one more Saturday so I can go up and see Boston. Some of the fellows went up last Saturday and saw a bunch of interesting ships, as well as the Old North Church where Paul Revere hung the lanterns.

Am sending some pictures taken from a sub chaser -- also some of an old mill built in 1650, about four blocks from camp. The pictures that we took the other day, which have some of our class in them, have not been finished yet. Will send them when I get them.

Yesterday it snowed and sleeted all day, so that the deck was slick and wet, but today it was warmer and we got along better. Haven't been seasick in 5 days, so I hope I've gotten over part of it. I was up in the crow's nest for quite a while today, and it didn't bother me at all.

As soon as I get a good payday and have my rating on my arm, I'm going to have a small picture taken showing my blue eagle and chevrons.

Hope to hear from you when I get in again tomorrow.

Love to all,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, December 12, 1918)

Cash Flow

2010-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
December 10, 1918

Dear Father,

Expected a letter from you today as I haven't heard in a day or so, but none came. I can only get mail once a day because we are out on the boats from 8:30 til 5 every day. It wasn't rough on Friday so no one was seasick, but it was pretty cold. It warmed up to over 30 degrees this afternoon, but was only 10 degrees above zero this morning. I saw in a paper yesterday that the Indian summer had lasted very late this fall, and that it seemed as if it would stay warm til after Christmas -- they certainly are cheerful to call it an Indian summer.

I took a room out in town at the YMCA with another fellow yesterday. It costs $2.50 per week, so don't think I'll keep it over a week or so, but I get to sleep so much longer up there than at camp.

Am looking for a letter from Ewell Boone soon with what he owes me in it. He was discharged on such short notice that he had no time to wire home, so I lent him some to get back from New Orleans to Texas. Of course he has some -- I am sure to get it back because he is absolutely straight. Besides, the folks at Dallas know him so I could get it that way -- by getting his address from there. He gave it to me but I lost it.

I would rather be short for a while than let him go all the way home broke. I know what money means to a gob.

Haven't been able to get the little girls caps yet. If I can't get them in a week or so from the small stores [Ed. note: A store for retail clothing and toiletries sales], I'll buy them for cash uptown, but can't do that until last because the government sells them to us at about half what they cost at a store.

Am writing this before chow so I could get right to bed -- I've been losing sleep pretty regularly lately because I've been on watch, but all my watches are now over til my course is finished.

We took some more pictures today, and I got some of them so will send you some in a day or so. They were taken with a small Kodak so may not be very good.

Am expecting a letter tomorrow.

Love from,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, December 10, 1918)

Birthday Boy

2010-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London
December 7, 1918

Dear Mother,

Well, the old gentleman is nineteen years old today -- this last year has certainly slipped by before I knew it, and the time will go quickly, I hope, til I'm discharged. I didn't mind staying in while the war lasted -- but now that it's over, I'd like to put on a stiff collar and a pair of straight trousers again. If I had it to do over again though, I'd enlist, for the last 4 months haven't been so bad.

Had I not passed the last listeners exam before I left Pelham, I would have been drafted to fill out the crew of the George Washington, the boat the president sailed on. One crew had already come from New York but they needed more -- and our barracks was sent. Would rather be here, though.

Was sick again yesterday -- in fact the skipper on the boat was too. It was rough and cold. I can't tell you how the fellows suffered, but we stayed out on deck all day because we were too sick to go below where the engine fumes were thick. Six hours on deck without warming made us so cold we could hardly walk when we got ashore. We asked to be brought in, for it was so rough we couldn't do any reading with the instruments -- but they said they had orders to keep us out til 4:30. We did come in at 3 because the ensign got sick, but as a result of the exposure, Rothrock, a fellow from Tennessee, went to the hospital with pneumonia. I hope they take heed and watch out for us more in the future.

We hear a rumor that we are to be rated earlier than the 21st, and I only hope it's true -- we must go out on the sub chasers until we get our ratings.

My two other exam papers were graded yesterday, and I made another 4.0 or perfect paper, and the other one was a 3.8 or 95, which is the best work made on theory in the division of about 50. They will catch up when we average up our readings, for some can "center" sound better than I can. Anyway the squad leader told me today I was sure of second, and if I keep my average above 3.7 I could be recommended for first. Second is equal to sergeant in Army so I'll be satisfied with it -- in fact would have been satisfied with 3rd class.

Am in town -- but must go back and stand another watch from 12 to 4 tonight. Then I'm off again til 4 o'clock Monday morning, when I stand another 4 hours, which will be my last watch while I'm here.

Don't worry about not sending me a box on my birthday, for I know you are having your hands full nursing. Hope your throat is better now. As soon as you get Donovan straightened out, take a rest and let Christmas take care of itself.

From your devoted son,
Heywood

P.S. The reason I'm not going to buy a blanket is because I may get shipped south when I finish here. I cover with my pea coat and keep warm, so don't worry.

Graveyard Watch

2010-12-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
December 6, 1918

Dear Mother,

Am still on graveyard watch so continue now.

Haven't gotten seasick since the first day out. We struck the worst part of the year to go through the school, for we haven't had a day that the waves haven't broken across the deck, thereby getting our feet wet. But it won't last over two weeks longer at the outside, for then we will be through.

Ewell Boone from Dallas is leaving for home today to finish high school -- in fact, there are three out of our barracks going, and all of them happen to be from Texas. Can't say when we will get to come home, those of us who have no good excuse. They are sending lots of fellows who get ratings to Miami, Florida and to San Francisco. Hope I go to Florida for then I will be near enough to go home when I get a furlough. Might be able to get one here, but am not going to put in for it -- would cost too much to go to Texas and back.

Two o'clock -- I've just come back from making another round, and I went out on the roof. The snow is almost two inches deep already -- expect we are in for a larger one than the little we got the other day. I hope so, for it's not nearly so cold when it's snowing as when the wind is blowing, and we won't notice the snow while out on the boats. This climate is always damp, it seems, and they say that's the reason it seems so cold when the thermometer isn't down as low as some places.

Am enclosing the pictures I got from a fellow the other day. They aren't as good as I expected them to be -- but another fellow climbed up in the crow's nest and took some today, so if I can get films from him I'll send you some of these pictures.

I hear from Grace Hapgood quite often -- am sorry I didn't get to see her while I was in New York. She leaves for home about the 17th. In her last letter she said something about Bryant Edwards being run over by a truck, but didn't know whether it killed him or not.

Haven't heard from Julius since I got his letter asking me to meet him in New York.

Rene Richards and I saw Charlie Chaplin in Shoulder Arms tonight. I had a chance to see it twice before but wouldn't do it because there was more to do -- here it's different.

The night before that I took a shower and swim at the Y. Will go up again tomorrow night.

Did Robert Thomas join the Army? If so, what branch?

This is an uninteresting letter I know, but I had to make up for the days I didn't write.

Love to all of the kiddies and you and Father. I'm certainly glad the rest are up and here's hoping you don't take the flu.

Your Son,
Heywood

(No postmark)

Stripes

2010-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
December 6, 1918

Dear Mother,

Am on a four-hour watch -- the graveyard watch at that, from 12 to 4 a.m. Am supposed to look after the five instruction rooms in this end of the building. Have a Colt pistol "on my hip" and it's certainly better than having to carry a Springfield. This isn't really hard because I keep a fire going in the main office and stay in here -- just going out in the hall once in a while. Am supposed to unlock and go in every room at least once an hour to see that everything is untouched.

Just looked out a window and it's snowing -- don't know when it started. Sometime after ten, for I was up then. The snow we had the other day melted, and things warmed up somewhat, but the weather forecast says fair and colder today, so I dread to go out.

We go out now on the sub chasers every day for about two weeks, when we will get our rating. The rating I'll get with either be quartermaster 2nd or 3rd class -- 3rd is the same as corporal in the Army and 2nd as sergeant. Quartermaster in the Navy is not like the Army. The chevrons and eagle are worn on the right arm and only those of the fighting forces wear them. All the rest -- like yeomen, machinist mates, radio operator, and the like wear their chevrons on the left arm. In other words, quartermaster is not in the line. The fellows who correspond to Army quartermasters are called store keepers.

You know the examination on the K tube I dreaded? Well, your son made a 4.0 or 100% paper, and was complimented by the ensign in charge of the division -- made the only correct paper on the K tube. I have absorbed more knowledge in the ten weeks I've been here than I would have gotten in a physics class at school in two months. Of course it is only that part which has to do with listening devices -- would have sent my paper home, but they burned them as they contained information which isn't given out.

To show you how sensitive some of the instruments are (there are about 18), we could hear the sound of pebbles being washed up on the beach by the waves and rolling back down -- and we were two miles from shore. Doesn't that sound "fishy" -- but it's the truth nevertheless.

I sent Grandma and Aunt Hattie the pictures I meant to send long ago.

You asked where we wear our stripes. There are three white stripes around the edge of our middy collar, and three around each cuff. When I went in, I wore one around each cuff for apprentice seaman. Then I wore two, and now that I'm in the listeners wear three for 1st class seaman, although I don't get paid but for 2nd. When I get my rating I'll either be making $42.50 or $46.50 according to what I get on my exam. That isn't much, but it is quite an increase over the $32.60 pay I started in as. If I get 2nd class quartermaster, I'll have a higher rating than Julius will when he gets out of Harvard, and he won't be a line officer either. He will get radio operator 3rd.

Love from your son,
Heywood

(No postmark)

Exams

2010-12-12T06:00:00.004-05:00

New London, Connecticut
December 4, 1918

Dear Mother,

Just finished two examinations which took all morning. I got 3.8 on the first -- which is 95 (the Navy grades on a scale where 4 = 100%) and 90 on the other, which is considered good. I had the best log book of the whole 1st Division -- took pains, and as there were lots of drawings I made them better than most. We have two more examinations today, and one I especially dread -- the one with the K-tube. Am enclosing the exam -- on the theory of sound -- first part. The part that has the markings of the theory of sound and the listening devices together they won't let go out. Of course, this is just what anyone learns in physics. I can get the mechanical tubes and devices very well, but am having a harder time with the electrical ones. The K tube is an electric device.

It's almost chow time so this can only be a note. Got two dandy pairs of socks from Aunt Hattie yesterday afternoon.

Mrs. Weldon, I don't want you to get the impression that your son is whiling away his idle hours all the time -- have only been to town one night in the last several. However, after today's examinations we won't have to study as hard -- it will be more practical work. Here's hoping I get by in that as well as I have in the theory.

By the time this reaches you I will have had a birthday. Will send you some pictures we took when we were out in the sound the other day if they are good.

Love,
Heywood

Enclosed examination paper:

Theory of Sound

1. (a) A region of rarefaction is one in which the particles are further apart than average. (b) A region of condensation is one in which the particles are closer together than average. (c) Frequency or pitch is the number of vibrations per second of the source of the sound. Pitch that you hear in the stethoscopes may not be the cause as that given off by the submarine because of reflection of sound. Loudness is the sensation experienced due to the violence of disturbance in the medium. Wave length is the distance between two corresponding parts of a sound wave. Rhythm is the periodic variation of the body in vibration. Quality is that characteristic of a sound by which sounds of the same intensity can be distinguished from one another.

2. Phase is the part of a sound wave at a given point at a given instant of time. Phase difference is the distance between corresponding parts of a sound wave. Phase is one principle of the listening tubes -- for instance -- in the MB tube, when the sound wave strikes all the disc receivers at the same time, the sound will not be in phase, because they do not meet at the central intersection of the air passage. Consequently there is a phase difference and the sound is partially destroyed.

3. The ratio of the velocity of sound in water and in air is .23. Velocity of sound in water is 4530' per second at 32 degrees F and air is 1090' per second at 32 degrees F. By dividing the velocity in the water by the velocity in the air, we get .23 or the working ratio between the two.

4. Frequency of sound vibration determines to a large extent the speed of the submarine. A propeller that makes many revolutions when frequency is great naturally makes the pitch higher.

5. (a) Loudness is due directly to intensity. Loudness is merely the sensation in the ears -- while intensity denotes a violence of disturbance, whether heard or not. (b) By rhythm we can tell a submarine from any other boat or water noise -- in fact we can tell any two sounds from one another with the aid of quality. A submarine has an extremely even rhythm due to its motors.

6. As a submarine approaches from a great range, the pitch decreases and the intensity increases. When at distance only the rhythm may be detected and the submarine has a very high pitch, but as it comes closer the knocks and squeaks of the engines are plainly heard, and the pitch is noticeably lower and the intensity is much greater.

(Postmarked U.S. Receiving Barracks, Connecticut, December 4, 1918)

The Sovereign

2010-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London
November 30, 1918

Dear Mother and Father,

Got the first letters to New London. Have gotten quite a few forwarded to me.

Am at the YMCA in town -- am going to stay in tonight so I can sleep after 6 o'clock tomorrow. It's worth 50 cents to get to sleep late one morning a week.

Have been out on a boat for two days now, and the first day I was one sick bird. The sea was rough and the waves broke over the deck all day. You know my failing about riding on trains -- well, when a little 110-foot converted yacht gets to pitching around it's all off -- rather all out, for I fed the fish. But I was no exception for everyone on the boat was affected.

Today when we went out it was even rougher than ever but I felt fine all the time. The waves were running high enough to cover the deck -- sometimes the water was running from the fan to stern a foot deep, and we were out on the deck without tubes [Ed. note - tubes were flotation devices]. We had just gotten them overboard and were standing by waiting for the "movie makers" or the submarine we were to practice on, when we got an SOS call from the Sovereign, which was about 3 miles away.

She was on fire and they called us to come to them to get the men if they had to abandon ship, so the captain came on bridge and told us about it. He said to get our tubes in and lashed fast as soon as possible, so we had to get down from the dryer places we'd picked and get wet up to our knees, which was no joke. We got our devices and were on our way over to the Sovereign, when we passed a destroyer that had gotten the message too. We went on and when we got to her, the men who could get to the fire were fighting it, and the others were standing by the life rafts and boats. By shutting up everything but the compartments forward, which were afire, they managed to control it until they got into the mouth of the Thames River, where the water was quieter, and then put it out. It burnt the wheelhouse, quarterdeck, and bridge completely away, as well as the inside of the galley, where it started. The Sovereign is a long, slim, twin-screw racing yacht transformed into a sub chaser, and it rolls even more than the Parthenia (the boat we were on). We came in with her so didn't have to stay out as long as otherwise.

I didn't enjoy myself when I was sick the other day, but surely did today. It's great fun to get on top of a high wave and be able to look all over everywhere, and then go "hell bent for election" down again. Am glad I was initiated in rough weather -- maybe I'll get used to it sooner.

Can't enjoy oneself in New London -- am going to take a walk again tomorrow. Told you I went across the river to Groton and saw old Fort Griswold, didn't I? The old house where Washington had his headquarters when in this country is still standing, and is used by the county historical society. It's made of light colored brick, and to tell the truth is one of the prettiest houses here regardless of age.

Appreciate the clippings you send. Am glad the girlies are all O.K. again. So, it's snowing in Texas! These birds here would hardly believe when I told them.

It has been warmer here in the last two days -- rained Thursday night.

Love to you all.

Your loving son,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, December 1, 1918)

Listeners School

2010-12-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
November 27, 1918

Dear Mother,

Have received a bunch of letters from home that were forwarded from Pelham Bay, but haven't had time to answer -- and that's no lie, for this school is surely hard and I've a long way to go if I make the course. We muster at 8:30 and have lectures til 12 o'clock, 1 hour and 15 minutes for chow -- lectures til 5 o'clock, and we are off for the day. As we have to take notes on all lectures, you can see that they have to be transcribed in a large notebook and ink, and drawings put in. For the last two days I've started in again at 6 and worked til 9 or perhaps taps, and still have lots to do -- it's hard to keep from walking uptown when most of them go, but I gotta stay if I want to do any good at all.

There is a mixture of physics, geometry (with metric), and horse sense, as well as being able to concentrate while listening to submarines so as to cut out all other water noises. Am due to go out on a sub chaser tomorrow but hope they will let us stay on Thanksgiving Day. I listened on instruments on shore to submerged subs, and you would surely be surprised how far you can tell the difference between one and another boat -- can even hear the knocking of the engines and count the propeller revolutions. I heard one very distinctly several miles away. Are supposed to be able to hear one between 30 and 50 miles with some of the instruments, but those are under ideal conditions.

Slept about half the night last night -- cold -- gosh, I thought morning would never come. I see I'm going to have to buy two more blankets. When the decks were swabbed down yesterday, the water froze and stayed on all day, and now that they have been wet again there is thicker ice -- it's been freezing every night I've been here, but usually melted in the daytime. The temperature is much lower here than in New York. Saw where the average through yesterday was 33 degrees but here it never got to 30 degrees all day. Back from breakfast and just saw a Boston American which gave New London's weather, and the average temperature was 24. It got down to 17 degrees -- of course it gets that cold at home, but darned if I'm used to this weather now.

Haven't been able to get the girls' caps. You know they won't let anyone send official clothing home if they can help it, so I'll get them as soon as they will issue them to me. I haven't sent grandma or Aunt Hattie's pictures to them yet -- just can't find the time to wrap them.

Am going to put on winter underwear in a little while. It's lots more trouble than summer ones though. I saw in the paper about a week ago that J.D. Worley, formerly a Bowie-ite, was wounded in France.

I can't put in for a discharge like Father suggested unless I have an excuse, and I have none, so will just have to wait. About 5 out of our 25 who came from Pelham were notified that they were the first to get out in a week or so. They either had dependents or wanted to go back to college.

Have got to muster in 25 minutes, and as I have to polish my shoes I'll stop. Got a letter from Julius, and he is in New York on an 8-day furlough. He thought I was still at Pelham Bay -- now I won't be able to see him. When can I ever go to New York? He would just be coming back. Chilton is with him -- I've never gotten Chilton's letter.

From Your Loving Son,
Heywood

(Postmarked 2nd Battalion, State Pier, New London, Connecticut, no date)

Pie a la Mode

2010-12-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Connecticut
November 28 - Thanksgiving

Dear Mother and Father,

In all seriousness you son says that he is a sick boy -- but he is glad to be able to say it, for he has already loosened about half of his thirteen buttons on his trousers and let his money belt out a notch. Will have to let it out more in a few minutes when the eats in my neck packs down in my stomach.

We had some feed today -- was the first time I ever saw sailors refuse food because they had too much. I had three bricks of ice cream, as well as two oranges, and three bananas, which I made a banana split with. I also took my piece of pie and put a brick of ice cream on top and made "pie a la mode," and had a piece of cake, which I ate with my other brick of ice cream. They broke away from the rules and gave us all the turkey or stuff we asked for, and even had sailors acting as waiters to see that everybody got everything he wanted. Cigars and cigarettes were handed out in mess line, and those who didn't smoke gave them to those who did. There was a menu at every plate -- I sent you mine.

Got three more letters from you today -- hope Katherine has entirely recovered.

Can't realize Paddy is dead. Didn't seem so close to Roy L. did, but I've played football and ran track with Pat, you know.

We go out about 15 miles on the sub chasers tomorrow for our first sea training on listening to submarines. Four subs go out and stay all day to give us practice.

Got a letter from Aunt Pat today, and she says she is sending two pair of wool sox for me and will send more if I have to stay in service. The sox will be appreciated as I only have one wool pair. Part of the bay had a thin coating of ice this morning, but it has warmed up and that has melted now.

Went to the Thanksgiving Day dance given by the 142nd company of Marines at the Armory. There are Marines and soldiers both in camp -- seems funny to eat between the birds in khaki when not used to seeing it in camp.

Haven't met any girls in New London. The people pay absolutely no attention to men in uniform -- no invitations to their dances or even to their homes, and not one ever asks a sailor to ride. I thought I'd like the town because it is smaller but the people ruin it all.

Have taken the splints off my thumb but can't lift anything with the son of a gun -- am gradually getting it so it will move right.

All the fellows that are to get out in the near future are fellows going back to school -- they even cut out the dependents list.

Don't you do anything so rash and expensive as to send me anything for Christmas -- I'm ashamed to write because I haven't sent any of Father's $50 back, but I'm afraid I'll be busted again if I don't get my pay for a long time as I did before. I am not going to spend the $20 like I started to. Count the extension of my loan as my Christmas present, and I'll know you have not only have given me a present, but have helped me out as well.

After working as you have done with the sick ones, don't fix up a box at all for Christmas. Take all the rest you can.

Your devoted son,
Heywood

P.S. Rene Richards (a fellow I run with) addressed the envelope so you wouldn't know who sent the letter.

Thanksgiving Menu

2010-12-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving Day Menu Card
State Pier
New London, Connecticut

The American Navy

May it ever sail on a sea of glory, be wafted by the winds of prosperity, guided by the compass of justice, and anchor in the harbor of victory.

Menu

Relishes

Ripe Olives

Sweet Pickles

Celery en Branche

Soup

Consomme Royal with Wafers

Roasts

Roast Young Turkey

Giblet Gravy

Oyster Dressing

Cranberry Sauce

Vegetables

Mashed Potatoes

Creamed Cauliflower

Desserts

Mince Pie

Silver Cake

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Fruits

Malaga Grapes

Assorted Fruits

American Cheese

Soda Crackers

Mixed Nuts

Candies

Cigars

Cigarettes

Cafe Noir

Privileged

2010-12-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

New London, Conn.
November 21, 1918

Dear Mother,

At camp -- ate our noon chow here and they feed us equally as good as Pelham. We are just laying around doing nothing til next Monday when our class starts. Have seen several fellows I met at New York, but Boone and the bunch from Pedro are out on boats today, but will be in at 5 o'clock. After our first week we get 3 days land work and 3 days sea work til we get accustomed to telling the different ships by their sounds.

This is some good station -- 1200 men and between 750 and 1000 officers, besides several hundred Marines who do the guarding. There are 500 yeomanettes here, and it's the funniest thing to see officers and gobs alike dancing with the girls at lunchtime in the "Y" or K of C. It's a funny Navy where girls and gobs are in the same camp -- eat and dance together on off hours. Of course they eat in a separate part of the chow halls -- but I'm not used to it.

There are more officers here than I ever saw -- every other person you meet is one, and the gobs very seldom salute them for everybody plays together at off times. They give listeners the privilege of having every night liberty and all weekends. Most of the fellows have rooms out in New London where they can sleep til 7:30 instead of 5:30. It costs them $3.00 per week though and I can't afford it, so I will have to sleep here til I get paid. They say they will give us our money tomorrow and I sincerely hope so. I gave $2.50 to United War Work in New York. Didn't really want to but they almost forced us to do it. My pea coat cost me $15 so I want my pay. Of course I have several dollars left of Father's money.

The difference in the weather is very noticeable here. It's much colder for we are right on a pier on the waterfront -- and we were protected a good deal in Pelham Bay by the many barracks.

This is a larger sub base than Pedro was, so I hope to be able to go on a sub and submerge while I'm training.

One thing I hate is that we can't wear our "pancakes" on liberty. [Ed. note - a Donald Duck-style, framed hat without a brim]. We have to wear white hats until they change the rules again, which I hope is soon.

Met a Wichita boy here whose name is Duncan. He says his father has several oil rigs in the Burk-Burnett field. He lives on 17th on the car line.

Don't address my mail to Listeners School -- they won't let it get through for some reason. Just address it to General Delivery at New London. I'll be going uptown every day or so and can get it then. We are in town -- only about 1/4 mile to the post office, so instead of waiting in a long line here at camp, I'll go and get it there.

Love from your son,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, November 21, 1918)

New London

2010-12-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

New London, Conn.
November 21, 1918

My dear Mother and Father,

At last I'm in the old town of New London -- and you never saw a more beautiful or quaint place. All the buildings and houses are old and trees are everywhere. The town is laid out in every direction -- no two streets run the same way. We haven't been out to the station yet, but if it's at all a good one, right here is where I want to stay. The population is just 25,000 and I'll bet we have a wonderful time.

We came up from New York by boat last night -- left Pelham Bay about 2:30 and went down to the dock in a big Navy truck. There were 25 of us, and as we went down Broadway we yelled and sang like a bunch of football players gone nuts -- but the people yelled right back so we couldn't get in bad. We have a fine stateroom (Bender and I), and slept like logs. Bender is a fellow who has seen 18 months sea duty on a minesweeper and a fine fellow.

This morning after eating breakfast we walked for about an hour and saw a good part of town. It's hilly all over and when snow comes, I'm expecting to get in the sledding that I failed to get when "little" in Texas. I'll act like Virginia Neville did her first winter in the snow. There are monuments all over and the buildings are dated from 1830 on up. They say New London is one of the oldest places in New England. We are just 100 miles from Boston and 57 from Providence, so I'm surely going to go there if I have money enough, for that will let me see two more states. When I'm in Boston Julius and Chilton might be able to come up from Cambridge, and I would like nothing better.

Got a letter from Miss Jettie yesterday -- also Kathryn Thomas. Give Miss Jettie my love when you see her.

Will write again when I get to the station and tell you more.

Love to all of you,
Heywood

Address until I write differently:
Submarine Listeners School
New London, Connecticut, and I suppose you already know my name.

(Postmarked New London, Conn., November 21, 1918)

Busted

2010-12-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Pelham Bay
November 18, 1918

Dear Mother,

Have been back from liberty since this morning. It rained all day Sunday so we didn't stay outdoors -- however, I went up to Central Park and went through the two big Natural Art Exhibit buildings there, and believe me they were wonderful. I spent three hours in them and then just ran through. Certainly wished for you folks and wanted you to be able to see some of the things I am and those I will see.

Went to the American Theatre last night. It's on the marquee circuit. The Winter Garden and Follies were closed, but I think I'll take your advice and go once anyway. Am sure I'd regret it afterwards if I saved a few dollars and missed things I may not ever get to see again.

A fellow who sleeps in the next hammock to mine lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and lives with his uncle, a Mr. Turney who is an attorney there. The boy's name is Bassett. He lost his brother about October 19 on a destroyer. He had just finished his six weeks' listeners course at New London, and was on his first trip over when the boat was torpedoed and of course he went down.

My thumb is getting along O.K. Won't be long before it's all right and I don't think it will be stiff at all. One of the fellows in our barracks had harder luck than I did -- he cut his finger off at the first knuckle with a butcher cleaver the other day.

The United War Work is certainly going strong in New York -- if any people ever had money taken from them, it's the New Yorkers. Every subway train is supplied with at least one person who makes her (or his) business to collect all she can.

Just came back from chow and I sure did eat a bunch of stuff -- I'll bet I have the bellyache tonight, for I had this on my platter when I sat down to eat:

Sausage Dogs (7 links)
Two potatoes
Four pieces boiled ham
An onion
Pickled beets
A tablespoon of jelly
A bowl of coffee
Three bananas
Fives pieces bread

And if that's not enough for an ordinary human, I don't know much. Of course, I couldn't eat quite all of it, but still I about busted. The Pedro food wasn't as good as this nor did we have as much.

Have never gotten Chilton's letter -- hope to though.

It's still raining here and was dark at 5 o'clock.

The only reason I haven't sent the girls their caps is because my accounts are being gone over preparatory to my shipping to New London, so I can't draw anything. However, as soon as things are straightened out I'll ship 'em on.

All kinds of stunts were pulled off for the benefit of the United War Work. One fellow dived two stories onto a slanting board -- didn't hurt the poor fish at all, and they collected quite a bit of dough from the crowd.

Tell Father I saw the same dog that spun a hoop on his tail, and the three jugglers we saw at the Plaza doing stunts on the streets of New York. I recognized the dog before it did its stunt. Don't laugh -- you can recognize dogs!

While I was eating tonight I thought how much I'd give to be able to go out in the country, and cook and eat those dogs and onions. It sure is bad to be cooped up where you can't see any country.

Got the newspaper you sent and enjoyed reading it -- haven't finished though. Will keep it til I've read it all.

Give my love to all the kiddies, and love to you and F.

Your Son,
Heywood

(Postmarked New London, Connecticut, November 23, 1918)

Portrait

2010-12-04T12:15:00.001-05:00

American Red Cross Rest Station
Grand Central Terminal
New York

November 16, On Liberty

My dear Mother and Father,

Am sending the pictures I promised. Will send Aunt Hattie and the folks at Dallas one.

Got your letter today telling of Edwin's good work in football. He must be great and I wish I could see him play.

The pictures didn't make me any "beautifuller" than what I am, but at any rate I did as you asked and got 'em took.

Love,
Heywood

Hard Luck

2010-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pelham Bay
November 15, 1918

Dear Mother,

Just two letters in the last five days -- that is all O.K. for anyone busy in war work like you should devote most of your spare time to it. However, I did miss them for I didn't know what had happened -- and so the Browns have heroes in the family? Ethan Simplace of all men to be a fighter -- but you can't tell what war will make out of fellows.

Have he and Grace happened to meet Ruth in N.Y.? She comes to N.Y. every weekend almost. If I'm in this part of the country at Christmas I hope to see Grace Hapgood.

What would you say if I told you your illustrious son had been fighting, not for Uncle Sam but for himself? Don't think I started anything, but during the course of an argument a fellow said bad things about you, Father, and Texas, and things about me which weren't exactly complimentary to say the least. I gave him a chance to retract his statements and told him if he were a man he would. When he refused there was only one thing to do -- and I did it.

He is just about my size -- only outweighs me by 3 pounds (I weigh 162), so we were about evenly matched until I sprained my right forefinger. Even then I was more than holding my own when I hit him on the side of the head and broke my left thumb just in front of the third joint. Naturally the fight had to be continued as I couldn't close either hand. However I gave him a black eye and he was bleeding at nose and mouth. Of course there are bruises on your son, but they don't show thank goodness. One good thing -- the whole barracks is on my side and he has only about four or five friends. I went down and had a Doc set the thumb, and although it's sore as the dickens, it will be out of splints in a week or two. Sorry I shocked you so, and also sorry you have such a son -- but done things can't be helped.

I get liberty from tomorrow at 1 p.m. (Sat.) to 8 a.m. Monday if everything goes O.K. Was going with a special train of sailors from here to watch Pelham Bay play Newport football. They play in the Yale Bowl at New Haven, and the round trip would only cost $3.25, eats included. On account of my thumb I'm afraid I better not take a change on it hurt over again, so won't go.

The photos haven't been sent out to camp yet. I'll see what the delay is when I get to N.Y. Saturday afternoon.

Seems like bad luck always comes together. Someone came in our barracks and stole 9 pea coats worth $24.00 each. They had only gone up from $19 to $24 a day or so before. You know mine was taken -- naturally I had to buy another. I got it cheaper by getting one from a fellow who was broke. I paid $15 -- of course if I got it from the government I wouldn't have to pay cash, but they would have taken the 24 bones out of my pay.

It seems like hard luck, but then when I think that I have a father, mother, brothers, and sisters who are all well and healthy, I'm ashamed of myself for saying I'm a bad luck guy. Some of the fellows whose pea coats were taken are absolutely without funds, friends, or parents.

A fellow in an airplane did stunts over the camp this morning and dropped a letter to one of the sailors.

Will write again tomorrow.

Love from your son,
Heywood

(Postmarked New York, New York, November 15, 1918)

I Passed !

2010-12-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

Pelham Bay
November 13, 1918

Dear Mother,

Got your first letter in several days this a.m. I couldn't understand why you didn't write. Yes, I got the pecans and they were fine -- almost all gone now for the fellows liked them so well. Most of the New Yorkers had never seen any. Have been getting all your letters I think. I had my picture made and they are due to arrive in camp today, so I'll send them home as soon as possible.

I passed the listener's exam and will leave for New London, Connecticut in the next draft -- all the fellows are gone now who came with me. All but three are to New London, and three are at 69th St. New York standing by to go to sea. Got by exam this time on the last test -- was all in before. I hope and believe I'll make the school, but of course there is always a chance to fail. Really don't think I'll be here more than a week.

Am glad you have gotten more nice cadets in house for I'm sure they appreciate it.

Now about that Xmas present -- don't do it! We didn't give any last year and I'm certain I can't send any this. You must not send me anything, for I know how things are and Uncle Sam is treating me all right.

Don't think the fellows in the Navy will get out in less than a year anyway. Some of the fellows who go to sea now are going to work just as hard as if they had been on a boat when the war was going on -- and they won't get as much encouragement as they would have in war times.

Have only the one blue suit, and the regulations say we must have two, so will have to get one. I think I'll put a few dollars to it and get one to fit me, instead of having one thrown at me like they do when they issue it. Even if they issue one they take it out of our pay -- it's not like soldiers' clothes. They didn't pay me Tuesday because my accounts are already transferred to New London. Seems like they are trying to make a beggar out of the "Skunky" doesn't it?

Will write Aunt Hattie about the sox today. I haven't any wool ones at all.

Will have to stop and go to chow -- that's why my writing is so poor. I'm trying to get through and eat too. Am still O.D. and not working all that hard.

Love from you loving son,
Heywood

P.S. Sent a copy of Broadsides home. Don't you think it's a pretty good magazine? Didn't get Chilton's letter -- suppose it'll come in a day or so. HWW

P.P.S. If I hadn't passed the exam I'd have shipped out this week. Am sending a drawing I did while at the desk today. HWW

(Postmarked New York, New York, November 13, 1918)

Stranger Than Fiction

2010-12-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Pelham Bay
November 8, 1918

Dear Mother,

Back home again -- a little tired, but happy and still frisky. Had another one of my experiences last night. A well-dressed man came up amid the crowd and began talking to me. That looked funny and I thought maybe he was trying to spring some skin game on me. He was about 48 years old; he used very good English so I did my best to make him think he didn't have anything on me. After talking a while he asked me if I knew New York, and I told him I didn't, so he offered to show me some of the principal buildings close in. I didn't have anything else to do so I went with him.

He pointed out all kinds of things of interest, and then about 12 o'clock pm we went to the Waldorf Astoria (I never thought I'd get there) and took in everything. There were all kinds of foreign gentlemen all covered with gold, and in the ballroom they were giving a dance in celebration of the peace news -- just that alone was worth seeing. He knew the manager quite well, and he let us go anywhere we wished. I strolled around like I was a guest and took it all in at the same time.

After we came out he asked me over to his bachelor apartments to sleep for the night. Naturally I refused, and then he said, "Son, I've been trusting you. I've talked to several sailors today and of all of them, you show better breeding and cleaner thinking -- maybe you think I didn't." Well I up and thanked him, and he told me just to have confidence in him. He told me he was a government "secret service man" and showed me his badge and papers.

I wasn't going home with him even if he did talk and act like a gentleman. But after getting good proof he was honest, I went with him. Boy, you ought to see his apartment. It's some furnished and he goes in for art and paintings quite a bit. He doesn't paint, but has several grand oil paintings as well as a bunch of watercolors.

He had autographed photos of Caruso and the mayor, and several people I never heard of -- he must have had quite a lot more money and influence than a common official. He has a nephew in the Navy in the Irish Sea. His name is William A. McLaughlin. I promised him I'd come back in the near future, and he said he'd fix up something worthwhile. Don't know whether I will take him up on it or not, but I passed one evening with him.

Got several letters this morning from Grace Hapgood and Father. Tell Father I'll tear up his check -- I just got it this morning. We get paid Tuesday so they say. This is some dizzy camp, let me tell you.

I had more newspaper clippings I meant to send you, but some bird got them. If I find them I'll put them in.

Love to all of you,
Heywood

(Postmarked Pelham, New York)

The War Is Over

2010-12-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

American Red Cross Relief Station
Grand Central Terminal
4 p.m. November 7

Dear Father and Mother,

New York has gone mad -- absolutely crazy -- we got complimentary tickets to the Strand, and when we came out the streets were in an uproar. It has started before we went in, but I couldn't imagine anything like it. Now there isn't a streetcar running for blocks each way from Times Square. The streets are covered with streamers and pamphlets and sheet music -- anything at all to throw from the skyscrapers. Traffic is jammed -- it took us an hour to get the ten blocks from the corner of 47th and Broadway to here, and there are more flags than I ever saw. Everybody has a flag and a whistle or tin pan -- something to make noise with. Men and women alike are losing their hats and don't seem to care at all. We were kissed by young girls and old women and men nearly shake the hands off every man in uniform. A funny thing is that so many of the older men and women are crying, although they are laughing at the same time.

One of the biggest demonstrations is right under a life-size dummy of the Kaiser hanging by its neck, with a sign "Bad Bill has gone to hell." Funny they should take on so over a simple sign like that.

I wish I could describe the things I see but I can't -- to tell the truth, I guess I'm somewhat excited myself.

The only things that get through the crowd are ambulances, and there is always an ambulance to be heard. I'll bet there will be many a hurt person tonight.

Armstrong (one of the fellows from California) has a date tonight to dine with Theda and Lara Bara -- they are to send their car down to get him. Some class isn't it? The fellows left in our bunch are a good lot. There are three of us together tonight. The fellows who haven't seen service and are in uniform are sure a glum lot -- we certainly will be ashamed to come home and say we stayed in training camp all during the war.

Can't sit still long enough to write much. I'm glad I didn't pass the listeners exam, for if I had I wouldn't be in New York on the day the war practically stopped. I don't know whether people down there got the news early enough today to celebrate or not, but N.Y. started at one o'clock when the first extra came out. We'd heard rumors that it was over at 10 in the morning though!

Had my picture made this morning -- wouldn't have been in a hurry to do it if I'd known what was coming.

Hope I get to see sea duty before I go home.

Will write from camp tomorrow -- wish I didn't have to report in tomorrow morning though.

Love to all of you,
Heywood

(Postmarked New York, New York, November 9, 1918, 6 p.m.)

39 Hours

2010-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

American Red Cross Rest Station
November 7, 1918

Dear Mother,

Just a note before breakfast so you will hear from me about half as often as I hear from home. Those verses were fine, but you almost make me ashamed of myself for I'm not so bad off -- now that I've got an orderly job I'm not working at all. The worst hardship we have is staying in camp and that's not so bad. The only thing I want now is to see service -- have been talking to a wounded soldier and sailor. The soldier was wounded on the 28th day of July by a big shell and is now invalided home. The sailor was wounded in an air raid in London, and as he wasn't on duty he didn't get his wounded stripe like the soldier did.

We have to be back in camp by 8 o'clock tomorrow, but 39 hours is a long time it seems to us. We slept up here last night free -- they give men in uniform free cots and blankets, and rolls and coffee all night and morning. We went to a movie last night -- some of these days when I'm spending the government's money instead of taking it away from you, I'm going to see "The Passing Show" and Ziegield Follies.

Am going to send Elizabeth and Katheryn two small, ten-inch hats -- blue -- we wear 12-inch ones. They can either wear them with the steel grommet in them or leave it out and make the cap look like a French Blue Devils cap -- you'll see what I mean when they come. I'll send them with the grommet out and you can just slip it in.

Love,
Heywood

(Postmarked New York, New York, November 7, 1918)

Flush

2010-11-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Pelham Bay
November 6, 1918

My dear Father,

Am in the city on liberty. I got your telegram this afternoon, and when the fellow wrote out the word fifty I could hardly keep from crying to think you had sent so much money when Mother didn't even get a present from me. I will certainly send part of the money back. I had no idea you would send over ten or at the outside fifteen, or I'd have specified what amount. I feel mean -- positively like a "no good" for taking money like a beggar. I'll get paid on the 20th so will send back part if not all. I don't see how a fellow could make a habit of wiring home as some do. Did you think I was shipping? The war situation has practically stopped shipments, but if it doesn't end in two weeks am sure we will start leaving camp again.

Love from your most affectionate son,
Heywood

(Postmarked New York, New York, Grand Central Station, November 6, 1918)

Mail Call Redux

2010-11-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pelham Bay
November 5, 1918

Dear Mother,

Got four letters from you, including one forwarded from Pedro -- also heard from Donovan, and Katheryn Thomas.

The camp talks nothing but liberty and the end of the war. A fellow who shipped to the receiving ship at N.Y. telephoned that 5 transports which left day before yesterday were back in port today -- called back with all soldiers on board. That looks promising, doesn't it?

The pictures of the Lt. and you and the Bowie girls were kindly received and stuck in my album along with the ones I got the other day. I haven't had a chance to get a picture made. It can't be in my whites for it's not the uniform of the day. If they catch us in whites they make us scrub barracks. I'll have one of these darn poor snapshots made as soon as it clears up again. It's been raining for ten days.

Am going to write Aunt Pat my new address and foot size -- wool socks will be appreciated. I never got a letter with Jesse Parish's address in it. I suppose it was lost. Makes no difference now anyway.I'm too far away. Am writing this between times so it can't be long. I'll write Katheryn a birthday letter tonight although it'll be late -- if it wasn't so far I'd bring her some little thing.

Love,
Heywood

Later

Dear Mother,

Had to wire for money after all my resolutions to the contrary. But my money has run low -- I've been running along trying to make it last til I get paid but it won't work, for they put off our payday again.

I'll have my picture taken when I get father's telegram and my 39 hours liberty. I should have done it when I had cash on hand -- if the government ever pays what they owe me I'll be fixed up.

Love,
Heywood

(Postmarked New York, New York, November 6, 1918)