Monday Afternoon

Dear Folks,

The humidity of the air down here is such that it makes one sticky all over, so think nothing it if some of these words are ill-formed as my hand doesn’t slide well. If you need rain up your way, I wish you might have a a few of the cloudbursts we have here. The electrical storms are the worst I have ever witnessed.

This morning Mother’s letter arrived while I was on watch. This afternoon I am “off watch” and another section is “on”. Thus, I am writing this letter because I am not allowed out of my room. One nice thing about being on watch is that no classes are attended and leisure time is had when on the “off section”. Luckily, I was mate on the “swabo” deck, or my deck, so I didn’t have to climb several flights of stairs (ladders). The job is hard for one has to stand all the time and run to meet every officer who makes his appearance, of which there are many on the “swabo” deck.

Yesterday I attended church again, and experienced the same lost feeling. Perhaps in time I will become accustomed to the service as I have warped into the other new paths of life, but it seems hard not being able to enjoy church.

Just a few minutes ago I came across an incident in my “bull” reading that was of quite some intent. My first Sunday in Annapolis I attended a Presbyterian Church on the Duke of Gloucester Street, and it has quite a history. The first midshipmen back in 1845 used to present plays in the building every Sat. nite, which, after a time became so hilarious that townspeople decided to make a church there instead of an opera house. Thus, it was that I attended an old, old church and didn’t know it. That is the funny part of this town, one is always surrounded by old historic landmarks but doesn’t realize it. They are still in use!

I was sorry to hear of Mrs. Goler’s death. She hasn’t been well for a long time, but she has always been quite active. I didn’t expect her to pass out so suddenly. I wonder how the Doctor takes it. Before I left, he seemed to take her condition quite calmly, even hinting he expected immediate developments of such a nature. Give him my regards if you see him.

Life is the same over and over again, but there is always color to it. We see none of the outside world at all, except what comes in. Believe you me, we plebes see every good looking girl who comes around, but without any apparent notice of her. Midshipmen don’t (?) flirt, especially plebes. In September we will get at least one or two Saturdays in town and then for the fun. The time is going quickly, it already being the 20th of July.

Last week I went over to the tailor shop to receive my fit for my blue service coat. Boy, are they nifty. Every fellow is measured and then tries on his coat for alterations. They fit like a birth-day suit. Every plebe here is just waiting for the time to come when he gets his.

John had a box of candy come last Monday, and he gave me about half of it. It was a small box so don’t jump. That is the first candy I’ve had since I left home and believe the devil when I say we sniff the box every now and then to satisfy our desires. The eats in mess hall are excellent but a little nick-nack now and then tastes good.

Last week Thursday we had an exam in English on all our reading and lectures here so far. It wasn’t hard and just required a general knowledge of what we have covered. A test was also given in the semaphore alphabet, and now I can read and write fairly well with flags. We learn to tie all kind of knots, some of which are quite alien to me. However, I’ll learn or get taught! Down here, though, we learn most everything and get taught very little. Dig it out for yourself is the motto.

In closing, I want to put in a request for two more pairs of sweat socks. I need a change when on pair is being washed and I also need a reserve pair. They wear out fast.

Tell Liz to wrap her strings around her little finger and pull gently. She has, undoubtedly, a delicate task.

Love to all,

Reginald