December 23, 1940

A letter from Francis Poltrack aboard the U.S.S. Henderson bound for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He describes being seasick and expresses his sadness about not being home for Christmas. It is obvious he was a big fan of Dorothy Lamour.

Transcription

Dec 23, 1940
Cuba

- SHIP’S LOG-
U.S.S. HENDERSON - SAILING TIME - 4 P.M.- DEC. 19, 1940

BOARDED WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY
     Without any ado proceeded to accumulate Maldemar. The seasickest seasick ever experienced. For company had about 200 marines in a similar state. Sailors were somewhat 
contemptuous about it all. Except for one slightly intoxicated sailor, marines had no trouble. Said sailor said he could lick 3 marines at a time. One marine proceeded to accommodate him. I was in the immediate vicinity but no dice. Slept on an iron hatch that night. Fairly comfortable.

FRIDAY

     Still seasick… if it isn’t the boat going up and down it’s the sky. Going up and down that is. [illegible], foreboding, ugly and [wavy lines] unsettled. Very scary and fascinating. Slept on a cement quarter-deck - more comfortable than a hatch.

SATURDAY
    
 FEEL like last rose of summer in midwinter. Eating out of mess gear. Getting in line for chow, trying to stay alive,  [illegible] for food aboard ship “appeared” to be very good. HA.

SUNDAY

     The Moon of Monuhura … One of the most beautiful if not most sight I’ve ever seen. Morning … Sunrise over lonely island … Ocean bluer than any blue you ever saw, sky red, gold, island dark with palm trees silhouetted in the gray dust of dawn. Like the island in the picture “The Hurricane” only this is in perfect technicolor. Was well enough to appreciate its beauty. Passed another island - Castle Island - biggest in the Bahamas, Slept on decks … more comfortable than quarterdeck.

Monday

     Dawn … Lights of Guam; [Illegible] - 2200 miles from home. Sunrise in Guantanamo Bay, Destroyer and transports, anchored silently - staidly - sea plane taking off. Sleeping on bunk tonight … Solid - I mean solid Jackson not solid bunk.

[illegible] another bombshell. I may be forced to spend Xmas here. I don’t be surprised if I’m not ashore. Xmas aboard ship will be unique anyway. Also don’t expect too much in the way of letters.

     Lots of heat, rain - flying fish, sharks -

          Special Notice

It seems that I left my heart at home - so please everybody take care of yourselves till [illegible].
I worry about youse - mom, pop, [illegible] (getting old you know) besides they need to get a little more cash out of him in future gambling session, You too Ant . Don’t get married - we have lots of dates to go on.

Love from Señor Francis