January 18, 1939

Dear Jean
     Here is a couple of dollars you probably have use for. I sent home Jeanette some too.
     I just came back from a swiming party. They took us over to Loca Sola a submarine base where they have rings, delivery tours and rafts. It sure is a nice place. They have it wired off so sharks can't get into it and the water is just right.
     I was ashore in Colon Panama a couple of days ago. I sure wouldn't care to stay here very long. I have never seen such a dirty class of people as the natives are around here. They let their young kids run around naked and they through theyir garbage around in the streets. It sure seemed funny to see all the cars run down the left side of the streets. You have to watch your step or you'll get ran over. Especially if you drink a couple bottles of this beach beer they have down here.
     There sure was some pretty scenery coming through the canal. It took us about ten hours to come through. We were the first of the battle ships to come through this time. We are anchored in the Carabian Sea now just out side of Colon Panama. We get underway for Guantanamo Bay in Cuba Thursday. I don't know just how long we will stay there but we go to Port of Prince, Haiti from there. We start for Norfolk, Va. about the last of March. We stay there for a couple of weeks and then start for New York.
     I bought a couple of handkerchiefs in Colon for souviners. I a m sending you one but I can't promise you how good it is.
     It sure has been hot weather around here and it rains a little about every night. It rains just enough to keep a fellow from going ton top side and sleeping where it is cool.
     How do you like nursing now? Has it been very cold there this winter? Boy at times I sure wish I had some of that cold weather when it gets about 120 in the engine room where I work.
     We had gas drill a couple of days ago. We had to wear gas masks and go through a room which they had filled with tear gas. Some of it came down the fresh air blowers into the engine room where we were working and we all got a little taste of it. it sure smarts when it gets into your eyes.
     Well I must close for now. Say hello to Doug.
(Love Don)

January 16,1939

Dear Jean
     I really don't know what to think of Panama yet but I think I like it. I don't know what (mansion) I like down here.
Love
Don.