San Francisco

A City being Rebuilt

San Francisco

May 7th, 1908

Dear Papa,

Received your letter of May 1st and am glad to see that you received the egg in good shape, and to announce that we have reached our destination after our 14,000 mile cruise.

Am sorry to hear that you cannot get anyone to come along with you to Seattle.  But it is wise always to be on the safe side of things, and you know what is best for you.

So far we have not gotten rid of any of our surplus men, but there will be about twenty marines transferred soon to go to the Philippines, and there are twenty short timers, that is men who's time of enlistment will expire before the fleet reached the other side.

"The Queen of the Carnival in which I took part."

Will send my Neptune's certificate and some views of the California coast towns home by mail.  The other things I will keep until I get back to N.Y. town, as you say.  Among the pictures you will see one of Punta Arenas with instructions on the back, try and get it mounted.

Chinese Laundry-men of USS Virginia deserted at San Francisco 1908

 Am going ashore tomorrow and will order the San Francisco Call sent to you for several weeks, beginning with the issue of May, 5th, so that you will be able to keep up with the Pacific Coast as well as with the Atlantic.

We left Santa Cruz Tuesday evening at three o’clock and arrived at San Francisco light ship about ten pm.  This is about fifteen miles from the Golden Gate.  The next morning at eleven we got up anchor and stood in towards the gate.  I had my glasses up on deck ready to get the first glimpse of what ever was to be seen.  About twelve fifteen our sip passed in through the gate.  I got a fine view of the Seal Rocks, and the Sutor Baths, but the Cliff House is no more, as it burned down last year.  They are however rebuilding it at the present time.

Everywhere the people were gathered to see the fleet come.  Golden Gate park was a black mass of people, and everywhere they gathered by the thousands.  The harbor police and revenue cutters kept the course clear and the ships had no trouble in coming up the channel and anchoring.

I am going to the Big Ball on the Twelfth, given by the people of the City to the sailors.  When we passed Alcatraz Island they left the military prisoners out so that they could see the sights.  It is cold as blazes out here on the water and I don't want much of this weather for mine I have a bad cold as a result of the sudden change of climate.

Love to Mother,

Affectionately, Frank

During Frank's visit to San Francisco he purchased a portfolio of photographs showing the city before and after the fire.  This booklet can be see by selecting the cover at left.

"We land at Howard Street about two blocks North of market and then I walk down to market and either ride or walk up Market Street.  Saw the ruins of the Palace Hotel or rather what they have erected for the new edition, and it is going to be a fine hotel.  Two other big hotels are the St Francis and the Fairmont.  All the way up Market Street they have erected temporary buildings two or one stories high, which can only stand for North side of Market Street the pavement is sunk to the depth of the Street."

"This reason for the sinking on the North side and of made ground being formerly part of the Harbor, and was filled in many years ago.  Went up to see the ruins of City Hall the building cost six millions of dollars and was still in the coarse of erection when the fire and quake occurred."