During Ben's trip around South America, they exchange 15 cards that are in this collection, two that he sent and 13 that he received.  It was during this portion of the trip that Ben and Nellie changed their code to the "three-number" method that I have not figured out.  The first card mailed before his departure from Hampton Roads on December 14th, "10 - 0 - 35"

The First Mail Call, February 22 departing Rio de Janeiro

Prior to getting underway from Rio, the fleet received it's first mail.  Ben received six pieces of mail, two Christmas cards and four New Years cards.  Three of the cards were from a fellow named "Mack", of the others only one from Nellie.  For each of these cards it can clearly be seen the shipboard date stamp of January 22, 1908.

Magdalena Bay March 12th 

The next mail call for Ben was March 12, 1908 as the ship arrived in Magdalena Bay.  Ben, who was born on Washington's Birthday, February 22nd, received a birthday card from Nellie, a St. Patrick's Day card from Nellie, a Red Rose from Nellie,

and . . . . . .

a "To My Valentine" card from L.M.A.  The card is from Philadelphia and addressed through San Francisco.  Ben must have let someone else know his schedule.

         Arrive California - Mail call San Diego 10 - 14 April

In this batch of cards Ben received cards from just about every except Nellie.  One from Lizzie, who turns out to be his cousin, two from Beth, one from F. F. Carini, and one from ACW.

Santa Barbara  April 18th

Things got a little more interesting in the correspondence at this point.  Apparently Nellie started using the code to communicate their feelings.  This card from Nellie received onboard April 18th states:  46 - 25 - 36, 29 - 6 - 52, 42 - 11 - 7 (on May 2 sure), Ben replied:   29 - 0 - 52