Cards from the Northwest
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Happy New Year The Rhode Island was in Marseilles, France on January 16, 1909 when Ben received his New Year's greeting from Beth.
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In fact, on January 16th he received two Christmas card from Beth and one from ACW. He also received two additional New Years cards, one from Mack and one from ACW. Marseilles, France |
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Ben's Response The card from the collection that Ben responds with happens to be the finest of the lot, a "Souvenirde Marseille", complete with a little pouch to hold something special. Of course he mailed it to Nellie with the note: 29 - 0 - 52
January 20, 1909 |
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Only five more days and its to "Gods Country"
It was clear by this time that Ben was ready to head home. After 14 months of steaming it had all become a little too much and crewmembers on every ship were ready to see the States again. The group of cards above were all mailed from Gibraltar, Spain and dated February 2, 1909. The Rhode Island had arrived on February 1st and would leave for Hampton Roads on February 6th.
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Heading Home - A Birthday to Remember The cards Ben received before departing Gibraltar and upon arrival in Hampton Roads were special. Ben turned 27 on the 22nd, Washington's Birthday. It was the day the ship arrived. All of the cards in this group are from different people each expressing their own thoughts. From Floss: "Friend Ben, Received all your cards and thanks very much for sending. I was to a riding academy last week and saw this race. The yellow man won the race. Dutch-Pal Floss" From ACW: "Greetings from the departed friend of men and later friends yet more the less sincere. ACW". At this point I think that Ben and Nellie had decided to be together. From the estate it is known that they were later married. |
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Bill@GreatWhiteFleet.info