Cover:
Henry S.
Makibbin,
U. S. N.
Training Station,
Newport, R.
I.
Barracks C.
Postmarked
11:30 PM, Sep 8 1907, Harrisburg, PA
My Dear Son:
Just a few lines before going to bed. Your mother, the baby & I took [a] walk
to Mrs. Cooks, your Aunt Bess & on down to Reigels, this evening. Of course we talked much about you. Ross is on the new Mulberry st bridge job, he
has been away seven years.
I thought much about that island you are on, today. I do hope you fellows will get liberty soon,
the decent fellows any way.
Finals score seemed different from what he said. Your score over those rifle ranges must have
been among the best. Was it the best in
your bunch? You see I am a little
curious. Who got the appointments made
vacant boy P. O. I mean Kelly & Johnson.
I would like to know who got those places.
On my way to the Round House this a.m. I stopped at Maclay
P. O. I always do, so no letter from you will lay until Monday.
On my way home I stopped at Church & heard Mr. Hart
preach from 6 chap & 1 verse Hebrews “Therefore leaving the principles of
the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection:” It was an uplifting
sermon, one that enables a fellow to take a fresh grip on his work. I always pity a man who cannot use his
religion to work with. It has always
been so much to me. You said something
of the Sec. of the Navy not approving the idea of a league in the Navy. But my boy you can have your own moral
league.
I do wish for you success at the Signals & will be
pleased through & through if you make that rating. But if you do not, do not be discouraged, for
when you get aboard a Battle Ship, remember that what you see about you & you
are a part of, is not only a war vessel of your own Country but is a product of
all civilization, worked down to the present moment & I suppose is one of
the most highly & finely organized body of men guns and machinery that we
have on the globe. And I know you will
be able to fit in your place. For I
notice your attention to details. I was
much pleased with your appearance & sorry I was unshaven, I expected to
find a barber shop on the Kennebec.
In your Signal practice do you strive for speed, or do you
strive for perfection in displaying the signals? I of course know that your instructor points
out what is good work, but I like to know.
Tell me all the little things that go to make up your life & it will
be such a help every word you write is enjoyed to the full.
To me the signal man that wins must be a man who goes over
& over them until they are a part of his very brain, & that you know
means time. But by all means try for
that rating as soon as you can. You will
at least know how you stand & do not let any man or circumstance dismay or
discourage you in anything you determine to do.
The signal man I should think would come in contact with the officers in
the boat, so of course appearance will cut a figure here, & I would suggest
that you have an extra neckerchief that will be perfectly clean to wear during
inspections. Your Mother says they wash
beautifully. I would be glad for an old
one you had discarded, but the best one new & clean you keep for occasions
when it will do most good.
Affectionately, Jas. G. Makibbin
Dear Henry,
I would like to see you and I send my love to you. Good night.
Kisses,
Annie
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