Editor’s note: Glenn Miller had another number 1 chart-topper with Moonlight Cocktail in the spring of 1942: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPF38fYkBjc
4/4/42
At sea
From: Emma Stafford
Dear Mother, Dad, Marty and Cy—
We continue to have splendid weather and I shall mail this on dry land. The voyage has been long but everything possible has been done to make the trip as pleasant as possible.
The day spent going through the canal was best of all. The grass was so green and the chatter of the birds most refreshing after a week or so on the sea. The jungle was right in sight and gave me something of the feeling I had when going through the Everglades of Florida or swamps of Louisiana.
Our day off an [censored] was interesting. The spray against a nearby coral reef was beautiful. The natives came out in strange boats, (very narrow like a canoe with a piece off to one side to balance it), to sell their wares—Shell Beads, pieces of coral, small boat models, coconuts, tropical fruits and a few articles made of palm leaves that looked to me like grass baskets, purses, etc. I purchased a belt made of coconut shells. The disks are engraved and strung together on braided grass. Someday it will be lovely on a linen dress (that is if I keep my waist in line as it is).
The ship we are on was once a lovely liner and we still enjoy the bit of beauty left in the dining room. It is in blue and panels of mirrors with indirect lighting. A band from the troops has been most faithful about playing each evening at dinner. The meals are good and well prepared. We surely appreciate the effort it must have taken to plan and load a food supply for so many for over a month with only one stop for any supplies at all.
For three weeks I slept in an upper bunk on the veranda. The one nurse offered me a week of sleeping in her bed in the Stateroom. It was the kindest thing I have had done for me in years. Tonight I go back to the bunk and am glad to, for she deserves a good bed for two or three more times before we get to land. We do not know what [censored] debarkation. I do hope Cy has sent me some address for Tom*. There is a chance that I shall run across him. Also, before too long I probably shall be near George Jr.** and Bill is more than likely headed this way.
*Tom Gerrity.
**This is a reference to George Stafford, Jr., Emma’s cousin, son of her father’s brother George Stafford, Sr.