Letter From Orlie Brown (2/15/1918)

Feb. 15, 1918.

Dear Mother and all:

Just received your letter and was glad to hear from you. We were in New York a few days. I was at liberty last night and had a great time. We saw one submarine going through the war zone.

Will try to write more, but must close now.

Orlie.

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Feb. 17, 1918.

Dear Mother:

Just a few lines more to let you know that I am feeling fine and hope you are too.

We got back here the 12th of Feb. Had a good trip, the weather was awful rough but I didn’t get sea sick. My duty was a lookout until we got to New York, then I had to paint the ship; it is about 75 feet over the bow of the ship and we had to swing over on stages; I was scared half to death all the time, but they say that I have to get used to it.

I received box of candy and many thanks for it.

Don’t know when I will get on shore again, but don’t think I will go again this trip, as we will probably leave this week. I don’t know where we will go.

What is Gladys Shivell’s address, I will look her up as soon as I go up there. We have our cargo of oil loaded and all we have to take on is stores, which will take a day or two.

Well, mother, I have written about all I know so will close.

Orlie K. Brown
U.S.S. Wm. Rockefeller.
Care postmaster, New York, N.Y.