Transcribed Letter from Frederick DeLano Avery (1895-1980)to ... - Geni

Transcribed Letter from Frederick DeLano Avery (1895-1980) to his mother Annie Haley Barstow1 (18581921) postmarked April 23, 1917 Mrs. N. Fred. Avery 40 Jefferson Ave., Grand Rapids Michigan April 23, 1917 (on USN stationary) Dear Mother1 Everything is still going along in fine style here. I have just finished a week of police duty, but didn’t have much excitement on my beat. The other day a big delegation from G. R. arrived here including Hank Grinell2, Paul and Ted Booth3, Bill Sears4, Don Matheson5 and Bob Irwin6. Blair7 and Shorty Goodspeed8 and Patton9 are thinking of coming, so there may be a big crowd here soon. At present I am living with some Princeton boys in a very comfortable house at seven per week. We have our breakfast here and get our other meals elsewhere. We hope to have some good boats up here soon and when they come our bunch will probably have first choice, so I have hopes of getting on a good one. About half of our company are now on boats; they go out and ride around the harbor and stop all boats coming in to Newport and guide them through the nets10. We are having fine, warm weather now, and yesterday we took a drive around town to inspect all the Newport residences which for the most part look like public libraries. Am feeling fine and hope you and Father are in same. Your affectionate son Frederick.

Address – 24 Old Beach Road, Newport RI

Footnotes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

[Annie Haley Barstow (1858-1921)] [unknown / researching] [unknown / researching] [unknown / researching] [unknown / researching] [unknown / researching] [unknown / researching] [unknown / researching] [unknown / researching] [A reference to sub-surface nets used during WWI to ensnare Uboats entering the harbor and for protection from torpedo assaults against Allied ships within the harbor]