CRUISE OF 1939 



everything has been provided for a painless existence. We found mem- 

 orable proof of this when we arose to go to dinner. Our kind hosts had 

 succeeded in making us forget the number of Planters Punches with 

 which they had plied us. 



A really fine development has been effected at Cat Cay and in a very 

 short time. The grounds are well laid out and a large number of cottages 

 have been built. The architecture, both as to building and landscape, 

 has been done with excellent taste. We left this delightful place at about 

 ten o'clock in the morning and arrived at Miami with no other incident 

 than a rough crossing, including a brief but violent squall. 



The 1939 cruise was ended to the regret of all hands for we had 

 enjoyed ourselves greatly. Surely no vacation, for those who love the sea, 

 can excel an independent voyage among beautiful islands, with a con- 

 structive and educational object, above all when by good fortune the 

 entire ship's company shares the purpose of the undertaking with en- 

 thusiasm, good will, and co-operation. 



On my part there were feelings of foreboding and sadness upon leav- 

 ing Nassau. A tie had been broken by the decision of Richard and his 

 wife to dispose of their beautiful little house, which is situated on a coral 

 rock, west of the town. When they purchased this house, the charm of 

 the islands had entered into them so deeply that they were willing to 

 detach themselves from home ties for such periods of time as would be 

 necessary to enjoy the life ashore and cruising. Life is seldom like that, 

 however, especially for young people who have families to raise, a seri- 

 ous purpose, also relatives and intimate friends at home. Their knowledge 

 of the people and the islands had helped me greatly, and discussions of 

 our separate experiences were a source of continual interest. These dis- 

 cussions have formed a picture in my mind of a side of negro life to 

 which a separate chapter is devoted. I left Nassau, therefore, with a 

 feeling that I might never return. 



