HERE BEGINS 
THE LOG 
Saturday 16 July 
After a delightful visit to Yosemite Valley and environs on 15 July, 
the President and his party aboard the Presidential Train arrived at Los 
Angelea at 0900 on this day. Approximately an hour was spent by the Presi- 
dent in greeting various Federal, State and Civic dignitaries and the mem- 
bers of the welcoming committee. The President made a short off-platform 
talk to an enthusiastic throng gathered around his car and, about 1020, 
embarked in his automobile for the drive to San Diego. 
Cheering crowds greeted the President during his passage through Los 
Angeles and towns along his route. In Long Beach, Pa Watson was surprised 
and not a little gratified by the vociferous greeting given him by one curb 
stone spectator, A. J. Davis by name, a former Colonel in the Army. (See 
Army Court-martial Case in 1934> and Pa Watson’s appeal in his behalf.) 
The 130 mile drive along the shore line of Southern California was in- 
terrupted by a welcomed ”al fresco” lunch at San Clemente Park, after which 
the drive was resumed. The President, at 1520, dedicated the new Civic 
Center in San Diego, making a stirring speech. 
At 1530 the President and his party boarded the Houston after which 
the President devoted himself for about two hours to clearing an accumula- 
tion of mail and to bidding ’’goodbye” to members of his party who were not 
to accompany him on the trek to southern waters. 
To the accompaniment of loud ”Bon Voyages” from throngs gathered on 
nearby piers the Houston unmoored at 1730 and, escorted by the McDougal, 
stood out of San Diego Harbor. Honors were rendered by Naval ships in the 
harbor and by the Army post at Fort Rosecrans. On clearing the harbor the 
course was set to the south ’ard for Cedros Island, and speed increased to 
nineteen knots. A cool westerly breeze coupled with a sleep-inducing din- 
ner, reminded all hands that the welcoming ministrations of Morpheus were 
not afar, and early in the evening the President and members of his party 
sought their bunks - for a pleasing night’s rest and dreams of rugged fish- 
ing exploits on the morrow. 
(P.S. Colonel Watson noted with evident satisfaction the cross-hair 
precision with which the salute came from Fort Rosecrans. He was heard to 
explain that, generally speaking, this was what could be expected from the 
Army. 
He also reaffirmed his faith in Colonel Davis who appeared to be quite 
prosperous . ) 
Note: The above, in parenthesis, is copied from a postscript in Pa’s own 
handwriting . 
Sunday 17 July 
Late rising and late breakfast were the order of the day, for the cool 
pleasant breeze made sleeping a pleasure and all hands obtained a surfeit 
of it. However, when the Houston anchored at 0940 ° n the eastern side of 
Cedros Island, 250 miles from San Diego, all hands were astir looking for- 
ward to the day’s sport. 
Church services were held on the quarterdeck at 1100 and the President 
and his party attended. The services were conducted by Lieutenant Herbert 
R. Trump, Chaplain Corps, who used as his text: ’’Blessed now are we the 
sons of God.” 
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