A novel dinner was given by the Wardroom Mess at 1800 this night, pre- 
liminary to the reception accorded "Davy Jones". Pa Watson acted as toast- 
master for the Shellbacks, in his inimitable way, while Steve Early acted 
as spokesman for the down-trodden "Pollywogs". 
While the Shellbacks, seated at an L-shaped table nearly surrounding 
the "Pollywogs", regaled themselves on succulent morsels such as crab-meat 
cocktail, turkey, et al, the "lowly ones" were served soup garnished with 
brass nuts, hamburger without the ham, and dishes of similar tastiness. 
During the meal "never a dull moment" presented itself because of the amus- 
ing entertainment provided by the "Pollywogs" and because of the sparkling 
repartee passed back and forth by Pa and Steve. The dinner terminated on 
a note of terror for the "Pollywogs" as the Senior Shellback himself deli- 
neated some of the horrors in store for them on the morrow. 
At 2000, on the bell, "Davy Jones" boarded the Houston, was received 
with full honors and presented to the Senior Shellback. To the assembled 
"Pollywogs" (officer and Presidential Partv members on the center-line 
platform in the full glare of flood lights) Davy Jones then issued indivi- 
dual "Summons", jocose, bellicose, and pungent, to the festivities of the 
following day. 
Monday 25 July 
In order to permit early arrival at Tagus Cove and to "cross the line 
officially" between 0830 and 0900, the Houston and McDougal got underway 
at 0658 and proceeded around the northern end of Albemarle Island. 
At 0850 as the "line" was crossed King Neptune and his Court and re- 
tinue "arrived" on board, was accorded full honors, and greeted by the 
Captain who in turn presented him to the President. The latter graciously 
and heartily received the King and his Court and adjured the former to de- 
liver the "Royal Works" to all Pollywogs aboard the Houston. This meeting 
was witnessed by the Pollywogs of the Presidential Party, who, while pre- 
serving an outward mein of insouciance, were in common with all Pollywogs 
inwardly quaking in their boots. 
That the King ’ s menage had listened attentively to the advice of the 
Senior Shellback was very evident when a few moments later with strident 
shouts and loud bellowings they took up their work upon the luckless Polly- 
wogs. "Doc" O’Connor was the first Presidential Party Pollywog to enter 
the windsail "tunnel" for entrance on the scene of action. He was follow- 
ed in order by Steve Early and Fred Adams. All went well until the end of 
the tunnel was blocked by the feet of one shellback "policeman" whereupon 
progress stopped - much to the discomf orture of the crawling Pollywogs and 
particularly to Steve Early, who, with kindly epithets and endearing terms, 
implored Doc: "For God’s sake get out of here!" On final emergence the 
three luckless ones were prodded by the "Royal Devils" before the Royal 
Court where sentence was passed. Steve Early was given the entire "Royal 
Works", (through which he passed with flying colors) while Doc O’Connor 
and Fred Adams were fined one "buck" apiece and allowed to leave the field 
of carnage, not however before the latter was clapped into the "stocks" 
for a trying two minutes. 
The proceedings were completed about 1100, all Pollywogs having been 
duly initiated into the Royal Order of Shellbacks by that time. As a mark 
of admiration for his sportsmanship Davy Jones presented the Royal Flag to 
Steve Early prior to his departure for his finny Royal Palace, a gesture 
fully concurred in by all Shellbacks, even Pa! 
Steve Early, erstwhile "King of the Pollywogs", indited the following 
letter to His Royal Majesty, Neptunus Rex: 
8 
THE BEARS GIVE THE POLLYWOGS THE "ROYAL WORKS" 
"From: Ex-King of Pollywogs. 
To : Neptunus Rex, Davy Jones and Members of the Royal Court. 
Subject Commendation. 
"1. V/e who have been so signally honored by admission to the King- 
dom of the Sovereign of the Seas, desire to pledge you our undying loyal- 
ty and to express our wholehearted congratulations to you and your aides 
for the most entertaining and enjoyable initiation it ever has been our 
good fortune to experience. 
"2. The Ship’s Carpenter has been consulted. It is in accordance 
with his wish that I herein express individually his thanks to you one 
and all . 
"3. We recognize the fact that we are neophytes — mere infants. 
We are determined, however, to so conduct ourselves in afterlife that we 
may be adjudged competent and worthy to carry on the high traditions of 
Your Majesty’s Most Imperial Domain. 
"4. Our only regret is that we ever were such lowly creatures, as 
in our present state of enlightenment we know Pollywogs to be. 
"5. To speak orthodoxically, we each can say for the first time 
in our lives :- 
"Today I am a Man." 
Stephen T. Early" 
After anchoring at Tagus Cove, Albermarle Island, at 1430, the Presi- 
dent and all members of his party took to the boats and fished the smooth 
waters of Tagus Cove and nearby strait. The results were excellent in a 
fishing sense with a large catch of Grouper, Mackerel and Tuna falling to 
the piscatorial skill of the party, (Another Golden Grouper lell to Steve 
Early’s skill!) A strange fish with the appearance of a fresh water "gar" 
was hooked by Ross Mclntire. The boat containing Pa Watson and Steve 
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