Ahoy Shipmates

As previously stated the journey from Manila was marred by one of the worst typhoons in 40 years. Seas as high as 60 feet battered the Fleet until in was forced to slow to 6 knots and ride out the storm. Battling the storm four sailors went overboard, one was left unrecovered, Gunners mate William Fuller on the USS Rhode Island was swept overboard from the foredeck. Captain Murdock determined the seas to rough to launch a lifeboat stating "I would rather lose one man than six or eight." It was not clear what Fuller's last words were as he was nearest the ships, some thought they heard him holler "So long, Fellas."

Cheers


Sean