Dart begins his letter with a little hint, saying that the waters of the Atlantic are as smooth as any he ever saw on the Pacific. That means he’s made it through the Panama Canal. He reports that the Haggard is running as fast as  her damaged engines and boilers can make her go.

The ship has been a hive of activity in recent days. Decks are being scrubbed and haphazardly stowed gear is being tidied and organized. Preparations are in the works for the “Homeward Bound” banner that is one foot long for every member of the crew and a star for each month of duty outside US waters. The pennant will be longer than the ship and carry 20 stars. Today is the last day for this cruise; perhaps the last day the Haggard will ever cruise.

The past four days at sea have required no gun watches. Instead, every man has been packing gear which will be transferred to barracks and warehouses once they arrive in port later today. The ship has been running at night will all lights on and hatches open. “The Haggard’s war is over.”

These last few days have been the most homesick days the crew has ever known. The fastest the ship can go is not fast enough. The sailors wanted to jump overboard and help push the old girl home.

“I’m going to stop now and sit up and take notice of all our surroundings. There couldn’t be a more perfect day for a homecoming. We hope it stays this way all the way into the dock.”

“I love you very much, Dot Darling. You’re the first one I’ll call and I won’t stop phoning until I’ve talked with you.”