1. Did some painting in the afternoon, and shortly before supper coal lighters came alongside and immediately after supper we got our first taste of real work in the Navy. Coaling ship is an awful dirty job and one that is always dreaded by the whole ships company. It is dirty and disagreeable even for those who do not have to coal. Coaling continued for several hours.
2. Finished coaling ship, and then while the crew was cleaning the ship I wioth a few other men went to the beach for a load o
18. Again drilled and received first instructions in small arms. I enjoyed this very much and listened eagerly to all information.
19. More drill and small arms instruction.
20. Rated Seaman Second Class, and was ordered to scrub all clothes and hammock and prepare to leave the station for sea duty.
21. Went to swimming basin and enjoyed my first salt water swim (the next swim was in european waters). We were taking things rather easy now and awaiting orders to leave the station. I was anx
8. Remained at home all day and entertained several friends. The number of friends included Bob and Dan Murphy. I little dreamed the next time I was to see Dan we would both be in uniform and a ways from home. I enjoyed myself first rate.
9. Worked at home all day and in the afternoon I started for the country, but when only a short distance from the house was recalled by Brother Bill, who informed me that a Naval Recruiting Party was in Pittsburg and wished to see me. When I received this new
John Buell Evans was born at Pittsburg, Laurel County, Ky. in 1899. He was the youngest of 8 sons to Samuel and Alice Evans, and joined the US Navy at the declaration of war. This is his diary.
