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New York, N.Y.
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1938.
Today was a memorable one and one I wouldn't have missed for a whole lot. We were all to meet at 7AM in the Taft lobby. All of us were there except Bob of course, who emerged from the elevator about 7:20 with no apologies. We all rushed out and hopped into a cab when we suddenly perceived Bob was again missing. He sauntered out presently having stopped to get a paper - again no apologies. Down we go to the station for a bite to eat, and then out to 0364 at Kelsey's. Again the day was overcast and raining but the test with 3000 tons was scheduled so we went at it as usual. We had a different crew today, and the engineer was much more intelligent than yesterday, a blessing.

We got our train in the upper yard today, having stopped for sand at the engine house. Then we waited and waited and waited, and it rained harder and harder until it was as bad as yesterday morning. Sometimes it would brighten up a little only to set in harder and darker than ever. Finally we got our orders and eased out of Ledan Hill with a helper on our tail; when he dropped off as we left the yard, we were, as Jim Smith says, "on our own" with 3000 tons and no help to be offered until we reached Oak Point.

All went well until we hit West Haven hill. We couldn't get as good a swing on things as we wanted on account of going through New Haven station very slowly because of the terrible visibility. Charlie Hess was trying to work her right up to the slipping point to keep his headway and he kept slipping, but he caught it quickly and we kept her swinging; but it was a tough day and for a while it looked as though we might not make it. It was also a heavy load and things began to warm up considerably. Finally, as we had nearly reached the summit, Felix rushes up to the head end and inquires ^[[excitedly]] why Charlie