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[[preprinted]] U.S.S. HOUSTON [[/preprinted]]

Navy Yard, Mare Island, Calif.

12 Sept. 1938.

My dear Dr. Schmitt:-
I received your letter after arrival in the Navy Yard last week. Our surprise visit to Norfolk did'nt last very long.  We join the fleet in San Pedro this Wednesday.
Regarding the sailfish, there is none left on board. In fact, I don't believe there was any after leaving Norfolk. We had to throw some of the fish away due to worm getting into them.  Had we known when we left Pensacola that you wanted a sailfish , we could easily have let you have one.
I am glad all your trophies arrived in Washington in good condition. 
We all send you our best regards, and think often of you. Maybe you'll be present next winter when the President again goes with us.
With very best regards and I hope to see you again.
Sincerely
C. A. Bailey

Transcription Notes:
Not sure of [[Pensawk?]] and just can't see what he's talking about re things arriving in Washington -@siobhanleachman pretty sure of the Pensacola--a little uncertain about "triplines" but makes some sense if it's a specimen collecting trip (although not sure what critters they are trapping with something that needs a tripline or why their condition would matter that much) -mburg1123 I think "triplines" is really "trophies", as stuffed fish that were so popular at one time. I had an uncle who had a mounted sailfish on his wall that he caught in Florida.--TC