Mary Wamsley (MWamsley@........)

To:   CTaylor@.........

Subject:  Greetings From a Belknap Relative

Date:  Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:34:51 –0800

Dear Chuck,

As a great-granddaughter and granddaughter of the Admirals Belknap I often wonder what ever became of the fine heritage that noble ship left our nation. And so it was with nothing in mind other than curiosity that I googled "USS Belknap" this evening and found an up-to-date, informative, and inviting website!  What a pleasant surprise!  

I was at the Bath Iron Works on 20 July 1963 when my Aunt Milla (Mrs. Leonard Baker Cresswell) broke a champagne bottle across her prow and she slid silently down into the distant river. I shall never forget it! Did you know that there was an eclipse of the sun that day also - sort of like a foretaste of the Belknap's eclipse when she collided with the USS Kennedy but then was refitted and sent back into service again! ... at which time she paid a visit to Newport, RI, where Aunt Milla hosted a party for the officers and their families. My mother (another RRB daughter) and I helped Milla with that party. I shall never forget how impressed I was to see the pride those men had in the Belknap, their expertise and competence, and their eagerness to serve our nation aboard her!  And they did well!   I am interested to note that your 2008 Reunion will be held in Mobile, AL. My cousin May Irwin has recently purchased a home north of Montgomery! May is the eldest of the three Creswell daughters. She shared our grandfather's (RRB) birthday, June 26th, and therefore always felt strongly attached to the USS Belknap.  I know not whether the number 26 was a random assignment or had something to do with my grandfather's birthdate!   I am mighty glad to have visited your website! May God's blessings be upon all of you!  

Sincerely,    Mary Walmsley    

P.S. I'd love to have a Belknap patch!  If I send you the money, am I eligible to purchase one or two?  (Editors Note:  Patch Mailed  per Chuck Taylor)