Beckwith Diary, Cheng Ho Expedition 1939-1940

Pan Am hangar in San Francisco, photographed in 2009 by DB’s travels

San Francisco, 1939. Postcard digitized by riptheskull

Excellent night and felt better in morning than for a long time. Out early, too early for shops to be open, but later went to Eastmans & other stores. Bought timer, etc. Stopped at Pan American & gave “immigration” data. Everything satisfactory. Weather fine and warm – no coat.

Mr Nicol Smith (Suite H, 6th floor St. Francis) who married John’s sister Moira called up & asked me to tea & lunch.

Arthur J. Fritz & Co, Insurance Brokers, called up and sent someone to my room with invoice for my two trunks shipped through Pan American to Manila.

Mr. & Mrs. Nicol Smith (Moira Archbold) had about fifteen people to tea at 5 o’clock (I think for my benefit). Very pleasant party, but cocktails very strong, probably San Francisco variety. Had met the Smiths in N.Y. She said “nothing would persuade her to go on the junk trip for reasons she would not tell me and that I would never know.” Mr. Smith is a professional lecturer & has just returned from Burma & China. Interesting woman (named Mrs. Van Oak I think) just returned from 7 years in China, reporter for United Press. Also attractive girl from Philadelphia who knew navigation.

Went to bed at 9, on this eve of the great flight tomorrow.

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