[Preface; important notes, comments and context]
This isn't every entry in his journal. Just the things that are important to understand his story. He's a very interesting ship, one of the only ones to join us, rather than being an imitation. There is so much that if we were to include it all it would be extremely tedious for any human to read every part. Some gaps are his own doing, since he didn't have time to write. I hope I've done a good job editing and revising his journal for you to read. ~Berlin
[End Preface]
 
 
February 9, 1897 - The day I was conceived. I didn't have this journal at that point. I don't remember a date, but I suppose this must have been when I came into being according to my papers. All I remember was feeling something for the first time. I didn't know anything, not even my own name. I could feel myself growing- being added on to. There were growing pains. The hammers that pounded in my thousands of rivets stung a little.
November 26, 1898 - My first birthday. I opened my eyes for the first time, and saw the closest person to a mother I've got, Elizabeth Stephenson. She was in her early 20s then. Her father was a senator for the state I'm named after. She says I just materialized on my bow when she christened me. I looked like a young boy! After that, I slid down into the water. The feeling was nice, I felt at home. I'd listened to the men who built me talk. They had ambitions. Some of them had children. From that, I gathered everything I needed to know what I was, a battleship.
January 1, 1900 - The start of a new century. I'm thankful that I can see the start of another hundred years for this country of ours. God Bless America.
July 4, 1900 - I went to see the fireworks. It was mesmerizing, I've never seen anything so beautiful, and I'm happy I was able to make it. I'm a grown man now. Ma says I've become a handsome man, but I had to leave home to stay with my ship until I get commissioned. I miss her a little, but the other shipfolk here are good company.
December 25, 1900 - I couldn't see ma for Christmas this year. Makes me a little sad, but she says I have to leave the nest someday. One of the older ladies here took me under her wing, and it's been easing my nerves since I can't see Ma. They say I'm getting commissioned in February! I'm really excited for that. I wonder what friends I'm gonna make when I'm a military man.
February 4, 1901 - It's official! I'm in the Navy! This is going to be my life from now on. No one else on these waves is going to get the better of me in a fight! Old Ironsides is watching my career. Today I received a letter from her, and she said to me that if I could prove myself she may grant me her sword. I don't deserve this- What made her choose me? Maybe my eldest sister had something to do with this.
12 March, 1901 - I'm off! Four days to Magdalena Bay for my training cruise until mid-April. Then I'm back to San Francisco, to get a few repairs, and then I'm up to Port Orchard. I'll write again when I'm up there.
28 June, 1901 - I went back home. A few days later, I got together with Oregon, Iowa, Philadelphia and Farragut. Iowa is a nice lady, and a good friend too. Oregon is serious all the time, but he's a nice enough guy. Phil is a special case. The guy's a little jumpy, and maybe a little bit of a jerk. Farragut's supposed to be grown but she still kinda looks like a little girl. She says I'm like a big brother to her. She's good company.
4 July, 1901 - I celebrated independence day with Farragut and the others today. She and I are almost like siblings now. We're all going to go and train together until some time in July. I hadn't mentioned before that I'm still exchanging letters with Ma and my sisters. Al says she hopes she'll see me soon. She's the middle sibling. Illinois says she's proud of me for taking care of Farragut. Iowa says so too. I like my friends. I hope I don't have to leave them any time soon. In other news, Ironsides wrote me another letter. I hope she's doing alright. She said they might make her a museum ship, and that's certainly a nice place to find oneself after such an illustrious career.
23 July, 1901 - This is where I part with my friends. Farragut said she's going to miss me. I'm going to miss her too. I'm in Bremerton for repairs, and I'm going all the way to American Samoa when they're through with me here. I hear Hawaii's a nice place. Maybe I'll meet some new people over there while I take on coal.
12 August, 1901 - Rear Admiral Casey has chosen me as his flagship. Despite my less than a year of experience, I'm sure he'll be a great mentor for me and help me become the greatest flagship the Pacific Squadron has ever seen! Once the dockyard men are through with me we're heading to Samoa to see how things are going at Pago Pago and Apia.
9 November, 1901 - I'm staying with Abarenda, a collier, and Solace, a hospital ship. Solace is a wonderful woman. She takes care of us well. Great cook, but she can't make enough for everyone. She said she'll teach the boys in my galley a few lessons on how to make their food a little tastier. I'm heading to German Samoa soon, and then I'm going to Mexico. That's going to be my Christmas. I sometimes wish I was with Ma, but my crew are my family now. I'll see if I can work with the admiral to get something special for my crew on Christmas.
25 December, 1901 - In Mexico again for 3 days to take on coal. Got the locals to provide a nice Christmas dinner for the sailors, in return for some financial compensation. Over the next few months, we will visit Peru and Chile. I look forward to whatever awaits us there!
26 February, 1902 - Back in Mexico after visiting Peru and Chile. While on our travels President Romana of the Peruvian Republic came out to greet the Admiral and myself, as did President Errazuriz of Chile. They exercised excellent manners. I suppose this is the experience of being a Flagship.
17 March, 1902 - Training off the coast of Mexico. The Admiral says I'll get to be home for a while after we're through with training. I am thoroughly looking forward to it.
4 June, 1902 - Docked in Puget Sound for repairs. Some of the older ships are happy to give me advice. Constitution has sent me another letter. She expresses her pride to have chosen to watch my career. As I suspected, Illinois had something to do with it. I'll have to thank her when I get the chance.
15 August, 1902 - Repairs finished a few days ago. I'm training with my crew off the Washington coast. In two weeks I'll be returning to Puget Sound for more repairs. The crew are in good spirits, as repairs mean shore leave, and shore leave means they get to indulge in liquor. Vile stuff, though I suppose it may be an acquired taste. I've heard some people wish to ban it in this country. While I've got no affection for the stuff, I don't see why we should stop people from pursuing happiness through its consumption. I'm no philosopher, though.
17 September, 1902 - I steam for Panama today. The country is embroiled in civil war. American citizens are endangered, and the President himself has sent us to resolve the conflict and secure our interests in the Panama Canal. I want this conflict to end as soon as possible. I may be built to wage war, but I hope that with my mere existence I can deter our enemies. If worst comes to worst, I will do what I must.
30 September, 1902 - We have arrived in Panama Bay. Admiral Casey will offer his services as a peacemaker to the belligerent forces. I can take anything they choose to throw at us if they have an adverse reaction, but Silas - Admiral Casey - tells me that they're more likely to come to make peace. I hope he's right.
21 November, 1902 - The Thousand Days' war is over, and it ended aboard me. They're calling it the Peace of Wisconsin. It's an honor to have the treaty named after me. I suppose I should add some details about what happened. General Barrera and Colonel Morales represented the liberals, and General Salazar and General Cobo represented the Conservatives. The Conservatives won the war, and Panama will remain a territory of Colombia. I'm not the one to say if the right people won the war, I'm just glad that the war's over. I'm going home tomorrow, and I'm sure that Constitution will be happy to hear of my newfound place in the history books.
9 December, 1902 - Feels good to be home and to enjoy this illustrious start to my career. It has been a great run with Silas, but our time as close colleagues is over. He's taking New York as his flagship now. She's a bit more experienced than I, with 9 years in commission already compared to my nearly two. I'm happy to pass the flag on, and end my run with Admiral Casey on a high note. With a treaty to my name and a full career ahead of me, I look forward to my next appointment. I will conduct training with my crew before an overhaul that will last a few months into next year in Puget Sound.
25 December, 1902 - It's good to be back in the States for Christmas again. One of the workers here invited me to Christmas dinner, an invitation which I was glad to accept. I've received a letter from Constitution wishing me a merry Christmas. As I bundle up in my lonely cabin, I wish I could see Elizabeth again. I've stopped thinking of her as my mother, but she still holds a certain significance for me. This journal's but a small bit filled so far, but I hope to have many more adventures to fill it with.
17 March, 1903 - I've tasted liquor for the first time in a while. The stuff is vile, but I find it helps pass the time while I'm stuck in this drydock. I see men out on the street some days who have allowed liquor to turn them into vagrants living on the street. I must make sure to keep myself restrained. Drunk on duty is no way for a military man to be. The folks at P.S. say I'll be in for about another month. I'm to be sent to the Asiatic fleet once my overhaul is finished. Another letter from Constitution. She tells me that some Adams gentlemen is proposing to Congress that she be returned to active service. I do not think that's going to go through.
14 May, 1903 - Finally back underway! It feels good to feel the water splash against my hull again as I cruise through the open ocean. I will coal in Hawaii and travel to Yokohama in Japan. Rear Admiral Cooper has selected me to be the next flagship of the Northern Squadron of the Asiatic Fleet. It seems my career will be spent as a flagship for the foreseeable future. I look forward to my service with Admiral Cooper, and I hope we get along just as well as I did with Silas.
15 June, 1903 - I'm officially the flagship of the Northern Squadron. I will operate off the coast of Northern China and Japan. I'll be doing torpedo practice with the squadron off of Chefoo. Japan's a very interesting country, I wonder how much time I'll end up spending here.
26 November, 1903 - Thanksgiving Day. I've been in drydock since late September. No turkeys here in Yokohama, but the crew are having a great day anyway. Locals are nice enough, though they've been isolated for quite a long time before finally opening up.
25 December, 1903 - I'm spending Christmas with Oregon and Kentucky in Honolulu. We'll be heading to Guam, and then I'll proceed to the Phillipines. It's good to see Oregon again. Still strict, but a bit warmer than the last time I saw him. Kentucky's nice enough. She made apple pie for me. She's a wonderful Southern gal with nicely braided blonde hair and a beautiful figure. I like her a lot. Hoping to see her again, she's just a joy to be around. In other news, some men in North Carolina managed to fly with some engines strapped to a kite. From what I read about it, it seems like something that may have potential, but probably not military.
3 January, 1904 - Kentucky and I have become very close. Not close in just a friendly way, more than that. Over the past few days, she and I have found ourselves alone, holding hands. Perhaps just by coincidence, but I'm inclined to believe she's been taking me to secluded spots just to be alone with me. I like being alone with her, too. We kissed on New Years' eve under the moon. It was electrifying, my hands resting on her supple curves and her womanly hands on my shoulders. I think we're in love. - Talked about it with a few of the guys in my crew. Yep, that's what it is. They say they're a bit jealous I ended up with such a pretty girl, but they gave me pats on the back and congratulations. It's good to have friends like my crew.
30 March, 1904 - I'm no longer flagship of the Northern Squadron, but now the Asiatic Squadron. I'm going to be a lot busier now, so I won't have much time to write after this. Even now I have a lot to do. The Japanese and Russians went to war with each other about two months ago over their ambitions in Manchuria. I wonder what's going to come of that. I can't take my mind off of Kentucky, I want to see her again desperately.
10 October, 1904 - Nanking, China. I've sailed about 180 miles up the Yangtze to arrive here. I got here on the 7th and just now finished all my work. I'm going to go out to the city and get some air, maybe some of the traditional food too. It's nice to have a break. I'm going to try to write Kentucky a letter tonight.
4 February, 1905 - Chinese new year. These folks sure have a wacky calendar compared to ours. Then again, our months all have different numbers of days and all that. Been cramped up in my quarters doing paperwork and on the bridge for training. I'm going to go out on deck and get some air.
15 September, 1905 - Anchored off Taku Bar with other members of the Squadron. We and the officers paid a visit to the Empress of China today. She's quite a woman, with many achievements to her name. I'm honored to be granted this privilege along with the officers of my fleet. Not much to say, today was a long day. I think my journal entries are getting shorter as of late... I fear this is a product of the strain I'm under as a flagship. I'm adjusting, though. My work is getting done with high efficiency now, and I'm spending my free time with my crew instead of sitting in my cabin. The Japanese and Russians are no longer at war. The Japanese won. A surprise, to be sure. They should be careful not to get too big for their britches, especially when the Asiatic Fleet is here.
13 February, 1906 - The limeys built themselves a fast battleship. Dreadnought... Nice name, but some folks say she's going to make ships like me obsolete. I'll have my job, maybe just not as a flagship anymore. I see the merits of her design but I can't help but be worried for the future of everyone around me. Constitution hasn't written in a few years. I can't help but be a little worried for her. I'm going to write to her when I'm back in the states. I worry about my sisters, too. Kentucky, as well. I will do what I must to protect them.
18 June, 1906 - Steaming up the Yangtze river. My duties here are to conclude in September and I'm to return to Puget Sound for an overhaul. I miss Kentucky. I'm going to try to find what's happened to Constitution, too. Will be good to get some rest.
28 September, 1906 - I'm finally on my way back to the states. Going to take a nice break while I'm decommissioned for my overhaul. Will see San Francisco again before I head to Puget Sound.
16 November, 1906 - Decommissioned today. I thanked the folks before leaving Bremerton. I'm going to buy myself some train tickets to go up to Boston and check on Old Ironsides to see her in person. I will send her a letter to let her know I'm coming there, since this overhaul's not supposed to be over until some time in 1908. I'll be sent a letter when I need to return. I'm going to try to find out when Kentucky ports in the US so that I can visit her.
23 November, 1906 - In San Francisco to catch the Transcontinental Express to New York. From there it's not so far to Boston. Kentucky will be in New England. Knowing this, I can hardly wait to see her. The Transcontinental Express is certainly going to be an amazing experience. I never would have thought that you could get from one corner of our great nation to the other in a mere 83 hours! I will write about this more when I arrive in New York.
30 November, 1906 - Arrived in New York. I'll be heading to Boston to spend a few weeks with Constitution. Kentucky will be participating in the Jamestown Exposition, and I've sent her a letter. I will stay with her for a few months. My heart flutters at the thought of holding her in my arms once more.
5 December, 1906 - Met Constitution today. She's being restored, and next year she'll become a museum ship. In the meantime, she tells me she's very proud and that she'll begin training me to use her sword. It is a beautifully crafted cutlass, gifted to her upon her commissioning by George Washington himself, or so she tells me. Her name is engraved on the hilt, the golden handguard glistens brightly... I will treasure it if she deems me worthy.
8 December, 1906 - Have been training with Constitution for a few days now. She's far better with a sword than I am, but I am learning. She says when I can best her in combat she will grant me her cutlass. It's cold, much more than in Asia. Noticed today when I went out without my coat.
10 December, 1906 - The Cutlass is quite a weapon. Heavier and shorter than a cavalry blade to make it easier to fight with on the deck of a ship. Adapted to its element, I see why one would choose to use this style of sword for a boarding action. Practicing with Constitution using a dummy blade, as she calls them- She has a few with no sharp edge, so no danger of a cut- I have been learning how to parry an attack or deflect a thrust. We will work on this and my attack strategy over the coming days or weeks.
16 December, 1906 - Constitution’s training is really helping me learn. We train 12 hours a day now, only taking breaks to eat and drink. There is little time to write. She says I may be to a satisfactory level of competency before next Summer.
21 December, 1906 - Nearly Christmas. The training continues. I have mastered the basics after over 100 of hours of training over two weeks. Constitution says she’s never seen anyone learn this fast... My heart still aches to see Kentucky again, but I must finish my training first. I don’t know if I’ll get another chance before my overhaul is finished and I need to return to Puget Sound.
25 December, 1906 - Christmas Day. I bought a gift and sent it to Kentucky. She sent me a letter too. Lots of writing these past few days. Feel a little worn out. Taking a break from training until the new year.
4 January 1907 - I’ve got back to training after a week off from the intense regimen. Back to around 12 hours a day of training and sparring. I’m far better than when I began, but I still have a way to go. All I have to do to prove I’m worthy is to best her in our daily sparring match. Sounds easy, but Constitution is the best swordfighter left in the world. The days of fighting close in with swords are over, but it’ll certainly be helpful if I get into a situation like that, not to mention the honor of carrying the blade and the duty of carrying out Constitution’s legacy.
8 January, 1907 - Kentucky is not far away from here. I sent her a letter this morning before my training began. I’m learning more advanced techniques, and in addition, how to ‘fight dirty’, as Constitution puts it. I’ve been learning how to break arms and legs, where to cut to cripple my opponent, and more... less than savory tactics. I won’t use them in a Gentlemen’s duel, but if it’s necessary to protect my country I will do what I must.
13 January, 1907 - I broke Constitution’s guard and nearly bested her today before she regained the upper hand and tapped my side with her sword. One day soon, I will finish my training. Kentucky wrote back. I’ll stay with her after my training is finished until I need to head back to my ship.
19 January, 1907 - Not much new, daily routine was as usual. Wake up, eat, train, eat, train, spar, eat, debrief and sleep.
26 January, 1907 - I’m making Constitution fight with everything left in her to win. In a matter of days I’ll best her. I’ll be ready to dispatch any opponent who I can get within striking distance of. I learn about finishing blows today. A stab through the heart to be merciful, a slash to the throat to be deadly, and lop off the head to send a message to those that would still stand and fight. War is not a clean or savory business. It’s a necessary evil. I will fight not to protect myself but my country. I’ll willingly lay down my life to preserve our shining beacon of freedom.
4 February, 1907 - I bested Constitution in our daily spar, and so I was deemed worthy. After the rest of the day learning to take care of it, I leave Constitution with best wishes and the cutlass. Today’s the anniversary of my commissioning into the Navy. Can’t help but wonder if she let me win, but in any case I’d been on a path to claiming this sword for a long time already. I’m off to see Kentucky tomorrow, I can hardly wait.
6 February, 1907 - Seeing Kentucky again and holding her in my arms was comforting. Just seeing her and knowing she's safe after the Cuban Insurrection was like a great weight off my shoulders. She's to attend the Jamestown Exposition in April of this year, to which I will accompany her. I'm unlikely to need to return to Puget Sound until fall this year, so I'll have plenty of time to enjoy with her. It will be wonderful to spend so much time together with her... Constitution told me I might have found 'the one'. Maybe we're meant to be together forever... We can't really get married at this point since we're not technically human, and since we're government property. Being a ship is a hell of a thing.
10 February, 1907 - I took Kentucky out to eat at a fancy restaurant today. She looked beautiful in her dress uniform. Then again, what doesn't she look beautiful in? I feel like I'm falling deeper in love with her every day.
24 March, 1907 - Been a while since my previous entry. Today is Kentucky's launch day. Been taking her out to dinner sometimes, but usually she makes us dinner. Been learning to cook from her recently.
3 April, 1907 - Heading to Jamestown soon. I plan to propose to Kentucky there. We've known each other for a few years and I feel that it's about the right time... It can't be official, some sort of legal mumbo-jumbo about both of us being government property. I don't think it will matter too much, though. We love each other and that's all that really matters.
14 April, 1907 - I'll propose tomorrow. I have no doubt she'll say yes, but I'm still quite nervous. I bought the rings a few days ago.
16 April, 1907 - Probably the happiest day of my life so far. She said yes! Sent letters to my old friends in San Francisco and to Constitution. I won't have much free time while I’m with Kentucky since we’re unofficially married now, but I don’t mind. Every moment I spend with her is a happy one.
29 April, 1907 - I cooked dinner for us tonight. I’m not good at making soup, but she says it’s a good start.
19 May, 1907 - There's a man named Jacob Kingston who's trying to phase us out and scrap us in favor of ships like Dreadnought. The good men of our navy are keeping him at bay, but he's become a threat to us if something happens in the next few years that changes the military world. Unlikely, but it's a bit unsettling that he disregards us as nothing more than machines. It may be what we physically are, but we have hearts. We can love.
9 June, 1907 - Kentucky seems to really enjoy every time I fulfill my marital duty. She insists on doing it more and more now, though it's not like I mind. Each time we make love we get closer to each other.
4 July, 1907 - Went to the fireworks with Kentucky. She decided we should sneak off together to set off some fireworks of our own. It felt good to lay back on the grass with her and watch what was left of the show.
20 July, 1907 - In December, we will sail around the world as a show of American strength, and to make sure the Japanese don't get any ideas. I'll have to leave Kentucky when the time comes, but that will give me time to study the languages of the world while I'm alone with little to do. Kentucky tells me I'm becoming a great cook. I'm proud of my fast learning.
7 August, 1907 - Kingston points to South Carolina and Michigan as beacons for the future of the navy. It’s hard to say he’s wrong. I hope I and my wife may have a place by the sides of this new generation of battleships, but Kingston is determined to phase us out.
1 September, 1907 - Some new 'enhancement' protocol has dictated that Kentucky and the other female shipfolk are to take certain sets of medications to supposedly enhance their performance. This seems suspicious to myself and others, but we really have no say at this point. Why are only the women receiving this treatment? It concerns me more that South Carolina and Michigan won't be receiving this 'enhancement'. They're not complete yet, but this does not curb my suspicion... What's really going on? I will send a letter to Silas to see if he knows what's happening here.
8 September, 1907 - Silas's reply arrived today. Kingston pulled some strings to get this rolled out... Kentucky continues to take this medication. The orders stand, so she must continue. Good soldiers follow orders.
17 September, 1907 - Kentucky carries our child, as evidenced by her belly beginning to swell. I had great hopes for this day to come, and I'm elated to know I shall soon be a father. To our great joy, she's been granted maternity leave until she gives birth. We've already begun our return to harbor. The crew congratulated us, and the admiralty is going to allow us to be married in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. We've come to the decision to continue our service in the Navy, despite that it will sometimes separate us. We were built for this purpose, after all.
25 September, 1907 - Kingston, that foul bastard, has tried to stop Kentucky and I from being married. He says it's not right, not natural, for two warships to be husband and wife. If I ever see him face to face, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind. Silas and the rest of the admiralty keep him at bay, but his connections give him a fighting chance to derail my life.
1 October, 1907 - My wedding day is set to be on the tenth. Many important folks, including the governor of Massachusetts, will be in attendance. Mr. Stephenson, the man who commissioned my construction, is set to attend as well. I suppose this is history in the making.
10 October, 1907 - My uniform is pristine as is my spirit. Kingston is going to be at the wedding, but I will not let that bother me. I must go now, but after this marriage is made official I may write again.
[Memory file 1907.10.10.11:25:34_12:31:16 - Written summary]
Wisconsin walked up the aisle and waited for Kentucky. A smile crossed his face as he saw her, more beautiful than he’d ever seen her before. The bridesmaids were a small group of other Shipgirls, but he didn’t really look at them. Nothing much aside from the ordinary happened until the priest said, “Speak now, or forever hold your peace.” A man stood up close to the front. “I object. Warships cannot be married, they’re not human, but objects. Aside from this, they shall soon be phased out in favor of objectively-“ He wasn’t able to finish as Wisconsin cut him off. He was pissed. “You listen here, Mr. Kingston, I’m a man just as you are, and she’s a woman just as any other! You have no place here if your only aim is to heckle us!” “That’s right, you’ve already made me start takin’ some queer sort of medicine and now you’re messin’ with our weddin’ day!” Kentucky spoke up, similarly irritated as Wisconsin. Kingston got an angry look on his face. “You insolent machines, how dare you speak to me that way? You are but objects of man’s creation, not human beings!” The priest finally spoke up. “Mr. Kingston, if you only intend to antagonize the bride and groom, please take your seat.” Kingston sat back down, now looking agitated. The people around him had no sympathy for his feelings. “Thank you, Father.” Wisconsin and Kentucky give their thanks in turn before the ceremony continues. When it came time, Wisconsin lifted Kentucky’s veil and put his arms around her before kissing her. He was happy, and in that moment there was only joy and hope in his mind. As Wisconsin and Kentucky left the church, Kingston continued heckling them. Wisconsin put a hand on his shoulder and said to him, “You’d best never speak to either of us again,” before punching him in the face. Wisconsin’s punch knocked him to the floor. He yelled about it before a few irritated weddinggoers restrained him and covered his mouth as the happily married couple went on and away from him.
[End Summary]
11 October, 1907 - We’re hosting a wedding party for everyone who came, and we’ve disinvited Kingston. If he shows up, I’ll boot his ass onto the street.
12 October, 1907 - Kingston knew better than to come to the party, but he made a statement to the press about my ‘savage attack’ against him. Everyone knows he’s full of it, but it still aggravates me.
23 October, 1907 - Kentucky went into labor today, even though by all deduction our child shouldn’t be born until January at the earliest. Perhaps shipfolk have a shorter gestation period than humans? That’s hopefully all there is to it. I’m waiting outside the hospital room- it’s not for me to see what happens behind those doors.
27 October, 1907 - I sobbed into Kentucky’s chest for hours over the past few days, all I’ve been able to do was stay by her side... There were complications, and ultimately she miscarried. We would have had a daughter. Kingston’s ‘enhancements’ must have done this. That man will pay for what he’s done to us, sooner or later. If he values his life he’ll never come near me or my wife ever again.
2 November, 1907 - Receiving condolence letters from many people. Admirals, my crew, and a few other ships. Constitution’s deeply saddened by the tragedy that has befallen me.
20 November, 1907 - Kentucky still wants to sail with the Great White Fleet. All we can do is to move forward, I suppose. The enhancement protocol has been recalled and Kingston reprimanded. As much as I’d like to see him hang, there’s no real proof his drug killed my daughter. Even then, I’m sure he’d find some way to get around justice. When given the chance, I will enact my own justice upon him.
3 December, 1907 - I made love to Kentucky for the first time in months. I’m finally beginning to move on, I hope. My love for my wife has only been made stronger through this experience. Perhaps we will one day have another chance to be parents.
7 December, 1907 - Kentucky has returned to her ship, and I along with her. We go about our life together as was normal before, but we still feel the pain of what happened. Kentucky leaves in a week, and I will return to Puget sound to resume my post once she leaves. I don't want to leave her, but I suppose I must. I will treasure these days with her before we part.
14 December, 1907 - I have been taking care of Constitution's sword. It's going to match my paint when I join the Great White Fleet on the second leg of my journey. I will see my sisters soon. Funny that I've never seen them before, I suppose.
16 December, 1907 - Kentucky has departed, and I saw her off with a discreet kiss. It would be a bit indecent to embrace her as passionately as I wished to, so I held back a bit. She looked beautiful in her striking white uniform. The golden trim glimmered in the sun, as did the ships as they left. I sit aboard the yacht Mayflower, to depart soon and return to my ship. President Roosevelt shook my hand, and we talked for a while. He's heard of me before. It's quite an honor to be recognized by him.
24 December, 1907 - I'm spending my Christmas in New York. Times Square is quite a place. Lady Liberty has turned from her beautiful shine, which I've only seen in illustrations, to a light green. The French sure know how to build a statue.
5 January, 1908 - Had drinks with some sailors on leave. It felt nice to forget about all my troubles for a while. I'm getting on a few trains, might do some sketches of the scenery on the way to my ship. Already missing Kentucky a little bit. She's in Chile today, I hope it's a nice place to be.
4 February, 1908 - Haven’t written in some time. Kentucky is doing alright, from what I hear. It’s kind of funny that she’s in a squadron with both of her sisters-in-law. I wonder how they’re getting along? Illinois and Alabama said they like her a lot when I saw them. Today I got a letter from Constitution. I continue to keep the cutlass in good condition. I practice at least once a week in a secluded spot near my dry dock.
16 February, 1908 - I've begun learning Japanese. It keeps me busy. A few Japanese immigrants have agreed to assist me in learning their language and a few of their customs. I hope to be able to hold a conversation by the time my overhaul is finished.
6 March, 1908 - I'm being recommissioned on April 1st. Not much time, but with how fast I learned my swordsmanship, I should be able to get at least an understanding of the language.
16 March, 1908 - I had a short conversation in Japanese today. I can't understand a whole lot, but I can at least get an idea of what they're saying.
25 March, 1908 - Had Sake today. It’s a Japanese sort of alcohol. Not as good as the pure American stuff. Don’t know if anything’s going to top Kentucky’s home brewed moonshine for me. I think I remember a time when I was against drinking alcohol, but now I see it as a way to socialize and have a good time. Nothing wrong with a little social drinking.
1 April, 1908 - Recommissioned today. No more spirits for me until I’m on leave or temporarily decommissioned again. I will soon be busy again. Time to see if I’m still sharp.
 
[Post Statement; remarks and reflections]
This is only the first ten years of his life, out of over 120. It's interesting most of his writings from this time were in 1907. The next section of his journal will likely take us another ten years. He always told me about the war, how he had to kill without remorse... I suppuse when I replay his memories I'll see everything he told me. ~Berlin
[End Post Statement]