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Acknowledgments The project of compiling the historic narrative of USS Saginaw has stretched slowly over the last six years; this account was written on various weekends, certain vacation days, and after work hours. During that time, I have had the personal pleasure of seeking out the details of Saginaw ’s story that only those who have become completely obsessed with historical research can know. It is always exciting to come across shipboard events associated with great moments in history, with rebellions and wars and action at sea. But who is also excited about the other parts of the narrative? Who turns the pages of the logbook to read more about the 75 pounds of salted pork coming on board for the crew’s mess? Or the surgeon’s mustard plasters and opium pills? Or the pickles and soap brushes and tar and shoes and the hundreds of other smaller items carried abroad, the minor comforts on a vast ocean? Only those afflicted with an unexplainable urge—and granted the opportunity one way or another to indulge themselves in the historical narrative—do this work willingly. If it’s that enjoyable, it simply cannot be a chore. During the past six years, I have had the pleasure to work with and learn from a number of special people, only a few of whom I can briefly acknowledge here: Rebecca Livingston, reference archivist at the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C., for her insight into the Naval Records Collection; Robert Schwemmer, maritime heritage coordinator for NOAA’s Office of Marine Sanctuaries West Coast Region, for his unceasing assistance with online research; Paul Nitchman, fellow Saginaw researcher, for his complete dedication to detail, his knowledge of the tragedy on Kauài and his review of this manuscript; Dr. William Dudley, former director of the Naval Historical Center, for his support of the initial wreck-site survey; Bill Crozier, for information about his grandfather Arthur H. Parsons, ensign on board xiv u Acknowledgments USS Saginaw; fellow divers on the 2003 shipwreck survey team, Kelly Gleason, Tony Sarabia, Brad Rodgers, Don Moses, and Andy Lydecker; fellow divers on the 2006 shipwreck survey team, Lindsey Thomas, Kelly Gleason, Tane Casserley, Brenda Altmeier, and Robert Schwemmer; and, finally, Dr. William N. Still Jr., for his consistent and unfailing outspoken and unspoken encouragement in all this historical business. ...

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