Monrovia, Liberia

March 5, 1934

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We have only tropical fruits here and we eat only chicken and fish. Once a month we have fresh provisions sent down from Liverpool - steaks, chops, celery, carrots, butter, cheese, etc. These provisions come in the English mail!

On Saturday I tried to make some oatmeal cookies, rather I gave my boy a bowl and I read the directions to him. They would have been good only we didn't bake them quite long enough so they were a bit soft on the bottom; but next time they will be baked longer.

I just got in from the Club, McVay. The American Consul and a Dutch chap were playing tournament tennis. The Consul won easily because he is good, much too good for anyone in Liberia.

The other day I was walking down past the President's mansion with my boy when a guard motioned us away. The boy crossed the street and said, "Massa, you can't go there" but I kept on and it was all right. I guess my boy could not pass because he was carrying a package for me. The package carrying thing is funny. A white man never carries anything except his tennis racket, a boy always goes along.

Down on the waterside today I saw a baby clutching its mother's breast and seemingly enjoying its rations just as though the mother wasn't swinging it about as she walked.