At Sea
Dear Folks,
I imagined there would be times when I couldn’t write often and this is sure it. I should and could have written you sooner but I guess there wouldn’t have been much point in it anyway. Even this won’t be sent out till we land.
Boy our stay was sure brief at the last place. I feel lucky to have written you just one letter from there. I didn’t expect to leave so soon but it’s the real thing now. You might think that on the boat ride would be the ideal time to catch up with your sleeping, reading, etc. but even that doesn’t work out.
There are lots of jobs that have to be done and, of course, our company would have to get one of these. And if that’s not enough excuse for writing, I’ve been so seasick that it’s not funny. It makes me feel about like I was perpetually coming out from under the effects of ether. The wobbly way this letter is written will bear witness to that fact.
After so long a time they say you get over this but right now I wouldn’t make much of a sailor. Eating has just about been out of the question for me that last day or so. If this continues solid ground is going to look mighty good to me. I’ll never be able to say now that I haven’t seen the ocean. I’ve seen plenty of it.
Next time you see me, remind me to tell you the name of this ship. I don’t suppose I’ll be able to tell you before then. When you do find out it’ll surprise you as much as it did me.
From now on I expect a good bit of our corresponding will be by V-mail. You can’t put a whole lot on them but at least for me I expect they’ll hold enough. We’ll also have to see how air-mail works.
Well this has been a little starter of a letter and maybe I can have more to say next time. What I haven’t said will have to go unsaid. I’ll be glad to start getting mail once more. I hope you have continued to write.
God bless you all. Love, Donald