"Ranger", Acapulco,

Dec 23 – 1882.

 

Dear Alice,

                        I hope you will have a merry Xmas & happy New Year when they arrive. I send this via Vera Cruz, hope it will reach you. I don't know what you intended to do about the skates when you went to the rink. If you can hire them, as they sometimes do, you had better do so. A good pair cost 10 to 12 $ and it is too much to pay just now.

 

            We leave here some day next week for San Francisco, I think, under sail, and it may take us anywhere from 7 to 10 weeks. So you won't hear from me for long time after we leave here. There will be a hungry crowd on board here when we reach San Francisco. I am glad you like the school, and are getting along so well, but I should not like to have sit still so long without speaking myself. I cant send any money from here, but am writing F Eames to send some, so, tell Mama to let you hire skates / if it can be done. The weather is very warm here, but much pleasanter than below & then we have cool nights. I think Mama had better decide about money matters, how to earn, &c., you & Frank. I don't know, and it takes so long to reach you.

 

            I hope you are all well, I am first rate.

 

            I send another letter by the steamer that leaves here by 10^th Jany, will reach you about 23 or 24 of Jany. Just send this to mention about the skates.

 

            Goodbye, much love for all, wish I could spend the holidays with you.

 

            Tell Frank I will write him as we sail home to San Francisco, Cracks: I don't know how I shall pass time away 'till 1^st March on board here, Goodbye,            Papa.

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