Chief Engineer's Office,

U. S. Navy Yard, Mare Island, Cal.,

March 24 1883

 

Dear Alice,

                        I write this to you in case I should decide to telegraph to Mama to meet me in New York, as I think likely. I shall leave here Monday morning for San Francisco to get my ticket, &c, & leave there at 3:30 afternoon get to New York if all is well by following Sunday evening Ap 1^st I want to remain in N.Y. one day or so, then come on to Worcester.

 

            The Herald of the 15^th came this a.m. with my orders in. I suppose you would be surprised to see them, and as glad as I was. I was afraid there might be a mistake when I first got Mama's / telegram, as there had not been any thing in the papers here, but right afterwards came the news to the Yard. I am glad enough I can tell you to get clear of the Mexican coast, say nothing of duty in Washington.

 

I think I shall telegraph Mama to meet me in Washin New York, then after a day there come on to Worcester for two or three days, then return to Washington & see what duty there is there for me. It may be in Washington, & again it might be elsewhere, so I have no plans. I was in hopes that they would let me wait orders for 3 months or so, but as there are so many on waiting orders who want duty & can't / get it I suppose I ought to be thankful. I shan't feel much like work for a while I can tell you.

 

            I was down to the city yesterday to secure sleeping car berth, and hunt up the Capt. shall have to finish packing tomorrow so as to get away by the 7:45 boat Monday a.m.

 

            I hope you will all keep well. Am awfully anxious to see you all. Remember me to Cousin Henry & family, Uncle George & Aunt Anna, Grandma & everybody.

                                                                                               

Lots of love,

Papa.

 

Hope the box of shells came all right.

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