will write

Alice in a day

or two, Papa.

 

U.S.S. "Ranger".                                

Mare Isld Navy Yard,            

Cal. March 27 - 1881.

 

Dear Frank.

            Your letter of the 6^th I was very glad to receive, and to hear of your doing so well at school. You will know and learn so much while I am away that I wont be able to help you any or Alice either by the time I get back. I hope you will both keep well. Have you found any playmates yet?

 

            We have a man on the "Ranger" here, who was on the "Tuscarora" last cruise, and who fights the sharks. When they go in small boats they sometimes get into the surf and one capsized, so they generally have the boat crews of men from Sandwich Islands. Well, this one always carries a dirk or large knife, and as the water is full of sharks / so when this man is in the water he is not afraid of them, but goes for a shark, dives under them and stabs them. He has killed a lot of them. I am afraid I shan't be able to get you any business cards. I was thinking of going down on Tuesday next to S.F. but I have a good many things to do, and may not go.

 

            Tell Mama when she writes after this to address to "Ranger", care of Navy Agent, San Francisco. Cal.

 

            Remember me to Grandma, Aunt Ellen, Maude, Henry & John, & tell Mama to remember me to Mrs Ayers & Silla.

 

            And when you write to the Gaggins in Erie remember me to them too.

 

            One of these cards is for George. Remember to Mr & Mrs Shumway

                                               

Much love from Papa.

SOURCES