U.S.S. "Michigan".                

Detroit. Mich.            

August 29 – 1878.

 

Dear Alice,

                        Your letter reached me at Sarnia yesterday, with Frank's and Mama's. Was glad you had a ride with M^rs Spaulding's party. I wish we were home so we could have the steam launch to go to the "head", or to the "Big bend", I am afraid we won't be able to go out much with it.

 

            Was glad also you managed to get those teeth out.

 

            You say George pouts because he can't have everything he wants, of course, he ought to pout if he can't get all he wants to. I would do the same, if I was in his place. /

 

            We arrived here this morning, & expected to find M^rs Hayward here, but Capt did not find her yet. If she was here the Capt expected to leave Friday night & then we would get home on Saturday night, but he may change his mind now. Tell Mama I will drop a postal card Friday soon as I find out sure when we will leave.

 

            You don't seem to have many plums on your tree, do the robins come & peck them off?

 

            The Capt has got a great big dog, a Newfoundland I think. it is quite young, and plays with the men on deck.

 

            We had an awful gale last Saturday night just after we left Chicago, until about / Sunday noon. While the wind was blowing, a little bird, not much bigger than my thumb came on board and sat first on M^r Canaga's knee, then M^r Bowyers shoulder, he stop'd on the ship for a long time, picking up the spiders out of the ropes, and sails. It left us just before we got to Sarnia.

 

            M^r Magee often asks me if you have written me, how you and Frank & people are. The sweet little Alice, the darling Frank, and the handsome little baby.

 

            I am afraid you will be going in too far when you go bathing.

 

            Kiss Frank, Mama & the baby for me, & I will say good night to my pet

                                                                       

from                Papa

SOURCES