5-26-'17.
U.S.S. Tampa, Key West, Fla.

Dear Sis--

Your decision has more than pleased me and I am glad to say that I am or I should say Art. and I are in a position to take care of the [expenses] provided you do not start for another month yet. Now I do not know what stock you have in mind to ship or what things you will bring with you so cannot tell just to what extent you will draw on us. Here is our position.

We are [making] $38.40 per month each but have to have a

few dollars for [expenses]. We can part with 30 dollars apiece very nicely but have to send the folks half of that so we can only spare you 30 this month. That will bring you here but it would ship very little stock and I doubt very much if it is [advisable] to ship any at all because freight rates are out of reach nearly. Look into that before you decide.

It would be a good plan to give me a detailed list of the things you wish to bring also advise me as to when you will come and how you are going to travel.

I do not believe you need come before fall unless you [prefer] tho[sic] I will be relieved of a load

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of anxiety when you arrive. Of course I realize the position you are in and do not think you can be fair to yourself and waste any more time on the Kiser[sic]. However if you can see an advantage in staying the summer out I am sure we can get along. Let me know what plans you have.

Now as to your method of travel. Let me suggest a sea passage. I think you would enjoy one and it can be had I believe for about the same rate. This is second class and would mean a sea trip from [Philadelphia] or Baltimore to Jacksonville Fla. I have a steamer trunk at home which I could send you if necessary[.]

Second class while not equal to first is a very good mode of travel and is used by a great many people of better means than you or I. I can arrange the trip for you so as to relieve you of the bother and I am sure you will be pleased with it. What do you say?

It is a thot[sic] [coincidence] that has occurred for I was about to suggest the move you have [decided] to adopt. I had already suggested it to Art. and he was for it. It will give you a chance to [recuperate] and [perhaps] to get more of your [heritage]. Happiness.

You may not like it because you will not find many people handy out on the

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homestead. It holds a good many charms for me and it is very easy to get a little social whirl when one feels the lure.

If you like the outdoors and I know you do, [you'll] get along fine. And then if you do not find things to your [liking], you and I can take a crack at something else when I get released.

There is very little chance of being able to see you because we never know when or where or how long we will be out to sea. We are I believe about to go to Charlestown[sic] S.C. and will be gone a couple of months [perhaps]? We know nothing about it ? ? ? [I'll] let you know later because I can get some sort of an idea

after we get to our destination which I believe is drydock for repairs. This will mean some little time away from K.W.

Tomorrow is Sunday but we have to "turn to" for a change, so [I'll] let this suffice for now. If there is any thing I can do: any information I can give [?] get let me know and I'll do my best.

Good Night--
As Ever Bro. Algy

P.S. Just a photo to keep my [physiognomy] familiar. Taken in March while in Jax on the Barnard.

Al Knox