December 23, 1917
Somewhere?

Dear Father

Only two days until Christmas and we will be spending it in port. Up until a few days ago it looked like we might be at sea which was something none of us fancied but it happened that things are turning out all right. I don't know when you will get this tho[sic] I believe it should reach you in a month, I hope sooner.

I am enclosing two ten spots, same being part of October pay which is [the] last we received so far. I had meant to send this before, in fact I had it in a letter all ready to send but did not get it posted in time to go off on the mail before the ship sailed. We have made arrangements to have part of our pay allotted so you will get it direct which will save all this delay. I hope you get this all right and am sorry it [didn't] get away before. I am also enclosing a picture of Art and I taken aboard. We will have some more soon I hope, that is if they turn out well.

Again let me say that we have had no letters from you for the last three months. Try and make up for the delay will you for we are getting quite anxious

We are right in mid winter now and I seem to notice the cold, which is not extreme, more than I used to in the severe winters in the north. Guess it's because I'm used to the Florida climate. I am enjoying it very much even tho[sic] I find it a bit uncomfortable. We had some rough weather at sea while coming here but we have a fine little sea boat and did not mind it much. The Tampa is "right there" when it comes to rough water. I don't know much about ships but I believe I'm on as good a one as [you'll] be apt to find for seagoing qualities anywhere.

Guess I'll ramble along on something else now[.] We should get a fair dinner for Christmas I believe. We had a very good one on Thanksgiving day[.] The food question is becoming [?] [serious] in England. It is not uncommon t[?] a line of several hundred [?]ple [perhaps] thousands st[?] in the cold waiting their turn at the markets. They call these lines queues. Some articles such as butter and sugar are very scarce. I hope you are getting along fairly well down there tho[sic] I believe there are some foods which are scarce in the States.

Tell Sis to be sure and write me. I have written to her but they [don't] seem to get through else I'd have had an answer.

The same as ever
Your Boy,
Algy