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August 16, 1918
U.S.S. Tampa
U.S. Naval Forces, Europe.
c/o of Post Master N.Y. City.

Dear Sister:-

Really I am in no mood to write but I have put it off too long already and rather than lengthen the delay [I'll] ramble along some how.

I have had no letters from you since the one which enclosed one of [mother's]. I presume some of both yours and hers are on the way now. I haven't written home for about a month because I do not know their new address and because I am tired of chancing them to the old one - too many have already gone astray. [I'll] not attempt to say much here for I'm saving the things in which we are both so concerned until I get back. I don't want to hold out any false

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hopes so don't look for me right away yet from the way things look right now I ought to be homeward bound within the next two months, possibly sooner and possibly later but I refuse to consider the later. Now do not be in a great hurry about going to Dixie. Put it off until the first of November if you can do so without [inconvenience] and it is quite [probable] that we can make the arrangements [verbally]. With this hope in mind I will not go into any details other the transportation of your stock. It is folly to accompany them yourself and possibly to take them all. I am confident that I could convince you of the soundness of this statement if we could go over it together. There are a number of things that also need our personal attention but the most important of all is the management of the place and home. Be assured

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that you have no small ordeal before you. Father's eccentric efforts need a guiding hand and can only be shaped in order by diplomacy. I ought to [dwell] on that rather extensively because if you will pardon the frankness I'll say that you must [cultivate] tact. A [fiery] temper will surely ruin our plans so be careful. Then there is the financial end but I'll let that wait because I am not sure of the best course to [pursue] but this is a certainty Art and I will make no contributions that are to be expended without our approval. All of the arrangement of things I'll leave until I get back.

What are you doing now? And how is your health? You told me very little about yourself in your last letter. You'll [probably] put the same question to me but its the same old answer I don't dare mention any of our happenings because the [censor] might destroy

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the whole epistle and it has been an effort not meant for [destruction].

Art and I are both well and making the most of our opportunities. It is possible we both will come back together but uncertain. Of course we'll not be out long. No draft for us.

Tell mother of our correct address if she [hasn't] it and let us know her's. I have written to Aunt Deal twice but have no reply. It's li[?] they went down with some of the others.

Regards to Ellsworth & Geo. Best wishes to you. Your loving brother.

Algy K. Bevins

A.K. Bevins
U.S. Naval Forces, Europe

Mrs. Merie Rieck,
Titusville, Penna.
R.F.D. #1.

CENSORED [initials]
U.S. NAVAL FORCES EUR[OPE]