Steam.....continued.

Letter to Master Edward Sart from Jonathan Kenneth Sart

May 18, 1901

Dear Edward,

            I hope that this letter finds you in good spirits and that your studies are progressing well.  As promised, I am writing you from the ship.  She is still moored and on solid ground but as you might imagine we shall be aloft soon.  I know you are eager to hear of my amazing adventures on the streets of New York, but I must confess that my work as kept me in doors for most of my days.  The life of law clerk is I’m afraid not very exciting, I would hope that upon my passage of the test that I would have more time to visit my adopted city. 

            I must admit that I am a bit out of sorts to be on one of these ships, don’t tell mother I am nervous as I’m sure the stress will do no good for her heart.  The craft is wooden, but otherwise unremarkable.  I believe one of the smaller of her kind, from stem to stern she is about 25 yards and across past ten.  She is decked with the finest brass and teak, or so I’m told and can travel many knots by either boiler or sail.  The smoke stack is quite pronounced and glistens in the noon day sun and the main mast is easily ten stories tall.  I wonder what kind of man could put himself up that pole without losing his wits?

The quarters are more than adequate as I have spent many months in the cubbyhole of an office.  I have a bed, a writing desk, and porthole to call my own, far more I’m sure than the crew receives. I have not had the chance to meet Captain or crew in earnest but from what I have glimpsed they are sound good men able to make this journey with no qualms. 

What adventure awaits me I know not, but I am truly happy that Mr. Sutton charged me with the responsibility of finding the heir to the estate.  I did not know what to think when I was picked for the assignment only that some mistake must have been made, but to my good fortune it appears that no other clerk in Mr. Sutton’s employ readily accepted the task or appreciated the chances it might bring.  If I do well, the Maker willing, upon my return I am sure to reap great rewards. 

I will write again when we have lifted away,

                                                     With much love, your brother

                                                                               J.K. Sart.