U. S. M. S. St. Paul,
August 14, 1914.
Dear Mamma:
We are now in the Irish Channel and expect to arrive in Liverpool at six o’clock this evening. We do not go to Southampton as the English Channel is closed.
I have spent a week of absolute rest, thinking neither of the past nor the future. Paul and I both feel the best we have in years and I think I have gained at least two pounds. We have enjoyed the trip. There is certainly a cosmopolitan bunch on board. Here are a few of them: the Duchess of Marlborough; two or three Lords; several Ladies and a few Knights; several U. S. army officers, including two generals, Col. Samuel Reber, chief of the aviation department of the U. S. Army (whom Paul and I have grown to know well); Dr. Seaman, a famous U. S. army surgeon; Irvin S. Cobb, and Will Irwin. There is also one De Besa, who calls himself a Brazilian count and has been dabbling in Mexican politics for several years and was on President Madera’s staff. He is a 33rd degree Mason, has traveled all over the world and speaks several languages. Everyone has him down as a faker, but he is certainly most interesting to talk to. Then there is a Hungarian officer in the Red Cross who wants to get back to his country. I suspect him of being a spy. He is of the better class and has lived in all the great cities of the world, speaks fluently five languages. There are French and English reservists and adventurers of all description, and several war correspondents. So you can see we have had something to keep us entertained.
The first three days out were fine; since then it has been rough. Monday morning we sighted an iceberg and it became rather cold. Later in the day we ran into a storm which lasted for two days and at least two thirds of the people were seasick. Paul and I, however, are good sailors and did not feel the effects.
Wednesday, we passed a British warship which caused a little excitement at first.
Night before last we had a mock trial and Irvin Cobb was presiding judge. Last night, we had a concert given for the benefit of the widows and orphans of seamen.
Paul and I will probably spend to-night in Liverpool and go to London to-morrow, where we’d like to spend a week before going on to Paris.
I hope you will realize that this is best for us both and will not worry.
Love to you and Agnes,
Kiffin