Hotel Imperial, New York City,
Thursday, Aug. 6, 1914.
Dear Mamma:
Well, Paul and I are sailing on the American liner, St. Paul, to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock. We would have gone by home to see you and explain things if there had been time. But we had to do some hurrying to catch this boat and it was practically our only safe chance. It is the only boat leaving here in two weeks time flying the U. S. flag and we did not want to wait two weeks.
I don’t want you to worry or feel bad. You have always told me that you wanted me to live my life without interference and this opportunity is one that only comes once in a lifetime. I would not have come with Paul if I had not felt it was really a great opportunity.
We stopped off in Washington to-day and got our passports. We also carry letters of introduction to Hon. Walter Page, Ambassador to Great Britain, and to Stovall, Ambassador to Switzerland. He used to spend much time at Kenilworth Inn and you probably know him. We are due to arrive in Southampton and from there will go across to Paris.
You know I have always been a great dreamer and I just couldn’t keep myself from this trip, for I felt the call of opportunity. Youhave always said you had great faith in my future and now is the time for you to prove it, by not worrying about me. I will write you often, but of course the mails will be uncertain. You can write me in care of the U. S. Embassy in Paris.
My actions have often appeared as if I didn’t care about you and the rest of the family, but it isn’t that way. It is just that I must and will live my life as I think best even though I am often mistaken.
I am completely tired out and have many things to think about and can’t write you a good letter to-night. My only anxiety is that you will worry too much and I ask you please not to do that.
Very much love, Kiffin.
