Somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean. A stormy Afternoon.
Letter No. 1
My dear mother,
Have just returned to deck from lunch and feels that it behooves me to write to you. I haven't kept a diary on the boat as I thought of doing as each day id very like the preceding-ups at 8 o'clock with breakfast at 8:45, a walk on deck and the rest in the steamer chair until boat drill around ten o'clock. Our life preservers have been with us since leaving port and woe to the one who moves a foot without his or hers. Luncheon at one, music by the band at two for an hour or more, tea and wafers served on deck, then boat drill again about five. Dinner at seven. I usually spend the evening playing bridge and the rest of the time reading wrapped up on the deck chair, or up on the sen deck in the breeze. I am proving a very good sailor as in fact are most of us. As Fan will tell you this is a very steady boat and we have had quite smooth sea. Have had three square meals a day and only parted with one-the sea being quite choppy one evening. Many were indisposed for twenty-four hours and after that feeling fine again.
It is chilly and raining today and the boat rolls considerably-the horizon appearing and disappearing from view, but as long as I do not watch it I am not affected.
It is by far (so far) the pleasantest ocean trip I have had. Everybody happy and ready for a good time.
Attended service twice on Sunday. In the morning the Church of England Service read by the Purser and the Doctor, and in the afternoon YMCA Services. We lack a Chaplain as our men are not with us.
There is a Miss Wenck from Richmond (twenty miles from St. Cloud) in our unit. Dr. Lewis mentioned her last winter. She started her training at St. Raphaels and finished it in Chicago.
Have seen no one I know, but am wondering if Otto and Charlie may not be near by.
O thought of you Saturday as all being home again for the summer. I wonder if Uncle has heard from Joe. Very much doubt if I will have the opportunity of seeing anyone I know.
The band has not appeared possibly due to weather, or they may need rest after the two hour program music, singing, recitations of yesterday afternoon in the dining salon.
Haven't been at all nervous or anxious yet-but the worst is yet to come. Hope you haven't been worrying. Expect you heard from either Uncle or Miss Newboldt.
I think of nothing more to tell you that may be written. Love to all.
Affectionately, Jane.
Emily J. Mosford A.N.C.
US Army Base Hospital No. 26
AEF via New York
Letter received in Clear Lake July 6th, 1918.