This is a letter from Fred Bowes, however the final page or pages are missing.

My dearest Mother and folks,

You asked me to describe my ocean trip but I guess I have done that to the best of my ability. It was pretty rough all right. At times the waves would come right over the deck but it didn’t seem so very rough as the ship was so big. When we came around the north of Ireland it sure looked good. Just one solid mass of green. We came quite close to it at times and say I can’t describe it but it sure looked fine. We had a very narrow escape from submarines. I hear a ship was sunk just three hours later than when we passed.

It’s Christmas Eve but I don’t think I will hang up my stocking as the chimney is too small for Santa Claus to get down. I haven’t received your parcel as yet but expect something before long and cake and stuff of that sort will sure taste good as the grub they dish up here would kill a hound dog.