Dear Sister.

     I have but a few moments to write. As we will probably go to sea some time to day. Maby in two hours. and it might be six hours. Cant say. The mail Steamer arrived last evening 5 1/2 o'clock. Three letters was handed me this morning. One from father & Irene, [i.e., the author's sister, Irene Pugh (b. c1849)] (Date June 30th). One from Billy Read, date July 11t, & one from Cousin Ettie, date July 1st. They were all gladly rec^d. I suppose you wont know what to think of my letters, of late. As I say in some, not to direct any more, here And then again I write to direct here. Well so it is. there is so much talk about when wer' going, to where we'r going, one cant beleive half of what is said. But I did hear for a fact, that we'r going to Mexico.

when we leave this. Anyhow you might Still direct to this place, until further orders. We commenced coaling ship yesterday. got through this morning. Weather very hot. I cant say whether the Steamer we brought in, as a prize, (I mentioned in a former letter) will be condemned or not. it Seems doubtful. If she was at N. York, I am pretty shure she would. Keep a lookout in the papers and see if there is anything said about the one we sent to Boston. Brig, Model [properly, the English brig Lilla], of Boston. The one we brought in loaded with coal [i.e., the Model], was not condemned. but I truly think, she should have been. She has gone to sea again. I mailed a letter to Ettie day befor yesterday. Also one to you. I wish you wouldn't mention the good things you have at home, to eat, unless you send some it only makes me feel bad. Ettie says the darkest hours are just before dawn. Therefore I hope to get clear of this, ere long.

From your affectionate brother
John.

P.S. I think I wil have to stop writing on the back of my letters, from U.S.S. Quaker City.