11/25/16 -- Jacksonville, Fla.
U.S.E.D. Barnard.

My Dear Merie-

Both of your letters reached me all right. Glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip to the grape country.

The last that I heard from home, which was some five or six days ago, was that Father was mending. I think he will get along all right. I would not think it necessary for you to come down. However you may if you think best. This of course is only my version of it. Mother might think it worth while. I know she needs a rest. and what is more she deserves one for her lot has not been easy but there has been a good many harder

I had hoped to be able to send her up there in the spring.

You had better ask the folks about [coming]. They will know better than I. It is true that Art could leave if you came which would ease up a little on me but I am of the [opinion] that we will pull thro[sic] heads-up.

At present I am only [making] $25 per month and [expenses]. I should better that soon. [Living] [expenses] are very high here and wages not so much. It is possible that I may come north in the spring. I surely will not stay here. If I keep this job I will be here at least a month, perhaps

more.

I am messman aboard the U.S. dredge Barnard. I get good feed which is quite an item.

Regarding yourself, I am glad you have some Bevins pride. Mother has been pretty brave but she makes a big mistake when she writes that stuff up there. Keep away from the Fishes is a good policy. What they [don't] know [don't] hurt them.

Consider well what you do and remember that you are a Bevins

and that these are some more who have guts enough to tell the world to go to hell! I [haven't] roughed it for the past three years without learning a little myself. [Don't] do anything that a Bevins [wouldn't] be proud of.

Ellesworth may be all right. Far ahead of Geo[.] I have no doubt but [Shakespeare] said "It is a fool that makes the same mistake twice." I am trying to make something of myself as well as help the folks. A good Family name helps wonderfully with some people. They do not all look at these things like I do. I live in the present and take people as I find them but some are not

fair enough to see things as clearly. I believe you share my views. I am living among a rough bunch -- drunks and libertines but that [doesn't] make me so [inclined]. I glory in the fact that I am above that.

I might also add that there is a certain little girl who has a little to do with it. I am something of a woman-hater so [don't] think that I mean this will result in a wedding. It is sort of nice to have a [guardian] [angel] watching you.

I regret that I have no pictures of the dogs[.] I would very much like to have Ellsworth see them. They are not doing so well as deer hounds but I do not believe they can be beat for rabbits. I miss the woods and its charms here on the boat.

You need have no fear that I will not understand any confidences that you may let me know of. I would [prefer] to know how you

are getting along. I am not built like mother in that respect. Yet there are some things that it is best to keep your own counsel about. [Discretion] goes a long way with me.

I hope I have made myself plain. I believe you will understand.

We are to have a turkey dinner Thanksgiving day. I will tell you about it after it has been prepared and eaten. I wish we could eat together on that date[.]

I can think of nothing more worthy of [relating] so give my regards to all that you think [interested].

Always The Same
Your Bro Algy