USS Tampa. Aug. 30, '18.

My Dear Mother:-

At last after the elapse of five months I have heard from you direct. One letter to us was enclosed in one from Sis sometime ago. So far we have had none from Dad but have just received a letter from Gladys which gave me his address, you overlooked it in yours. [I'll] [lose] no time in writing him because Art and I are quite in the dark regarding the plans and arrangements you all have made toward the development of the homestead.

I am glad you are well and that you still live in the little old shack. That little hut has a charm to me that I hold very dear. [Don't] let any of my things get rusty or roach eaten if you can help it. Try and keep a little oil on the guns [especially] the pistol and do not be backward about using it if the occasion arises tho[sic] there is little fear. My faith in the niggers is

so little that being prepared is the only way to ensure safety, I'd like to see Wanda again. Wonder if she would know me? You had better put a little oil on my drawing instruments not much only a thin film to prevent the points from corroding. I reckon all these suggestions are unnecessary because I know you will look after the things.

Tell me all about the things that concern the place because I cannot get that information from any other source like I can the town gossip. Let us know of all the details and [don't] attempt anything with out first consulting us. You know Dad is apt to over reach himself unless held in check. Here are a few of the things I'd like to be informed about - How many of our allotments have you received to date? What is the value[circled] amount[written above value] of our insurance policy? Are the notes [against] the place which are due in September met yet? Have the taxes been

taken care of? Also be sure to state is things are going right[.] You say so little about these things that I am a little anxious as to [whether] [everything] is going well.

Art and I are both well and following the usual routine. There is little to say about us other than that because word of our movements or the happenings over here are forbidden.

I write to Aunt Rose [occasionally] and ventured a couple to Aunt Deal but have had no reply from her. I presume they were sent to the bottom along with some of the others.

I often think of the time Art and I said goodbye to you and have always regretted the mistake we made which caused us to leave a day too soon. It was rather a sad parting but our next meeting will be all the happier I hope. I'd like mighty well to enjoy a good cow pea dinner again. We had sweet potatoes

for supper tonight and I could but recall the ones we used to raise. Have you still got the bees on the place and is Biddy taking care of it now.

This must suffice until the next. As ever your affectionate son.

Algy.

Address letters thus -

Algy K Bevins, W.T.
U.S.S. Tampa
c/o Postmaster N.Y.