Entry in serial letter to Henry from his mother November 7, 1907

Nov. 7 – We have had word through “The Press” that you had arrived at “Rio” – and would remain until the 10^th so we can be thinking what you will be seeing and imagine what you are doing.  Anna is getting stars every day it reminds me of you so much.  She is also learning to do the dishes, does them nicely, the other day I gathered them together for her and went to lie down and she had everything done as orderly as I could & she had two small stew pans and the little frying-pan.  Of course there were just she & I for dinner, but she has been washing them for me and I dry them.  We have Miss Reeser with us now a lady who sewed for me when I was married, she was doing some sewing and when she found I was looking for help she offered to come.

I am trying to get something to you for Christmas – if you do not get it for that time I know we can be sure you will get more at San Francisco.  We are doing the best we can find out to get you something at Callao – if only this reaches you.  Of course we could send to “Frisco” now but that you would hardly get until you reached there. 

We read in the sketch in “The Press” there were 200 men off the ships the first day seeing the sights.  I wondered so much if you were among them.  So many people when away from home do things and go places in the way of sight-seeing, they would not begin to do at home.  I know you are too much of a man like your father to do this.  Keep yourself a clean, pure man like your father has always been and you will have your reward. 

We had a very stormy day and it always makes me think of the ocean in a storm.

We have not received the pictures yet, Mr. S. was away for a while and then when Papa called they were not done.  The proofs were fine, only the one in the uniform was a little smaller than I thought it would be, but it could not be better.  I have your ribbon hanging over our group picture.

When you get a chance send Charles Wagner a postal.  It will be greatly appreciated I know.  Anna was much pleased with her kisses, Oh! Yes!  She would like me to get her a blue tam & put your band on it.  I think I will in the spring.  Her sailor suit is lovely and she looks so nice in it.  How I wish this poor paper could tell you my heart’s love and desire – I can only trust and pray for you and I think there is no hour in the day or night when I am awake but that my heart goes out in prayer.  God bless and keep you.

- Mother