1861

My dearest Cecilia,

I suppose [Drs?] has given you a faithful account of our drive down. I felt very lonely coming down and could scarcely keep from crying. Captin Spencer is very kind to me he actually made my bed himself on two sofas placed together. We have just finished dinner [L'ascelles] is the only officer present. The band has been playing the whole of dinner time which made me very homesick and lonely. Would you kindly tell Mrs. Irvine to move all the clothes off the beds and fold the blankets. Also please tell her not to forget my journal which I told her about - she must be sure to destroy it. Captn. Spencer is talking of manning his boat with the officers tomorrow when we go off to the "Panama". I am to steer I believe. Give them all my fondest love and kisses. Tell dear Papa & Mama that I will write to them from Portland. Tell Agnes she must not forget to send me her wedding cards.

How I should like to be with you this evening to speak to you all once more. I am obliged to keep away my tears as well as I can as I should not like these two to see my cry. We are going down by & bye to call on the wardroom to pay them a farewell visit. With fondest love.

I remain your loving sister

Jane.