Letter home.
My Own Dear Sophie,
Nearly three weeks into this long voyage of ours and I find myself with moments to spare for writing at last. The necessary preparations have been tedious and filled with interminable paperwork. You know, My Dearest, how the paperwork is so often beyond my patience. It is my hope that the rewards of this voyage will be worth more to me than the frustration of columns of numbers and lists of ship's stores.
The South Seas have thus far been only a fantasy for most of the men, as for myself. My good Stephen is most excited of any for the chance to spy a bird or beast he has only seen in his books. I find his curiosity contagious and find that from time to time my mind wanders to what might await us.
My steward came to me after unpacking my dunnage and presented me with a packet of papers he had found in the bottom of my chest. Imagine my surprise, Dearest, when I found new music and a note in your hand. So many of the lovely pieces I mentioned to you and some I have not even heard. I have made mention of them to Stephen. His eyes grew quite bright and I know he treasures the idea of long evenings bent over our instruments. The doctor promises me that in thanks for your thoughtfulness his first discovery of unknown plant, animal, or bird shall be named for you.
Though I love the sea above all things, my lovely girls excepted, the nights grow long and quiet. The chance to liven our hearts with evenings full of new music is indeed a treasure. Let Stephen keep his beasties and strange bugs, for me the new note, the undiscovered tune, that is a voyage into the unknown. I know the men complain over our playing from time to time but surely there will be something to lift every man's heart in this treasure trove you have sent with me.
I walked the deck a few moments ago and found the night watch quiet and smooth. The men sleeping below are noisier with their snores and grumbles. It is the easy peace of a ship alive and well. I would that I could better prepare them for what lies ahead but that is not yet for them to know. Nor for you either, my wife. Would that I could but soon enough there will be activity to take our minds from all burdens.
Wish us safe journeys, remember me to the girls, keep us in your thoughts as you are in mine.
Yours,
Jack