CEHBates_JanFeb1919_020j

in such a port to spend the best
days of the year — Last year Christmas
at sea. This year at Key West. And
the strangest thing is one could imagine
that I liked it – for the frequency
of my duty in this place & elsewhere.

I have received your Christmas box
but as these boxes had signs on them
do not open until Christmas I have
not done so but must await tomorrow.
However I have found a picture of
Lesley for which I give him thanks
but which I consider only passe
for it is too dark. I also recevd a
book from Jocelyn & you Mother Dear