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Venice Jan. 18./85

My dearest Emmie,

The weather was so bad that I was unable to post the letters in time for the Tuesday boat so will torture you with a few more lines. I will first make my excuses for writing with a pencil. They are first, I have lost my pen and second someone has stolen all the ones that belong to the hotel. I think they are rather good & would buy another only it is Sunday and I cant. This afternoon we had a fine concert in St. Marcs square and all the people were out promenading up and down the sq. Just imagine having a band concert in Boston common this time of the year. I guess it would be the chilliest audience that they have had in the hut for some time, but here is is quite warm   and the sun came out in great style this morning. The Americans were going home the 25th of April in the new Cunard steamer Umbria. The young lady tells me that they are going to have 



whole family in an earthquake about a year ago. I think it was when they had that big one at one of those islands in the Mediterranean when the whole population was killed. I am sorry for the poor man but cant help him as I see, so will have to let it go with wishing him better luck next time. We have a new moon and I hope we will now have some good weather. Two Americans arrived yesterday judging from their looks they must have come from way back. The man looks as if he had been frightened out of his years growth. They are the greenest looking couple that it was ever my misfortune to run against. I am going to tell them to brace up and not give to country a bad name. I guess I have spoiled enough paper for once so will stop now. 

Love to all
As ever
Ned