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[first page] 

down upon us, every one held their breath, while the captain swore, blew on whistle, and put the helm hard down. We just missed one another. But alltogether it was the finest time I have ever had, and an interesting evening, for Liverpool dock men. 

Saturday morning we arose at six & left the ship. I mailed a letter to you, cubled and took a 11.15 train for London over the Midland Route. The pilot from India was my [strikethrough] company [strikethrough] companion. We had for company three invalid Ladysmith soldiers all hilariously drunk, but interesting. Arrived in London in four hours. The scenery on the trip was beautiful; fine hilly country, mines and quarries.

[second page]

I ran forward in time to see her drift helplessly by, her forward parts settling fast; and after part, crowded with the frightened crew. By the time she had reached our stern her bow was underwater. In the meantime we had stopped, and began to drift broadside with a six mile current. The captain was yelling orders right and left. They started the Devonian ahead, but it did not prevent the large Devonian from drifting broadside toward another steamer which we missed by a few inches. It almost made my front hair stand on end. Most exciting; you felt as though you might be able to reach out and touch the other craft. Then as if to pay up for the trouble caused in her sister ships, a collier came

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