10 Sep 1927
John to Mother / S.S. Montclaire
Well another day is almost passed. The river now is very wide. It is so wide that you can't see the shore on one side and just barely can on the other. Within the last hour or so the sea has become quite rough and the boat is beginning to rock a little. I havn't noticed any signs of seasickness yet though.
With the help of our waiters I've learned to order and eat to the extent where I can really set up and take nourishment. I've come to the conclusion that the best way to do is eat as you know how and let them go to grass.
Everything would be quite OK if it wasn't for these doggone bawly Englishmen. They are just beginning to find out who we are and every chance they get they hand us a dirty dig. I suppose all the girls have been told and warned about out. At least they are becoming quite scarce. You see an Englishman hates an American anyway and of course being Mormons helps an awful lot. This morning Merrill and I were coming up the stairs. Two English girls were standing on the landing. One whispered something to the other. They intoned a slight sarcasm and hastened down the stairs. We're sure dangerous people. It make my blood boil, though, when I think of it. Here we are good clean Americans, and they rotten old Englishmen, drinking, smoking and indulging in vice, making fun of us. I tell you if it wasn't that I am, I'd give a few of them a piece of my mind. You see they are all of the idle rich class; some are Lords, etc.
As far as I know we are the only Americans on board; of course that doesn't help any either. Well I guess I'll have to control myself and take it all in and I suppose a good deal more too before the next three years are over. I do hope you are feeling better. The weather is so cool and nice here. Last night was the most beautiful night I've ever seen. We had a full moon on the water. I can see now why some old maids etc. go abroad as often as they can afford it. Give my love to the family and write me lots of letters.
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