to W. H. Low

[Skerryvore, Bournemouth], August 6th, 1887.

MY DEAR LOW,—We—my mother, my wife, my stepson, my maidservant, and myself, five souls—leave, if all is well, Aug. 20th, per Wilson line SS. Ludgate Hill.  Shall probably evade N. Y. at first, cutting straight to a watering-place: Newport, I believe, its name.  Afterwards we shall steal incognito into la bonne villa, and see no one but you and the Scribners, if it may be so managed.  You must understand I have been very seedy indeed, quite a dead body; and unless the voyage does miracles, I shall have to draw it dam fine.  Alas, ‘The Canoe Speaks’ is now out of date; it will figure in my volume of verses now imminent.  However, I may find some inspiration some day.—Till very soon, yours ever,

R. L. S.