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General Taylor Heard From
Col. C. D. Vasse received Monday an interesting letter from Gen. G. W. Taylor, who is touring the old country with his son-in-law, Dr. V. C. Vaughan, and family, which the Colonel kindly permits us to publish in part as follows:
On board Steamer Sicilia
June 29, 1906
Col. C. D. Vasse
Dear Charles:
This is our ninth day out. We are 700 miles a little south of east from the Azore Islands and 2,700 miles from New York. We are about 1,300 miles west or a little north of west from Naples and in a few hundred miles from Gibraltar. We have had a delightful voyage so far. While we have had a little rough sea and some passengers have been sick, our family of six has not been effected in the least. We have been to meals four times each day. We have splendid fare, and it takes a little over one hour for luncheon and the same for dinner. For each of these meals we have seven courses, changing plates, knives, etc., each time. We have meals as follows: Breakfast, 8 to 10; luncheon, 12; tea, 4; dinner, 7. Well, I am very sorry you are not with us. I am sure you would enjoy the trip; so far, anyway. We have about 65 passengers in the first cabin, and they are all very pleasant, and the greater number are ladies -- I would think about two-thirds -- and among them are several red-headed girls and several widows.
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I am sure you would have a nice time promenading, as this is their occupation when not reading or sleeping. I am telling you this so that you may make up your mind to go next time. I am writing this now, so as to have it ready to mail as soon as we land at Naples. I will them add a postscript. All regret that you are not with us. We are all delighted with this ship and officers as well as the fare. Everything moves like clockwork. You never hear an order given but all seem to know their duty and perform it promptly. Will finish when or before we reach Naples, July 4th, early in the morning. Will reach there on the 3rd, but cannot go into harbor after 7 or sundown and will lay outside until morning.
Sunday evening, July 1st. We passed through the Straits of Gibraltar last night and are now in the Mediterranean, about 750 miles from Naples, which we expect to reach Tuesday night. A smooth sea since last writing. We have all enjoyed the trip. So far have not missed a meal. I give you this in broken doses to have it ready to mail of arrival.
July 3rd. We are now nearing Naples. Have had good weather and sea all the way. Since leaving Gibraltar the Mediterranean has been as smooth as a mill pond. We wish you had been with us. I know you would have enjoyed it very much. It will require from 25 to 30 days for a letter to reach me, so write me on receipt. Love to all.
Yours truly,
G. W. Taylor
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