Det Bergenske Dampskibsselsskab
Bergen, Norge
Dampskibet “Venus”den 13 Jul 1913
My dearest Wife,
I must begin a letter now and finish it before evening in readiness for the mail bag which will go ashore at Stavanger, which place we ought to reach about 7.30 A.M. on Monday.
I had a good railway journey yesterday, barring the tedious train to Birmingham which was also behind time, however there was plenty of interval for some tea; leaving there about 4.30 we had to change at Sheffield for the York train and arrived at the latter place at 7.45 there I had some dinner and then awaited the London train which came in soon after 9 o’clock, they had reserved a seat for me in their compartment, on arrival at Newcastle we took a cab to the docks, we had ten packages! but my kit bag was the biggest of them. We retired to our our cabins about midnight just as the vessel began to move down the river, these are quite comfortable though not so palatial as depicted.
We all slept fairly well and to-night shall probably be more used to the novel conditions, we shall turn in in good time with a view of getting up early as we approach the coast. Breakfast was served at 9.30 (really an hour earlier by English time) and since I began this we have had dinner, 2.30 local time, they gave us quite a good menu and finished up with strawberries and cream ad lib, we all had good appetites and the water is so smooth that there is no excuse for anyone to be ill, at the same time one or two people don’t look particularly happy, these are probably of the kind whom a railway journey upsets.
There seem to be about 60 first class passengers, I do not know how many there may be in the second class, they seem quite a decent class of people aboard, a good number are Norwegians and all of the crew I fancy.
It rained a little at Newcastle, it is fine to-day and warm, especially when the sun comes through.
7 P.M. We have been sitting on the top deck all the afternoon in most comfortable chairs and have divided the time between chatting, reading and snoozing. It has clouded over somewhat and we have found it comfortable to bring up our coats and rugs, there is not much breeze but with the motion of the ship one gets a most invigorating sea air.
Afternoon tea does not appear to be an institution so Kathleen produced some chocolate as an alternative, an hour hence (7 P.M with you) supper will be served and there are already indications that we shall do justice to the meal.
It will be better for you to post on the mornings of Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday and to mark the letters via Newcastle, it seems much the quicker route for the west coast.
Much love from all of us to you, & the girls.
Your affectionate Husband
Julius Sladden
