
          Ship Africa-- At Sea. 27 Nov'r [November] / 52 [1852]
 Saturday


 My very dear friend,


 As I do not know
 what time I may have at Liverpool, &
 resolve to send you the earliest notice
 of my arrival, I commence a letter to
 you at sea-- but the ship is rolling so
 abominably, that you must not [scan?]
 my [pot-hooks?] too critically.


 In the very first place, I must beg
 you to offer my heartfelt thanks to the
 dear, dear writers of the packet you put
 into my hands, on leaving NYk. Especially,
 dear Mrs. Torrey to [indite?] to me so much
 of kindness from her "Sick-Chamber"-- May
 the blessing of GOD be upon her, & all of
 your loved circle!


 Hitherto, we have proceeded safely, but
 uncomfortably. Contrary to all expectation,
 we have had constant head winds
 & rough seas, through which we have
 pitched & tossed with some discomfort.
 Not, however, that I, personally, have
 any right to complain, for I have not 
        