To Margaret Saville, England.
July 7th.
Dear Margaret Saville,
I am writing this letter quickly. I am safe and my journey is going very well. A merchantman (a ship that carries goods to sell) is going back to England now. This ship will take my letter to you. That ship is lucky because it is going home. I will not see England for many years.
I am in a very good mood. The sailors are brave and they have a strong purpose. Large pieces of ice float past our ship every day. This ice shows that the North is a dangerous place. But the sailors are not afraid.
We are now very far north. It is the middle of summer. It is not as warm as England, but the wind is good. The wind blows the ship quickly toward the North. This wind is warmer than I expected.
Nothing very exciting happened on the ship yet. We had some strong winds and the ship had a leak (a small hole that lets water inside). These are small accidents for experienced sailors. I am happy if nothing worse happens to us.
Goodbye, dear Margaret Saville. I will be very careful for you and for me. I will not take big risks. I will stay calm and I will be a wise leader. I will keep working until I finish my task.
I am sure that I will succeed. I am traveling safely across the dark sea. The stars see my success. Nothing can stop a man with a strong heart and a strong will. I am very excited and I must finish this letter now. I hope you are well.
Your brother,
Robert Walton