[October 1924]
Dear Peggy,
It is chilly to-night even in southern Alabama, and I have lit the fire in my room.  The pine wood here is full of pitch and hardly needs any paper to light it.  In the woods men cut the sides of the trees and let the pitch run out, just as they get rubber in Ceylon.  Then they put the pitch in a still and the turpentine comes off first leaving the resin behind.  The turpentine is used by painters and the resin by violinists and acrobats and such.  That's why acrobats don't have to spit on their hands any more.
It's too bad that mother has had to work so hard cleaning the flat.  No wonder she has been too busy to write.  I can just see her chasing those B B's with a hammer and smashing right and left.
It must have cheered her up immensely to hear you and the victrola singing "Old Black Joe" and appropriate hunting songs.
Thank Billy for the beautiful picture he drew.  I should have recognized it even if it hadn't been labeled.
It was nice of you to write such a good letter full of news and to let me know that my nice family had reached New York and was well.  I shall soon be home to hear all about everything.
With love to you all,
Papa