H.M.H.S. Araguaya
In sight of Canada
Jan. 9., '18.

My dear Lulu

We are just nearing land & expect to make port in a few hours; but just whether it is Halifax or St. Johns we dont know. I think it is Halifax myself.

Anyway it is Canada, & that is the main thing for us. The next thing is whether or not I shall be allowed to get leave before going West! They tell me on board that they cannot give any permission for what I want; that I shall have to see the people ashore. I shall do my very best anyway.

Now we are within the harbour; it is Halifax, and we are just anchored, but not at the quay-side. You can hardly imagine how glad we are to see Canadian shores after having travelled so far, & seen so much, it seems almost as if we must be dreaming. I wonder whether I shall see you in the next few days! So near now! Would you believe it, that I have not heard from you for about a month. I have received no letter written since the explosion at Halifax - here! But I cannot think that you were anywhere about when it occurred.

As soon as we land I intend to do my utmost to gain the necessary permission. If I must go West first I shall come east as soon as I can, you may be sure.

I dont expect either you or any of your emissaries will be able to get at us here, & when we get to the quayside I suppose they will hustle us off. But patience, we shall see!

The voyage has been very fine indeed. The first five days were sunny & summerlike & the other three were a little foggy & grew cold, but we had a splendid time, never sighting anything that looked - even remotely - like a German vessel. God has been very good to me & I am grateful for his continued protection.

I met a man at Liverpool, & have crossed with him on this boat who says he know you. He is a Baptist minister named Herman, & has his wife in Halifax with her people. His father too lives in Halifax. He is very excited just now, as you may suppose.

I will write no more just now for I hope to be with you before it reaches you. I hope you are well and that we shall soon be together.

With best love
Yours as ever
Tom.