Special Edition 27 June 1994
The reports of my death now circulating have been slightly exaggerated, as the man said. We are this date in dry-dock, having taken one minor-caliber hit, one major-caliber hit, and burst a boiler. Annoying, but not serious. (Double fracture left radius and ulna, compressed fracture second lumbar vertebra, concomitant lobar pneumonia and strep throat.)
All this does not lighten my literary load, and must delay my output at a time when I am already behind, but not to worry! We will be out for shakedown later this week and expect to meet all commitments - God Willing!
Sumer is icumen in
Down with whiskey,
Up with Gin!
(signed)
Jeff.