Written the 10th of July,
Year 1722
Dear Lizzie,
Aye, you weren't expecting a letter from Ol' Jack now were you? Just to confirm your suspicions me and the crew have left the Caribbean. You don't need to worry, we have every intention of returning alive and well. As I write this we float off the coast of India. I bought this paper in India and it cost me a pretty coin, too, so I'd be obligied if you didn't burn it. We will be headed for Singapore afore turning our noses on toward the Orient. Aye, the Orient. Land of spices, silk, and very pretty women who don't slap you. China is first, then Japan, and finally Korea. Have you ever seen Korean pottery? Wonderful stuff, mayhap I'll bring some back for you and the Whelp.
Have you changed your last name yet? Likely not, ay? I expect by the time I do return to the azure waters of the Caribbean you will be a Turner and not a Swann. Just to clarify things: no naming ANY little whelps after me. NONE, savvy? If I return and you have had a baby it'd best be named something other than Jack. Don't expect you'll have to worry your pretty head about that for now… just a warning for the future.
Enclosed with this letter (so long as the bugger delivering it doesn't take them, doubt he will, if he does his name is Captain Morris. Find him!) you shall find a few trinkets I picked up in India. They are all paid for fair and square, so there'll be no accusing this pirate of stealing objects so frivolous.
Signed,
CJS