Departure

My Dearest Uncle
I hope you will allow me this briefest of letters to you kind self. These past few months have not been easy upon me, but I have endeavoured to live as upright a life as is possible in the place, given my most reduced circumstances. Of late however, I have reached the point whereupon I have found it of necessity to engage in trades which I shall not dwell upon here and which of consequence have led me into keeping at times the most disreputable company, of which I am most deeply ashamed. I am aware of how grievous this news must be to you, and I can only pray that one day by the grace of God I will return and atone for the distress which undoubtedly I have caused.
As for the morrow, my fortunes have fallen so low that I find I have been pressed into service on a ship bound for northerly waters. I fear that master is a hard man, and my fellow crew seem hardened fellows all, but I have quite reconciled myself to my fate, whatever may follow.
Your devoted nephew
J