I write in the hope that you are alive and the fear that you are
wrecked.[8]
[8] The San Francisco earthquake and fire had occurred April 18, 1906.
Please let me know if I can help--I need not say how glad I shall be
to do so. "Help" would go with this were I sure about you and the
post-office. It's a mighty bad business and one does not need to own
property out there to be "hit hard" by it. One needs only to have
friends there.
We are helpless here, so far as the telegraph is concerned--shall not
be able to get anything on the wires for many days, all private
dispatches being refused.
Pray God you and yours may be all right. Of course anything that you
may be able to tell me of my friends will be gratefully received.
Sincerely yours, AMBROSE BIERCE.
[Washington, D. C.,
May 6, 1906.]