9 pages (of 11, pp. 8 & 9 not present), in ink, on rectos only of 9 sheets of plain notepaper. 15.5x23.5 cm. (6x9¼"), held together with a paper clip.
Jack London is on a cruise aboard the "Spray" with Cloudsley John, and is writing to Charmian from "Riovista, or rather, three miles below Riovista." A captivating letter, rich in detail, offering a picture of his close friend Cloudsley and some of their relationship, as well as his growing passion for Charmian: "We came pretty close to making it, this morning. Got under way in the dark, with a river mist hiding everything, & drifted along with light airs till the tide turned. But Cloudsley & I, after fresh salmon for dinner, (middle of the day), rowed on up to town. He smashed his thumb badly on the way, & had to get a doctor to dress it. And there I received two letters from you - two precious, precious letters. Do you know, this is the longest silence I have gone through with since the moment you were mine? Roast duck - roasted stuffed, etc., to a turn, by Cloudsley. He's an excellent cook, to say nothing of being a perfect man on such a trip as this. I am sending you Anna's [Strunsky] telegram. It was rather urgent, but it may be all in good fellowship... At any rate, I shall not see her till Ladies' Night; and then I shall see you too. But I should like to see you before Ladies night, Friday, Nov. 13th. Can't I have you Thursday night, Nov. 12th. The Sacred Grove, if it is clear and warm; the brown carpet, or anything you may suggest if it is rain or rainy. God! I should like to have you the whole night in my arms!... Dear Sweetheart, if you only knew the control I have to exercise to prevent my shouting out to Cloudsley, 'I am in love, man, I am in love, & I love Charmian Kittredge!'..." The letter ends "...You are to me as God, and I am to you what I nave never been to other living creature, your slave." Charmian has written in pencil, lightly, on the first page, "Slave". This letter contains a rare mention of Charmian by name in the early stages of their relationship, when they were still cautious about leaving written evidence of their feelings for each other.