READING LETTERS
Credit: NY Times Crossword
William Lutwiniak

The answers to the clues below are literal, though the clues involve word play.

1. Beethoven's Fifth
2. It's better than none (two answers)
3. Oftentimes
4. Seven Seas
5. Quarter of an hour
6. Independence Day
7. Second in command

Answers:

1. H  (fifth letter of Beethoven)
2. LO or AF  (half a loaf)
3. Of Of Of Of Of Of Of Of Of Of  (Of ten times)
4. C C C C C C C  (seven C's)
5. H  (1/4 of HOUR)
6. Y  (Fourth [letter] of July)
7. O  (second letter in command)