Soft Ginger Cookies

¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup molasses
4 cups all-purpose flour, stirred and measured
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ginger
1/3 teaspoon cloves
¾ cup water

Cream together butter or margarine and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in molasses. Mix together dry ingredients and add alternately with water. Drop from dessert spoon onto oiled cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 12 to 15 minutes. Cookies should be large, soft, and thick. Makes 7 dozen.