Dear Henry,

I received your welcome letter a few days ago so thought I would drop you a few lines tonight. I have been waiting for word from you since you moved. I sent two letters last week to your old address before Mother got your card that you were moving to Texas. Have you got them yet?

How have they been treating you? Do you like Texas? You will soon find out they do have rainstorms there. More like down pours & plenty of mud. They are beginning to have their rainy season down there now.

Gee Henry I was thinking about the time you have been gone the other day and it really has only been a little over a month, but it has seemed as if (it) has been six. The time sure flys, doesn't it? I am not imagining it either. It seems so that you have been there longer than that. Willard has three more weeks where he is and expects to move.

You sure have seen quite a few places & been on the move a lot since you have been in, haven't you in your short time? Arnie is still in Moscow & don't know just when they are moving. They are on the gun range now in Underhill.

Gee it seems like a winter day here today. It has been quite cold. Yesterday it rained all day terrible and the wind blew terrific. It blew some trees down & people were beginning to think we were going to have another hurricane. But it let up and everything is calm again and serene. The Newport house has been sold and closed. They are repainting it over and putting in gas ranges in the kitchen. Goldie Munich bought it. He owns the big lodge on the lake. Maybe you know him. I don't. they say there is a $38,000 mortgage on it.

Suszie was up over the weekend to see us from Maine. She has gained 10 lbs since she went there but she does look good. She was asking for you.

I saw Mr. Burdette on the street the other day when I was coming out of work and he asked me how you were also. I'd like to give him a poke in the face sometime. He said he hadn't heard from you. He said I would by sorry that I didn't go out with him for a good time to pass my evenings away. I told him I didn't think so. Do you Henry? Imagine it. I think I am fussy and plenty fussy. He thinks I should go out with him now that you are gone. That will be the day. I have got along so far and guess I can continue.

I haven't been much of anywhere except to the movies. I am staying in like a good girl. Not drinking or smoking anymore. Guess I have had about two drinks since you have been gone and far apart too. Jack has had some too at home here but just don't care about drinking with him or having any. I will have one when I see you again, Henry, all right with you?

They have started the Mica Factory here but only have a few hands there in the Spa. The Hqs. is in the Woodcraft place. The clerical part is done down there. It is nice of Mr. Doan to send all you fellows $25.00 for Christmas, isn't it? It was in the paper.

Some time before long I am going to take your car & take the folks to Manchester. Is it OK, Henry? By the way, you have some Prestone in your car, haven't you? Just wanted to know for sure, I thought you had some.

Gee I had a lot of news thought up to tell you but can't think of much of it now. It doesn't just seem to pop up. We are having a service flag put up in the main street for all of you fellows. All of the organizations are getting it. I suppose you heard about the dedication of the American Flag the Legion put up on the small common last week?

What are doing where you are? Still drilling or mechanic. Well hon, I can't seem to think of anything more so guess I had better be closing till I hear from you again.

Have you heard any jokes lately? How's this one -- If you soldiers don't be good, we are going to give you a wack and send you to bed. Get it? There's another one about the waves. "If you sailors don't be good, we will give you a wave to ride on and send you accross. Ha ha. Don't take me wrong now and think I am terrible. You know me.

So will close now Hon hoping to hear from you real soon. Lots of luck. So long,

As ever, Your Pal
Mary

P.S. Here's a kiss for you, it is going along ways to you.X.

Hello Harry,

Just a few lines tonight to let you know everything is OK here. Hope everything is the same with you.

As I sit here tonight the radio is playing "Do I want to be with you," I don't know why it should be playing that right now. Just came home from the movies and they were pretty good. I went all alone. The name was "Wings and the Woman," an airplane picture. Got undress and then started this letter.

I haven't heard from you for quite some time. Your are slipping as you wrote quite often before or are you real busy. This is my fourth letter to you or maybe you didn't get the other two that I sent before the last one. On your card you said you were going to tell me about your trip and I am still waiting to hear about it.

Have you got more men where you are now? It must seem strange to be in camp with not many men and planes. Mel is leaving Fort Bragg. Arnie is also leaving. Got a card yesterday saying he was leaving but don't know where.

Well Harry how do you like good old Texas? Is Austin a very large town or small? It isn't very large, is it? Mel says he hopes they move him up farther north so he can be nearer home.

Yesterday morning sixty more fellows left town. Paul Ford was among them. Maybe you knew but thought I would let you know in case you didn't. Arthur Lee, Red Katt, that Greek fellow and that cobbler on South Street, his son also. I didn't know Paul was going till I saw him on the train when it went by the shop. We had the window open and was looking out waving to them when I saw him. It was quite warm today again. What a change in temperature. First up and then down. No wonder people are getting colds in this kind of weather.

I am thinking of going to Springfield (to work) in the gear shop although Pete came up and told me there was going to be more work in about a week. There is quite a few that have left and if there is more work they are going to be short of help in some parts. I guess he got an inkling of Verna and I going because he came around and told us and was talking about more work and then we could make more. But don't know whether we will stay or not yet.

Well Harry it is getting lage, nearly half past ten so guess I had better be getting ready to sign off and get ready for bed. How did you like the jokes? When you write tell me if you got my other letters that I sent before you left the other place.

Well pal guess I will be signing off till a later date and I hear from you. Hoping to hear from you real soon and lots of luck. The folks all send their regards to you. So long now.

As Ever,
Mary

Dear Harry,

I received your welcome letter and was beginning to think I wasn't going to hear from you when I got one.

Glad everything is fine with you. Everything is the same here. We have been having nice weather here also. Have you got much mud where you are situated down there?

Gee, I don't understand why you haven't got a lot of letters Harry because I have written every two or three days at lease, most all of the time. It takes quite awhile for them to reach you but not over a week and not that long by air mail. But the mail is being held up terrible lately for some reason or other.

So you think you will write to your old pal on Beach Street? Well of course that is up to you hon, you know what you want to do. She probably would be very pleased to hear from you for that matter. It wouldn't do me any good to tell you not to, if you wanted to anyhow. Are you trying to make me jealous again? Ha Ha. That is easily done you know sometimes as you already know hon.

We haven't heard from Mel for quite some time. He wrote & said not to write to him till we heard from him again as he was moving on Oct 5 & he sent some pillow tops to use. Mother got a letter once after that but we haven't heard anything since. It has been quite awhile. Have you heard from him?

Arnie was home for three days last week. Spent a day with his mother in Boston, also. He is leaving this week. They are suppose to go to Maine by what they say but may not be for long there.

You are having quite a time finding card players, aren't you? Usually they are a lot of them in camps. They plat all the time where Arnie is he says. Did you get the two papers I sent to you?

By the way, Bobbie Gold died yesterday afternoon. It is too bad but he has suffered terrible they say so he is better off.

The Lakes in Claremont bought the Newport House and they are going to put a theater where the filling station is. But don't think they can build it till after the war as they say nothing can be built that cost over $500 till after the war.

Oh by the way hon, I have had your car out quite a few times lately and the next to the last time we had a flat coming from Claremont over. It was your front tire and we put on your spare. Am going to try & have the other one fixed. They are very fussy about the tires now. Am going to take it up for inspection soon. Are you going to brain me Harry? I have kept the tires filled up & OK all the time so it wasn't on account of that that it went flat.

You asked me if I had been to any fairs Harry, no I haven't. I was going up with Jane & her folks one day to Hopkinton fair but I was working so didn't go.

You bet I was sleeping when you wrote your last letter to me at three thirty in the morning. I guess I haven't been up that late for ages hon. Sometimes I lay in bed reading till twelve or after but not that late.

Well hon we will celebrate in any way you want it if you come up here & I guess I will be able to take it all right. Will you? Don't worry about anyone getting hold of your letters as they won't hon.

Do you ever hear from your beano gang? Well sweetheart guess I will be signing off for now hoping to hear from you real soon as it is now 5 after ten and get ready for bed. Wish you were here with me.

Lots of love,
As Ever,
Mary

P.S. The folks send their regards.

Dear Henry,

As I sit here tonight writing I am thinking of you very much and am wondering what you are doing tonight. It is now ten after seven with the tea kettle simmering away on the stove and I am trying to think of something different to tell you.

It was quite cold here this morning but the day turned out to be real nice. Wish I could see you. What I wouldn't do to you tonight. Are you sure Henry that fellow said the fare was $42.85 each way? Where abouts is Austin anyhow? I just looked on the map but can't seem to find it not on this one anyhow. Is it a long ways from Palacios?

I guess they keep you busy all right, don't they? I went to the movies last night. Jane, Arnold any myself. Arnold is here this week. Came home till next Monday, then is going back to Detroit to enlist in the Air Corps. He is quite anxious to get in. He is growing a mustache and have I had some fun with him about it. I have sure kidded him. It really does look good on him but it makes him look quite a lot different.

Susey was up last Saturday to see us. She told me that Mel has been in the hospital for two weeks. I don't know what for. If it was his stomach or not. Mother doesn't know. I am not going to tell her. He hasn't said anything to us about it. I wrote and asked him about it but haven't heard yet.

Yes I am still working in the shop. There is a little more than what there was. I am fine and am glad you are also. It seems good to hear from you so often Henry. When I don't get one I miss them very much. My letters must be held up somewhere because I have written right along. Last week I wrote three. This week I have slipped up I admit but will try to do better next.

Well hon, I took a highball for you Saturday night. I took a couple. Verna and I and the folks. Wish you could of had one with me. Halloween passed with no damage done around the house this year.

Well dear, we got a little more Republicans in this year. Most of this state went Rep. this year. Not many arguments though compared to other years. Everything went off much more quiet.

I haven't been much of anywhere so can't tell you an awful lot of news dear. There doesn't seem to be much going on and I have been in the house most of the time except when I go to the movies. All the folks send their regards and want to be remembered to you.

Do you think of the pain in the neck to you much? (sic) But then I could of been worse couldn't I? Don't say I was, no as I bet you would just like to see me walking in to say hello.

Well dear guess I had better be signing off now hoping to hear from you soon.

Lots of love,
Mary

Dear Harry,

Hello there, I received your letter yesterday so am dropping you a few lines tonight. Everything here is the same and I am glad to hear from you so often.

I went to see Arnie Sat afternoon, in Boston. He was transferred from Maine to Charlestown in the Coast Artillery. He telephoned Sat. afternoon to come down there as he was to be there for awhile anyhow. So left on the train at four o'clock. Saw him Sunday morning and all day and then I came back on the six o'clock train & got home at half past nine.

They sent him to Charlestown & some of the other fellows to different places. All those that were in outfits before they sent to their old outfits, that they were in before. (sic) That is all that were able bodied men. He only stayed in Maine a short time. He likes where he is now and says he is back in a man's outfit again. He says this is the first place he has got bed sheets & pillow cases & a spring bead. He is fine & the same as ever. He was asking about you & sends his regards. Will probably write if he stays there any length of time.

I guess I have did a days work alright today. After getting out of work I cleaned through the house & after supper cleaned down stairs and then did my own washing & washed my hair. Am getting a little restless for bed now and a little bit tired. Don't you think I have put in a day alright?

Arnold went back to Detroit yesterday and is suppose to sign up today in the Air Corps out there. He hopes he will pass. He is going to try for a gunner but is afraid he is a little too old for that but if he can't is trying for a mechanic.

Well work isn't too hot but is some better than it was awhile ago.

No, Henry, I don't need any money. Guess I can get along alright. If I need anything I can go without. I have before & guess I can now. Thanks alot & I appreciate your offering very much dear. You may need your own money for something.

Yes I will go up & see your house sometime & tell you about it. If they happen to see the car they probably will wonder who's got it as I noticed the Ford's gave me the once over once when they saw me with it and they were on the outside of their house & I was coming up from Court St. Did they look at me. I imagine it does look nice so I will try to tell you all about it dear.

Mel has moved 20 miles farther in Alabama now.

Sorry you didn't see your football game but maybe better luck next time.

What do you know, Towle beat Stevens Saturday, speaking of football. Six to 0. What a game. It is the first time in 16 years. The last time was when Arnold graduated and boy did he celebrate, all through the game and afterwards. What a time they had. Everyone was celebrating & the band played & there was a dance in the town hall at night. But I wasn't here for that. Stevens didn't even crack a smile, boy were they mad.

It is getting quite cool now but have to expect that and I sure do have to keep the fire going hon. Maybe I could let it out if you were here but then I always did keep it too hot here for you.

Did you go and see the circus there?

Don't dream too much that is bad for you. do you think when you write late at night that it has affect on you? There is a long distance between us you know. Well hon have a good time and try not to work too hard all the time.

I have been expecting to see snow most any time now. I seem to dread to have it come this year more than other times. I don't know why. Guess I won't get my fur coat this year either. Not the way work is now. But then maybe I will some other time. There always is another year if things don't get worse.

Well Harry guess I have told you most of the news, all I can think of right now. So will be closing for this time and say good nite till later. Please excuse this writing as it is getting late. It is now 20 min of eleven. Did you get last week's paper?

So long now & lots of love.

As ever,
Mary

Dear Henry,

Hello there. I received your letter yesterday and as I have just finished my ironing decided to drop you a few lines tonight. Gee it has been nice here today. It seems like summer again. Wish it was. Guess I am trying to skip over the time huh?

If they keep on improving your place you will have quite a place there by the time they finish.

Yes my kitchen and place is quite warm. Probably too hot for you as it is quite warm here in the kitchen for me tonight.

Wait till it gets colder though. Then it will seem alot better. As it is real nice out tonight. We did have some fun & wish you were here tonight with mer. I wish I could go to my door & see you come walking in again. You wouldn't stop & knock would you?

I have our car here in the garage too.

Arnie is in Charlestown, Mass, now. I believe I wrote before Harvey & told you about it. You should have got that letter or rather two letters as I wrote two telling you about him. He is in a Coast Artillery outfit now. He is fine and expects to get a promotion. He was asking for you & sends his regards. As for a secret I don't believe there is one Henry. I have told you about all. I haven't seen him for two weeks myself. He telephoned last Friday night to me & he was OK then. Mildred is working in the Brampton Mill building. She likes it very much.

Arnold has joined the Navy and is a third Class Petty Officer. He likes it very much so far. He was too old to be a gunner in the Air Corps so he joined the Navy.

My mother says it was bad enough in the Air Corps but the Navy is worse. She has been having a fit. She has quite a cold now & isn't very well. But she worries terrible about the boys and everyone.

Mel says they used him as a guinea pig in the hospital & wished he hadn't gone. They kept him on milk for four days and found nothing. Kept him in for 2 weeks there & then sent him back to work. It was his stomach though. It went on the bum again.

What makes you think Henry that this war is going to last four or 5 years? Gee that is a long time for U.S.A. We must finish before that.

Once in awhile I go to Montgomery for my neck. But not very often. It doesn't bother me very much & haven't for quite some time.

Well hon as it is getting quite late guess I will be singing off. Glad you think of me & write so often. It is nice getting them and a pleasure dear.

So will say good-nite & so long for now hoping to hear from you again soon.

Lots of love,
Mary

Dear Henry,

I received your two letters, one Saturday & the other tonight. Was going to answer the first one tonight but guess I will have to answer both tonight now, won't I?

Gee I was glad to get them Henry and it was a surprise when my father brought the other one home tonight. I am glad you are OK and everything is fine with you. We are all OK here now. I hope you will have a nice Thanksgiving. Wish you could be here with us. Did you get the cards, my mother & I sent to you?

Gee dear that will be swell if you can come home on a furlough. We sure will celebrate hon. What fun we will have huh? We will have a slam bang. I will be looking forward for the time now dear.

I bet the boys are all getting excited about the furloughs and the camp is in a hub dub (sic).

If I was down there Henry I would make you stay off the post if it was possible of course and that would be swell. Listen hon, you speak about not writing anymore as it makes matters worse. Why does it dear? What you write nobody knows but you and I and that is between us and what I say. I hope it is the same dear & I am quite sure it is kept you yourself too. You have to speak how you feel sometimes dear buy when you go to bed first try & forget for that is bad for you I know. But then it will relieve you once in awhile hon and do you good, won't it?

Maybe we both shouldn't talk the way we do, sometimes you aren't any worse than I am & I guess it won't do any harm dear but then we must feel that way if we talk that way but that is between us hon.

Hon, there was a piece in the paper about turning in the gas ration cards so guess I will have to turn yours in. It said all service men that had gone into the service as it was a fine if they wern't turned in as you probably saw yourself in the Argus. don't you think I had better do that at once?

I am sending you some fudge and I hope it won't be too bad & hard by the time it reaches you Henry. I hope you won't get sick from it. Be careful now. It probably will reach you a little later than this letter.

There is a fireman's ball Wed. evening but don't know if I will go yet. I haven't been for so long don't care about going now. I probably will stay at home again. You asked me if Arnie kept his rating when he moved. Yes he did.

I haven't run the car much lately Henry only to keep the battery up. Haven't been anywhere. Filled out your blank to register your tires & sent it in to the board. We have to have the tires & car inspected every two months, I understand from now on. There is no need of that I don't think. They are going to be sure we will keep the cars off the road I guess.

We got some snow Saturday but it didn't last. Maybe we will get some for Thanksgiving. Glad you got a letter from Mel & hope hi is OK.

Tracy is coming along OK I guess as I understand & Billings is in some station training sled dogs. I don't remember just where the station was right now.

Well hon it is getting quite late so think I had better be signing off for tonight or I won't want to get up in the morning. And I will write you again later. Will be waiting for a highball with you dear. So will say goodnite for now with lots of love.

As Ever,
Mary

Dear Henry,

I received your letter yesterday so thought I would drop you a few lines tonight. Gee that was good news about you coming home. I can't wait till you get here now. Of course I will send you the money, why not?

If you come this month come if you can before the 13th or after the 18th, or if you come in the month of Jan. come after the 8th of the month or rather I mean around the 13th. Any time after the 13th of the month. Get it? I think that is about right. Maybe I will be wrong.

I got your pillow case and thanks alot hon. It is very nice & I like it very much.

Mel said he was going to come home before Christmas but he had to be back by Christmas. So maybe he will be home next week sometime. We haven't heard exact. Arnold is coming around New Years time.

I went to the Fireman's balls & had a fair time. Janet and I went together.

Arnie came home for Thanksgiving unexpected. Left there at three in the morning & got here around one. Just before we sat down for dinner. We didn't expect him. He had to be back by eleven that night so we both went back on the afternoon train as I didn't have to go to work till Tuesday morning. So had a few nights with him. We were all surprised to see him as he wrote & said he didn't believe he would be able to make it. Don't know when he will have a furlough. He said he might be able to get a 24 hr. pass soon though.

We have quite a little snow now here. It has been very cold here today. I guess it must seem good to you to be where it is nice & warm now.

I don't know if I will be able to take three days off but we will see when you get here. I will try to manage something.

I couldn't imagine, Henry what did happen to you when you had that dream holding me in your arms, ha ha. Was it good or terrible?

We are all fine here and glad you are ok. The folks all send there regards & will write later. Did you get the cards & candy I sent? Was it hard by the time you received it?

Well hon guess I will be closing for now and will write more later as it is getting late. My girl friend, Ashley that is in the Sanatorium was down tonight. She is on a vacation at home. Gee, it seemed good to see her.

By the way when I got home from Boston the folks were all excited. They were worried stiff on account of the fire at Cocoanut Grove down there. They thought I might of been in there. 480 was killed & many unidentified. That was a terrible thing. We were lucky we didn't go. We were thinking of going but changed our minds. Am I glad we did. Nobody hardly got saved.

Well hon will say so long tonight and lots of love & kisses. Hoping to hear from you again soon.

Dear Henry,

Hello there, how in the world are you? Good, I hope dear. We have something here you haven't. The good old white snow. Wouldn't you like to see a little of it for awhile? Wish I could send you a large snow ball. Do you suppose I could throw that far? Maybe I could hit a good shot after all.

It has been quite cold today, but could be worse. I suppose you are taking a sunbath where you are. Have you got a burn yet?

Hope you have a nice and Happy Christmas dear. This year I don't imagine I will see you personally to wish it to you so here it is. (Not like I did last year)

Arnie has had a small attack of phnewmonia (sic) but is coming along ok now I guess. He is a little peaked but had quite a time with it.

Well Henry, I don't know if I told you in my other letter or not that I have got my fur coat now. My husband told me that it was my Christmas present. Gee it seems so warm and swell.

The folks all want to be remembered to you. Have you decided when you are coming home or have you made up your mind not to come?

I am sending a box to you so you probably won't get it till after this letter reaches you. There isn't a heck of a lot I could get for you in there. But you can eat for awhile and smoke some anyhow hon.

Well, Henry it is getting late so guess I had better be closing and signing off for tonight till a later date. Wishing you again a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. By the way they raised the Service Flag in the street Sunday and had a small program with it.

Well by now and lots of love.

Dear Henry,

As I sit here tonight thinking about you thought I would drop you a few lines tonight.

The wind is blowing outside and it is a terrible cold night. Haven't been out all day or tonight and this is Saturday. Wish you were here to keep me company. Maybe we could have a little fun huh?

I haven't heard from you much lately and it seems quite lonesome. I haven't received one letter this week, you have been so prompt in writing before. Well it won't be long before Christmas will be here. Hope you have a nice one and enjoy yourself. Are you going to come home next month or when? I hope you will come as I would love to see you Henry.

Guess I will go to church in the morning. Don't drop dead now will you? Cause I do go sometimes you know. Am going to start going more again. Do you go to any services in camp? Have you been doing much for excitement there lately? Maybe by now you have a girlfriend. How's about it? Are you fellows going to have a Christmas tree in camp? I was wondering about it and if you would.

Somehow it doesn't seem like Christmas here this year and very sad. Nobody seems to have much spirit for it and don't seem to care. I don't see why we should till after everything is up to a great extent anyhow. I mean by decorations, lights and so forth.

We can't get any gas at all now but maybe next week things will be changed again. But if we can't we can't that is all. It is bad for some though that really have to have some gas to get back and forth to work. There will have to be something arranged for them somehow.

Is it nice and warm down there now? Wish I was there and out of this cold right now. Also, I would like to be able to see you and be near you.

There is another large group of men going out to camp next week. Gee I will be so glad when everything is over and we are all back together again. It will seem so good.

I hear there is a large strike in Michigan again. It seems so that people would be satisfied by now & understand & be willing to work in the situation we are in now as they are making good money as it is now. They never know when they are well off.

Well hon guess I will be signing off for now hoping to hear from you real soon. With lots of love and kisses.

Dear Henry,

As I sit here writing this afternoon, I am thinking about you and wondering what you are doing. Hope you are having a little more excitement than I am as I think it is getting quite monotonous. It is quite cold here so bet you would really mind it now and you wouldn't say as you use to, it isn't cold, it is just right (Is that right?).

I wish you would come home, it would seem swell to see you again. Maybe we could have a little fun once more huh? I suppose you are quite busy now and that your camp has grown in size and improved a great more than when you first got there.

Red is home on a furlough. He looks swell and he likes the Navy very much. Mel hasn't come home as they aren't giving any furloughs out in his camp now. Arnie came home for Christmas day and also New Year's day but had to be back by six the next morning so didn't have much time at home. He is feeling quite alright again now.

Paul Ford is home this week on a furlough from Alabama. Haven't seen him to speak to though.

I am glad you had a nice Christmas and Happy New Year. Did you have a drink on the New Year? It is OK about the money Henry. It wasn't any bother and it didn't hurt me in the least to go to the bank so don't let it worry you. When you get around to send more it is OK with me & I will put it in the bank for you.

Say, it isn't because I don't think you are sweet enough that I sent the candy to you. After all Henry it wasn't much but thought you would like it as there isn't very much that any one can get. You know better than that, don't you?

If you get a chance to come home this month, why don't you come hon? It would be swell if you could. It would be just grand to see you walking in. I saw the new year in by laying in bed listening to the radio. Guess it was the quietest new year I ever spent. Well hon guess I had better be signing off for this time & will write again soon. Hoping to hear from you real soon.

Dear Henry,

As I sit here tonight thinking about you am thinking over the old times we use to have together. It is quite lonesome and boy it sures make you worse when you stop and think. Do you feel the same way?

Wish you were here sitting with me. It is quite cozy but would be more so if you were here with me. What do you think? It has been quite cold here but is some better now. I should home so anyhow. I am getting sick of this cold weather. Will be glad when it's warm again and won't have to be shivering all the time.

I went to the movies with my sister last night. There was a spy picture on and a mystery picture, bringing the dead back to life. Gee was it creepy. I had the creeps when I got home. First time I have been out for a long time. Guess it will do me good for a change.

Well Henry have you decided on coming home yet? Hope so for we can see each other for awhile or maybe you might not want to so much. But of course that is up to you hon.

The radio is pretty good tonight. It is coming in well for a change.

What have you been doing for excitement? Nothing doing here you know. If you come home maybe we can go bowling sometime.

Have you heard from Burdette lately? Saw him coming out of the movies last night. I hear he was trying to take that Japanese girl out that use to work in Johnsons & Agnews restaurants. Can you imagine? Earl was telling about it and also my father.

Heard from Mel the other day. He has been out on maneuvers. By the way hon, you spoke about sending something. If I am not too bold, because I don't like to do it, but you wanted to know what I would like. I hate to say. But I would like a gold cross to wear as I told you once. That is something I will always be able to keep. From you. But you can do what you please of course if you have something else in mind. I could wear a cross most of the time for you.

Well hon guess I will be signing off now as it is getting late. So will say goodnite and go to bed & dream about you.

Dear Henry,

I received your letter and was waiting for one. Glad you got back to camp safe and sound. You must of been quite tired when you reached camp. You made good time I see.

I am glad you enjoyed your visit although some of it was bad I know. At least I hope you had a little fun hon. We could of gone more I suppose but we just didn't, did we? The time sure did fly by and passed quickly.

Probably you have wondered why I haven't written before this but as you know I wasn't feeling so hot when you left and my cold seemed to have got worse. I was in bed all that week & the next. That is most of the time. I didn't go to work till this following Monday afternoon. My mother had me guessed right. The dr. said I nearly had phnewmonia (sic). So you see that is why I haven't written before this. I've been gaining strength the last two & three days so am feeling better now. Guess I will live but it sure did tighten down & I still have the cold yet.

What did you mean Henry that things might not be the same when you get back? It would be great to have you back again. I don't mean maybe, as you say. If you could hon and want to. I am glad you received the check you were looking for. What would you want an apartment downtown all by yourself for Henry? I suppose though you could have more fun as you could get a crowd of people to go up & enjoy yourself better. You know what you want and would like.

Some of the other boys have been home. Arnie and Davie were home last week and left to go back yesterday.

I haven't had any hot drinks lately dear. I did take some for a few nights for my cold but I seem to catch more cold so stopped them. I heard today that George is at Camp Swift in Texas. Maybe you will run into him sometime there.

Well hon since you went back have gone to the movies with Davie and his girl friend once so haven't got any excitement to tell you about. I have your picture where I can always look at you as you know, morning, noon & night. Thanks alot and for my pin & everything. I forgot to give you the penny for the pin so am sending it. We won't take any chances, huh?

Have you heard from any of the people since you got back? Well dear guess I had better be singing off for now and will write again soon. Hoping to hear from you soon also.

Dear Henry,

I received your welcome letter so thought I would drop you a few lines tonight. I am feeling better now and back to work. Arnie was here for a couple of days while I was sick but haven't seen him since. I was sick most of the time since you went back till this last weekend.

Yes we are still having winter weather. It is real cold here tonight. Dread the morning going to work. No, hon, I hadn't broken my pencil but you probably have got my other letter by now & know why. Gee, hon, I would like you to come home on another furlough. You know that dear. Gee it sure was lonesome when you left. I even hated to go up stairs to bed that night dear. So you see I did miss you sweet.

Do you like training the men as well as your other job?

You say you don't gamble very often but when you do you sure win something don't you? I would like to be able to have a drink with you hon. I don't seem to enjoy drinking with anyone else but you dear. I'd like one of those whisky sours right now with you. Hope you won't get the measles and you will be all right.

Have been to the movies a couple of times this week. Once with Earl & once alone. Jane wanted me to go one night but I stayed in. I haven't had the car out anywhere. I sure would like to drive down there but don't think I would get very far on the gas rationing. Take a lot of nerve for me to drive down there alone. I would be glad to have you slap my bottom if you were near enough but guess you would have quite a job doing it so far away wouldn't you? Ha Ha.

Do you think hon you still want to get a tire? There was a piece in the paper here awhile ago where they were going to take all spare tires. So maybe you had better wait awhile & see what they are going to do. It may not be anything to it. But what ever you say. Have you got the papers lately, Henry?

Well, hon, guess I had better be signing off for now and will write again later. Hoping I hear from you real soon dear.

Dear Henry,

I received your letter and was surprised that you haven't got any of mine. Gee hon I have written two letters but evidently you haven't received them at least when you wrote your last one.

I am feeling pretty good right now. Hope I will be better soon. Or course I am not mad at you. If I was you would of known it before you left here wouldn't you? I haven't any reason to be mad so get that out of your head dear. You know I want to hear from you & want you to write so don't be foolish hon. You make me feel bad Henry when you write like that cause you ought to know better. I haven't given you any reason to think that have I dear?

Henry, don't say you had too much pleasure when you were here because we did have some fun & enjoyed ourselves, did we not dear? We always seem to so don't say you have too much pleasure when we are together. As far as me going out with any one else Henry that is out cause I am not. So don't worry about that. I haven't yet and I don't intend to either dear. As far as the other fellows are concerned dear I don't even think of any of them. So if you think I am going out dear please don't because when you really don't go out that hurts when someone you think a lot of thinks that you do. If you do Henry of course you have a right to tell me so hon. But evidently you hadn't got any of my letters & my first one told you why. I hadn't written right off at first because of being sick dear. By the way you don't suppose that other fellow has been getting your mail do you? He doesn't go by the 1st Sgt. any how does he? It seems so he ought to know by now that they weren't for him. He knows whether he knows anyone from here or not by now.

Your letters are being held up somehow. Do you think you are going to move dear?

By the way, Red is home on a furlough this week for 10 days.

Have you been playing any more cards lately hon? Also gambling? You will have a little on the side when you play won't you?

It has been terrible cold here all this week. You sure could fill my wood box now alright with this weather. I have been home today as I didn't feel good. I hope you are fine & dandy & try to enjoy yourself dear. I am in the house nearly every night dear. I haven't even seen my husband for quite some time now dear.

I guess I will be signing off for this time hoping to hear from you real soon as you know I wait for your letters darling as you do mine. Did you get the Valentine I sent to you? I always look for your letters you know that dear.

No so long till next time. With lots of love.

As ever,
Mary
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Henry,

I received your lovely letter yesterday so thought I would answer it today Sunday. I got your lovely cross also and thanks a million Henry. That wasn't necessary you know just because I told you about it in that letter. You gave me enough hon. It was swell & I love it dear.

Gee it is a beautiful day here today. It seems just like a spring day for a change. It sure seems good to have it a little warmer. The snow has gone fast yesterday and today. We have had a big thaw.

Well hon so you want a romance do you? You spoke about the woman in Virginia. If that is what you want Henry I wish you luck. Even though I'd hate to lose you. I don't suppose I have any right to ask you not to see her. Be careful of the southern blood it don't show up on them but it would on you. You know what I mean. You told me not to go out Henry but I don't intend to any how. So of course that is up to you. Maybe she will come down & see you. Good luck if that is what you want. Don't forget to write though. I still can be a friend if things do go further you know.

Well hon what have you been doing for excitement anyhow lately? Guess I will go to the movies tonight with my sister across the street. I here there is a good picture on tonight.

Don't think I am mad for I am not dear and we did nave some fun when you were here sweet. I am glad you enjoyed being here with me as I know I did to dear. So don't think I didn't.

Well sweet guess I will be signing off and I will write later. Thanks again for my cross sweet. Lots of love and good luck.

Love,
Mary

Dear Henry,

I am glad you got a letter & by now you should have nearly all of them I should think dear. Yes I received the cross as you probably know by my other letter now and thanks again dear for it. I love it and wore it yesterday & also today. See I have you around my neck now hon. How do you like that sweet?

I am feeling better and guess I will go to work in the morning again. Gee I sure do wish you could be here dear. I would love that. I wish you could have another furlough.

Gee I am sorry you are going to leave there soon. That is very bad news to me dear. I hate to think of that sweet. I was hoping and wishing that wasn't going to be but I don't suppose I have any say about that huh dear? But I hate to have you go dear.

If you don't come home sweet guess I won't get down there to see you will I? I did think I might get down sometime to see you. You asked me if I still love you, why not hon? Nothing has changed me or changed that either sweet. Has there you?

I hope you will be able to go to the mechanics school if you want to dear. Have they changed you from the first Sgt. hon?

Have you heard from your friend in W. Virginia yet or rather anything more? I think you are trying to make me jealous aren't you? You know that isn't very hard to do donut you dear? Well hon I will try & not be too bad or haven I any right to dear? Gee dear I wish you were here with me instead of down there sweet. I guess I am awful am I not dear? But I am not too bad am I dear not when you care for someone?

I am going to take the car up & have it inspected this week. The tires have to be checked again before the 28th. Gee it sure makes me lonesome when I get into the car dear for you & I sure remember the good times with you. If that car should ever talk Henry. What it would tell, huh? It knows quite a lot of stories doesn't it? By the way have you heard any new jokes lately?

Well hon it is getting late so think I had better be signing off for this time. Don't get tired of me rambling on will you sweet? So darling will say so long for now hoping to hear from you real soon even if it is only a few words darling if you haven't any news dear.

Dear Henry,

Helloe there hon, hope this letter finds you ok and still kicking. I suppose you are quite busy now and the weather is beginning to get better and warmer there. It is getting some better here and I hope it will soon be nice and warm.

I am feeling fine now & full of pep again. Maybe I am getting too peppy for my own good dear, but guess it won't do me any harm. I know it won't without you or my husband. Ha Ha. I don't mean maybe hon.

Gee dear your last letter made me a little blue about some of the things you said but I will try & forget them. Go and have a good time dear. I hope you do and don't misunderstand me dear. It would be swell for you if you did meet a nice woman. I didn't think you were thinking about anything else right now but good luck if you do sweet.

As for me you need not worry about me going around or out with anyone else dear as I am not going. You were the only one here besides my husband Henry and there isn't going to be any one else now that you are gone. I am satisfied to wait. I got along before I went out with you dear and now that you are gone I still can go without till either I see you or my husband. As for the rest hon it is no go and I mean it dear. But you are getting older dear & I don't blame you for wanting to do anything if you want to so good luck, if you find someone you like there dear. But don't let it break our friendship. I care too much.

Did you get the penny I sent in one of my letters? I had it wrapped in a small piece of paper dear. Don't forget to write just the same as you know I would love to hear from you. I won't forget you. We meant something to each other even if you do meet someone else dear and I won't forget it. I am not that kind.

Well sweet guess that is enough of that and see how the things are going with you dear. I am wearing your gift now & I love it. By the way I haven't had it off since I put it on and that was the day after I received it. Even when I go to bed it has been around my neck.

Mel wrote & said he was coming home sometime this month. By the way, I got a couple letters here for you. One came addressed to Mrs. Henry Simpson. I didn't know you had a wife before you left. Ha Ha.

No Henry, my cheeks aren't quite that hollow. I weigh 127 lbs now. But I will pick up now I guess. I don't want to weigh too much anyway. Some different thought from what I weighed the last winter you were here isn't it? I weighed 138 lbs then but that was too much. You were always calling me 150 lbs then. Ha Ha.

I went to the movies last night with my sister. The charity ball is tomorrow night. Guess I will go for a change. Wish you were here to go too. Or maybe do something else you would like to do. I don't care much about going but it is something to do & pass the night away.

Well dear I guess I had better be signing off rambling. You will be getting sick of reading. It is getting late so guess I will be getting ready for bed and I will think of you dear. Now write soon hon & don't be afraid to talk to me. So will close now hoping to hear from you soon.

Dear Henry,

Just got over a large snow storm with a regular March blizzard all day yesterday and all night. March is starting in good. It is real cold today and the wind is blowing hard. The snow was nearly gone and now we have it all over again.

You said in your letter you was in camp on pay day, dear. What is the matter: Go and have some fun. I wish I was down there with you. We could go places and have some fun darling. But I am not so I guess I had better stop making you lonesome. We could do plenty of things couldn't we? Have you been bowling and playing cards lately dear?

I am feeling fine now and full of pep. Wish you were here. Don't be like that now, you know I want you to come when ever you can dear. I got over everything OK & everything is fine again and full of pep & vigor. Come when ever you can and remember that dear. I love to have you. You know how I feel by now and know you are always welcome and that I want you to come anytime at all dear.

By the way, you didn't have to send me that letter to read from that woman Henry. Its really not any of my business dear. I shouldn't of said anything about it to you I guess. I think it did make me a little jealous but I will try & get over it hon. I shouldn't be should I dear? Guess maybe I was a little selfish and wanted you all to myself but if you want to you go right ahead darling & have a good time dear. I sure was surprised that you sent it darling. At first I didn't know what it was till I started as you said.

Well Henry it is nearly supper time so will have to be closing. Hoping to hear from you real soon.

Dear Henry,

Hows things doing with you? OK I hope and everything here is just about the same. I am fine and dandy and the weather is starting to clear up. It's a nice day here today. Guess I am getting the spring fever. Wish I could see you.

Well Henry, I hope you make officers training school if you want to go there. That will be nice. Probably if you didn't go to them they would release you to come home. I think Mel will be able to come home before you. They are releasing him as he is over 40 and the rest are going across. I hope you will be able to come home before you go. You know I want you to come anytime dear.

I paid your mortgage, Henry, and also the interest. The interest was $12.37. Will bank the rest for you. Your balance is $400.

I don't think I will register my car. The tires aren't so hot and I don't know as they will stand inspection. If you did register your car, how would I be able to get a gas book on it Henry? There is so damn much red tape to everything.

Well hon what have you been doing for excitement? Been to any parties, dances or anything? My father has just come in bringing me a letter from you darling. I see you have been playing ping pong and cards. I can picture you and see what happens to you alright by what you said in your letter. Don't you think I can take it dear? I think I could. For hours and hours dear right now. Wish I could see you now sweet that way too but I can't so I can picture you in my mind and see you just as plain dear. Your short ones always did last for hours dear.

So long now darling and be a good boy.