July 14, 1943: Scotty to Speak

Wednesday

Hello Rip -

I thought I had better get your letter answered while I have time.  We are pulling out of this place Sun. night or Monday night and I guess we will be sorta busy.

It's at a place called "Indianola" and its 110 miles farther down the coast line.  It's supposed to be a regular firing range and prabably another hell hole like this one.

Honest to God Rip I would sooner be in a prison farm.  Some place than this.  They really are bearing down on us now.  We went all morning with only 1 ten minute break to get a drink of water they call it water but it's just like drinking Piss.  At boyanet practice the staff sgt. thinks his shit don't stink and he run us until we were running wet and then the Leuit said no break so we went dry until noon.  They had fuir over the hill last Monday and by God I don't blame them.  They drive a fellow to it.

We took a 25 mile hike last Friday and was it hot bastard.  At noontime we didn't have any water and they gave us two dried up sandwiches (hamburger) and a half a canteen of water, not even any catsup for flavoring.  It would have taken two canteend full to have washed them down.  I chucked mine over the fence and went hungry.  We almost chuckled at that.  the life saver was that about 4 miles from camp it started to rain and did we get a good soaking, but it really felt good.

To make matters worse I have athletics foot, on my left foot and it ever and still is about all raw on my toes but piss on them.  I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of me dropping out if you drop our you do extra detail at night from 6 to 9 PM for a week or two.

Where my pack fit on my back has all broken out with prickly heat and dow it itch and burn when you sweat.  I never in my life saw such a county as this place is.  I sure will be glad to get out of it and thats no shit.

We wear our tin hats now all the time and they have to sit just so on your head and the chin strap in a certain place.  To top it off they came out today and told us that there would be no more cussing or sweating on or around the battery area.  Even if your joking with one of your buddies and start cussing you catch more detail.  Detail that all you have in this dam outfit.

Say by dam I thought your ouce told me you guaranteed boys for 20 bucks or your money back.  I guess you r foot must have slipped.

Anyway rip I think it's swell and I don't blame you for being a proud papa.  You and Madge are really lucky and two of the swellest friends I ever have had.  I don't blame you for bragging about it.  I would too if I had one of my own.

They say it looks like you and I sure would like to see it, but I guess you are just a anxious to see you daughter if not more so.

You done some very nice timing to have it born on the 4th of July.  That was surely nice.  She can make two celebrations for her birthday in one.

So they are getting tough at your place too.  I don't blame you for not screwing off when it means you rating.  Take all you can get Rip as it is for your benefit.  I have given up trying.  The more a fellow does here the less he is appreciated.  I guess I will stay back as a private.  I can't get busted anyway.

You can't screw off here.  They call roll at every formation we have, about 5 or 6 times a day and then we are split up in gun sections and each chief of sections knows just who is on it and so we are struck.  When we get together sometime I will really give you a earful of all the shit that goes on in this place and then they call it an advanced training camp.  Boy thats really shit for the birds.

I wish we could both get our furloughs for Xmas but, where I will be by then is dam had to say.  Probably across the pond.

As for Jerry I think also that he is chicken shit.  he was supposed to go on the 10th of July but I guess his company fixed it up.  I guess you and I should have went to work up there.

From what Uncle Lee said he expects to make Staff Sgt next month.  He sure has went flying along.  I wish I was in your and his outfit.

Did you know you were 278 miles from Ken?  He is at Abelene, Texas.  I didn't know it until the other day.

It's about 400 to 450 from here and then we are another 110 miles farther away.  He wanted me to meet him half way someplace, but I guess it's out now.  I couldn't make it on a weekend pass as they are only good for Sat night and Sunday here.  Rip we even have to get permission from our 1 chief of our gun section, 2 Platoon Sgt and 1st Sgt to get a dam pass.  So as I say it's really a Prison Farm, Texas.

Every dog his is day tho and yours and mine are coming up soon I hope. 

I suppose you know Shorty Balton from "Suttans" is home for a visit.  He states.  It should have been Chuck instead of him as it was Africa when they came from.  I'll really bet old Chuck is homesick.

How about Alf?  Is he deffered too?

Wanda or it was Madge said Paul was going into the navy or something.  He sure stayed out a long time.

The whisky finally got old Don Alger.  They called it heart failure as he dropped over dead the other day.

So Papa Carter, we have a dam meeting at 7:15 tonight. (Just som more bull shit). So I hd better close.  Everyday we go on the gun range here we spend from 12 to 15 hours on our feet so I really do get tired of this shit.  I even believe at times I could go and feed them burned beans, thats all we get here.

Rip plugging for the cpl rating, Rip you have earned it and you have it in you.  Your a real buddy.

Your Uncle Devan (?),

Scotty

P.S. Write and let me hear your bitch.  I'm pretty good at it now.

July 12, 1943: Speak to Madge

Darling Madge:

Gee Honey I'm sure happy you and Joyce Ann are still getting along so well.  But toots don't try to get out of bed for two or three weeks yet.  And when you do you get up and around, don't you dare do any kind of work for a long time. 

Everything is going along nice for us, and we don't want to take any chances.  Honey there's another rumor about us getting a 15 day furlough when we finish this school.  I sure hope its tru (don't we).  I'll let you know more about it later on.

Darling, I think Joyce Ann is a perfect name for the baby, so you just as well have her named that.  Cause that's what I call her too.

Gee the way you describe her to me, she's nearly as near an angel as posible, and I can hardly wait to see her, I sure hope she's as nice as you, then she'll be perfect, cause you are, and always will be.

Honey I wish I could be there to help walk the floor with her at night, or do you do that?  Wouldn't I look funny walking the floor at night, and washing diapers in the day time?  But I'll sure do it if I get the chance.

I got three letters from you today, boy did I enjoy them, but toots don't try to write too much, I can wait a day or so, and I don't want you to get too tired.  Yes toots I've wrote several letters to you in bed, in fact that where I wrote the one yesterday.  Could you read it?

Honey I'd sure like to be Joyce ann, just think?  I could lay in your arms and go to sleep, she's sure lucky.  I hope you don't mind too much cause she's naughty, she's just got her days and nights mixed up a little.

Remember Princess, I think Joyce Ann is a perfect name for her, so don't wait until I get home to make sure, cause it may be a long time and, we can't let the most wonderful baby in the world run around without a name.

I'm sure glad she is so strong, I'll bet she will really be beautiful when she grows up.

You are, inside and out, and I love you more each day did you know?

Gee Princess, the kids have all been swell to you, I sure think we have a bunch of grand friends do you?  You must have a lot of flowers around the house, but I know you love them, and it's swell of everyone to bring them to you.

I guess Geo B. will be up there by the time you receive this letter, tell him hello for me, he's sure been more like a brother to me that last few years hasn't he?  What does he think of our darling?  I sure think she's plenty swell.

Hey toots if you got so much milk, it would sure be a swell time for me to be home wouldn't it?  I tried to get some a lot of times but no soap, and now you got plenty, here I am way down here, (just my luck).

Honey are you glad we got the phone in, or does it bother you?  Boy I sure like it even if it doesn't cost you a lot.  I hope you don't mind me charging my calls, but when I have got money, I can't get enough small change and the next time I'm nearly broke.

Toots I wrote Scotty last Saturday, also Carl Wilde, and Merlin Benson.

Honey I'm feeling a lot better now that you and Joyce Ann are getting along so well.  I've never been so happy in a long time and I even like the army now.  Even if they were strict for a week or so.  They have lit up now, and it's like it used to be here, only I'm still going to be awful good, so I can be a corpal.

Toots nevermind about that clipping, but I would like one to put in the baby book or our scrap book.  I love to hear all about her and you, and if you ever change your letters, I'll come home and kick your bum.  So you better keep on as they are.

Honey, I got the telegram telling about the baby about 4:30 PM on the 4th.  And was I ever glad to get it.

Hey toots how come you can't kiss the baby yet?  I bet I would if I was home, but mostly you.

Well I'll sign off for now, so bye my sweethearts, I'll see you soon (I hope).

I'll always love you both tons and tons.

Forever Yours,

Daddy Speak

July 11, 1943: Speak to Madge

Hello Darlings:

Well honey another week has gone bye, it's been one I'll never forget, and one of my happiest too.

I have just been laying here on my bunk thinking of our baby and the happiness ahead for us three.  It is nearly 9:PM I'm going to bed early tonight, this will be my only letter today, as I wrote 10 yesterday.

Honey I'm sending my announcement card back, so we can put it in our scrap book gee it's sure cute, and I still like to name a lot.

Just think darling, I'll soon be a corpal, isn't that swell? (If I don't get busted) the terds.

I didn't get any mail today, so I just keep reading yesterdays letter over and over, gee you the most perfect wife in the world.

Madge dear just think how much I'll love you when we're old and gray cause I love you more each day.

Honey, when I first came in the army, you asked me if I could change, well if I do, it will be for the better.  I get so damn tired of hearing all the guys talk dirty and filthy about all the girls they have back home, and the ones they go with here, that every time I hear them I'd like to tell them off.  I guess they forget, about their mothers, wives, and sweethearts back hom.  But I won't and I'll try to be better everyday just for you and Joyce Ann.

I haven't went downtown much lately, cause there's nothing down there but whores and saloons. 

I'm no angel, so don't think I am, but at least I've got respect for all women.  Case I want everyone to feel that way about you and our daughter.

Sweethear I better sign off for now, cause I can't think of anything else to write about this place is the same each day and they are still strict as hell with us.

Princess I hope you are still getting along well and continue to keep improvingfast.  I sure hope our darling Joyce Ann gets along well and is a lot of happiness to you, especially while I'm away.

Gee I can hadly wait to meet her.  Will you introduce us?

Well, goodnight my love's, I'll go to bed and dream of you, an of the happiness ahead.

Sweet dreams Princess, and Joyce Ann.  I'll always love you.  Your soldier and soldier daddy.

All my love,

Speak

July 9, 1943: Speak to Madge

Hi Darlings:

Just a short one to keep up my good record, and tell you how much I love you both.  I was unable to write last night, as we had a cloud burst and it put the lights out until after midnight. 

Boy it sure rained, I've never seen rain like that before in my life, about half of our board walk floated away.

Some of the guys went swimming it was up to their neck so you can see the storm we had that water come up in the barracks on of them had 2 feet of water in it.  The moved them out and into a higher place.

Well enough about the rain storm, but it was fun.

Toots, I sure hope you are nearly well, but remember don't do any kid of work until you are completely well.

Any let me know when I can call you, at home, gee it will sure be a thrill for me to talk to my mommy.

I gotta go.  Bye Darlings!

Your forever,

Speak

July 8, 1943: Madge to Speak

Carters Park

Dear Daddy:

How do you feel today?  better I hope.

You sure have a naughty daughter she cried all night last night with Mom and Bessie both doing all they knew.  so at 3:30 I said, Mom call the Dr. and see what to do.  So she did and I said to Bess, Give her time, she just laid her in my arms and she went sound asleep.

He told Mom to give her an ounce and a half of canned milk. then she slept until 6 this morning.  she was so wide awake and cute.

Loris came up today and wanted to see the baby food, and by heck we couldn't wake her up.  She's sure a sleepy head (hope she does tonight!).

Ed and Lela came up today, they were sure thrilled with her and my their baby is sure growing.  they brought the cutest toys and Geo B sent a dozen red roses today.

Did I ever tell you how much ahir she has?  Just tons and so far it's kinda brown with a reddish tinge.

Gosh hon, I'll be glad to get out of bed.  'Cause I miss you so darn much more when I don't have anything to do.

Hey lover, I'd better close for now, so the mail man can take it.

so my Sweet, until tomorrow.  I'll always be-

You New Mommy and Sweetheart,

Madge and baby-

P.S. I won't start calling her Joyce Ann until you get here - so we will both be sure, o.k.?  Excuse the writing, I'm in a rush, he's waiting.

July 6, 1943: Dorothy (sister) to Speak

Dear Speak:

Hello Daddy, say your daughter is sure cute, Madge is feeling fine she sure looks good, the second day after baby came she wrote a 9 page letter to you.

We, Ella and I, went up to the hospital to see Madge and baby gee she stretched and yawned so cute and couldn't quite wake up, she has the most lot of hair, 7 lbs, she's quite a girl.

I'll bet you chest is out a foot isn't it, I guess it seemed a long time before you got the telegram, the roses you sent to the hospital are sure pretty.

Speak, what do you think about us selling this lot, La Rue Gammell and her husband wanted to buy it, we asked George's advice, I told them taxes were due on it, which hadn't been probated, they haven't been back to see what his answer would be, but now he don't want to sell it for less than $500 or $600 so that when taxes are paid and it's probated we make $100 profit, he would, I guess he think this is too soon, frankly I don't think for a minute it can be done, do you?

Now he says not to do anything about it till he comes up for vacation.  George Myers said it would sell for about $350 and that's his .50 cents.  We quoted Ra Rue $300 but don't tell George the girls wrote him we hadn't set price, but at that La Rue thought for the cash price they should get it cheaper, I don't do you?

They will bring house from Eureka and put it here, George thinks it would be better to have someone build a swell brick home here.

It was sure a dull 4th here, no celebration, not evn a band concert, did you have anything down there?

Ed and Lela are out to Vernal for their vacation, her folks brought Bruce out to Salt Lake to join air force, he will be 18 soon, so he wanted to join up before he is drafted, so Lela rode home with her folks it would be more comfortable for Larry and her Ed went Friday.

Polly is going to quit the infirmary, he hands are bad again, the Dr. says to quit is only way to keep em out of water and they will clear up.

Ella wants to take her place and I don't think she would like it, she can't get release from her work unless she quits for 30 days.  She wouldn't like to stay there every night, I don't know whether to try it or not, I really don't believe I would like it, so many dishes to do and stay nights, it's hard to catch buses, Mr. Nussink said Ella could have it if she wants the job.

Us girls are all well and hope this letter finds you the same.

It is surely hot here lately for the last 2 weeks we've nearly cooked.

It was wash day today.  So, I'll close so postman can have this.

Be careful and take good care of yourself.

Lots of love,

Dorothy

July 5, 1943: Speak to Madge

Darling Madge and Baby:

How's my darlings today, gee I hope you are starting to feel better by now.  Honey I hope you had the baby easy, and did not have to suffer too long.

I can't stand to think of you, being sick or in pain.  I sure hope that is the only kind of sickness you ever have.  Princess I love you did you know it?  I always will too.  Have you had a chance to kiss my daughter for me?  Thanks a million, I can hardly wait to be there, and do it myself (and mostly you).

Honey I'm dying to get more news about it all, but don't you write until you feel well enough.  But maybe you could get Mom or Jessie to huh?

Gee princess I've about wore that telegram out, reading it so much.  I got three letters from you today, was I ever glad to get them too.

that one you wrote on the 3rd was the most wonderful letter I ever received, especially how you ended it, just before going thru it all.  I'll always love you and worship you, for being such a wonderful wife and sweethear.

Honey, Geo B called me last night, and he was sure glad to hear that good news.  He is coming up there about the 12th, so I too would think Follis silly, if she goes back for just a few days.  It's the first time he has ever called me, and I was sure glad to hear from him.

Hey if you can, will you send me the clipping out of the Herald telling about the birth of our Darling baby?  Gee we'll save it and put it in our scrap book.

I'm glad Ed got the cherries, and was able to get them put up, that was nice of Freda to do it for them.

Well Mommy I'm out of phase now, and tomorrow we start on engine change, so I'll only have about 3 more phases to go thru to be exact I have 32 more days of this school, and then?

Boy they are sure getting tough around here now, we have to fall out in different formations 8 times a day, and there's no chance of screwing off any more, or it means out stripe if were caught.  and I don't want to lose mine, cause I'd sure like to be a corperol when I come home.  I will be too, if they keep giving us that rating when we graduate, cause I'm gonna stay on the beam from now on.  but it will just be my luck to have them stop, about the time I finish here.  But I'm hopin'.

Honey do you nurse the baby?  what color hair has it got, what color eyes?  does it look like you?  How much did it weigh?  Does she seem to be as healthy as can be expected? 

Darling, I don't know why I'm asking all these questions, I'll probably know all about it before you even get this.  Then watch our cause I'll sure pour the letters that way, and I hope you don't get tired of them.

Darling, I sure hope you got the candy and gum I sent, in time to have it out there with you, and I hope the telegram and flowers got there this morning.  I tried to send them last night, but every place was closed for the fourth.  Hey I sure spoled your fourth didn't I?  Please forgive me, we'll have to time the next one a little different huh?

Well sweethearts I better close for now, and get my lessons.  Remember to give my love to the baby and I'll always keep on loving you more each day.  Hope you are recovering ok, Bye for now my princesses.

All my love,

Daddy Speak

June 29, 1943: Speak to Madge

Hi Darling:

Gee you look beautiful for a women who is about to have a baby, but then you always were the best looking girl in Utah County?  I know you'll be the sweetest, and most beautiful mother in the whole world.  Boy I'm really lucky to get such a jewel for a wife, honey in case I've never thanked you before, why thanks just millions for marrying me, you have made my life complete.  I love you more than 2 bunch, as Brenda would say it.

Gee that is sure to bad about Reva, I sure hope she recovers from the injury soon.  I don't remember her, but I believe I have met her someplace. 

Tell all the folks to be real careful from now on, while canning, won't you? 

I'm glad Florence R. called you up, what did she have to say?  Have they brough them a new car yet, she said they were thinking about it, when they got out of debt, or little more.

Princess I too lay awake at night and think of you, and the baby, and sometimes I can't sleep for hours, because I'm so happy about it all, and lonesome for you.  But this mess can't last forever, and then we'll have each other and a baby too, won't that be just perfect tho?

What do you mean to I remember Lynn C who you used to know, how could I ever forget him? But that is sure tought about his wife and kid.  I hope they get well soon, even if I don't like him.

Honey don't worry about me dropping in and surprising you, but I wish I could.  I bet we would both fall over and faint together.

Well my darling Princess and baby, its time to close again, so until tomorrow, keep on loving me as I do you.

Yours forever,

Speak

June 30, 1943: Speak to Madge

Hello Darling:                                          10:PM Wed.

Well her I am again, with you.  I hope you don't mind so many of these letters, but Madge dear I'm thinking of you every second of the day.  and praying you will get along ok, thru what you are about to experience.  I guess no one will ever know what a girl goes thru, but I have a very good idea, and to think you are doing it for me, makes me love you even more.

Honey I'll try my best to make you happy and comfortable the rest of our life.  Gee your beautiful  did you ever look in a mirror, do it sometime, and then you will know why I love you so much.

But that isn't th eonly reason it's because of whats in you heart and soul, that gets me too.

Madge darling, I'm all a love with you tonight, I've got that picture that goes in the writing set Ed and Lela gave to me, cause your picture just fits in it.  And I can keep it nice.

Today was payday and most of the guys have gone to town to get drunk, and see the carnival but I'd much rather stay here in camp and write to my wonderful wife and sweethear.  Remember the fun we used to have at all the carnicals, and we will again somefsy, won't we?

Gee toots it's a wonder this picture don't wear out, cause I kiss is so much.

Hey I'm not braggin but don't you think I write better on this small paper?  At least I can read it myself.

Darling it's just 2 or 3 days now, before the baby gets here, and I'm so thrilled I can hardly wait.  I wish there was some way I could help share the pain, cause it seems so unfair for you to have to go thu it all alonge.  But darling, I want you to know my heart and sould, will be there with you every minute and I'll pray for you each day.

I'm sorry it had to work out like this especially for our first one, but from now on, I'll be there to help you and share the worry with you.

Honey please don't every worry about me for even one minute, cause you will have plenty to do from now on without thinking of me.  I'm getting along just fine, and I enjoy my school, I haven't been sick at all, and I'm fat and sassy.

I sure hope the baby don't cause you too much trouble at least not keep you up all night.

Well sweet I better close for now and get some sleep, I'll dream of you, and what I have left behind for the time being, and what fun we'll have when we're together again.  Bye my sweet wife and Mommy.

Yours forever,

Daddy Speak

June 30, 1943: Speak to Madge

Dearest Madge:

Well mommy it sure was nice to hear your dear voice last night, It took me nearly two hours to get the call thru but it was more than worth it.

Honey you really sounded as if you were getting along ok, and gee I'm sure glad.  I'm sure glad you haven't been sitting around worrying about it, and getting scared about it.  Golly but I love you more each day, you really one in a million.  I'll bet your the best mother a kid ever had, and I'll alwas remind it of how lucky it is.

Princess, I sure hope they have phones, in the rooms out at the hospital, cause I want to be with you all I can this next little while.

At least until after your sickness, and you are well and home again.  Madge I love you more than life itself, nothing will ever change it.

Honey I'm sure glad we have nearly decided on the name for the baby.  I'll like anyone you finally decided on.  Cause if you choose it, it has got to be good, cause your the best girl, and wife thta ever was.

Hey, I got a short letter from Geo B, the other day, he said to give you his best and he may be up there soon to see everyone.

Lucky ain't he?  I wish I could just get to be with you for even a minute, it would seem like heaven for me.

Well my darling, I better close and get my lessons, remember how much I love you and keep your chin up.  My God bless you always.  Bye for now, I remain as ever you devoted husband.

All my Love,

Daddy Speak.

Janurary 26, 1943: Madge to Speak

Oh, My Darling:

At last I recieved the very first letter from my man in the service.  What a thrill.  Honey, do you know what you are to be. Ground crew, pilot, gunner, or what?  I do hope it's the ground crew, leaving all personal feelings aside.  do you think you'll like it?  I hope so.  It seems to be a good branch to be in.  Write and tell me.

I paid the hospital plan today up and including July.  So that's that.

I'm sending George's field glasses back to him tomorrow.  I'll insure them for a $50.00 to make sure. 

Today, Mother went downtown and brought the cloth for 4 small receiving blankets isn't she sweet?  And then we'll crochet around them with blue and pink.

Ella came in tonight to see if I knew where you were yet.  The mailman doesn't come until almost 7:00.  so Daddy brought it (letter) down to me - and she said she didn't think I was going to have a baby cause I should show it a little - it almost hurt my feelings - Because I know we are.

Last night I dreamed I had it.  It was a boy and it was cute.

I made $2.40 cents tonight.  It all goes in our bank, it's going up and up.

As usual, I slept till noon today, got up and had breakfast and went down to the bank.  Mom won't wake me up.  She says when I've had enough sleep I'll wake up.

It is now 12:00 PM - Murray just came up to the door to see if I had a ride hom - It was awfully nice of him.  But Eilien had her car and I don't get off until 12:30.  so I am now writing this so I can mail it right off.

Hey Sweet, please excuse all my samples of stationary, I've just been picking up a piece here and there.

Darling, I'm kinda glad you kinda feel bad at night. 'Cause so do I.  Did you like what I wrote on the back of my picture?  Now Speak, if you run out of money you be sure and write won't you?  Wouldn't you like a nice money belt?  I saw a honey of a one today.  I'd sure like to buy it for you.  Instead of a flap, it has a zipper.

I'll send you ring, day after tomorrow.  and do you want your cigatette case?

And now my love, I guess I'd better sign off and go home and dream of you.

I do hope 15 cents will take this first letter to you.

Until tomorrow - 
With all my love
-Bye for now

Madge  

June 25, 1943: Speak to Madge

Darling Mommy:

Honey you no what I mean, when I say I have had more advanced training, we have to take a lot of old shit.  And it makes us screw off a lot, but I'll be good from now on, so they won't break me, or stop me from getting my furlough.

Well toots today is our last day on this shift, and also the last day in the fuel system phase.  I'm not worrying much about my grade cause I believe I'll make the 85.

Gee I can hadly wait until next Tues, night to get here so I can talk to you and hear your dear voice again.  It seems like ages since we talked last.  HOney, when the baby gets here, you can call or telegraph but I believe it would be better if you sent the telegram, we have a western union, out here at the field and that way, I'd get it sooner.

Gee I wish I was going to get my furlough when Uncle Lee does.  but we'll have a lot more fun just we three all by ourselves.

I'll bet Ross is really growing, it's been a year since I saw him, lets see he's 13 years old now isn't he?  Gosh time flies by.

I'm sure glad your not scared, and that you are glad things are this way.  Cause down deep inside me, I'm glad were lucky enough to have a baby.  Remember when we were going together, (me too).  Gee your swell.

Well honey tomorrow is my day off, I'll write a real long one tomorrow, but now I gotta quit and get ready for school.  Bye for now my two sweethearts, I'll always be thinking of you.  Keep your chin up.

Forever yours,

Speak

June 23, 1943: Speak to Madge

Hi Darling:

No toots I don't hate weekends cause that means I am that much close to finishing school.  Don't worry honey I don't stand around on the corners, down town when I haven't anything to do, I stay here in camp.  Beside, they keep us to busy, just think I have only 43 more days of school.  It's sure a lot different than when I was in hihg school.  I used to sluff a lot then, and here I haven't ever missed one day of this school.  But then this is more interesting, and we can't sluff even if we wanted to.

It's sure getting hot as hell here, but we only have three more days on this shift, then we go on days again, so we will get most of our school over before it gets too hot.

That was to bad about Mrs. Haws, what will the kids do now?

Hey I wish I could have bought Dad a present for Father's Day, but we will after this (I hope).

Toots I can hardly wait for the baby to get here, gee I think of you every second, I'm sure thankful that you have got along so well.  Keep your chin up, it will all be over soon, and with such swell folks to look after you, I know everything will be ok.

I'll bet Dally will get those people out in a hurry when he gets home.

Gee Princess you even got you suit case packed my the time is close, isn't it?  Won't it be swell to have our own family, we both love kids and now we are going to have one of our very own.

My Darling I'll love you, more than ever when you're a mother, I know you will be the best in the world.

Well beloved, I gotta go for now, but will write more next time, Sweet dreams my Darling.  Keep your chin up.  I'll always love you dearly.

Yours Forever,

Speak

June 24, 1943: Speak to Madge

Dear Madge:

     That's to bad about Mrs. Ross, I hope she gets well real soon.  Honey, don't worry about them coming to see you, they never did come to see us very much, and we don't give a damn.  So don't you put yourself out to go see them, remember that.  We'll always get along ok, without them.  And honey you better not be going anywhere now, stay close to home, and the phone, so you can get right out to the hospital, when the time comes.  I'm not trying to stop you from having fun, but I just want you to be awful careful.

     Cause Princess if anything should happen to you, I'd just die.  I'm sure glad you Mother and all the folks pamper you, I wish I could.  Honey, anything I have at home, you can give or lend to Murray or whoever else wants it.  I'm glad they used my fishing outfit.  They are more than welcome to any of my stuff.

     Madge, I like your new pen, and also the new way you address you letters, but then I'd love them anyway, just so they were from you.

     Gosh toots I'm the one who should be proud of you, gee you've been the best soldier in the whole world, I'll always be thankful for having such a wonderful wife and sweetheart.  I love you more each second.

     HOney well have a lot more of those trips up the canyon, just us three, we should enjoy them even more, after going thru this.  Well honey bye for now, there goes the whistle again.  Remember I'll always love you, and the baby.

     Yours forever,

     Speak

June 22, 1943: G-ma Young to Speak

Speak, Dear Son: - 
   
     I am always glad to receive a letter from you, but do not like to think of you worrying too much.

     Madge seems as well as can be expected, no kidney trouble or anything else so far as I know, of course in her condition a person has aches and pains that accompany such times.

     She is in the best of spirits; she is so thrilled about it.  she has been more contented with you gone than she would have been other wise as she has had that to think about and plan and pray for instead of fretting and worrying all the time about you having to go away.

     We all miss you Speak, you wouldn't believe how much.  It will be a great day when you get home for good.  We are getting some done on the house, it is awfully slow tho, we haven't located a capenter as yet.  It looks as tho Murray and Dad will have it all to do yet.

     They can if they have to but they would like to get a carpenter for the tecknical work, of course that is spelled wrong but you can guess what it means I hope.) 

     We certainly miss Chum, but we are getting more used to him being now.  Father and I are going to a funeral today, Belva Haws, Jesse Haws wife died last Friday night.  Jesse died in 1940.  You know how she sold her house this winter or Spring and they wouldn't let her build another.  I do not think that helped her any, she has had too room and board out ever since.

     The cherries are getting about ready to pick.  Father said he thought he would begin picking in the tops of the trees about next Monday.  I hope the price stays up, they have been as high as 25 cents a pound of course we can take a lot less than that and still make money.  You should just see the garden, Father certainly takes pleasure in tending that.  Altho all the rain we had did not do the peas any good.  We have had one mess of peas tho.

     Bessie and Dick gave Father over half a box of cigars for Father's Day.  Was he pleased!  You know you can only buy them sometimes.  They must have been buying a few at a time and saved them until they had that near a box of them!

     Brenda was tho years old yesterday.  We gave her a bathing suit.  Well I think I had better close now.  I wonder if you can read my scribble I hope so.  

     As ever, Mother & Dad.

     Write to us.  P.S. Do not worry about getting home, we'll see that you have the money.