Letter #13

Letter #13
University of Colorado
May 28, 1918

My Dearest Sweetheart Violet,
I received your long looked for letter last night at 8:00 p.m. I waited all day long without one. I did not care to go out, for George was on duty, and I had no one to go with who was one of my style. I went to Sunday school in the morning. There was no meeting in the afternoon, so I stayed at the barracks with a face as long as a 20-foot pole. I was down to the writing table when the mail came in. I had just finished my letter to your folks when yours was handed to me. It sure put new life into this soldier, and above all, it made me think more of you. Sunday is such a long day to me now.


Soldiers in training camps during 1918

It sure is hard here in camp when all the other fellows get letters from their sweethearts and one is standing by not getting anything, as I did yesterday. Say, dear, I am going to ask a favor of you, will you do it for me? Please write a letter so I will be sure to get it on Sunday, for Sunday is such a long day. I’m like a person dressed up with nowhere to go. A letter from you will make it much better, and tell me everything, and don’t hold anything back for I will feel slighted if you do.
Well, I have just gotten back from drill. We have moved our bunk. I have been separated from the rest of the boys into a room with four closets, so now we have a place to hang our clothing. I surely will miss George now, but
I will see him when we are in class, even though I don’t sleep beside him at night anymore.
You said my suit would be in a pretty mess. Well, I will tell you how I remedied that. I bought a pair of coveralls. I had my picture taken in them, so you will see how I look.
Now about the way I feel in regards to the last night I was with you. Now dear, there was nothing that you did that lowered my respect for you in my eyes. It has made me stronger and has made me appreciate you more. I have never let that influence my nature at all. I told you, dear, that I can trust you, and if any harm has come to you through those actions, I will ask forgiveness, before I go any further, but I think that there is nothing but goodness between you and me. That is just the way I feel about it. You were the first girl I have ever said such things to. You may think me bold at times, but I say things as I feel them. Well, dear, just let that drop until I get back, then I will tell you some things that will make you wonder why some people are so immoral.
You asked if I wanted to get married before I went, I would say yes. I don’t know how it is in other camps, but the married men are a lot better than the single men. Well, I hope the time will come when we will meet again and live as one and enjoy the love of each other.
Well, dear, this is a short one but time will not permit more, so I will close with a long, sweet kiss. Love to all,
Your loving Sweetheart,
Henry