Letter #17

Note: This letter is the first from Violet’s father, Daniel Henry Wood. I have left the spelling and mechanics as he wrote it. Some lines I don’t understand; however, it is charming and I think it gives the reader a better feel for his ‘voice’. I asked my father what he remembered about his maternal grandfather, and he said that he was a big man. He was about 6’2” and 250 lbs. He had four daughters: Hazel, Mary, Violet and Delores. Dad and Uncle Steve both said that their grandfather felt very close to Henry Call. He treated him as the son he never had. The love he felt for Henry is evident in this letter.

Letter #17 Woods Cross, Utah
May 30, 1918
Well, my dear old Boy I was sure glad to here from you and that you are hale and hearty: and feeling as fine as you do. Henry, I worred over you for a few day: but as of late: I can see that Knowledge has his watchful eye over you: and all will be well with you Henry I know he is not in your class: for you tower as high above him as the Jarroff [giraffe?] does over the mouse: now that is some diference isent it my dear Boy: then that dosen’t tell half of it Henry I tell everybody that I have a boy in the field. Henry I don’t think I would have felt any worse had U been my own flesh and Blood there hasent been a day or an hour but what I have thought of you and wondered what you was doing & how you was feeling: and if there is anything I can do: or say for your best good let me know: and if it dosent cost over five cents Il do it. Henry feel your captain a little and stand in with him: all there things are in your favor: I seen your folk yesterday they are feeling fine: my garden is looking fine now for the amount of rain and cold weather we have had lately. Henry I don’t know what to tell you: for Violet has told you everything that will happen for the next four months Mark Holbrook was enquiring of you today: Henry I haven’t hardley known what I was doing with the last two weeks we are all well. But damned lonesome can you see that well my dear boy be good: There is no use telling you that for you never was anything else and if only the good boys come back you will be the first one home. Henry it is nearly eleven P.M. so I will say good night and God bless you with health and strength & a contented mind and a Quick Return home: all join in love to you even Violet Mama says hello. Good night my dear boy from yours as ever
D.H. Wood