Letter #35

June 18, 1918
Bountiful, Utah
Dearest Henry,
Are you getting tired of my letters, for you know this is four straight in a row. Well I just had to write tonight above all. You said some of the fellows were laughing at you for writing so much.
If they had a heart in them I don’t think they would. If only they knew how much they meant to me and how I watch for their coming. You know, if I would listen to my selfish feelings, I’d want a letter at least once a day, but of course you wouldn’t like that (or have time for it either).
I’m very sorry they’ve moved you again, dear. Are you anywhere near George? How is he doing in is work? I was just thinking again what a beautiful ring I have and how I love it. I feel rich. I hope you have enough money to keep yourself going. If you don’t, have things sent here C.O.D. to me (not to Dad). I am sorry condition exists as you say it does among the men there who profess to be good righteous men. You know, sweetheart, more harm comes through things like that than any other. A good Mormon boy may preach a vast and glorious sermon if he lives in accordance with his teachings, but oh, the harm he causes when he doesn’t live up to it.
Well, as to the matter of the slacker, I think we all feel the same. May everyone see to his duty … and do it is what I hope for all men. Oh yes, I received your letters of the 11th and 14th both today. Well, Henry, of course it was kind of sudden about your going to France. It seemed to take my very life and heart away at first. I have not said anything about what I did, but after I read them, I went in Uncle Jimmies’ room and knelt down and prayed for comfort, guidance, and help. Since then I feel so much better. Oh Henry, let’s never forget your Maker. Let Him carry our burdens and tell Him of our love for one another and I’m sure He will make that love be transmitted. I must say, sweetheart, that never before in my life have I known or appreciated his comfort, love, influence, and healing power. You can’t help but come back to me if we both live that way.
Do you dread the thoughts of going to France, if you do have to go? I am positive that you will be back. My Patriarchal Blessing tells me that you will, and I know absolutely that you will return as pure as you went out.
You asked about Elna and Mabel. Don’t be too hard on them, for you know peas and fruit are on, and I guess they are in the field from daylight till dark.

Well, I’m still knitting, and I guess I will be for some time. I have about eight inches done with the ribbing. I’ll get it down sometime. I wrote to Fred this morning. I received a letter from him some time ago. So you see, someone else is slacking in writing letters, as I am. Did the whole camp go on the hike, for Mrs. Barlow knew nothing about Clyde’s going. I am very, very glad sweetheart that you deem it an honor to fight for the best country on earth, the good ole U.S.A. If you didn’t feel that way, I don’t know what I would do.
Mrs. Barlow was telling me that a Romney (Walt, I think) fellow’s wife had just gone there to be with her husband. Are their many wives there? I hear Vera Fackrell Day is going to California to be with her husband. My husband wants me to stay home (Ha Ha).
I am sorry I almost knocked you off your feet when I told you what I did. Was it because you didn’t want to hear it? Well, I’ll repeat it again, and it comes from my very heart. I’m ready whenever you want me. I’m yours already, except by the way of marriage, but my whole soul is yours and it sends its lattice to which clings bushels of love and the hope that before very long our fondest hope may be reached. X It is 10:55 P.M. As ever for always yours,
Violet

This picture was taken in France just 4 weeks after this letter was written
… where Henry was headed

Battery B, 1st Bn, 15th FA, passing through Villers Cotterts,
France 17 July 1918 AND…..





The graves in France… no wonder they were both concerned.