Letter # 48

Letter #48

Boulder, Colorado

July 4, 1918

My Dear Sweetheart,

Well, here it is, July 4th, all dressed up and nowhere to go. But you will let me have a portion of your time, sweetheart? It is all the pleasure I will have today, for this morning, we were parading downtown, or in other words, we were in the parade, but all I saw of it was the other fellow's neck. For we were all at attention all of the time, and that took an hour and a half. This afternoon we gave a little exhibition up at the park (Chautauqua). After the performance, we were dismissed until 10:30 tonight. Well, dear, I can’t begin to tell you how lonely I am and long for your company. I stayed at the park and listened to the band render a few pieces. That does not stop me from thinking of you, so I went and sat on the grass, watching the people go by. A few girls came by and took our pictures. I talked to them, but it was of no use for you stood out above them all.

My next move was down to the barracks, or the Y. George was with me all the time. We were the only two there, so I started the Victrola, but the music did not divert my mind from dear old sweetheart at home. I thought I had passed my hard time, but as time goes dear, my heart just throbs for you and just begs to get to see you once more. Oh, how I wish this dreadful war would close, for the army is not the place for me. Some of the fellows seem to think there is nothing like it, but I am sure they haven't a heart or they haven't any sweetheart at home who is always sending sweet messages of love, as you are sending to me. For dear, they are my only comfort. If you would stop sending them, how I would pine away my life. They seem to be filled with spiritual food, as well as mental food, and love. Oh dear, how I wish I were there for my heart is so full of love that it is almost impossible for me to hold it any longer.

Today as they were playing the Star Spangled Banner, we were all standing with our port arms; do you see how it is with the gun in front of us? [He has drawn a stick figure of a soldier and rifle]. Oh, how my mind went back home to you, and wished that you were here. For the chills ran up and down my back like electricity. But you weren’t there, no such luck. You just wait until I get back home, then we will have our good times again.

Another thing which makes me think of you a great deal is that I have been looking for a letter today, but no, the mail has all come and no letter. I suppose that I'm getting too selfish, but I really do love to read that which comes from the hand of the one I know has promised with all her heart to be the girl I want her to be.

By the way, the corporal who was on duty today just came and asked a rather funny question. It was this: "Douglas Romney has five girls outside, waiting, and he wants some more men to go." I told him not until I finish this letter. There is nothing which can stop me now, only the superior officer, and I know they won't bother. Shall I go, sweetheart? I should say no, for I owe all my effort and my life to you, dear, and that is the way I feel toward it. If I should start doing such things, it would be hard for me to give you all my love, not that I want to be selfish, but that I owe it to you, my only sweetheart and love.

Now that I'm on the subject of girls, I want to tell you about the dance Tuesday night. I came to the armory about 9:30 and such a sight! I never thought there were so many girls in Boulder, and I heard later that a number were turned away because there wasn't room. I started to dance, and danced all the dances but one. There were about 15 dance numbers in all. Listen, dear, don't think I am trying to brag on the girls in Utah, especially, you, for I am not. But the girls here cannot dance like you at home. They seem to be so clumsy, or either it's our big army shoes. At first I thought they were too far advanced for us boys, but after dancing once I soon found out the truth. I danced once with a certain girl … I do believe she had never been on the dance floor in her life. Well, dear, I had a fine time and enjoyed myself, but for some reason I kinda missed you.

Well, dear, I must start preaching again on dress, for there were some girls who came out to the dance with just skirts on and they were not high ones, either. You will say I'll bet there was something more, well, the only thing I saw was a piece of narrow, baby ribbon over her shoulders, they surely were disgraceful, they were worse than some I have seen at home. Now, dear, don't think that I am trying to run down the girls and say things that would make you think I am losing my respect. There were other things I could mention, but I would be lowering my manhood by doing so. Someday I will tell you, if you so desire.

Last night 38 of the boys left for an eastern port. Some of them surely looked blue, but others seemed to be as happy as usual. It made me think how the people at home must have felt when seeing us leave. A lump came into my throat and I really felt bad for the poor fellows. But, my time is coming soon.

Before I forget it, the fellow who I loaned the money to came back today. His mother died, it surely is too bad. But, he told me they were looking for her to die before he left, so it is not so bad.

I have received my blouse and another pair of trousers, but if they keep on giving us things, I don't where I will put them.

Well, dear, I must say goodnight (One more big one. X Thanks X) May God ever be with you, that you may be able to understand the great task you are put to.

Your loving sweetheart soldier,

Henry XX