Letter #53 Boulder, Colorado
July 7, 1918My Dear Sweetheart,
I’m happy now for that which I have been craving all day has arrived, your sweet loving letter of July 4th. Oh dear, if you only knew how it made me feel, for a letter from you not only feeds my hungry soul with love, but gives me new spirit and determination to do that which I was sent here to do. It also helps me to live better, so that in the end, life will be pleasure for you and me.
I suppose you will want to know how I conducted myself last night. Well dear, you will be surprised when I tell you what I did. I got to the dance a little after ten, and at the door I was met by the head nurse who made me acquainted with two girls that started the rocks moving. From then on, there was no rest for the wicked, for I danced with a great number of those nurses. They seemed to know only how to dance the one step, and for waltzing, they know nothing about it. I tried to teach one until it seemed impossible, for she wanted to step on my toes. Did you hear the whistle blow? It is time for retreat and mess.
Well I’m back again feeling a little better. I did not enjoy my supper tonight for the temptation I had. I received the box of candy you sent today, however, it was miss sent to Hooper, Utah. The paper was nearly torn off and the box was completely destroyed, for when I took the string off, the sides fell apart. But the sweetness of the candy was still there. As soon as it came I went to Geo’s room. We opened it and oh how we enjoyed it, but nothing like I did the letter you sent, for that was my ideal, and it filled the vacant space in which I had retained for it.
We held our meeting this morning at 9:30. We had a good turnout, for we had about 30, including visitors. President Herrick and two lady missionaries were present. After listening to the two lady missionaries, President Herrick spoke to us on “The Nature of Living a Pure, Clean Life” and on The Word of Wisdom. He also spoke to us on many things which we will be compelled to meet up with, and the blessings one will receive if they live a pure, clean life. Oh dear, how I thought of you at home and the great help and part you were playing in my life in giving to me that which I know is the only thing which has helped me to overcome the many temptations which have been placed in my path. You have ever been present in my mind whenever I have been inclined to do that which I know is wrong.
Brother Herrich surely gave us some good advice, which may be of benefit to them if they will only carry out that which they have received. He also told us the real value it was for any man to sacrifice a great deal. From women, he may be able to sacrifice his passions, which in the end will be the greatest proof of manhood anyone may ask. I do hope by the help of God and you, dear, that I may be able to go through this great trial, and that I may return back to you a much stronger man in character by being able to overcome all these temptations without losing my knowledge and true love for you.
This, I suppose, is the last Sunday in Boulder for me, but it may be the last time for a few months in which I may be deprived of partaking of the sacrament which is a great privilege to me. But you at home can give me a portion of your prayers and love, which will be the greatest thing you can do for me.
There is one thing I’ll bet you will say, “I wonder, who he took home last night?” I did walk home with one of the nurses. For they were going the same way I was. Now dear, don’t think I’m chasing out every night with the girls, for I’m not. I think too much of you dear for any such thing. But it was this way me last night. The girls were good enough to ask us to the dance, so I thought it was our duty, or to show that we were gentlemen, to accompany them home. We have established a good record here and all the people seem to think we are a very good class. So we must try and keep the record we have set.
Did you hear my singing? Well I have, for the members of the Y were here. They are very kind to us in helping us with the songs. They had me lead the song we sing the most here, which is “I Am a Utah Man, Sir.” I surely was filled with music for I just wanted to sing.
Well dear, George is here waiting for me to go for a little walk tonight for we have been at the armory all day, for I had no other place to go except for Denver.
Now dear, if I have been doing wrong toward you in going home with that nurse last night just please forgive me, and I will never do it again. But you know dear how it is, when a person is in just in such a place. I’m sure I still hold the same love toward you, for that love has been instilled in me for life and nothing can take it from me. Well sweetheart, I must say good night and one kiss, may God ever be near you and guide you until he sees fit for us to meet again.
Your Loving Sweetheart Soldier, X, Henry
P.S. Give my love to all (FYI) Utah Man
I am a Utah man, sir and I live across the green.
Our gang it is the jolliest that you have ever seen.
Our coeds are the fairest and each one's a shining star.
Our yell, you hear it ringing through the mountains near and far.
Chorus:
Who am I, sir, a Utah man am I:
A Utah man, sir, and will be till I die: Ki! Ki!
We're up to snuff: we never bluff.
We're game for any fuss.
No other gang of college men dare meet us in the muss.
So fill your lungs and sing it out shout it to the sky.
We'll fight for dear old crimson for.....
Chorus:
And when we prom the avenue, all lined up in a row.
And arm in arm and step in time as down the street we go.
No matter if a freshman green, or in a senior's gown,
The people all admit we are the warmest gang in town.
Chorus:
We may not live forever on this jolly good old sphere,
But while we do we'll live a life of merriment and cheer.
And when our college days are o'er and night is drawing nigh,
With parting breath we'll sing that song:
A Utah Man am I!
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