OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1942 Bob to Oggy FEBRUARY

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Olive Coolidge, Asst Nurse, 1941-1942
Olive Dame Coolidge (1920-2008)
Correspondence 1942 February 2-26
Bob (Robert Butman) to Oggy (Olive)

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1942 Bob to Oggy January

Infirmary at PMSS. [coolidge_post-car_1916033.jpg]

TAGS: Olive Coolidge, 1942 correspondence, Robert Butman, WWII, Pine Mountain, Washington DC

OLIVE COOLIDGE Correspondence 1942 Bob to Oggy FEBRUARY 2-26

TRANSCRIPTIONS

021 Postmark: February 3, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 2, 1942

Darling –

It seems that there are times when we both feel the same way – meaning I’d give anything to be able to see you right now. I think if I could just rest my head in your lap, or hold yours in mine that some of that unsettled feeling in my stomach would disappear. Yes darling, I’m for April or May.

I’m glad – to put it mildly – that you had such an enlightening talk with Dr. [Wyndham Hunt] Nutter; and I agree with him heartily. Very sound advice I should say. Very sound. And furthermore, the idea about mutual enjoyment of every aspect of marriage is seconded with a very loud and thunderous, “aye.” Provided of course, you can conceive of my being thunderous. Nevertheless, we agree. Says he feeling a little sorry for Milme.

Doggone it all Darling, we agree on so many important things it’s nothing short of a miracle.

You know Dearie, I’ve just been wondering what I could have been thinking about when I once said that there were some things a person wouldn’t give up to please his partner. Remember when I said that – during a rather violent argument brought on by a rather expensive meal? Them days is gone forever darling – just putty now.

I’m kinda disgusted that they aren’t treating you any differently there – although I’m probably not half as disgusted as you are! It’s a dirty deal, Dearie, but shucks it won’t be for long – and think how much more fun it will be when you leave. Why shucks, if you liked it there, you might not want to leave to get married! And that would be definitely discouraging. Just keep the upper lip in the same place & remember me remembering you.

Changing the subject – You know, darling, living expenses are going to be devilishly high here and when we get married, a poor Junior Engineer’s salary will have to be stretched in places. So – we will undoubtedly have to live in some hole in the wall – or pitch a tent on the mall. But then I guess you know that without my reminding you. But you know a fellow wants his wife to have all she possibly can, and a little more besides.

We’ll have a wonderful time though Darling. Words fail me darling – as I’ve said before – but they still do.

Yours forever Darling,
Bob

022 Postmark: February 4, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 4, 1942

Hello Darling,

Joe & I have just had a session talking with some girlfriend of his – and I do mean some girlfriend. Lord, some girls are dopes. Every time I talk with someone like that I “appreciate” you just that much more.

I haven’t heard from Dad yet about May but probably he will get around to write fairly soon. I’m sure he won’t object anyway – well, almost sure. He is usually pretty understanding though and I think if he realizes we aren’t rushing into it he won’t object. Right now I’m all for it. Wow!

After reading your last letter I’m more thoroughly disgusted with PM than ever. If you are going to be continually blue there I don’t think you should stay. After all there’s no point in slaving for a group of people you don’t like – particularly when the work is so doggone menial – most of it. Darn it all, if they would only do as they promised and give you something worthwhile to do, it would be so much different. If it doesn’t improve within a reasonable length of time please use the pink slip to get RR ticket with.

I hope you don’t mind my sending you a check. After all Dearie, what’s mine is yours, you know and shucks we’re practically married. Say doesn’t that sound swell – “practically married” Ah me! If you do decide to come back before you had planned, you don’t need to tell anyone that I sent you a check, – if you think they would frown upon it.

Anyway – the main idea is that there’s no point – as I said before – in staying if you aren’t having a reasonably good time.

Shucks Dearie, I think Washington would be the best place (for you) but I suppose we’ll have to wait at least until May – (or April). Which shows you how I feel about it all.

Maintain the status quo on the upper lip though Darling, and remember I think about you just as much as you think about me. And that’s most of the time Dearie. How I’d like to ruffle your hair – rub your back – a kiss (or two) – ….

Yes!
Yours always,
Bob

023 Postmark: February 6, 1942, Washington, D>C.

Feb. 5, 1942

Oggy Darling,

Perhaps I’m wrong Dearie, but I have a sneaking suspicion that somewhat the same thing is wrong with both of us. It’s amazing how much alike the symptoms are – I think; they seem to be anyway.

Things would be so much more fun if you were here Darling – or have I mentioned that before? Practically a theme song I guess. If you were here you would know you have my sympathy – instead of taking it for granted. The only difficulty is that you ——- oops that doesn’t sound right. I was going to say that you deserve more sympathy than I could give you. Anyway, you get the general idea I think. All of which is just another version of the old refrain – .

Got a letter from Maxine today; apparently she thinks I practically have a commission by now. Darn it all, I wish I could get one, but you never can tell where I would have to go if I did manage to, – although I might be stationed here in Washington just the same. I’m really not being particularly useful where I am now even though the work is interesting. The volume is very small – hardly enough to keep Finch and Bly busy, to say nothing of myself. Ah well – I dunno.

I do know I love you though Darling. You should have seen me this evening – I walked part way home and stopped in the park on the hill to stare into space and watch the city go by. Day dreams galore! You’re what makes my world go around Darling.

All my Love,
Bob

024 Postmark: February 7, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 6 ?, 1942
Fri anyway
11:00 P.M.

Oggy Darling,

Lying here listening to the rain beating against the window reminds me of a night at Marblehead last spring – and the surf pictures on the wall remind me of our little expedition to Gloucester the next day. Remember? If I remember correctly the comment from both families was “crazy kids.” It seemed so nice and wet and rainy that I couldn’t resist going out for a walk earlier in the evening – good fun too with the wind blowing hard.

Trouble was, it made me feel too doggone lonesome for you – more than usual – and wish we could take in a beach this evening and/or a fireplace.

Say did you get the same thing I got today? Meaning an announcement from Dick & Priscilla. I wasn’t particularly surprised of course, Dick didn’t have a fighting chance! The lucky bums. Ah me – short pause while my mind wanders slightly. I’m glad – very glad – they were able to get married, but I’m jealous as the devil too. Incidentally, how about a joint wedding present from us, provided you can think of something to give them (heh! heh!). Do you think they would appreciate money as much as anything?

Darling – if I haven’t sounded enthusiastic about May, you were right in assuming that I was simply showing extraordinary restraint. I feel so darned restless at times, Dearie, and I guess you are the only cure because when you’re around everything seems – well, the way it ought to. Sort of peaceful!

Yours,
Bob

025 Postmark: February 9, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 8, 1942

Hello Darling,

I thought I was going to have plenty of time to write a couple of letters when I got home tonight – until it dawned on me that we had to set our clocks ahead – which I have just done, making it 11:45.

Today has been moderately active Dearie. Went to church this morning, then went downtown and had dinner with a couple of other Navy men. Afterward we went for a walk, then took in a movie. On the way home the bus started to go up 14th instead of 16th st. Looking down K Street I could see a whole mess of smoke, people, and fire engines.

Aha, thinks I, and jumped out to take a look. It seems that the new Hotel Statler was blazing merrily – you know where it is – on the corner of 16th & K – just a block from the Y.W. They had just begun to pour a lot of concrete and the 1st 2 floors were full of wooden braces and molds. Those all burned leaving the 1st two floors all black and messy – and it sure was a complete job – probably it will set them back quite a way.

After standing around until I nearly froze to death watching the fire, I came home and went to church again. What makes me so religious Dearie?

Have you had any comments from home about May? Gee Darling, I don’t know what we should do. All I know is that I love you – and that I’m always lonesome when we aren’t together. Which may sound a little prosaic – but it isn’t meant to.

Yours always,
Bob

026 Postmark: February 10, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 9, 1942

Shucks Darling – there ain’t no justice. Here I have a chance to go home next weekend, and there isn’t any incentive to go.

It happens like this. We are going to Philadelphia on Thursday and on to N.Y.C. for Friday and Sat. Unless something goes wrong we expect to finish up in N.Y. around noon on Saturday, so I could be home for Sat. evening. And since I will be working a week from Sunday (they have a skeleton crew on Sundays) I can take Monday off and not get back here until Tuesday morning. Gee Darling if you were only going to be home!!!

As a matter of fact I don’t feel particularly enthusiastic about going but there’s no telling when I’ll get another chance so I think it would be wise to take it. Right? But I still wish you were going to be there!

Got a letter from Dick & Priscilla today – I’ll send it along so you can read it. Judging from the sound of it I should say that they were happy all right. Since they’re moving around so much it would be kind of difficult to send them much for a present so I put $5.00 in the letter I wrote back. Think that will be O.K.?

Doggone, it made me jealous as the Devil to read the letter – they sound as though they were having no end of fun. Oh well, Darling we’ll get our fireplace yet! And I still wish you were going to be in Boston.

Yours always,
Bob

027 Postmark: February 12, 1942, New York, N.Y.

[On stationery with the letterhead “Hotel Governor Clinton in the Penn Zone…New York City”]

Feb 12, 1942

Hello Darling,

Just have a few minutes to write a note before we go out for supper. Have been having a swell time – stopped at Phila, and got into N.Y. about 3:30 P.M.

Mr. Bly had to get some stuff, so after eating – at Childs (!) – we wandered around – saw Hearst’s art collection – all for the price of one nutcracker.

If we can find a good movie I suspect we will take it in, just to keep ourselves amused for the evening. Now if you were here – ah me!

Tomorrow and Saturday morning we will be in N.Y. seeing various people with Cmdr. Finch. Then for Boston —. If you had wondered – I will be seeing your folks sometime while I’m home. Probably I’ll drop over Sunday and say hello.

Incidentally Dearie – for what it’s worth – I went so far as to bring your last letters along with me so I would have some literature to read during dull moments. Amazing for me. But I suppose that’s just an outward sign of something “rather” deep.

I love you Darling,
Bob

028 Postmark: February 13, 1942, New York, N.Y.

[On stationery with the letterhead “Hotel Governor Clinton in the Penn Zone…New York City”]

Feb. 13, 1942

Good Morning Dearie,

Since I haven’t had a chance to do anything about it, and since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, it seems that the best thing to do is just say “How about being my Valentine Cutie?” Permanently of course.

Yours,
Bob

029 Postmark: February 12, 1942, New York, N.Y.

Feb. 11, 1942
11:00 P. M.

Hello Darling,

Ignore anything I said about not getting any letters. Darling – two came today. And very good letters too; on second thought they weren’t good – they were wonderful. I never knew you were such an artist at descriptive writing Dearie. You make me more lonesome than ever – in a pleasant sort of way. There’s no doubt about it Darling – you’re wonderful.

I’m glad you were cheered somewhat by a check. Use it in any way you need to.

Ah yes, about bicycles and time off. Bicycles sound like a very reasonable idea – not only would they be convenient & good fun – but exercise too. As far as time off is concerned I will have –let’s see 2 1/6 x 5 = 10 5/6 days leave accumulated by May 1st. You see, for every month we work we get 2 1/6 days off, so if business isn’t booming too violently when we’re married I see no reason why I should be able to have a few days off.

Do you think we could go down to Nantucket if everything works out all right? It would be grand if we could spend a week or so there. We could walk over the moors, toast our feet in front of a fireplace and have no end of fun loving each other. Of course as you say, and as I had realized, we would have to leave each other in June if we are married in April – but it’d be worth it!

I’m leaving tomorrow morning at 8:00 A.M. for Phila. We’ll be there tomorrow, N.Y. tomorrow night, Fri. and Sat. morning. I’ll get a train out of N.Y. about noon Sat for Boston. Still, it doesn’t seem like a particularly exciting trip – it would be much more to the point to travel in a south-westerly direction. It really would be fun to see PM, Darling – perhaps I can some time huh?

There has been a little talk about the draft around the office lately. General opinion has it that everyone will be deferred with no trouble at all. Finch asked his superior if he would ask deferment for me and he said “Why Yes” in a surprised tone indicating naturally, that’s understood. Anyway I’ll be registering in Medford on Monday.

Guess I’d better roll over & go to sleep so I won’t be nodding all day tomorrow. Besides there is considerable food for thought in the letters that came today, for me to dream about. You know Darling, I suppose I never mention them very much but the day is a dull one when no letter is here from you. They make me feel so much better, more cheerful, and closer to you. Yes darling, you’re wonderful and I love you.

Yours always,
Bob

030 Postmark: February 17, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 16, 1942

Darling – West Medford is the most desolate spot on earth for a very good & simple reason. There ain’t no justice Dearie – you should have been there! Lonesome is scarcely an adequate description for the way I have been – and am still – feeling. There’s no doubt about it Darling –my heart says May – no matter what my cautious self may think.

For some unknown vague and unspecified reason, or reasons, the general consensus of opinion is that September is a better month than May, although everyone is perfectly willing to leave the decision up to us. Lord Darling, I don’t know what to do – especially after getting a rather non-committal opinion from a fellow on the draft board (Local 97).

You can see I’m dizzy – to say the least. What I need Darling is a lap – a very special one – to put my head in!

**********

Later

As you can probably tell by the scribbly writing, the train is under way. I wrote the 1st part waiting for the train to get under way – about 5:45 this afternoon. Train left at 6:00 – it’s now 8:00. And I’m still lonesome.

Lets see – the weekend. Hmmm. Saturday morning Cmdr. Finch and I went over to the Brooklyn Navy yard. Bly went home – and had a swell time looking over a battleship. We did [not] get away from there until late in the afternoon – so I didn’t leave N.Y. until 5 P.M. – which made it rather late when I got home. Especially since the train was behind schedule – running true to form.

Spent all day yesterday just gabbing with people. The whole family – meaning everyone except for the most important person was over for dinner. Also saw the Marsh’s during the morning but was unable to get any dope about Dick & Priscilla because they don’t’ know any more than we do about what they will do or where Dick will be sent. Howie Dinsmore was there with Jeanette (last name I don’t remember) – the blond of Needham ski club dance fame. Remember? Poor fellow, I hope he hasn’t been hooked – although she maybe all right when you know her (?)

Notice the transition from pen to pencil, caused by my pen running out of ink about 3 hours ago on the train. Right now I’m in bed (Pullman) in N.Y. writing on the pillow – a very unsatisfactory arrangement. And for some unknown reason I seem to be just a wee bit sleepy – says he, as his head lobs up and down like a cork on the water.

But to get back to people – Eunice & Ray were over Sunday afternoon for a few minutes. Married life must agree with Eunice, she looks “plumper” than she used to. Maxine thought unusually so but I failed to notice anything out of the ordinary. (eagle eye Butman – yuh).

This morning I wandered over to the Gleason School to face a battery of school teachers plus – of all people – Messr. Rush and Noble of M.H.S. Apparently everyone registered yesterday because I was the only one there and only the third to register since they opened two hours before.

After leaving there I scooted down to 9 Hastings to visit a while. Everyone was with Aunt Flora yesterday which is why I didn’t go over then. Your mother – like everyone – has a preference for September but doesn’t want to decide for us and seems perfectly willing that we should get married anytime that suits us! All of which is encouraging.

What I would like to do is bide out time for a month or so – find out what the draft board is going to do – see how the navy situation is shaping up – and then make up our minds. I was rather amazed to have your mother ask if we would get married if I should by chance have to go into the service – and in a tone of voice that would seem to indicate that she wouldn’t object.

I got your letter this morning and it was just as welcome if not more so than you thought it might be. Darling it’s so darned lonesome without you. If we could only see each other once in a while, life would be so much more fun. Meaning I love you Darling, for keeps.

Yours always,
Bob

031 Postmark: February 18, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 17, 1942
9:35 and ready for bed

Oggy Darling,

Now that I’ve had a long hot shower I feel slightly more ambitious – just about enough so that I feel like writing a letter. Guess I just can’t take it Dearie. Seems as though every time I spend a night on a Pullman I wake up with more or less of a cold – this one fortunately is mostly less.

Two letter and a valentine were waiting patiently when I got in tonight – so coming back was worthwhile after all. Of course I don’t know who the valentine was from but it was probably you, Alice, or Carol. I’m sorry my little contribution to St. Val. was a little delayed. Didn’t have time to mail it in N.Y.C. when I bought it Sat. – and in the rush of the week-end didn’t find the time then either. (In other words I forgot it.)

Probably you have been wondering why in blazes I haven’t written, but you well know what week-ends at home are like! Only too well in fact.

About commissions. I donno just what could be done Darling. There’s a possibility that something interesting might be worked out. Of course when you are in the Navy you never can tell when or where you will have to go. However I’m not sure that the draft business is going to be as easy as it might be, although the fellow who has charge of such stuff seems to think there will be no difficulty. All of which is very confusing, and annoying.

Your family does seem to be quite agreeably reconciled to a May wedding if we want it, although I think Sept. is favored. You know your mother and I were talking about jobs yesterday. Something was said about engineering whereupon she remarked that she was glad I was in a field that seemed secure and that I would be able to support you without trouble. Naturally I grinned a little, and suggested that perhaps she had changed her mind about the engineering professions. — She had. I was pleased of course!

But I’m wandering. What I started out to say, among other things, was that it would seem like a reasonable thing to do to thrash out the marriage situation when you come thru Wash. Would you stay at PM another month if we didn’t get married in May? I’m not suggesting – just asking.

That’s all there is; except that I think you are the sweetest person in 48 states. Naturally I just can’t help loving you.

All my love,
Bob

032 Postmark: February 19, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 19, 1942

Oggy Darling,

All I can say is – it’s a dirty shame. Darn it all Darling, it isn’t fair for ‘em to treat you like that –meaning the bugs. My disgust for PM, somewhat dormant for the past week or so, has been given a severe jolt. You probably haven’t had much mail from me either, because of the fact that I didn’t write much when home, and missed yesterday because my cold had me feeling somewhat under the weather.

After much thought on the matter I’ve come to the conclusion – for what it’s worth – that you had better leave the place as soon as you’re well and go home, stopping at Brasstown just the same if you want to. There’s no percentage in being sick all winter just to do work that you aren’t always “whole-heartedly enthusiastic” about. If you haven’t enough money to leave when you’re well, and want to leave, shout and I’ll send you some. I don’t see why you couldn’t go via B’twn even though you wouldn’t have a ride. What do you think Darling? Aren’t you about ready to leave? Course I suppose you may not feel like leaving until you had originally planned to anyway –but if you do – how about packing up and coming along – huh?

If I were only there to be sympathetic – give your back a good massage, rub your head, or rumple your hair – I’d feel better than I do sitting here wishing I were there. As a substitute you’ll have to close your eyes and dream it all – that you’ll be leaving soon – will be in Washington soon (the sooner the better) – of being together always in the not too distant future – of the good times we are going to have together – the trips we’ll take – the things we’ll do – And you can think about my loving you so much that I couldn’t possibly describe that love if I tried for the next hundred years. For me, that is quite a statement, but I mean it Darling – every word of it.

Yours always,
Bob
Get well quick.

033 Postmark: February 20, 1942, Putney, Ky.

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM [addressed to]
Pine Mountain Settlement School
Pine Mountain, Ky.

Feb 20 1942

Washington D C 19th
Miss Olive D. Coolidge Mail
Pine Mountain Ky
All my sympathy. Get well Come home Please
yours always
Bob 902 AM

002 Postmark: February 21, 1942, Washington, D.C.

February 20, 1942

Darling – you’re getting better I’m sure. Reason? Your response to Dr’s question, “Do your ears hurt?” As soon as you begin to imagine something more is wrong, you are well on the road to recovery Dearie.

But you still have my sympathy, all of it, because it doesn’t sound as though you have been feeling too pleasant. Lord, the best part of PM must be in bed. It’s lucky Dr. Nutter hasn’t caught it – or has he? Say did you notice that – “the best part of PM” – of course that’s right ‘cause that’s you Dearie.

All joking aside – I’m darned glad you will be leaving soon – and the sooner you leave the better. Or have I mentioned that before?

Spent the evening with a couple of fellow wage slaves at a very mediocre movie. My conscience bothered me for enjoying myself while you were sick. Just a Presbyterian at heart! Me without you is like a fish without water Darling.

Don’t worry about missing the mail – I’ve had a letter every day which is probably more than you can say. I ’ll try & do better.

Right now I’m going to fall into bed so I’ll have the ambition to get up after turning off the alarm tomorrow, instead of rolling over and going to sleep again.

All my love & sympathy,
Bob

001 Postmark: February 22, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 21, 1942

Darling – you make me feel like old man Bluebeard himself. I assure you the lack of mail was not intentional and I didn’t know you were sick until I got your letter on Thursday. So – I hope I’m not blacklisted for life.

That’s tough about your face Dearie, especially after you had been such a good girl and got it all cleared up. Oh well, don’t let it worry you, cause it’ll be O.K. as soon as you’re well and out of that XXXXXXXX (censored) place. Perhaps Washington would be a better place to live? Hmmmm?

When will you be leaving PM, and how long do you expect to be in Boston? I suppose you don’t know for sure yet but just curious to know generally what you plan to do.

Lord I’ll be glad to see you – meaning I hope you’ll be here soon and stay awhile. Just think Dearie, we can go dancing together, we can take long walks in the warm sunshine – or at night enjoying the balmy breezes. Someday Darling we’ll have a fireplace!

By the way, BuFM sounds like quite an idea, although it has probably suffered somewhat of a setback in the past few days. Mind if I join the organization? After all, if we are going to be partners we ought to start practicing now!

Yours always,
Bob

003 Postmark: February 23, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 22, 1942

Hello Darling,

Ho-Hum – such a way to spend a Sunday. Somehow I don’t enjoy working – that is, if you could really call it working. I must admit I didn’t work very hard – biggest accomplishment being writing these letters – a new high for me.

How’s the throat, head, and other affected regions coming along? Better I hope? Doggone it all Dearie it’s a darned shame you had to catch it, especially when you weren’t enjoying yourself too much anyway.

I think you wouldn’t feel quite satisfied with yourself if you hadn’t gone back to PM though. You probably would always wonder if you deserted them, and perhaps feel that you “gave up.” Now you can say you went back and that when you left you had good reason to do so. A very good reason I should say. Gee Oggy, I hope you won’t be there much longer – for two reasons.

Say Darling, next time you have trouble getting to sleep, and you feel that the cure suggested in your last letter would be effective, let me know a little sooner will you? Always glad to be of assistance. Hmmmm.

Don’t let ‘em keep you sick Dearie – please. Orders from Washington say you’re suppose to get well with no delay – Incidentally, I [?] sending the telegram [?] it was just a wee bit terse. If so you can chalk it up as a noble attempt on my part.

And Darling, I love you more than anybody.

Yours always,
Bob

004 Postmark: February 24, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 23, 1942

Darling – You’re wonderful. If you come to Washington feeling in the same mood you expressed in your last two letters, my resistance to your suggestions will be very low. L’il Abner on Sadie Hawkins Day! I love you for it, though, Dearie.

Time out while I listen to F.D.

Hmmm – Quite a speech, interesting, factual, down to earth and sensible. He sure is a speech maker regardless of what a person may think about him otherwise.

We actually did a little work at the office today, and managed to collect a bit of information that had been lack, all of which made me feel slightly more useful. Finch & I aren’t getting any friendlier though and I’m not sure whether we will or not. He doesn’t care to have assistants – he much prefers a couple of slaves. That is not easy to swallow, particularly when he doesn’t know what is going on half the time. Not bragging – I think I know more about the section than he does! – Oh well – I’ll go into detail when I see you.

That I hope will be soon. Darling, you’re quite right, life would be much pleasanter living together. Much!

Yours always,
Bob

005 Postmark: February 25, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 25, 1942

Darling you certainly get all the breaks – all the bad ones. Why do you have to catch an earache? You know, I think you need someone to take care of you – provided you could find someone competent to do the job (koff, koff). ‘Course I don’t want to brag but I’d like to try. Hmmm?

Say Darling, are you still planning to go to Btwn for a while before you stop here? I’m just wondering about when you’ll get here. Seems to me you should stay here 4 or 5 days anyway. Provided of course you are feeling perfectly OK – and you will be, I hope. You shouldn’t be sick at all – nope I won’t say it. I was going to repeat that classic statement of “it’s uneconomical” of Sunday Evening club fame, but I think it would be better not to.

By the way I’ve ordered parts for the phonograph amplifier. So perhaps we’ll have music in a while; good idea? Happened to think of it because I was just listening to some symphony stuff –while thinking about you.

Darling when you say how lonesome you are it makes me wish more than ever that I could see you too. Which makes us both lonesome! (deep statement). Meaning among other things that I enjoy your letters.

Got a note from Dick & Priscilla today – or rather yesterday – thanking us for the present. Half of it was written by Prisc. & half by Dick. It sounded very happy and domestic. Marriage seems to be quite an institution – one that I’m quite in favor of. Seems to me that you mentioned that you approved too. It’s certainly comforting to know we agree on something. It isn’t very often that we do. Hmmm.

I love you Darling, now, later, always, forever.
Your Bob

006 Postmark: February 27, 1942, Washington, D.C.

Feb. 26, 1942

Thursday Darling! Only 4 more days until Monday. I’m discouraged (what do you think I am, says she!) that you’re back in bed again. All of the bugs in the United States must have collected at PM just to make things unpleasant, in a 5th columnist sort of way. I sure am glad you aren’t staying any longer than you are – a month and a little bit is more than enough in a hole like that.

Life has been a bit dull lately, of course it always is when you aren’t around. Anyway most of the time has been spent reading, and figuring on the phonograph and thinking about you. I’m reading a book that will amuse you since it happens to be the autobiography of a communist, one Jan Valtin. Quite a character, and one who confirms my previous, narrow minded impressions of some phases of communism. Nevertheless it’s interesting and fun reading.

Has your family made any comments lately concerning dates – and I don’t mean the kind that grow on trees? Dad hasn’t made any comments since I was last home and neither has the rest of the family, which leaves things still to be settled when we see each other. Perhaps we should just get married and decide afterwards when we should do it. Marry in haste and repent in leisure – but I hardly think there will be any repenting to do, judging from the way we both feel.

Say I just happened to think, if you leave Monday morning this will be almost the last letter you’ll get. Please don’t forget to tell me whether or not you’re still going to Btwn. Meanwhile Darling I’m sitting pining away & waiting for you. Which may sound sarcastic, but really isn’t Darling.

All my love,
Bob
[NOTE: According to MB, the book’s title is Out of the Night.]