Dearest future wife,
You will have to accept another excuse from me for not writing last night. I’ll be frank as you are with me. I was feeling pretty bum from a sore throat, headache and I guess a dose of the stomach flu. I had to go to bed early as I couldn’t staying up. Today I stayed in the barracks and I believe I didn’t even look up. I’m beginning to feel better so don’t worry about me too much.

I received two letters from you today. One you wrote the 16th Saturday and the other the 17th Sunday. They are enough to make me get well in a hurry. They sure were nice. Say darling, I don’t like this monkey business that has gone on at work. That certainly isn’t very nice at all. If trouble still continues to brew I would politely go to the guard and tell him to keep his mouth shut or you would see to it that he would. I hope you find some ways to straighten it out. Now don’t scold me for worrying about it. You are my sweetheart like I’m yours. Well, write me on how it comes out.

That little letter that baby Jerry wrote was very cute. Give him a big hug and a kiss from me. You won’t get jealous will you? I’m very glad to hear that you and a girlfriend are going to celebrate your birthday. Your first party and I am unable to attend in person. But I shall be there in mind as well as thoughts. I hope you have a very nice time, darling. I am hoping and praying that we shall never be apart for any of your coming birthdays. Don’t be angry for the small presents I’m sending. They aren’t very much. But they contain all of my feelings toward you. That is that I love you more than anything in the world. I shall always be as true as gold to you as I know that’s exactly as you feel towards me. Love certainly is the greatest thing in the world. It certainly keeps me going when I feel down and blue. I sure hope I get my leave after boot camp. If it doesn’t come true I should have it shortly. I hope you have everything in order for that big day of ours.

You asked about that note your mother put in that letter? Well all she told me is that she hoped I could be present in mind at your party Saturday. That was all.

So you think Bud is in Africa? Well! You never know what they’ll do with you. They try and take complete control of you. I sure hope he is OK and that Addie and your mother aren’t too much on the blue side. It’s a very tough world but with God’s help everything will come out okay. I hope my friends aren’t sore at me for not writing. Between my colds and studying they are trying to kill me or something. Try and make them understand that I really haven’t forgotten them but that the circumstances are a little tough.

Say! Dear see how much Benimon wants for a stretchy watch band. Write me the price as one of my pals out here would like one. Boy! This place is sure odd for weather. It just finished snowing for 24 hours leaving about a foot on the ground. Now it is starting to turn cold so you can guess what I think about Farragut.

Well! Dear, I’m going to have to close for now. Keep your chin high and know I love and miss you. Here is a kiss and a hug for my wife to be.

Loads of love from your sailor husband to be,

Joe