My dearest wife,

As I start this letter, I don’t know if you are on your way or not. I haven’t gotten a telegram like you said you would send at the time you left St. Paul. If you are on your way, you won’t get to read this letter, that is what I hope. I do want to have you out here with me very much. But if you couldn’t get away just now I’ll have to understand. But I sure hope you can come a little later on.

I haven’t written you since last Friday because I thought that you wouldn’t get my letters before you left. That was when I still thought that you were coming out with that lady. When I got your letter that you wrote last Monday I nearly got sick. I mean that I felt kind of bad that the ride had fallen through. I also was made happy by the thought that you would still come even though you had to take the train. But right now I don’t know what to think. I have called the telegraph office a couple of times but I don’t get the word that I want. Well! That’s the way things go. I just hope that everything is alright at home.

The weather certainly has been swell out here. Everything has started to bloom and it really looks nice. Everything blooms a lot earlier than back home. They usually don’t have much of a winter out here. This year was a different story. They had 2 feet of snow. But it is really quite a nice place. I’m sure you would enjoy the place. Of course I would be here too. That would make both of us happy.

How is Mother Albright? I hope that she hasn’t had any of those spells like she had. I have been looking forward to receiving a letter from her. I now that she is pretty tired out when she gets done with work. I will write her as soon as I get a letter from her. Give her my love. Not very much of it as it belongs to my own wife.

Dear, I love you so very much. I really am happy in the thought that I could get home to marry you. I hope and pray for the day when this thing is over with and we can be together all the time. I certainly will work very hard to try and make my sweet wife happy. I know that we’ll make a go of it. I’m sure that we’ll have much happiness in our lives. I know that you will do all in your power to make that come true. If we always pull in the same direction, we can’t help but succeed. I love you with all my heart and a lot more if that is possible.

How are all of our relations coming along? You know what I mean. Say hello to the Protextors and every one else for me. I sure bet that baby Jerry is some cute little fellow now. Say hello to everybody for me.

Well! I guess I’ll have to close off for tonight. I sure hope tha tyou are on your way out here. But if you aren’t, take good care of yourself and remember that I love you very, very much. Bye by and be a good little wife. I know that you are.

Your LOVING Sailor Husband,
Joe

P.S. This is going to be a long P.S. I just got some wind that didn’t sound very good. It seems that a blank order came through for a H.A. to report to the station at Bremerton for duty some place. All I can say is that you better stay where you are until I get some information on it. You know I’m in the Navy and I guess you can never tell what is going to happen. I guess that luck doesn’t want to come our way. It isn’t too bad as yet because someone else might get it. It isn’t decided on who is going. Don’t worry too much and I’ll write more tomorrow.

Sweetheart Joe,

I received your long waited for Special Delivery letters. I received the one written Thursday about 8:30 Sunday morning. Boy, you don’t know how happy I was to hear from you. I really couldn’t say I was leaving until I heard from you and got your approval. Anyway, I got the Friday letter about 2:30 Sunday afternoon. You sound so happy, I just wanted to reach out and kiss you.

Anyway, my ride fell through. This woman’s husband got transferred so I didn’t know what to do. That’s why I haven’t written for the past few days. When I got your letters I just didn’t have the heart to tell you I wasn’t coming, so I’m I’m taking the train Thursday morning and will arrive Saturday morning. I think it will be the Olympian. I will wire you before I leave the St. Paul station.

I got only a 2 week leave, but I can get a conditional release if I want to stay longer. Maybe you don’t think I will. This release deal gives me a chance to get back into the company anytime after I return at the same rate of pay I leave at. If we can possibly make a go of it, I’ll be staying. I do so much want to be with you.

Hope you don’t have too much trouble finding me a room. If you just have to take anything, it will be ok. If I intend to stay, I can always change if I don’t like it. I can change rooms. I am trying to get a small vanity case to carry on the train, but it looks hopeless. I thought I would check my suitcases right through. Then I won’t have anything to take care of.

I have some good news. I will just be getting over the curse, so you know what that means. I sure know how to pick the times.

I talked to your mother yesterday and told her I got the specials and said hello for you. Darling you must write to her more often. She misses you so darn much.

Darling, I have to do dishes and then go out to Wards, so I must close for a little whiile.

Your Loving Wife,
DeLores

XXXXXXXXXX to be collected very soon

Dearest Wife,

I received your most wonderful letter postmarked the 7th. It was swell to get more information on your trip. All your plans are very agreeable with me. I’m just very, very happy.

It certainly is a swell break that you found such a party to ride out here with. It certainly is a lot cheaper than riding out on a train or bus. And you also will have the traveling companionship. That does mean a lot on a long trip like that. I guess I’m pretty darn lucky to have a swell wife like I have. I know we’ll have much fun being together out here.

I get 3 out of every 5 nights off and that is quite a bit. We can be together all that time. I also get a day off every 15 and when you get out here I believe it can be arranged so we can have the same day off. I’m sure things will work out ok.

Seventy dollars ought to be enough to get you going until you start drawing money. I sure hope your allowance goes through in a hurry. It certainly will come in handy. You shouldn’t have any trouble at all getting a job out here. We’ll see which you prefer, office or production work, when you get here.

You mentioned something about where I would meet you. I believe the best place would be the Northern Pacific Depot. I think it is on King St. Be sure to telegraph me the time you figure you’ll arrive. I’m pretty sure I can be there to meet you. I’ll try very hard to get a room for you and I think I ought to succeed.

I hope you have a nice trip. The scenery out to be very beautiful this time of the year. Enjoy yourself, darling. I’ll be waiting with open arms to greet you when you get here.

Give both Mothers my love and say hello to everyone for me, if you can, before you leave.

I’m glad that you are trying to arrange it, as a leave of absence from work. That’s the best idea. I hope you get it.

Well! I guess I better close and get this off. Take good care of yourself darling. I love you very much and I can hardly wait until I get to see you again.

Bye bye for just a little while until we meet in each other’s arms.

Your loving sailor husband,
Joe

P.S. XXXXXXXXXX to be collected real soon.

Hello Darling,

I just received your Special Delivery Air Mail a short time ago and I certainly was very pleasantly surprised. When I saw it was Special Delivery I knew something was up and sat down automatically.

I’m really very, very. happy to get the word that you’ll be here with me in a week and a half. It’s just wonderful. I don’t know how to put my feelings into words. I’ll show you when you get here.

That certainly is a break that you could find someone like that to ride out here with. The reason I didn’t want you to ride with some salesman or male was that I didn’t want people to talk. This deal with a lady and 2 children sounds ok. Gee! But it sure is grand.

There is some dope that I want you to follow before you leave home. Please put all your money into cashier checks so that if they get lost or stolen no one else can use them. It costs a few cents for the service but it is worth it. Have them made out in small amounts and cash them as you need them. It’s just a very good safety precaution. Please do it.

Telegram me before you arrive in Seattle. Give the telegram at least a day’s time to be with me so I can make arrangements to meet you. I’m sure I can get off and be there. My doctor and Chief are really very nice that way. Drop me airmail cards all along the way.

Dearest, remember you have never traveled a distance like this on your own. Keep your head and be careful. You’ll run into all kinds of people. I know you have plenty of brains in your head so let’s be careful, huh? Don’t get angry with me because I sound somewhat bossy, but I promised to take care of you when I married you and I’m trying to give you as much info now as I can. I know you’ll make out ok.

Darling! I love you so very much. It’s going to be wonderful having you out here with me. It will just be wonderful to have you here. We won’t be able to save but we’ll get along and we’ll be together. Right now that is what counts. I have butterflies all over inside of me. I love you with all my heart and soul, dear.

I hope you have heard from Buddy. I hope he is ok. Say hello to him from his brother-in-law next time you write.

I hope Mother Albright doesn’t take it too hard that you are coming out here. We’ll both be back soon. Say hello to them for me, please.

I’ll be counting the hours until I see you. Right now it’s about 380 hours. That isn’t very much. I’ll try very hard to get you a place to stay. I think I ought to be able to get one through the U.S.O. or some organization like that. I’ll get one some way.

I guess I won’t be able to get another letter to you before you leave, so I have to pack a lot into this one. Take good care of yourself, wifey. My prayers and wishes will be traveling with you.

I’m sure you have enough money to get along on. It is quite high to live out here but I know you can have a job right here with my anytime you come. That will be swell. I hope you will be happy here with me. I know we will be very happy so I shouldn’t have made the last statement.

Say hello to Mrs. Lehner and Joe and Tommy for me. I owe them a letter but I’m kind of afraid to write them about Dorothy. Say hello and I’ll try and get a letter off to them very soon.

Well! I guess I better close as I’m running on and on. Take good care of yourself and God bless you, lover.

All the love in the world to my sweet wife.

Your loving sailor husband (he’s all yours),
Joe

P.S. XXXXXXXXX

Please take my advice on the money and get travelers checks.

Dearest Wife,

Darling, you are probably wondering why my writing has been so inconsistent. I mean missing days here and there. The reason was that I have had a slight touch of stomach flu. I felt pretty bunk at times and just couldn’t get myself to write. Don’t be angry with me because I didn’t tell you, but I didn’t want you to worry. I’m feeling pretty good now. At least I don’t ache all over. I wanted to write to you so much at times, but I just couldn’t muster enough vitality to do it. I hope you’ll try and understand and forgive me. You know I love you with all my heart and there isn’t and never will be anyone else. I’ll try very, very hard to get a letter off every day.

I received those cute pictures you took out at Lico. They certainly are sweet. Only one thing wrong I wish that I was there on them. Thanks so much for sending them to me. I carry one of the small pictures that you sent with me all the time. I’m very proud of my sweet wife. I hope she thinks about me in the same way.

I’m glad that everything is going o.K. with Lucille and Dale. Say hello to Luc and tell her to be a good girl.

So you were over to Mother’s Sunday for dinner. That’s swell. I’m glad that she is being nice to you. I hope it didn’t bother you too much if she got a little sour. Some things people do can’t be explained at the time but I’m sure she didn’t mean to hurt you. Try and understand her please.

You wonder why I put it off so long writing to you that I had seen Dorothy. Well! I didn’t mean to hide anything. To see her in the shape she is just about tore me to pieces. I kept dickering in my mind about writing you about her. I’m sorry that someone else had to give you the info. But it just was something that struck me awfully hard. Believe me, dear. She is a hell of a mess. I danced with her and had a few glasses of beer and then went to a show. I wanted to tell her what I thought of her but it’s all her life. it’s just a crime that she is doing such things. I haven’t seen her since and I hope I don’t. So you can understand partly how bad she has gone. Don’t be angry with me because I didn’t write it as I should have. It was just one of the things that sort of stuns your mind. I didn’t know how to put it into words.

I’m sorry that Hi still is shouting his mouth off. But please don’t let him get you down. You know that I understand and forgive. I’m really all that counts. But try to be friends.

I know it is quite hard but because some people have no brains is no sign that you can’t show them that you have some.

They’ll regret it yet. You watch and see. But please don’t carry any grudges against anyone. I know and believe in my heart that you’ll never do anything again that people will be able to make something out of. You know I love you so very much. I just wish this thing would get over with so we could build our own little home. I’m going to work very hard for us, dear. I’ll try very hard to make you happy.

I’m glad that you are getting the little bills paid up. Boy! You certainly must have put in hours to make over $50 in a week. I hope you didn’t wear yourself out. Dearest, your allowance has been in for a few weeks but the government is pretty slow on getting them out. I hope it gets out soon because I know you can use it. I’ll try and send you some money. I want you to have at least $15 in your pocket besides the ticket when you leave home for here. But please don’t try and ride out here with anyone. You won’t will you? I’ll pinch pennies too, but I want you to come out here on a train or bus.

You’ll have a job anytime you come. That’s one thing I’m sure of. It may be a little hard to get a place to live in, but if you give me a couple of weeks notice I think I can get you a room. I know we won’t be able to save but we’ll be together. I want to have you with me very much. The coast is in quite a mess now. I couldn’t even start to explain the conditions out here but I know you’ll be able to be careful. I have all the faith in the world in my wife.

How are Mother and Dad Albright? I hope they are both fine. Give them my love and I’m glad that Ed has come through. Things will be all ok.

Darling, I love you so much. I’m very happy that you are my wife. I always wanted you. We’ll have lots of happiness together as long as we can have each other. I know you love me too.

Well! Dear, I’m getting kind of shakey on the pen, so I’ll close for tonight. I’ll write you another letter tomorrow night. Take good care of yourself sweetheart. May God watch over us and guide us right into happiness.

Loads of xoxo from your loving sailor husband,
Joe

XXXXXXXXXX

( ) and a big planted one there for my one and only. I hope I collect some real ones from you soon.

Hello Sweetheart,

I suppose by now you have gotten the news of my pending trip. I hope it made you as happy as it did me.

I have met this woman and she seems very nice. She has a soldier husband in Seattle, and she is going there to live. We will be leaving Tuesday morning. We are going to stop in cabin overnight and carry food for breakfast and sandwiches. We figure on stopping for one good meal a day. She has two boys — 2 and 4 years. They will be something to take care of but it makes it quite a bit cheaper. Only $10.00 to ride and share on lodging and our meals. I don’t think I could get transportation any cheaper. I hope it meets with your approval and hope you can get me a room. I should be there Saturday or Sunday if we’re lucky. We are only going to drive days.

Darling, I received a letter from you yesterday and today. It sure made me blue to read your letter today. I’m sure you won’t be having any more days like that for a little while. I hope we can have at least one night a week together.

I’m not quitting my job, just taking a leave of absence. If the company says so, I’ll try and find work right away so we can keep going. I’ll have enough to keep going for a while anyway, a good $70 after my trip expenses are out.

I received a very nice letter of congratulations from Bud. He was surprised to hear we had gotten married, but sends loads of luck and best wishes. I’ll bring it with me when I come. Please send me an air mail to let me know you how this sits by you. I hope my coming isn’t too sudden. I’m so anxious to see you and hold you again. I haven’t any idea where I can meet you, but I suppose in a bus or train depot. That would be the easiest way perhaps.

Darling keep your chin up and unless I hear differently from you, I’ll see you soon.

Your loving wife,
DeLores

XXXXXXXXXX you can have these very soon.

Darling,

You better sit down because I have some great news.

I’m leaving Tuesday for the coast. I have a ride with a woman and 2 children. it isn’t costing very much but you could get me a room if possible. I know this is sudden, but your letter today was so blue and the chance came so I took it. It won’t be long before you have your wife to have the heart to heart talks with. I’m so excited I can’t think. Just try and find me a room. I’ll have almost $100 or more that should hold me. I will wire you on my way.

I’m going down to get this off right away so I’ll write more when I’m more collected. I hope you are as happy as I am. I love you and it isn’t too fast. See you on about the 20th. I love you sweetheart.

Your loving wife,
DeLores

My Sweet Wife,

Hello darling. I’m feeling pretty fair tonight and hope you are the same. The reason I didn’t write last night was that I went over to Seattle for the evening. I didn’t do much at all, but I just wanted to do something for a change. I was up at the Serviceman’s Center and bummed around a bit. There really isn’t much to do if you don’t drink. And you know what I think about that.

I received your wonderful letter of the 1st. It was swell to get your letter and the pictures. You’re really looking lovely with your new hairdo. I certainly have a swell looking wife and shall always think so. There was one really good picture — the one of you looking straight forward without a smile on. The others are too much of posed. I certainly will be very very happy when I can have you in my arms again. I love you so much dear.

I know you have quite a few bills to take care of. But don’t let things get you down, dear. They’re for us. I hope this is over with soon and I can take my rightful position of being the supporter. I married you to take care of you. I got paid the other day but it was only $22. I owed some money $5 on some things I had cleaned and taken care of here at the station store. Your allowance is all taken care of but it usually takes a few months for it to go through. If I can spare $10 I’ll send it to you. I don’t like to leave myself flat. Easter is coming up too. Darling, I try very hard to conserve our money to help you out. I’ll do all I can to do my share even if I can’t do much now.

I’m very happy to hear that both you and Mother Albright were pleased with my letter. That is exactly how I feel. I will always try to try and make who I can happy. I love you so much and all I want is to see you happy. If you’re happy, I’m happy. I know you’ll never do anything to harm our marriage. Our love is too great to be harmed by minor incidents. I know you care for me like I do for you.

I’m glad you and my mother do talk on the phone now and then. I haven’t written to her for a little while but tell her the next time you talk to her that a letter is on the way. I’m trying my hardest to get letters off regularly.

Dear, I’ll have to close for now as I’m all in. Say hello to Mother, Dad and everyone else, but be sure to give all my love to my wife.

Bye bye lover. I shall always try and be a good husband.

Your loving sailor husband,
Joe

P.S. XXXXXXXXXX

Hello my husband,

Well, here it is Saturday night and I’m home alone. Not all dressed up but no place to go anyway. I’m not blue but it is lonesome in the house all alone. I didn’t receive a letter from you today. I can’t say anything because I didn’t write last night.

I took Mother to a show last night. It was “When Johnnie Comes Marching Home.” It was very good. She likes to go out and the rest of the kids never think about taking mom along.

I got a nice check this week. The whole thing was $57.00. I got $49.27 home. That sure looks ok. I’m going to put $25 on my suit and then that is finished. Then all the small bills I have left are the pictures and Binman. About $55 in all. I still have the $35 you wired me so I don’t have to start from the bottom.

I have some very good news. Before I went out, your Mother called me and invited me over to Sunday dinner. It sure makes me happy and definitely I’m going. It’s going to be a little strange to go without you, but I’ll manage as best I can. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow night.

I’m angry all over again at Hi. He wasn’t satisfied with your letter apparently because he saw Joe Lehner at the senior meeting and he told them all about it. That really hurts. I know the Union is working against Alice out at work but know I don’t intend to tip her off. When the union gets in I’m not so sure Alice will last. They have about 95% of the company in now. Do you think I should pay my dues? Please advise me.

I just talked to Mrs. Lehner and she is wondering if you have talked to Dorothy? Please try and talk to her and write Mrs. Lehner how you make out. The baby is starting to say a few words — dog, cat, baby, car, bye bye and so on. I may see Lehners tomorrow evening if they are home. Lucille is due to pop any minute. She was due a week ago Thurs. so anything can happen. So much for this part of my letter.

---

It is Sunday evening now and I’ve just returned home after a rather full day.

I turned in about 10:30 last night and got up about 9:00 this morning. I did a little ironing and then got dressed to go over to your Mother’s house. Mom and Dad drove me over so I didn’t get there until 11:30. Rather early we had a very nice dinner. Chicken and everything. She was very nice to me, but all of a sudden she got sour. At least that’s what Bernice says. I asked her to go to the show with me and at first I thought she would and just like that she changed her mind. Anyway she insisted Bernice and I go, and we did. After the show we at at Mickey’s and I went over to Lehners and Bernice went home to your Mother’s.

Lucille and the whole family were over to Lehners and they left about 9:15 and the folks wanted me to stay. Anyway they ended up bringing me home. Joe bought Tommy a new coat and hat and is it ever darling. When Tommy gets into it he just struts.

I got the whole story told to Joe from Hi also. Boy, I just want to see Hi and tell him what a heel I think he is. If anyone is doing any two timing he sure is doing ok. The night of our party he was putting his arms around Doris and feeling her out. That doesn’t sound so devoted.

By the way darling, don’t you think it’s about time you tell me about seeing Dorothy? Unless my info is awfully wrong, you saw her dancing and to a movie about a week ago. I’m not saying this is true but if it is at least tell me. I’m not jealous, but at least say you saw her so I have an answer when I’m told about it. Darling, believe me I trust you as much as you trust me. While what I did I know was wrong, I tell you I’ll do my darndest to see it doesn’t happen again. I want to know what you’re up to also. See her for company if you can, I don’t care, but I do care that someone else tells me about it and you say nothing.

Mom and Dad went to the show with Addie so I’m home alone again. I expect them anytime however.

Bernice told me to tell Ralph about it. She thinks it is going to be quite a surprise. I can’t see why she should but she says they weren’t expecting it this soon. They thought we could be talked out of getting married. I’m sure happy no one did. I love you and I wanted for us to be one.

Your mother said something about trying to sell the house this summer. She says she couldn’t stand to take care of it another winter. Don’t say anything to her about it however unless she says something to you about it. She says she will move into a room and kitchenette. I don’t see how she could ever be happy cooped up that way, but it is up to her.

Darling, I talked on for a long time so I think I’ll turn in. It’s cold in the house and it still is brisk enough to have a wood fire and we have none.

God bless you sweetheart and I’ll see you soon. I love you and trust you away. I’ll see you in my dreams.

Your loving wife,
DeLores

XXXXXXXXXX

Always yours and I hope that takes care of you until I get out there.

Dearest Sweetheart,

I’m sorry that I haven’t gotten a letter off to you, but I guess I have been kind of tired out as well as a little lazy. Don’t think that I didn’t want to write to you. I did, but I just couldn’t get down and do it. Please try and understand me.

I saw Dorothy Tuesday and she was very glad to see me. I hate to say it, but she has gone to hell completely. She drinks like a fish and does many other things that aren’t mentionable. I tried to talk to her but I see that she wants that kind of a life so let her live it. She’ll regret it some day.

How has my darling wife been? I hope fine. I was glad to hear that you had nice weather because then you won’t have so many colds. I hope you aren’t working too hard dear.

I have been feeling really swell. I haven’t had any colds since I’ve been out here and that is a lot. The climate is a little damp and we have lots of rain, but I believe I can stand it. It is a million times better than Farragut.

About you coming out. I’m not hurrying you, dear. You know I always try to think straight. I know there are quite a few things to be taken care of first dear. But one thing I don’t want you to do is ride out with some salesman or something like that. If you haven’t enough money, you can always come out on the bus. It isn’t such a bad trip that way as they stop every hour. We’ll figure out some way for you to get here. Only please don’t ride out here with someone. Believe me, I trust you but I just don’t like the idea.

Another thing, try and talk Mrs. Lehner into not coming out here. She would only get upset when she sees Dorothy. I can’t put it into words how rotten she’s gotten but it is the lowest. Do your best to keep Mrs. Lehner home.

Darling, I love you so very much and I hope you do too. Please don’t do anything that might harm our love. It means so much to me and you too. It’s our whole life. I married you because I want to make you happy. I’ll always try to do my best. All I ask is that you try and be a good wife. I know you can and are trying. I’m not very hard to please.

I hope people, certain ones, have stopped giving you hell. Don’t let them get you down. I’m standing firm with you, darling. Just watch and see. We’ll show them all that we can and will make a go of our marriage.

How is your Mother feeling? I hope better. I hope you have gone to the kids and knocked some sense into their heads. They must understand, as I don’t want your mother to be made the goat just because we love each other and got married. Tell me if you think it would help if I wrote to Ed and Darlene. I want to do my best to fix things up.

Dearest, I have started to read the Bible and I hope that I can become a good father to our children. You know that I want to try my hardest to make a good home for my family. I know you’ll be a good Mother and wife. In my lonely hours I find consolment in the Bible, as well as learning things. I’ll have to know. I hope you agree on what I’m dong.

How are your girl friends? I mean Millie, Iris, and the rest. Say hello to them for me. Also say hello to the Lehners and Addie and everyone else. But fist of all say hello to my very sweet wife. I love her very, very much.

Well! I guess I better close as my eyes are getting tired. Bye, bye and be good darling. I love you with my heart and soul.

All the love in the whole wide world from your sailor husband,

Joe

P.S. XXXXXXXXXX I hope I can collect them soon.