Monday 7 P.M.

25 Feb. 46

My dear Fran: -

Honey I just finished eating supper here at the Service club and I'm writing to you from upstairs in the lounge. It certainly doesn't look like I'm going to see any mail until I hit Japan. We had mail call today and there wasn't any mail for any one so when we hit Japan we should have enough mail to read for one whole day. Last night [Harry], [Frank], [Fred], and myself went to Seattle. We had a bit to eat at the U.S.O. then walked the streets until we found a movie that every one hadn't seen, we wound up seeing the "Harvey Girls" not a bad picture but I have seen better. After the movie we walked the streets some more looking for an Italian restaurant we finally found one so I had spaghetti. After we finished eating we returned to camp. All the tap rooms are closed on Sunday so it was a very dry trip. This morning they had the nerve to get us up at 8:30, imagine that. After getting up we marched down to supply to exchange some clothing. After dinner we went for a physical, short arm, then went back to supply and received 2 blankets for the trip. We then returned to the barracks and I had a good nap. We aren't allowed off the post tonight, I guess they're afraid somebody will jump ship. We leave the camp at 2:15 in the afternoon tomorrow to board the boat. I promised you I'd wire but we are restricted from making any calls or sending any wires unless it be an emergency so please don't be mad because I didn't wire honey. One of the fellows took a group picture today in front of the barracks so in a couple of weeks I'll send you one. We tried to get a $10.00 partial pay today but they said our records were all crated and they couldn't do so I guess they will pay us. I think I told you there are about 3000 troops going on the trip, mostly kids just out of basic training. I owe Verna a letter so I may answer her letter when I finish this one. I still haven't heard from mother, George, or Bill H but I imagine those letters will be waiting for me also. They have a very nice P.X. here if only I had the money I had something pretty picked out for my honey but you'll have to wait until I come back. Well honey I'm really going to think about you the coming months because I'll be many miles away with no chance to get home until they get ready to send me. I'll be thinking of you every day and every minute. I'll keep hoping and praying that each new day may bring us closer until I'm once again in your arms where I belong. The thought of being so far from one another is very unpleasant but honey its the same old story, what can I do but just sweat it out. Well honey I hope you love me as I love you and I hope you will be a good girl (I know you will) and I promise to be good because I love you and only you. I'm afraid when I do get back you will be in for a rough time because its been a long time since [?] and every day makes it longer. Remember Verna said the next one would be 9 months & 9 minutes after she seen David again, well I want it the same way unless of course it’s impossible on your part. I will still love so don't let it worry you dear. Well my darling give my regards to your mother & dad, tell her I could really go for one of those good meals she sets on the table. Tell our friends I said hello and I'll drop them at least a card when I hit Japan. I will write you every day aboard ship and tell you about the trip (unless I'm sea sick as hell). Keep those letters coming also send the "Record". I love you more than anything in the world and always will. Tell Toby to kiss my honey on the ear for me.

Praying you're mine forever,

I love you,

Ed.