My dearest wife,

Haven’t heard from you for a couple of days, it couldn’t be that you are mad at me could it? I couldn’t blame you much if you were, the way I act sometimes, but a person always takes letters wrong. How much easier and plainer it is to talk to a person, but I guess we have to do the best we can under the circumstances.

I was swimming tonight honey, and the water was wonderful. It was the first time in almost a year and the first time this season. I would like to go every evening, but sometimes it is impossible. I swam for almost an hour. It’s wonderful exercise and good for you. You and I are going to have some fun when this thing is over, that is if you want to learn how to swim with me. I don’t think we will have much trouble with the children. To my surprise, I could still swim.

I just finished making up my field package few minutes before I started to write this. I was sweating so much it was dropping all over the floor, so I had to take another shower before I started to write to you. It was awfully hot here again today. It is starting to lightning and thunder right at this moment and a cool breeze is coming in the window of my room. Tomorrow we go out on bivouac again for the whole day and night. I don’t think I will be able to write to you tomorrow, and if I don’t, you know the reason why.

The company is having a party on Saturday night at a place called Dunbar Cave, about 15 miles from camp, and I believe we should have a fairly good time. They collected about one hundred and eighty dollars on pay day, that should buy a few drinks anyway.

I have had you on my mind all day again my dearest. I love you so much. I am feeling a little better lately for some reason, my spirits are a little higher. Tell me how Allen is getting along. Do you think he will be bow-legged? He may take after you. How’s suggie? Does she miss me just a little bit, or not at all?

Dream of me tonight honey. Consider yourself kissed good and hard like I used to when I came home [in the] evenings. Goodnight for now, until Friday.

My love is all yours,

Pres.