April 13, 1944

            Hello Dot,

Well honey hope this finds you all well. It takes most of the mail so darn long here, you write in one either you are sick, the next one your all fine, I get them both together so no about the bad and yes and good news at the same time. Ha. Ha. So you see it has its good points. Ha. Ha. I was glad to hear Ray is taking it so good. But him and I are pretty much alike that way. Got to make the best of it. Hope old Vin is making out a lot better. Also the rest of his family. If Katey ever finds out W.O.W. Dot some times I don’t get time to write. So I got it all figured out this way. I will write to you and Madie. That way one or the other will hear from me. Will write to Marg and to Hazel when I can. Otherwise you can get them know how I’m doing. You see I don’t get the time to write six or seven letters. Any how it’s to damn tough I get writers cramp. Ha. Ha. All the kids except Madie can leave the cigs with you. I can ask for them then you send them. I could use some light now. So send a carton right away. Of course you may have to wait till you get this. Ha. Ha. Send anything you can. Want you to thank Sis and Shirley for the nice letters. Tell old Sis won’t be able to keep that furlough date. She will just have to wait till its all over. Then will be home and step out with her. Miss all the kids but Gordie has a special hello from me. Some times this war seems like it will last for ever. But don’t worry we are just cutting them down to our size. Will be home for that XMAS dinner. So get your plans all made now. Ha. Ha. Tell the old man to hang on a little longer. That’s a tough job he’s had but its pleasant work. Ha. Ha. Hope the beef holds out. I ain’t afraid of him giving out. Ha. Ha. 

                                                            Loads of Love,

                                                                        Jim