Ramona Darling –

This is the first time in weeks I have had a chance to sit down to a real table and write a letter in quiet comfort. And it may be the last opportunity to for some time, because I will be living in a tent for a while after today, maybe for a long time. If it wasn’t for the fine thing that I think I am doing, I could never or rather, would never, live under the conditions of this country. I must qualify some of the cities have very nice accommodations, and many R.C. people have as good if not better living conditions than they have at home. Food is fine in our own restaurants and army, there is always a shortage of water & bath facilities. Most of the people here, including the girls, like the cities very much. You may guess that I am still in transit, travel is slow and difficult. I have seen much of the African country and will see more before I reach my destination. I am going out on an experimental project with a club mobile unit. I don’t know how long I will be on that – I understand it is temporary.

I do hope you are getting along well with our problems. By the looks of things now you will not have time to consult me about anything. You will have to make the decisions yourself, so good luck dear. Don’t hesitate about them, I won’t worry about them now or later. Just don’t let anyone take advantage or don’t give them a chance to file claims against us. Have clear and understandable agreements when you deal with anyone & when possible get them in writing. Write down relevant conversations that involve agreements about the farm, repairs on buildings, and if you haven’t sold Wheeler Rd, anything pertaining to that.

Ramona, darling, I miss you so much. I would give anything to look into your beautiful blue eyes again and kiss your soft lips. Sweetheart, pray, pray, pray that we can soon be together again. There are dangers in this business, and I am not shirking my share of them, but I feel I’ll come through all right. I have enjoyed the best of health ever since leaving home, no sinus trouble or headaches and my back is giving me no trouble at all. So do not be anxious about me.

Be sure to get “The Hound of Heaven” in the mail as soon as you can. And if you have that snapshot around there of you and I in the yard at 1337, which Joe Keller took, stick it between the pages. I had planned to keep a mental picture only, but that snap will be nice to have.

Give my best wishes to our friends – Albert & Bertha, Kitty & Leo, the Saunders family, Eagletons, Felix & Earl, Cas & Dutch, Elizabeth & her father, Joe, the Wells family, you can name the others. I’ll try as time goes on to write to all of them, but for the present I seem to have no time for any other letters than yours, darling. I will write Marcella & Ann soon too. Tell Carl the music is working fine, but I am not proficient in it yet. What have you found out about Hendrickson’s payment on the bank note? If they have paid, have you made a payment on the farm? You should try a hundred dollar bond, too, maybe more, surely more if you have sold Wheeler Rd. for a good price.

Ramona, sweet, I love you. You know that don’t you? The best part of it is I love you more every day.

Do you have any of the family out there with you? I think it would be nice if your father & mother took a week’s vacation with you there. I imagine Bobbie is there too. But remember about taking the responsibility off the shoulders of his own parents. It is their total job and I don’t want us to be responsible for trouble & neglect later on. You know the rest.

I’ll write in a week or so because I am afraid I’ll have little time from now on.

 My love, dear sweet,

Bill