30 Jan 1945
Dearest Sandi: -
Boy! Am I getting service now? Almost a letter every other day ….you’re a record for me, because this is the first time in my life that anyone has ever sent me that many letters in such a short period of time. Shall I award you the Legion of Merit decoration? You certainly deserve it.
Thanks a million hugs and kisses for the recreation present. Shall I call it my next year’s Christmas present or month after next birthday present….I’ll call it both.
This morning was colder than blue blazes and another day like this and I’ll be just another hunk of ice. I’m suffering now for all the good years I spent in the lovely tropics.
Your routine for the next two weeks makes me very envious and if you dare forget me and my cute letters from you I’ll haunt you in your dreams.
I’m the best hands-getter-warmer in the whole state of Texas…Would you care to try me out? I have warm hands but a cold heart. Didn’t Hannah tell you about that?
This coming Sunday I’m attending church at Oklahoma city … It’s a place about 130 miles North of this camp. A former missionary friend of mine is in the Navy there and its been since 1936 that I’ve seen him. He owes me a chicken dinner for getting married first. I’ll tell you more about that later.
I did put a couple of dollars in the bank the other day and so now I’m a plutocrat…my bank book is my equivalent to your hope chest….I wonder which one of us gets to the top first.
Heaps and Heaps of Love,
Edwin

Envelope from “The Roosevelt” Pride of the South, New Orleans 9, Louisiana, USA
123 Baronne Street (Postage stamps with 3 purple and white 3 cent stamps with American Eagle with WIN THE WAR written on banner across breast of bird)

Camp Howse
QM Section
Texas
2 February 1945

Dearest Sandi:
Your sweet letter of January 14th was written in the and from the standpoint of mood – so you said ---- well tonight I’m in about the same level of spirit. Had a tough day and last evening I was q.m. duty officer which meant being restricted some what. Now I’ve just finished bathing. I love a real hot shower followed by all the cold water in the pipes. I’m rather fatigued but would like to have you owe me a letter than me owing you. Cause you will write me – even in the middle of the night.
Your “hope chest” should be rather filled by now from all the stuff and things you’ve been getting. Don’t tell anyone but I have a treasure chest myself a collection of useful articles from all over creation. I’ve always wanted a den and when I get one someday I have the stuff with which to decorate it. Are you interested in interior decorating?
Well anyway Sandi….if Hannah doesn’t move it won’t be any fault…..And if she doesn’t I will move myself as next best substitute. Or won’t I do? And when I go east to visit you may use the rumble seat in the new car I’m going to have purchased by then. How does this sound? Pipe dreams?
Mardean ---would you ever marry outside of the church if the opportunity presented itself? Just like you say… lots of girls are doing it.
I guess that’s why my brothers and I are still unmarried. We don’t have the opportunity to meet and go with L>D>S> girls. All my sisters with the exception of 2 actually converted their husbands; the other two didn’t do such a good job. You can plainly see our trouble can’t you?
Clarissa was a disappointment to me too but then I can’t say anything since my sisters are and were in the same shoes, I hope she is happy.
I have not heard nor read the book you mention “the Rose”. If you send it, will you let me pay for it? I love reading and good books too.
If you find time I would love to hear from you. Even a card would help.
Hannah owes me a communiqué and is behind in writing. I usually excuse her since she has her troubles with all her kids. You do love kids don’t you?
Be good and don’t forget me.
Lots of Love
Edwin

P.S. Here it is…the next day and what a jumbled up mess I’ve written. Hope you don’t mind?