February 11, 1924, Austin to Northampton, Massachusetts

Dearest “Little?” “Valentine,”

Honey-bunch (sweet), it's been so long since I've written you, or it seems to me, that I'm afraid I've lost all my literary skill – the skill which you seem too admire so much. But you are most completely forgiven. You always have been, but I thought maybe I'd better give you a little rest. Do you like my pictorial products better than my literary? Please excuse blots and plotches – this dawgone paper soaks up ink like a blotter, especially that black ink. I've put six hours fixing up the n-----, though, so you had better appreciate him. [He drew a cartoonish figure on the envelope and used a racist slur to describe it.]

Here's some news for a change – Sam Oliver Miller and May Belle Brownlee (my rooming house lady's daughter) ran off and got married yesterday. How long before we'll be doing something like that? Pretty soon? Oh, about 7 yrs., you say? Well, that's not so good, but it could be worse. Sam's a lucky stiff, and he got him a fine girl, tall and slender, and beautiful – just like you (sweet?) She did remind me of you a whole lot.

Has your elbone recovered? I haven't written to you since I heard about it, and I've often wondered. I sure would like to kiss it for you and make it well.

To revert some what to the subject of fam, have you been thinking about what I told you to think about that last night? Furthermore, do you remember what you bet that I'd fall for some girl down here, and do you realize that in just about four months I'll expect you to pay me. Honey (very sweet), I wish you would send me a, or better some, snapshots of yourself.

How much do you weigh now? I've been getting a little bit fat myself – weighed one hundred and forty – seven stripped and after a good sweat. I've been taking wrestling the last week or two, so I ought to be able to do all the new struggles with you next summer. But I haven't danced a lick since you went away, so I don't know whether I'll be able to or not.

Dear, “I love you more each day than the day before,” and I miss you the same amount. I'll get home about the 8^th of June I think. When do I get my first date? I guess your mother and father will want you all to themselves the first night you're home, but how about the second one for me. I suppose I'll get home before you do. Set the date please, and if a dance or anything comes up, I won't mind if you break it if you just keep it the next night.

I'm all set up for the “Spring Prom.”, Sweet heart, but I'm afraid you'll have to give me a few dancing lessons first.

Dearest, I got up at 3 A.M. To get this letter written toyou, and I've been going until now, quarter of one (6 hours on the n--. and 3 on the writing part.). I've swamped my room with black, blue, and red ink. I've ruined two suits and the best shirt I've got. I've worn my mentality, such as it is, to a frazzle. So I do hope you appreciate my six page letter on big paper. Please don't just answer my letter, but write me whenever you have time, dear. It makes me feel so good when I get a letter from you.

It's time for dinner now, and I'll have to go snatch some nourishment. If you've been patient and devoted [faithful crossed out] enough to have read this far, I'll tell you again – [written in red ink] I sure do love you! (written with my life blood.) [red ink ends]

Henry .