24 Feb 1944

Dearest mine,

AA letters from you this morning and one which took some-time to get here. I hate to keep griping about the mails but the good old days were best via Brownsville. You know as well as I that anything via Texas is better.

Jim went off to Guatemala yesterday and I gave him twenty dollars to get that marriage chain you wanted for Mrs. Stannus which I will mail to you as soon as he returns, probably tomorrow. I will send it airmail, so you should have it before long. Has that package with the lighter for Poplar arrived OK? I sent it a spell back along with silver forks etc. I couldn’t get the cocktail forks with the “do hickies” at the top like you wanted. Anyway you are getting to be a bad little girl wanting such things---but I tried my best, cause I like you sort of bad anyway, at least along some lines. I have given up the idea of the silver canisters for two reasons. The revolution in Bolivia put a crimp in my plans, as those fellows have left there, and I did not know where they were ordered from in Lima, and besides they are too expensive. I think I could get something better and more useful with the money. They were cute tho if I may use the word.

About that leave dear one. I am continuing my campaign and it is already getting to the point were it is mentioned as a date to measure things from, by the gang at the mess. Re the New York thing I to have thought of the expense and we see alike on it. We will be starting over again after the trip if we go. However, about the getting a free ride by airplane: It could be done dearest but once I start that of course it will mean hanging around waiting for a plane going in the right direction and weather etc. I really do not feel that I want to chance any of my leave by hanging around waiting for a plane going in the right direction and weather etc. I really do not feel that I want to chance any of my leave by hanging around an operations office or waiting on weather. I would resent every minute that it cost me away from you. Maybe we could need in New Orleans as that is much to get with you as soon as possible and not lose any of a very short month fooling around making connections. Of course I will do anything that your heart desires if you are set on it. I hope to be able to get a ride direct to SA as there are planes going and coming that way from time to time and I can watch out for one here. At the least I can get to Guatemala from here on my own plane and then take the PAA from there. I will work out something definite between now and then sweet lady---the main thing is to get together.

What do you mean decide to be a civilian???? You like to eat, don’t you? The army is going to be a mighty nice place when the readjustment after this war sets in. Besides I have spent sixteen years learning this business and I would hate to start learning another at this late date. I know how you feel, but I will be that when the time came you would be very reluctant, as much as I would. But what is the use of talking about that.

The cookies sounded wonderful but I have still hopes of getting them and the CIGARS. And we will see if we can’t get my lady some of the things that she wants in the way of clothes this spring as you say. A Queen has to look doozzy doesn’t she?

Boy I sure enjoy my photograph; I have a little session with it everyday. In fact I like it better all the time. You sure make good company darling even in a picture. The way it is taken no matter where I go in the room you turn and are looking at me. The ever watchful eye eh? I send you all my love dearest lady; I too am plenty lonesome for you. Adios.

Edwin