July 9, 1946

Dear Jack,

I received the letter from you yesterday. I have given it plenty of thought and don’t know whether to be sorry or glad. I don’t know just how to take it.

Jack do you honestly believe that everything is over between us? Can you truthfully say so?

Since you’ve been so honest, I will be also. Let’s start with the “Dear John” letter. I didn’t think you still cared for me when you were in Parris Island because I received a letter from a Peter Yost who said he got my address from you. I figured you wouldn’t give my address to any one if you really cared for me. So with all those doubts Frank came home, I told you I went out with him. I was lonely and it was a habit to go with him. That habit is gone because of you. I don’t love Frank, I don’t believe I ever have. I realized that about six months ago so since then I have gone out with other guys.

When you came home last February, it was the worse days I ever put through. I was afraid my very actions would give me away so consequently I tried to keep away from you. When I saw you in school and in the Corner Restaurant I nearly gave way, I knew you were drinking and that knowledge alone nearly killed me. I don’t want you to drink Jack, I never will. You’re too nice of a guy to let such foolish notions as drinking fool you. You should be too smart for any thing like that. I remember the night you followed Frank, I also left him to come to you. I felt awful especially to think you would ever get drunk.

I first knew I loved you when we (scouts) went camping to DeWitt Lake and Jean, Janis and I decided to come home. I was hurt that night and you were the only one who could make me feel better.

Then you went overseas to China or rather Japan and I hadn’t seen you. I thought I could forget you but it didn’t work. Now I know how you feel, I guess it’s changed.

Jack for goodness sake I’m willing to swallow my pride if there’s any chance at all, please do the same. I want you to stop drinking, you can if you try!!

I swear also by my Dutch ancestors that I shall never for a long time love or care for anyone as much as you if this letter still leaves you with a cold heart. Jack everyone makes mistakes, I’ve made my one and only. This letter is no mistake.

I haven’t wrote to you in quite some time I know but I was afraid I’d make a fool out of myself. Funny I don’t feel like a fool now.

Jack write and let me know please where “I” stand. The truth Jack, you can’t kid me even if you wrote to 5 girls that you loved them in Japanese.

I’ve changed Jack, I guess I look at things differently but I know now. If you don’t write I’ll understand:

As Ever,

“Jackie”

P.S. I’m willing to try Jack any suggestion you make.