Cherbourg, France

Aug. 12, 1945

Sunday Afternoon

My darling wife:

This is as lonely a day as any I ever had yet. I miss you so Maggie, and sweating out this news on the war isn’t helping things any. I thought sure it would be out today, but then again the day isn’t over yet.

I did get a letter from you though, in fact a double header, the one you wrote last Sat. and Sunday. No. 121. I didn’t get 119 or 120 yet.

You have me all worried again Maggie. I don’t know what I am going to do about you. From the reports I have been getting from you in your last letters, I’m afraid I’ll never be able to make you happy in Pa., and I guess you know it as well as I do. So before you ever attempt to go east you better give it plenty of thought. I have been away from home long enough now that I could live anyplace and be happy. The only reason I want to return home is because I have my job there. And if It is possible to get a job in Fiffin, I’d probably live there. Not only Fiffin, but anyplace in the U.S. All I want out of life is my home and someone to share it with me and a good job that will keep us going the rest of our lives. I don’t care much about relatives on either side. All I want is my place and to be left alone. So you decide what you want to do. For one of these days they are going to turn us loose.

I found those air mail stamps on the wrapping that was on your picture, and I’ll use them.

Maggie, you are not the only one that needs it bad. I need it too. That’s why I am waiting. I know how good our first time together will be. To me, it will be like starting all over again. I sometimes wish we could go through another morning ceremony when I get back. Loving you once again will be fast like that Sunday we first met, last week three years ago. I love you so much Maggie – will you marry me? I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but every time I think about seeing you for the first time when I come home, it gives me the shakes, just like I used to get when we were first married. Do you think I’ll be coming home to see you soon Maggie? We must both wait a little longer, we can’t give in now.

Thank you for the robe honey. I know I will like it and I’m sure It will fit. I am very proud of you myself, and I love you more. Did you get yours yet? It isn’t black lace is it? Don’t forget to bring it along when you go to Toledo. Do you mean you are going to save that bra until I come home? I think I know the kind you mean.

Don’t let yourself get to down about the housing problem. It’s something I have to be there with you to help arrange things. It is hard for you to do alone, I guess you know. Keep thinking of ideas. What ever happened to that lot you were talking about? And another thing, Maggie, you don’t belong in the country. I’ll take you out if I have to grab you and carry you out. You were made to see and do big things.

You know Maggie, everyone over here admires our two lovely children too. Your pictures get around quite a lot, as I am very proud of my wife and two children. I love you all so dearly, especially that wife of mine. I always did like Dorney Park, and I used to go out there often during the summer. My one ambition was to go dancing there with a big name band, but I never did, but I haven’t given up my hope yet. I think now that I have a wife I can do a lot of the things I always wanted to do. You don’t know how lonesome I was before I met you. I have never been so happy in all my life. Even now I am happy knowing I have someone like you waiting for me to come home – back in your arms. I never liked anyone as much as I do you. I like to talk about coming home to you for it builds up my morale and gives me something to think about. You’ll get the best loving you ever had, I’ll guarantee you that, but one the condition that I won’t be able to do you much good, but I won’t think of that for I do my best if it kills me. I want that date to be the best we ever had, and the most successful. I do love you so much my darling. I just can’t seem to be able to tell you enough.

The newspaper looks good about the reduction of the army after Japan surrenders. They have another demobilization plan for after V-J only it is still secret. How about putting a word in for me. I’d sure like to be home for that anniversary of ours. Maybe – who knows.

Why is it you want to be alone with me in City Park? Is it so we could make love?

I think I’ll sign off for today, but I’ll be back again tomorrow.

All my love and kisses,

Your one and only

-Pres