2

load it-- or where the bullets wrer-- but felt very pioneer like sitting there protecting my home ect-- it was all terribly exciting and very hard not to turn on the Japanese and hate them-- the next few weeks will be interesting-- as the fight still goes on-- the man has been reasesed-- but must be tried by his country men-- The F.B.I. will be arriving soon and what result that will have-- I dont know-- but well see--.

Most of the staff wrer divided-- so many of them got scared and want ed the Army-- School teatchers left in droves out of sheer fright-- I'LI write you more when more happens-- that is if you are enteres ted-- The three heads of the place-- John-- Wade "ead-- Ralph Gelvi n-- are so fed up-- that they want when things are straightened out to go off and join the army and get a crack at the enemy-- but I am hoping that feeling passes-- but one cant blame them-- This is Nappys birthday and I have forgotten to send him anything-- so I shall have to get to Town and send a telegram at least-- All us ladies got the curse two weeks after we had just had it-- which isamusing--

I must stop things have piled up so during this last week--
Impossible to get to the laundry and I have been washing in the
bath tub-- sheets and every thing else--

Its wonderful weather now-- down right cold in the morning and
softly warming up thru the day-- hot about six-- then cooling off
again--

't was interesting to see how all this affected many of the People-
many of them went compleatly hay wire-- and acted like mad men--
John very calm and collected-- and the whole thing on his shoulders
as I said he is a hero and ought to be one-- five days now with out
more than two hours sleep at any one time-- but last night was
heaven-- well good bye--

How nice about your going to 'uscon-- I wish it wrer to be Phoenix-
that's nearer-- I should love to bring the children to see you and

3

have the fun of seeing you my self-- but Tuson is a nicer place I think-- I am frantically saving up so as to be able to go to New York when Happy gets married-- about February-- why don't you come to it would be fun--

I had a letter from Pagie-- Nicky is a private in the Army somewhere so I suppose I shall never collect the telephone bill he left at the Farm--116 dollars-- horrors-- but I guess he's like that-- most Artists are-- so don't ever say anything about it-- to any one-- I don't want to give him a black eye-- I like him just the same-- but its annoying-- I pay off so much every month-- and an added thing like this just keeps one down-- but what the hell-- next time any friend uses the Farm I'll have the telephone put in their name-- much better-- now I must stop-- but its fun writing you--Sandys and Bonnies language has become something awful-- they say dooin in stead of doing-- and all g-s seem to have gone from their conversation-- all so pretty tough-- but they will out grow it I suppose-- they are fine-- andandy seems better but still has strange nightmares-- but the doctor here says it is to be expected-- he also dosent like me to be out of the house when ever he appears-- but his cough has gone-- now I must stop-- Love to you and to Tony.

Love from John to you and from the children
and from me.

Dearestabel.

John just got your second telegram and we
are so relieved and happy that you are better-- what rotten luck it
has been for you-- and as you say what a Christmas-- but thank God
its all over--

Its been appaling here with both kids laid low with chicken pocks
they came down the week before Christmas-- They are so much better
now tho-- that I am taking them to California and dumping with
Jessie for a little-- the Doctor thinks it would be a good idea--
just to get them out for a little--and it will give me a rest--
I am just about to leap out of my skin--I dont relly like children-
not being with them all day all night-- but they have really been
pretty good considering they wrer shut up in this tiny house--
Christmas seemed very strange here-- not at all like the real
thing-- although great effort was made to have things as bright as
possible-- and if we had no snow-- we had thoosands of paper flower
s-- which the Japanese are wonderfully clever at-- they stick them
in pots and apart from looking hideous they look too real for word
s--we had several presents of gold fish-- which the Japanese seem
to favour--

Sister sent Bonnie a washing machine-- a toy one--and the house has
been flooded ever since--and all the chairs are hung with ragged
little doll cloths--Sandy got a sort of Boy scout outfit-- a knife-
a flash light-- a compas-- and some other things beyond my scope--
he promtly nailed them over his bed in a neat row-- very tidy--
but if this paper mache house gets another nail poked into it
I am afraid it will buckle up and collapse--

John is sort of weary-- and this trip to California will do him a lot of good-- just to get away -- I am all packed-- and sandwiches in the ice box to be eaten en route-- in the desert somewhere--

2

Tomorrow up at six-- and away-- before any one stops John with
something that has just come up--

Well I will stop now--and I am sending you some nice kind of small
from California--You know its practically bitch black in this room
only one small light ten feet behind me and I am afraid that my
spelling is worse than ever--I cant see to be sure--

Well goodbye for the present-- I will write you again almost at one
e-- I am so glad you are better--and that's its all over with--

Love from John and the children--I heard not long ago a little boy
ask Sandy why his name was Sandy-- to which Sandy replied-- My name
is Sandy because I was born in San diego???; cute
Love again.

2120 LE ROY PLACE
ZONE 8---WASHINGTON* DC.

DEAREST MABEL:

I FEEL BADLY NOT HAVING WRITTEN TO
YOU SOONER AND OFTENER** BUT TOO MUCH TO DO** AND HERE EVEN
MORE SO** JOHN SAYS YOU HAVE A NEW HOUSE** WHAT FUN**

IT MUST BE FUN DOING IT OVER** THIS GREAT MANSION** WHICH
IT REALLY IS NOT** IS VERY PLEASANT** VERY RUN DOWN AND FULL
OF HIDEOUS OBJECTS** BUT WE ARE TERRIBLY LUCKY TO HAVE IT**
ESPECIALLY AS ITS ONLY HALF OF IT** WE ALL EAT TOGETHER**
EITHER ELLIE AND HER TWO CHILDREN OR THE NURSE AND TWO
CHILDREN** I AM UP AT SIX T HIRTY EVERY MORNING GETTING

BREAKFAST FOR ALL EIGHT OF US** ITS ABOUT A MILE FROM THE
KITCHEN TO THE DINNING ROOM ** BUT WE NOW HAVE A COLORED GAL
WHO ARRIVES AT FIVE AND COO KS DINNER** WHICH IS WONDERFUL**
WE LEFT LONG ISLAND AND STAYED FOR A WEEK WITH A FRIEND IN
NEW YORK** UNTIL THIS HOUSE COULD BE GOT INTO** ROSE THE FRIEND
HAD JUST MOVED THE DAY BEFORE WE ARRIVED** AND WHEN WE GOT IN
HERE THE PAINTERS ARRIVED WITH US** BUT THEY ARE GONE
YESTERDAY** AND THINGS ARE SMOOTHING OUT** I HAVENT SEEN MUCH
OF WASHINGTON AS YET** BUT WHAT I HAVE SEEN IS LOVELY I
THINK** LOOKS LIKE PARIS** AN D SORT OF COUNTRY FIED**

WE SPENT LAST WEEK END ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND WITH
ELLIE** WHO OWNS A PLANTATION THERE** VERY BEAUTIFUL**
AND A WONDERFUL MASS OF BOOKS** FIRST EDITATIONS** THOUSANDS
OF ORIGINAL LETTERS** ALL OF ELIZABETH BROWINGS** AND HIS ALSO**
SCRIBBED POEMS BY BURNS** AND MANY OTHERS** BOSWELLS

11

MANUSCRIPT** SPENCERS PAIRY QUEE N** OH HEAVENS THOUSANDS OF SUCH THINGS** ELLIES HUSBAND** IN CAMP** FOUNDED THE HOUGHTON LIBRARY IN YALE** OR IS IT HARVARD** ANY HOW ITS SOMETHING**VERY EXCITING AND BEAUTIFUL** ALL NORMAN DOUGLASSES LETTERS TO HIS SON**THOSE ARE THE ONLY ONES I HAD TIME TO LOOK INTO** WE SPENT THE REST OF THE TIME RUSING FROM ONE PLANTATION TO ANOTHER** ONE ESPECIALLY WITH MILES OF BOX HEDGE** A WONDERFUL OLD ORANGE RIE** AND A GRAVE YARD FOR THE PAST AND PRESENT OWNERS** OF FIRST GRAVE STONE**1630-- REALLY A STRANGE HAUNTED PLACE** WITH ONE OF THE FEW HA*HA*S IN AMERICA** A LARGE DITCH DUG IN A GREAT CIRCLE AROUND THE HOUSE SO THAT STOCK CAN GRAZE AND NOT GET TOO NEAR** AND THAT THEY DO NOT APPEAR FENCED IN** AS THEY DO IN MODERN ZOOS** THE BOX HEDGE SIX PEET HIGH** AND ABOUT TEN MILES OF IT** EVERY WHERE ONE LOOKS** AND EACH PLANT WORTH 250 dollars AT LEAST**BUT BEAUTIFUL**

SANDY IS IN SCHOOL WHICH IS A GREAT BREAK** FOR THERE IS A LONG WAITING LINE** BUT THE HE AD MISTRESS TOOK A GREAT SHINE TO HIM**AND LET HIM IN AHEAD** BONNIE NOT SO LUCKY** BUT I HAVE A FRIEND WHO TEACHES A MUSICAL CLASS IN A SCHOOL TWO BLOCKS AWAY** AND SHE HAS TAKEN A GREAT FANCY TO BONNIE** AND SAYS SHE WILL DO HER BEST TO GET HER IN THERE** ITS REALLY TERRIFIC**BONNIES CHOICE OF LANGUAGE HAS BECOME VERY FLORAL AND AMUSING**SHE AN NOUNCED THIS MORNING**

" I FEEL ABOMINABLE**" YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW THAT SOUNDED** THE STRESS ON THE BOM** VERY FRENCH SOUNDING**

I GOT A REAL SUIT FOR SANDY** WITH SHIRTS AND TIES AND ALL** AND HE HAS BECOME VERY CLOTHES AND ONCIOUS**I HAVE SEEN SALLY BOKE ONCE** BUT NOT MIRIAM BRIG HT**

2

SHE MIRIAM HAD AN OPERATIO N** AND HAS BECOME VERY PLUMP*
WHICH I JUST CANT BELIEVE** NAPPY IS IN LONDON AND SEES PAT ALL
THE TIME** WHICH IS NICE FOR THEM BOTH** HAVE SEEN NICKY
SEVERAL TIMES** BUT ALL HE DOES IS TALK ABOUT HIMSELF** AND HE
AND PAGIE FIGHT LIKE CATS AND DOGS ALL THE TIME AND IN PUBLIC*
THEY SEEM TO ENJOY IT** BUT OTTERS DONT** OH WELL**
WASENT IT SAD THAT MARSDEN HARTLEY DIED?** I SAW HIM NOT LONG
AGO** HE SEEMED QUITE WELL** HAVE YOU ANY PICTURES OF THE HOUSE
DO TAKE SOME** AND LET US SEE** IT ISN'T THAT ONE WITH THE
WONDERFUL VIEW** NEAR RANC HOS? REMEMBER YOU TOOK ME THERE ONCE
I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN IT** THERE IS SOMETHING DEFINATELY WRONG
WITH THIS TYPEWRITTER** VER Y QUEER** THOSE GAPS** JOHN IS
WORKING HARD** WAS AWFULL Y DEPRESSED FOR A WHILE AND TIRED**
AND COULD NOT SLEEP** BUT I GOT SOME PILLS AND THE SPELL
SEEMS TO BE BROKEN** HE HAS DONE TREMENDIOUS THINGS ALREADY**
HAS HAD TO FIRE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN ALASKA** AND PUT OTHERS IN
THEIR PLACE** NOT A THIN G HE ENJOYS DOING** ALASKA APPROVES**
IS VERY BEAUTIFUL HE SAYS** AND VER Y WESTERN IN SPIRIT**
I SHOULD LOVE TO GO** WHEN NEXT HE DOES** BUT SO FAR THEY WON'T
ALLOW WOMEN THERE EXCEPT ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS** I SHOULD LOVE
TO TAKE THE CHILDREN AND GO FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS THIS SUMMER
BUT IT SEEMS NOT** WELL I MUST STOP** ITS TIME FOR LUNCH**
AND THEN I MUST GO AND GET GROCERIES** THEY DONT LIKE SENDING
THEM** MUCH** DO DROPE A LINE SOMETIMES WHEN YOU HAVE TIME**
AND I WILL TRY IF YOU WISH AND WRITE YOU MORE OFTEN** WHEN THI
NGS ARE CLEARER** MUCH LOVE FROM ALL.

CLAIRE EVANS. BEDFORD HILLS NEW YORK.

BEDFORD HILLS

NEW YORK.

D.M. SPENCER.

DEAR MABEL''

ARE YOU STILL IN TAOS? I HAVE SOME
THINGS TO SEND YOU FOR CHRISTMAS AND DONT KNOW WHERE TO
SEND THEM'' DO DROP ME A CARD OR SOMETHING AND LET ME KNOW'
I SHALL BE HERE WITH PAT UNTIL THE 15th. OF JANUARY'' AND
THEN BONNIE AND I SHALL GO TO IRAN IF POSSIBLE'' YOU DID
KNOW DIDENT YOU THAT PATS WIFE JOSIE DIED IN AUGUST AND
INSTEAD OF GOING TO IRAN WITH JOHN I CAME HERE TO BE
WITH PAT AND HELP HIM AS MUCH AS I COULD'' ALL VERY SAD''
JOHN SOUNDS FINE'' VERY BUSY'' AND HAS NOT BEEN VERY WELL'
BUT HIS SPIRIT IS FINE''

SAW TISH AND NATALIE THREE DAYS AGO''
NATALIE IS GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER BABY'' NAPPYS WIFE ALSO''
YE GODS # TEN GRAND CHILDREN IN ALT'' MAKES ONE FEEL LIKE
A VERY FRUTFUL RABBIT'' INDIRECTLY''

LOVE.

YIA. AIRMAIL

SRA.

MABFL DODGE LUHAN
% WELLS FARGO.

MEXICO. D.F.

MEXICO

[Dec. 31, 1951]

BEDFORD HILLS

NEW YORK.

DEAREST MABEL!!

IT WAS WONDERFUL HEARING FROM YOU AFTER
ALL THAT TIME I WROTE YOU ONCE BUT YOU NEVER ANSWERED ME SO
I DID NOT TRY AGAIN FEELING THAT ANY ADVANCE ON MY PART PERHAP
PS WOULD NO T BE WELCOME!!

JOHN HAS BEEN QUITE SICK AND IN
THE HOSPITAL IN BEYRUT' BUT HE IS ALL RIGHT NOW. YOU PROBABLY
KNOW THIA ANY WAY'' BONNIE AND ARE LEAVING HERE PATS HOUSE
ON THE 5th OF JANUARY'' AND GOING TO NEW YORK FOR A SPELL
WHERE I SHALL START GETTING PASSPORTS ECT READY FOR IRAN''
SANDY IS HERE FOR THE HOLIDAYS'' I GOT HIM A DRESS SUIT
SINCE HE HAD TO GO TO SEVERAL SHINDIGS'' AND LOR HOW GROWN UP
AND HANDSOME HE IS'' THE GALS GO FOR HIM IN A BIG WAY''

WE WILL BE VERY HAPPY TO GET OUT OF HERE'' ITS REALLY VERY DIFFI
CULT LIVING IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HOUSE FOR AS LONG AS THIS'' AND
KNOWING THAT IT IS NOT GOING TO LAST FOREVER'' ONE CANT REALLY
SETTLE DOWN'' BONNIE AND SANDY ARE UP IN NEW YORK TODAY SEEING
TISH WHOM THEY ARE CRAZY ABOUT AND SHE IS OF THEM'' WE SAW HER
DANCE WITH HER GROUP FROM BENNINGTON'' AND SHE REALLY IS VERY
FINE'' AND EXCITING'' SO MUCH BETTER THAN ANY OF THE OTHERS''
NATALIE IS BIG WITH CHILD'' SO IS MARLISS'' THAT WILL BE TEN
GRANDCHILDREN IN ALL'' HEAVENS I THINK I TOLD YOU THIS BEFORE''
WHEN I GET A PLACE IN NEW YORK I SHALL WRITE YOU AT ONCE AND
GIVE YOU THE ADDRESS'' LOVE TO YOU BOTH'' I AM SENDING YOU

AND TONY A PRESENT BY TWO FRIENDS WHO ARE GOING TO MEXICO
THEIR NAME IS WHITMAN AND THEY ARE TERRIBLY NICE!! ONE
GROWS HERBS AND THE OTHER SCULPTS!!

SANDY AND ME!!

MUCH LOVE FROM BONNIE

Lukan
Taos
New Mexico

Donald C. Falluf, Esq.
Curator
Yale University Library
New Haven, Conn.

SOCIÉTÉ DES GRANDS HOTELS DU LEVANT

HOTEL St. GEORGES
BEYROUTH

MARCH. 8th. [1952]

DEAREST MABEL.

HERE BO NNIE AND I ARE IN BEYRUIT
WE CAME BY BOAT RIGHT THRU THE MEDETERRAIN IN' AND
LOVED IT!!

JOHN LOOKS FINE BUT HAD BECOME VERY
NERVIOUS' BEING ALONE SO MUCH'' BUT EVEN NOW ONLY AFTER
TWO DAYS HE IS MUCH BETTER AND SLEEPS WELL'' I THI
K IN FACT I KNOW THAT WHEN WE GET TO TEHRAN' WE FLY
TOMORROW HE WILL BECOME NORMAL AGAIN'' HE NEEDS THE
FAMILY BEHIND HIM'' VERY MUCH A FAMILY PERSON' AND I
HAS BEEN HARD FOR HIM BEING ALL A LONE AS HE HAS''
IT WAS WONDERFUL BEING IN FRANCE SPAIN ITALY EGYP
AGAIN'' EVEN IF IT WAS ONLY A DAY OR SO IN EACH''
THIS IS ONLY A NOTE TO TELL YOU THAT WE ARE HERE AND
THAT AS S ON AS I GET SETTLED I SHALL WRITE IN GREAT
DETAIL'' AND PLEASE PLEASE DO WRITE BACK SOMETIMES''
THIS TOWN IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL' AND EVERY ONE APPEA

11.51.-12000

S TO BE PROSPERIOUS'! WO. NDERFUL LOOKING SHEIKS
SAUNTERING AROUND! VERY CALM AND ALOOF'! VERY
PLEASANT TEA SHOPS! FRENCH, LIKE THE ONES IN PARIS'
CRAMMED WITH CREAM PUFFS AND SUCH'!

EVERY ONE TALKS
FRENCH AND LOOKS FRENCH EVEN THE ARAB LADIES WITH
THEIR WONDERFUL TOP HEAVY TURBANS' THE SEA IS A
BRILLIANT AND SEVERE GREENY BLUE'! SO DIFFERANT FROM
THE DOWNRIGHT ATLANTIC.

THIS HOTEL WHICH STANDS ON THE
WATER IS FRENCH IN EVERY DETAIL'! A WHOLE ROW OF
BUTTONS TO PUSH FOR THE VARIOUS SERVANTS'! AND BRIOCH
FOR BREAKFAST, ALSO CAFE AU LAIT TASTING SLIGHTLY
OF MEDICINE! THE HORNS ON THE CARS ARE ALL OF THE
FRENCH VARIETIES AND THEY USE THEM SO MUCH AND ALL DAY
LONG' BUT IN A SORT OF LAZY WAY SO THAT THE WHOLE EFF
ECT IS MUSICAL' AND NOT ANGRY. JOHN IS OUT DOING
BUSINESS' VERY SPICK AND SPAN AND HANDSOM AND FULL
OF VIM' AND EVEN TEMPERED' A PLEASURE MAM'! HE SENDS
HIS LOVE SAYS TO TELL YOU THAT HE HAS NOT AS YET TIME
TO WRITE TO ANY ONE. SANDY CAME DOWN FROM SCHOOL TO
SEE US OFF' HE IS OVER SIX FEET AND HANDSOME AS ALL
GET OUR' AND BEAMS WITH GOOD FEELINGS'! BONNIE GROWS
MORE LIKE YOU EVERY DAY'! I SAY THAT IN SOME TERROR'
LOVE FROM US ALL.
Clam

DEAREST MABEL!!

HOW IS THIS FOR A NEW RIBBON' HAD A TERRIFIC TIME
GETTING IT AND AN EVER WILDER TIME GETTING IT INTO THE MACHINE' AS
IT IS FRENCH' AND LOOKS AS IF HAD BEEN FASHIONED BY LAVAN' WE ARE OFF
TO THE MOUNTAINS THIS AFTERNOON' WHERE THERE IS A TROUT STREAM' SO
THAT JOHN CAN FISH' IT IS A HOLIDAY ON SATURDAY'' SO WE SHALL BE THERE
FOR TWO NIGHTS''A VERY SWEET ICY LITTLE HOTEL' ONE OF WHICH THE OLD
SHA BUILT IN A SCATTERED FASHION ALL OVER TEHRAN' NO IRAN'' WHERE
EVER HE THOUGHT TOURISTS AND UPPER IRANIANS WOULD FEEL TEMPTED TO GO'
ALLTHEASE HOTELS WERE DESIGNED BY ONE MAN'' AND THEY ARE ALL ADORNED
WITH CROUCHING LIONS AND GREAT URNS AND STATUES OF CUPIDS AND DIANIAS'
ALL PAINED WITH SILVER PAINT''

WE JUST GOT BACK THREE DAYS AGO FROM
BABOL-SAR. A SEA SIDE RESORT ON THE CASPIAN'' JUST OPPOSITE RUSSIA''
A HUGE HOTEL BUT ONLY THIRTY ROOMS'' A HUGE CASINO ON THE BEACH' NEVER
COMPLEATED THO'' A CANAL LEADING DOWN FROM THE HOTEL TO THE BEACH
PARAPATED AND ADORNED WITH TOTTERING URNS AND STATUES'' FALLING TO
PIECES'' EACH ROOM IN THE HOTEL IS AS BIG AS A SWIMMING POOL'' HUGE
BATHROOMS WITH CHIPPED TYLES'' BUT ALAS THE WATER ONLY APPEARS FROM SEVEN
IN THE MRONING UNTIL EIGHT'' THEN FROM SIX IN THE EVENING UNTIL ELEVEN''
THE RUSSIANS TOOK POSSESSION OF THE HOTEL AND ALL THE VILLAS DURING THE
WAR' THEY HOUSED THEIR HORSES IN THE MAIN FLOOR OF BOTH HOTEL AND THE
VILLIAS WHICH ALSO THE SHA EAD BUILT. THE MEN LIVED ON THE FLOORS ABOVE''
THERE IS ALSO A LITTLE PALACE ABOUT TEN MILES OUT' THEY STATIONED THERE ALSO
YOU CAN IMAGINE THE STATE OF THE FLOORS ECT WHEN THEY LEFT'' AS A MATTER OF
FACT THEY WERE CHASED OUT. IN THE LITTLE PALACE THE FLOORS WERE ALL MADE
OF PARQUET IMPORTED FROM FRANCE'' HALF OF THE FLOORS ARE FIXED' BUT THE
ONES WHICH ARE NOT ARE AWFUL'' YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW THEY WOULD LOOK AFTER
SEVERAL HUNDRED HORSES HAD LIVED AND FUNCTIONED THERE'' THE COUNTRY ON THE

WAY TO BAR

2

ABOL- SAR IS VERY BEAUTIFUL' HUGE MOUNTAIN ROADS'' GREAT FORESTS' WHICH THEY ARE RAPIDLY CUTTING DOWN TO MAKE CHARCOL'' THEN ACRES OF RICE PADDYS MILE AFTER MILE'' THE PEASANTS ALL IN THAT PART WEAR THEIR NATIVE COSTUME'' THE WEMENS ESPECIALLY BEING VERY BEAUTIFUL'' LIKE THE ONES IN OLD PRINTS.. TIGHT BLACK TROUSERS' A LITTLE SKIRT OVER THAT' THIGHTLY PLEATED' THEN A WHITE BLOUSE' HALF COVERED BY A BLACK WAIST COAT'' FANCY BUTTONS'' THEN A SHADAR' SORT OF SCARF OVER THEIR HEADS' AT TIMES WRAPPED IN TURBAN FASHION'' THE MEN IN SKULL CAPS AND LONG COATS AND PANTS MADE LIKE THE ONES THE MEXICAN NATIVES WEAR''

I AM GLAD THAT YOU LIKED SANDYS LETTERS'' DONT YOU THINK THEY WERE AMUSING''? HE WILL BE UP IN MAINE BY NOW'' HIS LAST LETTER WAS MUCH ENCOURAGED AS HIS MARKS SUDDENLY SHOT UP AGAIN' WHICH MEANS I SUPPOSE THAT HE HAS BECOME ADJUSTED TO EVERYTHING'' MARY GOODWIN IS SPENDING THE SUMMER IN OUR HOUSE IN MAINE'' WHICH IS WONDERFUL FOR HER AND FOR SANDY'' AS IT GAVE HER A CHANCE TO RENT HER HOUSE IN BEDFORD'' AND SHE LOVES IT UP THERE'' ALSO SANDY AND PETER LIKE EACH OTHER'' PAT WILL SAIL UP THIS SUMMER'' AND MEG HIS OLDEST DAUGHTER HAS A SORT OF CRUSH ON SANDY AND SHE WILL BE THERE PART OF THE TIME'' IT IS NICE TO THINK OF ALL THOSE CHILDREN GETTING ON SO WELL TOGETHER'' MARY HAS BEEN A GREAT HELP TO PAT' HAS REALLY GOT HIM OUT OF THE DUMPS I THINK I HAD A FEELING IN BEDFORD THAT SHE WOULD BE' SO I GOT THEM TOGETHER'' THEY FIGHT ANS SCRAP'' WHICH SHE ENJOYS' I THINK SHE HAS A MASACHOSTIC STREAK' AND PAT HAS JUST THE OPPOSITE'' ANY HOW THEY HAVE A GOOD TIME TOGETHER'' AND IT WAS GOOD FOR HIM TO BE WITH YOUNGER PEOPLE' AND NOT THE ONES WHICH HE AND JOSIE KNEW TOGETHER'' THEY WERE FOR THE MOST PART MORGAN PARTENERS' AND ALL MIXED UP LIKE PAT IN THE MONEY BUSINESS'' VERY FINE PEOPLE MIND YOU'' ITS A COMPLEAT CHANGE WITH MARY AND I KNOW IT IS GOOD'' WELL I MUST GO AND PACK'' HAVE A HORRID COLD AS WELL AS WHAT THEY CALL HERE TEHRAN TUMMY'' AND I KNOW YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS'' BUT DO YOU KNOW THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD FOR THAT''? MAST'' WHICH IS YUGART' TRY IT AND SEE'' IT IS A STAPLE AT EVERY MEAL HERE'' THEY PUT CHOPPED UP PEPPERS IN IT'' CUCUMBERS'' AND EVEN CAVIAR'' BUT AS A CUR RE IT SHOULD BE TAKEN ALONE'' IT WORKS WONDERFULLY WELL'' AND IS SO GOOD'' I DO HOPW YOU ARE OVER THAT BUSINESS'' LOVE FROM US ALL.

DEAREST MABEL:

YOU SEE I HAVE A NEW RIBBON ' OR DID I HAVE IT LAST
TIME I WROTE YOU''?

WELL JOHN AND BONNIE WENT OFF THIS MORNING AT FOUR
O' CLOCK TO GO TO TABRIZ' A DAYS MOTOR TRIP AWAY'' I COULD NOT GO BECAUSE
OF THE ART CLASS' THEY WILL BE BACK IN A WEEKS TIME AND IT WILL BE NICE
WHEN THEY COME BACK'' BUT I WILL ENJOY SLEEPING IN THAT TORTURE BOARD WE
CALL A BED'' IT IS MADE OF STRAW'' WHICH IS BAD ENOUGH BUT IN THE STRAW
DWELL SPRINGS WHICH LEAP UP IN THE NIGHT AND GRAB ONE''

IT HAS RAINED IN
THE NIGHT FOR THE LAST TWO NIGHTS'' WHICH IS VERY UNUSUAL FOR HERE AND
VERY NICE' THERE ARE HORRIBLE LITTLE INSECTS WHICH BITE ONE ALL THE TIME
AND ITCH LIKE THE VERY DEVIL'' AND THE STRANGE THINGS ABOUT THEM IS THAT THEY
ARE NOT VISABLE TO THE NAKED EYE'' WHICH DOSENT SEEM FAIR TO ME''

ONE DAY MORE OF FASTING
FOR THE IRANIANS'' THEN A GREAT CELEBRATION DURING WHICH THEY WILL PROBABLY
OVER EAT'' THE GARDEN IS A JUNGLE'' PETUNIAS HAVE NOW TAKEN THE PLACE OF
PANSIES' AND SWEET PEAS TWINE THEMSELVES AROUND EVERY THING IN SIGHT''
THERE IS NO TASTE OF ANY KIND SHEWN AT ALL'' BUT THE IRANIANS LOVE A GREAT
MASS OF THINGS' WEEDS ARE ALLOWED TO GROW UNTIL THEY ARE NINE FEET HIGH'' JUST
BECAUSE THEY ADD TO THE GLUTTONY'' HUNDREDS OF FLOWER POTS EVERY WHERE''
NUATURIUMS'' AND PINKS ANY THING IN FACT EVEN LETTUCE'' IT IS ALMOST CHILLY
TO DAY WHICH IS A RELIEF BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN VERY #COLD# HOT.

THIS IS A VERY DULL
LETTER'' BUT I FEEL VERY DULL AND SLEEPY.

THE STREETS ARE GAYER THAN USUAL'
BECAUSE THE GENTS DURING THE HEAT WEAR PYJAMAIS INSTEAD OF SUITS'' VERY GAUDY
ONES AT THAT'' WILL WRITE AGAIN SOON. LOVE.CLAIM

[July 14 1952]

DEAREST MABEL:

JUST GOT YOUR LETTER TOO BAD ABOUT THE HOUSE
AND THE WELL WHAT MARSDEN HARTLEY USED TO CALL" THE PERVERSETY OF INANNIMATE
OBJECTS" TALK (NG ABOUT HIM HE HAD A SWEET JOKE HE USED TO ALWAYS TELL'
ALWAYS FORGETTING THAT WE KNEW IT ALREADY' THREE DEAF LADIES TRAVELLING
TOGETHER ON A TRAIN IN ENGLAND EN ROUTE TO WEMBLEY' WELL ONE ASKS THE OTHER'
" IS THE NEXT STOP WEMBLEY? THE OTHER REPLIES' "NO IT ISN'T WEDNESDAY IT IS
THURSDAY"? WHERE UPON THE THRID CHIPS IN WITH' "WELL IF YOU ARE THIRSTY WE
AN ALWAYS GET A DRINK AT WEMBLEY"' SWEET'.

A TERRIFIC BANG UP YESTERDAY AT THE
EMBASSY HIT BEING THE OCCASION OF THE FOURTH OF JULY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE
BANDS PLAYING BOILING HOT MUCH HANDSHAKING DOWN THRU A LINE OF FANCY
PEOPLE' THANK THE LORD THAT WILL BE THE LAST SUCH AFFAIR FOR A WHILE AT LEAST'
JOHN GOT BACK FROM HIS TRIP AND NOW HE MUST AWAY ON ANOTHER' HE IS ABOUT THE
ONLY HIGH OFFICIAL WHO VENTURES OUT INTO THE FIELD' THEY ALL SIT AT THEIR DESKS
AND GET INVOLVED WITH PAPER FORGETTING THAT IT IS PEOPLE AND GRASS THAT THEY
SHOULD BE CONCERNED WITH JOHN IS GETTING FED UP AGAIN' AND WOULD LIKE TO MOVE
ON TO SOMEWHERE ELSE' THE PROGRAMME HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE MATERIAL' MUCH
AGAINST HIS ADVICE' AND NOW THE MAN OVER HIM AND THE ONLY ONE' THE DIRECTOR
JOHN IS DEPUTY DIRECTOR' IS GETTING SCARED BECAUSE WASHINGTON IS BEGINNING
TO GET ANNOYED. THE DIRECTOR HERE IS MUCH TOO PERSONALLY ANBITIOUS' AND A BOOT
LIKKER NATURALLY' HE BOWS DOWN TO THE AMBASSADOR WHO IS VERY SHREWD' AND
WHILE HOLDING HIM IN CONTEMPT GETS HIM TO DO THINGS WHICH HE WANTS' AND HIS
GREAT DESIRE IS MORE MONEY AND HELP FOR THE ARMY' WHICH HAS NOTHING TO DO
WITH POINT FOUR' OH WELL' BUT IT IS HARD FOR JOHN TO HAVE TO BUCK ALL THAT'
AND HE SENT THE KIND OF PERSON TO PLAY LIP SERVICE OR GO AGAINST HIS IDEALS'
SO WE MAY MOVE' I AM WAITING FOR THE BUS TO COME AND TAKE ME DOWN TOWN SO THAT
I CAN GET RAWING THINGS FOR MY CLASS' WHICH IS GROWING TOO FAST' I MAY HAVE TO
SPLIT IT UP' IT IS AS HOT AS CHILI HERE NOW' BUT THE NIGHTS ARE STILL ON THE
CODL SIDE . OVER....

DEAREST MABEL'

WE HAVENT HEARD FROM YOU FOR QUITE A WHILE ' BUT THEN YOU
ARE PROBABLY BEING SOCIAL AS ALL GET OUT'' AND HAVENT TIME TO GRAB A PEN
AND WRITE A WORD OR TWO'' BUT PLEASE WHEN YOU HAVE A MOMENT DO SO AS WE MISS
NOT HEARING SO MUCH'' JOHN CONTINUES VERY BUSY' BONNIE IS FINE' ALTHOUGHT SHE
HAS JUST HAD A BOUT OF SOMETHING WHICH WE CANT QUITE DETERMINE'' BOTH THE AMERIC
AN DOVTORS HERE HAVE JAUNDICE AT THE SAME TIME'' THERE IS A LOT OF THAT HERE
JUST NOW'' I HAD SAND FLY FEVER' BUT THAT PASSED'' SO AFART FORM THE USUAL
ATTACKS OF TEHRAN TUMMY WE ARE ALL FINE''

QUITE A BUSINESS WE HAD HERE'' AND WHAT
WITH ONE THING AND ANOTHER ONE CANT BE SURE THAT POINT FOUR WILL BE HERE VERY
MUCH LONGER ' THE GREAT POWER IN THE LAND' GREATER THAN THE PREMIER IS A
MULLAH' A PRIEST OR HOLY MAN'' AND HE HATES ALL FOREIGNERS'' ALSO HE IS A
FANATIC OF THE WORST KIND APPARENTLY''. SO'' WELL KAZI' OUR COOKS WIFE'
AFTER SEVERAL FALSE ALARMS' HAD HER BABY AT LAST'' THIS MORNING AT TWO''
LUCKILY WE GOT HER TO THE HOSPITAL IN PLEANT OF TIME'' I HAVE BEEN SO WORRIED
THAT I WOULD BE ALONE WHEN IT HAPPENED AND COPING WITH SUCH AN AVENT OFF HERE
IN THE HILLS WOULD BE SOMETHING'' I OR RATHER WE ARE SO DPAWN IN TWO DIFFERENT
DIRECTIONS'' WE ARE SO FOND OF MAHMED AND KAZI WHO GO WITH THE HOUSE' AND AT
THE SAME TIME ARE NOT CRAZY ABOUT THE HOUSE' AT TIMES WE THIN WE WILL MOVE TO
ANOTHER' THEN WHEN ONE HEARS OF ALL THE TROUBLE PEOPLE HAVE WITH THEIR HELP
HERE'' IT GIVES ONE PAUSE. BUT THE HOUSE IS TOO SMALL REALLY'' AND RIGHT ON
THE ROAD' WHICH ISNT BAD IN WINTER' BUT IN SUMMER WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN AND THE
CARS WHISSING BACK AND FORTH' AND THEN IF I PAINT OR WRITE LETTERS BEGGARS COME
AND PEER IN AND DRONE THEIR SAD LITTLE SONG WHICH GOES ON AND ON' AND IT WOULD
BE FATAL TO GIVE THEM ANYTHING BECAUSE THEN THERE WOULD BE A PROCESSION ALL DAY
LONG'' ONE CREEPS OUT OF THE ROOM AND WAITS UNTIL THEY OR HIM OR HER LEAVE'
OFTEN QUITE A LONG TIME'' THEN COME TIP TOEING IN AGAIN'' THE THING IS THAT
EVERY ONE SEEMS TO BEG'' THAT IS ANY ONE WHO NEEDS MONEY'' OR FINDS IT AN EASY
WAY OF GETTING IT'' THEY ARE REALLY PROFESSIONALS' FLUS AMATUERS'' ONE FEELS

Dearest Mabel.

Just got your pictures8 you and tony88 wonderful88 both
of you look so well and handsome'' a thousand thanks''

we have just moved to a
new house'' larger than the last' with a beautiful garden'' only two actual
bedrooms tho' but a huge living room' and two other smaller sitting rooms
which can be used as guest room if necessary' very cool' screen on all the
windows'' and miricle of miracles8 central heating'' it is owned by the
iranian match king8 who makes matches which hardly ever light'' but he has made
a fortune on them'' he backed the wrong party in thelast election' and so has
gone in hiding more or less88 and so we got his house!

Bonne is just getting
over Jaundice' perhaps I wrote you this all ready8 it takes several months
a parantly before a person gains all their strength back again88'' she spent
almost two months in bed8 and had to be fed spe cial titbits every three hours88
' now she is better but I am exausted''

The weather is lovely here now' not too
hot' cool in the evenings'' and it will continue this a way until december'
The house contains a sewing machine' and Bonnie has been rattling up ill
fitting and un evenly hemmed skirts at great rate ' she has many friends here but
one in particular named Betty B' a bit older than Bonnie' who has a beau who
has gone back to America to School' and Bonnie B is behaving a little like
2 "JUL'ET" and Bonnie a little like the Nurse'' Had a long letter from Natalie
Scott in Taxco' the Taylors will be down there she says by next Month' are you
going to Mexico this Winter? I wish you could come here' but they arent giving
out any Passports any more except for Goverment People' the School has engaged
seven teachers From America and they cant get Passports to come over' which is
madness'' ehat the School will do I dont know'' they have doubled the

### American Embassy, AMERICAN EMBASSY.

TELU AVIV. ISRAEL.

DEAREST MABEL:

I JUST GOT HERE THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY' AND WHAT A TRIP'
A WONDERFUL LINER TO NAPLES' FROM WHERE I WENT UP TO ROME TO WAIT FOR A
WEEK TO MAKE THE NEXT BOAT TO ISRAEL. IT WAS BITTERLY COLD IN ROME AND
POURED ALL THE TIME' I PROMPTLY CAME DOWN WITH FLUE' EVERY ONE THERE SEEMED
TO HAVE IT' THEN BACK TO NAPLES AND BOARDED A CUTE LITTLE ITALIAN SHIP' WE
RAN INTO ONE STORM AFTER ANOTHER' IN A TENTY FOUR HOUR TRIP WE LOST EXACTLY
EIGHTEEN HOURS' SO YOU CAN SEE WE WERE ALMOST HOVE TO' ALL THE ITALIAN
SAILORS SHRUGGING WITH DISMAY' AND PEERING OUT OF THE PORT HOLES ALL DAY
LONG' THEN LOOKING AT EACH OTHER WITH GREAT DISMAY AND CONSTERNATION' A
RUGGED ENGLISHMAN AND MY SELF WERE THE ONLY TRAVELLERS VISABLE AND WE SAT
IN THE SMOKING ROOM ON THE ONE SOFA WHICH WAS FIXED TO THE FLOOR' ALL THE OTHERS
CHAIRS AND TABLES AND THINGS WERE STRAPPED TO THE WALLS WITH GREAT ROPES AND
CREAKED AND GROANED' THREE FEET OF WATER ON THE FORE DECK ALL THE TIME' GREAT
WAVES LANDING AND RUSHING AROUND WITH GURGLES AND CHRISHES' ALL VERY FUNNY
REALLY. DID YOU HEAR ABOUT MY BEING RUSHED OFF TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE
NEW YEARS EVE''? WELL I WAS' NAPPY AND SANDY CAME UP WITH ME IN THE AMBULANCE
AND IT WAS JUST AS WELL THEY DID BECAUSE THERE WAS A BLIZZARD RAGING AND THEY
HAD TO GET OUT AND PUSH THE AMBULANCE ON THE HILLS' WELL I GOT OVER THAT'
HOW TO DESCRIBE THIS PLACE'' I CANT YET NOT HAVING SEEN ENOUGH OF IT'' WE LIVE
IN ONE OF THOS RAPIDLY BUILT MODERN MAPT HOUSES' ABOUT TWENTY IN A GROUP' WITH
ABOUT TWENTY APTS IN EACH ONE'' VERY BARE AND GAUNT' BUT THE FURNISHINGS ARE NICE
MODERN' FROM SWEDEN'' THINGS ARE VERY VERY EXPENSIVE HERE' AND MEAT RATIONED'
SOAP IMPOSSIBLE TO GET'' IT IS JUST LIKE WAR TIME'' WHICH IN A WAY IT IS'
WENT TO TISHES AND PAULS WEDDING'' VERY NICE TOO' AND ALICE SO VERY NICE TO
ME' SHE EVEN CALLED ME UP AT THE HOSPITAL' AND SENT ME A CABLE TO THE BOAT'
IT WAS SAD ABOUT AUNT CARRIE' SHE LEFT JOHN SOME GANSON SILVER FORKS AND THINGS

WHICH WAS SWEET OF HER. UI HAD HEARD FROM HER AT CHRISTMAS TIME AND SHE SEEMED
TO BE SO WELL'' AND DYING TO COME TO TEHRAN' OR ANY WHERE ELSE'
PAT IS BEING MARRIED THIS COMING JUNE TO A VERY NICE GIRL FROM BOSTON'
ONLY TWENT SEVEN' BUT ONE OF THOSE RATHER BOSTON SLIGHTLY DOWDY PEOPLE' FULL
OF SCHOLARSHIPS' AND CHARMING VOICE AND A NICE SENCE OF HUMOR' BUT EVEN IN A
MINK COAT LOOKING UNFASHIONABLE' YOU KNOW THE TYPE' SHE SEEMS TO AFORE PAT
AND HE SI BEHAVING LIKE A LITTLE PINK ANGEL'' HOW LONG IT WILL LAST I DONT KNOW
HIS BEHAVING I MEAN'' BECAUSE HE IS REALLY A WILD PERSON WITH A FIERCE TEMPER'
FRUSTATED' AND TAKES IT OUT ON OTHERS

II HAD SANDY PHOTAGRAPHED ' AND JOHN IS
SENDING YOU ONE' HE IS SO NICE AND HANDSOME' TALLER THAN JOH N NOW' I HAD TO
GET HIM A NEW TUXEDO THIS WINTER' I THOUGHT THE ONE I GOT HIM LAST WINTER WOULD
LAST HIM FOREVER' BUT NOT AT ALL HIS ARMS SHEWED ABOUT FOUR INCHES BEYOND THE
SLEEVS HEM' PANTS DITTO'' MANY DANCES FOR YOUNG MEN AROUND CHRISTMAS' HE AND
MARYS SON PETER ARE GRWAT FRIENDS AND THEY LOOK SO TOUCHINGLY CUTE AND HANDSOME
IN THEIR PAR Y CLOTHES' MAKES ONE FEEL WEEPY JUST TO SEE THEM'' SISTE HAS
BENN HAVING A HORRID TIME WITH HER HUSBAND GEORGE'' SHE CAME TO AMERICA TO
HAVE HER FOURTH CHILD' THEY WERER BENDING THE WINTER IN THE WEST INDIES'' AND
SHE HAD NO SOONER PUT FOOT ON THE PLANE THAN GEORGE TOOK ONTO HIMSELF ANOTHER
LADY' FOUR HOURS AFTER HER CHILD WAS BORN HE CABLED HERE THAT HE WAS INVOLVED
WITH SOME ONE ELSE' AND DIDENT WANT HER BACK AS HE HAD GIVEN AWAY ALL THEIR
HOUSE HOLD GOODS'' ALSO HE PUNCHED AN ERDEELY MAN' WHO HAD CHIDED HIM ABOUT
HIS GOINGS ONS' THE MANS FACE IS ALL MIXED UP'' CHEEK AND JAW BONES BROKEN'
HE GEORGE HAS TO HAVE A TRIAL ON MARCH' ALSO THE MAN IS SUEING HIM FOR
TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS DAMAGES'' GEORGE NATURALLY HAS NO MONEY' SO THEY
WILL PROBABLY LOOSE THEIR HOUSE' THE LEAST HE CAN GET FOR THE GOVERMENT SUIT
IS SIX MONTHS IN GOAL AND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS FINE'' SISTER HAD TO PUT UP
A THIUSAND DOLLAR BAIL FOR HIM'' WHAT A MESS'' MUST STOP LUNCH TO MAKE' WILL
WRITE AGAIN VERY SOON'' THE BEST OF ALL THINGS TO YOU BOTH' AND LOVE.

[Mar. 12, 1953]

MERICAN FMBASSY TEL AVIV. ISRAEL.

DEAREST MABEL'

WE HAVE JUST RENTED A HOUSE NEAR THE SEA WHICH WILL BE SO MUCH NICER IN THE SUMMER WHEN IT GETS VERY VERY HOT HERE'' IT IS SORT OF A QUICKLY BUILT SEMI MOORISH SHLOSS'' FULL OF AWFUL FURNATURE AND SILLY ORNAMENTS'' WHICH WE SHALL HIDE AWAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE'' A COOK GOES WITH THE PLACE' A RUSSIAN LADY WHO HAS SEEN BETTER DAYS'' A VOICE LIKE A RIVITING MACHINE' DYED BLACK HAIR AND ARCHED PENCILED EYE BROWS WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT HER REAL EYE BROWS' BUT LOOP IN GREAT ASTONISHED ARCHES WELL ABOVE''

BONNIE WAS SO HAPPY ABOUT YOUR LETTER TO HER. SHE IS OUT RIDING NOW ON HER HORSE A CREATURE WHO HAD ITS LEG BROKEN AT ONE TIME AND IS OWNED BY A RIDING STABLE THE OWNER ALLOWS HER TO RIDE IT FOR NOTHING IF SHE WILL TAKE CARE OF IT AND SHE DOES THIS SO WELL THAT THE ANIMAL LOOKS A HUNDRED PER CENT BETTER THAN IT DID' THE STABLE GENT IS MOVING ALL HIS HORSES OUT INTO THE COUNTRY NEAR OUR NEW HOUSE SO THAT IS PERFECT'' RIGHT FRATCALLY IN OUR BACK YARD'' THE HOUSE BY THE SEA THAT IS'' SOME COMPANY OR OTHER STARTED TO BUILD A HOTEL AND THEN FUNDS GAVE OUT SO WE HAVE THIS HAUNTED STRUCTURE PEERING DOWN AT US' BUT ONLY ON ONE SIDE'' THE SIDE THAT LOOKS TOWARD THE SEA IS FREE. I MISS TEHRAN VERY MUCH'' BUT THAT CANT BE HELPED'' THIS PLACE HAS NONE OF THE CHARM OR BEAUTY OF PERSIA'' AND NO NATIVES IN COSTUME'' OLD GENTS WITH BEARDS ###### AND SKULL CAPS' LOTS OF THOSE'' BUT WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THAT THEY BUILT THIS CITY IN FOUR YEARS TIME FROM NOTHING' A CITY OF QUARTER A MILLION PEOPLE' IT IS AMAZING' AND ONE CANT HELP BUT ADMIRE THEN' AND THEY HAVE DONE THIS' BUT FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS BETWEEN GUN FIGHTS WITH BANDS OF ARABS'' I HEARD THAT BILL SPRATLING WAS LOST FLYING DOWN TO THE WEST INDIES'' PERHAPS I TOLD YOU THAT BEFORE'' HOW AWFUL'' WELL IT IS ALMOST LUNCH TIME WHICH IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE'' SO I MUST GO AND COPE'' ALL LOVE FROM US ALL' JOHN SUFFERS A GREAT DEAL' HE HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH HIS SHOULDER AND CAN HARDLY LIFT HIS ARM'' THERE IS A REGULAR NAME FOR IT BUT I CANT REMEMBER IT' VERY PAINFUL'' HE IS HAVING X RAY TREATMENTS'' HE IS DREADFULLY TIRED'' NOT HAVING HAD A HOLIDAY FOR THREE YEARS'' NOW AND THEN GETS SO HOME SICK' AND SOMETIMES

I WISH WE COULD LEAVE ALL THIS AND GO HOME AND RELAX'' BUT I THINK' THAT IS IF
I CAN FORCE HIM' WHEN BONNIES HOILDAYS START WE SHALL GO TO CYPRUS FOR A
FEW DAYS'' IT IS ONLY AN HOUR FROM HERE BY PLANE AND VERY BEAUTIFUL AND IT WOULD
BE SO GOOD FOR HIM TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL'' SANDY WILL COME HERE FOR THE SUMMER
WHICH WILL BE WONDERFUL FOR US ALL' HE HAS HAD RATHER A THIN TIME OF IT'
IT LOOKS AS IF MARLISS AND NAPPY WERE GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER CHILD'' THAT WILL
MAKE ELEVEN GRAND CHILDREN IN ALL'' IT IS TERRIFIC COME CHRISTMAS TIMES'
GETTING THE RIGHT PRESENTS TO WHOM LET ALONE REMEMERING THEIR NAMES''
SAW NATALIE AND BILL IN NEW YORK WHEN I WAS THERE AT TISHES WEDDING'' NATALIE
LOOKS FINE'' BUT BILL IS A FAT A BUTTER' HE HAD TO GIVE UP SMOKING' AND THAT
DID IT'' HE IS SO NICE REALLY'. AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM SISTER AS TO WHAT IS
GOING TO HAPPEN TO GEORGE' AND OF COURS TO HER AND THE FOUR CHILDREN''
IT LOOKS AS IF GEORGE DIDENT WANT TO KEEP ON IN THE OLD WAY'' SO WHAT SHE WILL
DO IS A MUTE QUESTION'' HE HAS THE IDES THAT AN ARTIST SHOULD BE FREE'''
WELL MEBBE HE SHOULD BUT IT IS A LITTLE LATE TO COME TO THAT IDEA'' I CANT
HELP WORRING. NOW I MUST REALLY STOP''

LOVE FROM JOHN BONNIE AND ME TO YOU TWO.

DEAREST MABEL:

WE JUST GOT BACK FROM SPENDING THE NIGHT AND ONE DAY IN A LOVELY OLD ARAB HILL TOWN SIX MILES THIS SIDE OF JERUSALEM'' IS IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE BIRTH PLACE OF JOHN THE BABTIST'' IT IS NOW A JEWISH TOWN OF COURSE'' FULL OF BOMBED OUT OLD ENGLISM MANSIONS' AND OLIVE GROVES GOING TO ROT'' THREE MONASTERIES'' ITALIAN' FRENCH' AND SPANISH'' AND ONE NUNNERY'' RUN BY FIFTY ANCIENT RUSSIAN NUNS'' THEY STILL THINK APPARENTLY THAT THE CZAR IS HOLDING THE FORT BECAUSE HIS PICTURE ADORNS THEIR WALLS'' THEY STAGGER UP AND DOWN A HIGH HILL EVERY FOUR HOURS TO RING A HUGE BELL' SOME DAY OF COURSE THEY WILL HAVE TO GIVE THAT UP'' THE BELLS FROM THE OTHER CHAPELS RING JUST AS OFTEN'' SO YOU CAN IMAGINE WHAT A MUSICAL PLACE IT IS'' WE STAYED IN A PENSION PERCHED ON A HILL' ONE A HOUSE BUILT BY AN ENGLISH WOMAN' WHO WORKED THE OLIVE GROVES AND MADE WINE' THE HOUSE SQUARE AND VERY GEORGIAN LOOKING'' NO LIGHTS OF COURSE'' THE NEW OWNER OF THREE YEARS A GERMAN JEWESS' DOES THE COOKING ON THREE PRIMUS STOVES' ONE EATS OUT SIDE DURING THE DAY OVERLOOKING THE TOWN VERY LIKE THE GARDEN OF THE VICTORIA IN TAXCO'' THE EVENING MEAL THO IS EATEN IN THE DINNING ROOM WHICH LEADS INTO THE KITCHEN AND ONE EATS IN SEMI DARKNESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE CONSTANT HISSING OF THE THREE PRIMUS STOVES'' CONE HAS THE FEELING THAT THE PLACE MIGHT BLOW UP ANY MINUTE'' BUT IT IS COOL AND THE AIR PINE LADEN' AND THE BELL CHIMES LENDS SUCH A DROWSY PEACFUL AIR' SO THAT EVEN IF THE MATRESSES ON THE BEDS ARE STRAW FILLED ONE SLEEPS WITH A FEELING OF PEACE AND PURITY. AND IT IS BLISS TO BE IN A TOWN WITH OLD BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS IN IT' ONE GETS SO TIRED OF THIS SEMI MODERN JUNK THEY ARE PUTTING UP ALL OVER' MODERN CEMENT' FESTOONED ON ALL SIDES BY HANGING LAUNDRY'' THEY HAVE A LOVELY LITTLE CHURCH ALSO WHERE MARY HAD HER CHILD'' THE HILLS AROUND ARE CAPPED BY ROMAN FORTS'' ALL VERY BEAUTIFUL AND ANCIENT'' BUT ALAS RUN DOWN'' TODAY I AM GOING TO PLAY CANASTER WITH THREE OF MY NEIGHBOURS ALL VERY CHARMING'' TO WITT' MRS COHEN' MRS GROSSMAN' AND MRS JACOBSON'' AND ME'' MRS EVANSON'' I CAN TELL YOU NOW WHO WILL WIN'' SANDY WILL BE HERE SOON' THANK GOODNESS'

AND WE SHALL AL BE GOING HOME TOGETHER BY BOAT THIS COMING SEPTEMBER''
AGAIN THANK GOODNESS''

WELL LUNCH'' SO OFF I GO'' I DO WISH YOU WOULD GET OVER
YOUR EYE BUSINESS' NONE OF US LIKE TO THINK OF YOU LIKE THAT''
GIVE OUR BEST TO TONY'' AND I SHALL WRITE PROPERLY AGAIN SOON'' MUCH LOVE
FROM US ALL.

AMERICAN EMBASSY TEL AVIV ISRAEL.

DEAREST MABEL:

WE ARE LEAVING HERE ON THE EIGHT OF SEPTEMBER'' PASSAGE ENGAGED
ALREADY'' WHOOPIE'' SANDY ARRIVES ON THE 23rd. OF THIS MONTH JUNE'' AGAIN
WHOOPIE'' DID YOU GET THE PICTURE OF SANDY WE SENT TOT YOU' YOU NEVER
MENTIONED IT AT ALL''

I SOUND LIKE THE AVERAGE AMERICAN HOUSE WIFE IN ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY'' BUT IT CANT BE HELPED'' WE HAVE BEEN AWAY SO LONG IT SEEMS' AND ALSO HAVING SANDY APAET HAS BEEN BAD FOR US ALL'' WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS I DONT KNOW '' WE MAY BE IN WASHINGTON'' OR AGAIN WE MAY NOT'' JOHN IS VERY TIRED NOW' THIN AS A REED'' HE THINKS OF NOTHING ELSE BUT GETTING BACK TO MAINE'' AND EVEN IF HE DOES GET A JOB IN WASHINGTON WE SHALL TRY TO GO UP THERE SO HE CAN REST UP FOR A SPELL'' HE HASENT HAD A HOL DAY FOR THREE YEARS'' AND IT IS TOO MUCH' YOU KNOW HOW TENSE HE IS' WHEN HE WORKS HE JUST DOSENT WORK LIKE THE USUAL MAN BUT PUTS ALMOST MORE THAN HE CAN SPARE INTO IT'' THAT IS WHY HE IS SO GOOD I SUPPOSE'' BUT HE PAYS A PRICE FOR IT'' HE DOES ABOUT FIVE YEARS WORK IN ONE YEARS TIME'' ACCOMPLISHES THAT AMOUNT ' OH WELL''

BONNIE IS SINGING IN THE CHURCH CHOIR TODAY IT EING SUNDAY AND THEY ARE HAVING A CORONATION SERVICE''

EVERY YOUNG PERSON MALE AND FEMALE HERE AS SOON AS THEY REACH THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN ARE PUT AMACK INTO THE ARMY FOR TWO YEARS' THE SHYS ARE NOISY WITH ABSOLUTE PLANES ALL FLYING TOO LOW'' THE RACKET IS AWFUL ALL DAY LONG'' THINGS HERE ARE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THEY WERE WHEN WE FORST ARRIVED'' FOOD I MEAN'' TEN CENTS AN EGG' MEAT IS VERY SHORT'' IT COMES FROM THE ARGENTINE AND ISRAEL IS SHORT ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE SO THEY CANT IMPORT MUCH'' THEY SLL IT TO AMERICANS OF COURSE AT DOUBLE ITS VALUE'' AND SO DOWN THE LINE'' THEY WILL HAVE TO COME TO THE POINT WHERE THEY RAISE THEIR OWN CATTLE HERE'' THE COUNTRY IS FULL OF WONDERFUL GRAZING GROUND ALL GOING TO WASTE'' BUT THE TROUBLE HERE IS THAT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE HERE DONT LIKE TO WORK'' SO MUCH EASIER TO GET HAND OUTS FROM AME

ICA AND IMPORT FOOD' ELL THEY WILL HAVE TO TIGHTEN IN THEIR BELTS' BECAUSE
AMERICA IS CUTTING DOWN ON SUCH BUSINESS' ALL THE AMERICANS HERE HAVE HAD TO
TAKE A FIFTEEN PER CENT CUT IN THEIR SALARIES HERE' THE GOVERMENT PEOPLE I
MEAN' AND THERE IS A LOT OF GRIPING' ESPECIALLY AMONGST THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE
JUST ARRIVED AND WHO WOULD NOT HAVE COME IF IT HA ENT BEEN FOR THAT EXTRA
PERCENTAGE' AND AS EVERY THING COSTS WICE AS MUCH AS IN AMERICA ONE CANT BLAME
THEM' THE GOVERMENT WORKERS ALSO GET NO VALUE IN THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE AS THE
DOLLAR IS PEGGED DOWN TO ONE FOR A POUND AND YET TOURISTS GET TWO DOLLARS AND
EIGHTY CENTS TO A POUND' GOOD LORD YOU MUST BE BORED BY ALL THIS' BUT YOU CAN
SEE HOW ONE THING ON TOP OF ANOTHER HELPS ONES SENCE OF RESENTMENT AT BEING HERE
AT ALL' WELL MR ADELIE STEVENSON ARRIVES TOMORROW AND WE LADIES ARE GIVING
HIM A PICNIC OF ALL THINGS' WE SHALL SIT ON THE BEACH IN THE BLAZING SUN' ONE
O CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON' WHEN IT IS HOTTEST' AND EAT HAM SANDWIXHES AND
PICKLES' I HPE HE ENJOYS IT' ANY HOW IT IS HIS PICNIC' NOW I MUST STOP THIS
WHINE' MUST NOT USE YOU AS MY OWN PRIVATE WAILING WALL' WE DID GO TO A LOVELY
OLD TOWN LAST WEEK END' ARAB' BUT NOW HEBREW' ST JOHN THE BABTIST WAS BORN
THERE' THREE MISSIONS' FRENCH' ITALIAN AND SPANISH' AND ONE NUNNERY RUN BY
ANCIENT RUSSIAN NUNS WHO ARE APPARENTLY UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE CZAR IS
STILL IN POWER' HIS PICTURE EVERY WHERE' A LOVELY HILL TOWN' BUT FULL OF
BEAUTIFUL BOMBED OUT HOUSES' WONDERFUL OLIVE GROVES' NEGLECTED' AND VINE
RDS NEG'ECTED' WONDERFUL PINE TREES' HE AIR SO FRESH AND SWEET SMELLING'
AND BELLS RINGING ALL DAY AND NIGHT' IT WAS HEAVEN' WE SPENT ONE NIGHT THERE
IN A PENSION NOW BEING RUN BY A GERMAN LADY' VERY FAT AND KIND' SHE DOES THE
COOKING ON THREE PRIMUS STOVES' NO LIGHTS' THE HOUSE WAS BUILT BY AN ENGLISH
LADY WHO NATURALLY HAD TO LEAVE WHEN THE WAR STARTED' IF THEY WOULD BUILD UP
THOSE BEAUTIFUL ARAB TOWNS INTO THE SHAPE THEY ONCE WERE THEY COULD HAVE A
GOOD TOURIST TRADE' BUT THEY PREFER TO LET IT COLLAPSE AND BUILD INSTEAD
BRAND NEW LITTLE BOX LIKE HOUSES ROW ON ROW' OH WELL' I DO HOPE YOU ARE
FEELING MUCH BETTER AND THE EYES GOOD AGAIN' THAT WILL HAPPEN IT MUST'
LOVE FROM US ALL.

Elaine

200

ישראל

USA

MABEL DODGE LUHAN
TAOS.

NEW MEXICO.
U.S.A.

This article originally mailed
in country indicated by postage

[Sept. 3, 1953]

DEAREST MABEL:

WE ARE LEAVING HERE ON THE 8th OF THIS MONTH' SEPT
DV. DV. DV'!!!. AND WILL ARRIVE IN NEW YORK BY GOOD SHIP "INDEPENDENCE"
EXPORT LINE. ON THE 24TH OF SEPTEMBER. WE WILL THEN GO TO THE HOTEL
WINDSOR A SLIGHTLY SORDID HOTEL IN AN ALMOST GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD''
AND BE THERE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS'' JOHN WILL LEAVE AT ONCE FOR WASHINGTON'
SANDY WILL GO AT ONCE TO SCHOOL' BONNIE AND I WILL GO UP TO MAINE AND WAIT
FOR JOHN WHO HOPES TO HAVE A HOLIDAY THERE''DV. AFTER THAT LORD KNOWS''
MEBBE WASHINGTON AGAIN'' ANY HOW BONNIE HAS TO GO TO SCHOOL AS SOON AS
CAN BE ARRANGED' IF WE ARE TO BE IN WASHINGTON JOHN WILL GET A PLACE THERE
BUT I DO HOPE HE HAS A LEAST A MONTH TO RELAX IN'' THE FIRST HOLIDAY IT
WILL BE IN THREE YEARS'' SO GLAD WE SHALL ALL BE TO LEAVE THEASE PA TS'
THE CHILDREN ARE FINE'' BOTH HANDSOME AND WELL' JOHN THIN AS A RAIL''
BUT I KNOW THAT ON THE BOAT HE WILL BEGIN TO CALM DOWN AND EAT SOMETHING
OCCASIONLY''

THE SUMMER HA ENT BEEN SO BAD REALLY HERE'' VERY HOT AT TIMES'
BUT NEVER IMPOSSIBLE OR TOO HARD''THE OTHER DAY A FEW DROPS OF RAIN FELL'
AND WE ALL WSHED OUT AND TURNED OUR FACES UP TO THE SKY' AND FELT LIKE
THE "ANCIENT MARRINER"

JOHN GOT YOUR LETTER ABOUT THE "GANSONS AND WAS
VERY AMUSED BY IT''CANT WAIT TO GET HOME AGAIN'' AWFUL JUST SITTING
WAITING UNTIL IT IS TIME TO PACK'' JOHN OF COURSE ALL DONE ALREADY'' ALL HIS
HIS "OBJECTS IN A SPECIAL BAG'' WE ARE ALL TO BE IN ONE CABIN''HOWEVER''
I DO HOPE YOU ARE FEELING FINE' YOU CERTAINLY SOUND SO'' MUCH LOVE FROM
US ALL AND THE BEST OF EVERYTHING.

LOVE.

AIR MAIL

MABEL DODGE LUHAN.

TAOS.

NEW MEXICO.

JOHN G. EVANS.
AMERICAN EMPASSY. TEHRAN
A.P.O. 205. % P.M.
NEW YORK.

DEAREST MABEL.

I WROTE YOU FROM THE BOAT DIDENT I'? JOHN JUST GOT A LETTER FROM YOU SAYING THAT YOU DID NOT KNOW WHERE WE ALL ARE!' WELL HERE WE ARE IN TEHRAN!' WHICH IS IN IRAN!' WHICH IS PERSIA!' AND ITS WONDERFUL!' SO LIKE NEW MEXICO!' ADOBE HOUSES!' GREAT SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS!' BROWN HILLS BELOW!' THE WOMEN WEAR COTTON PRET Sheets which cover their heads and fall GRACEFULLY TO THE GROUND! AND WALKING DOWN THE ROADS THEY LOOK SO LIKE THE TAOS INDIANS THAT ONE MIGHT IMAGINE ONES SELF THERE!' THERES FAR TOO MUCH POVERTY THO!' ITS DREADFUL! WHEN ONE GOES TO SHOP FOR VEG AND SUCH! MOST OF THE SHOPS ARE ON THE PAVEMENTS ONE IS SURROUNDED BY BEGGARS! AND ONE FEELS SUCH A BEAST BEING ABLE TO BUY ANYTHING AT ALL!' THE PEOPLE I FIND CHARMING! VERY SENSITIVE AND QUICK TO LAUGH!' ONE HAS TO BARGAN ALL THE TIME! AND IF YOU SHEW THEM THAT YOU ARE AMUSED AND PUT ON A SHEW OF BEING ASTONISHED!' HORRIFIED!' AND AMAZED! BY WHAT EVER PRICE THEY ASK!' AND YET AT THE SAME TIME SHEW THAT YOU HAVE NO ILL FEELINGS THEY LOVE IT AND ARE ALL SMILES' AND PRICES SLIDE DOWN THE SCALE AND I SUPPOSE ALMOST TOUCH NORMAL!' WE HAVE A DARLING COOK BY NAME MAHMED! HE IS A WONDERFUL COOKER!' AND SO GENTLE!' HE PACKS OUT OF THE ROOM HOLDING HIS HAND OVER HIS HEART AND MAKING SORT OF DANCING SCHOOL BOWS! IT HORRIFIES ME WHEN HE DOES THIS WHEN LEAVING THE BEDROOM! BECAUSE THE HOUSE IS SMALL AND THE BEDROOM UP STARES AND THE LANDING TINY AND I JUST KNOW THAT SOME FINE AWFUL TIME HE IS GOING TO DO A TUMBLE ALL THE WAY DOWN!' HIS WIFE KAZI. WASHES CLOTHES AND IS VERY NICE ALSO BUT NOT AS RARE AS MAHMED!' THEY HAVE A SMALL SON ONE YUSEF FOUR YEARS OLD WHO IS AS BRIGHT AS A BUTTON! WHICH HIS PANTS SEEM TO

Dear abel,

A thousand thanks for the little shoes, we couldent
imagine what it was when we saw the little round box, I had a
feeling it was pills of some kind,-- then the sweet wee shoes''
they hang now from the antlepiece held there by a pin, cunning.
We are all up in the air about houses, we ought to take a lease an
d take advantage of a reduced rental that way, but how awful to
feel tied down-- so we have been frantically looking-- Molly O' Sh
ay has been awfully nice putting her self out to help. she is kind
they have sold their house, and are living in one they rent which
I think is lovely.-- the trouble about this house is-- well you
know,-- the views are inspiring to say the least-- but the house f
for eight months-- oh well'. I expect to have the baby by the
twenty sixth, at least that is when it is expected but I feel
sure it will happen before then. I am going to be exrayed to day
so we will have a better idea, I hate this waiting. We are
going to have dinner tonight with Noel Sullivan he has bought a
ranch about five miles up the valley, it will be nice to see him
again. I will not write you anything else, because I know it can
hardly enterest you just now. Do you pan to go to "ew York
soon, do if you feel like it call Pat up he would love it and I
think you might like her, a little difficult but very real.
really a swell person.

I hope everything comes out for you, -muse-- much love from John
and from me, and to Tony.

Love again.

Ps What a man Kuster is'''''' horrors'

Bermuda.

Dear Abel,

How lovely your telegram, I wept inwardly very gently, its
fine isn't it how well everything turned out? a great many people
will bless you and many more should, they will in the end anyhow.
I am sorry about the bother of the package, it wont even half go on
Sandy hes big, how silly of my sister. I saw her last year and I am
sure I gave her an address, and now I cant write and thank her since
I dont know hers.

We are horribly anxious to get out of here, but am determined to be
sane and rent this house first, the people are hard to feel at ease
with and its much too social with no compensations, oh well'

I have two books half written, why two--? I dont know, except that
I thought the first was no good and on reading it over its no worse
than any of the others, I cant work here,-- why I dont know,,'
but I cant and it isn't that I dont try,-- I do very much.

Sandy is howling at the top of his lungs,-- he can stand now-- and
has a pen like a little Joan to stand in but he cant always sit down
again with out bumping his head so I must rush and see.

Love to you and Tony and many, many thanks for all of your great
kindnesses toward me I never forget them and am always deeply grateful.

We will bring you something lovely from here, we were quite unable
to send anything at Christmas,-- this way you will not have to pay
any duty which is nice.

Much Love again.

BAGADUCE FARM
WEST BROOKSVILLE
MAINE

Dear **Abel**.

I am sorry that John is off-- not his head--- I mean away in the woods fishing, it hope it doesent hold things up for you and Judge Kicker's is that how his name goes? dosent look right.

Are you better now? I hope so-- how wonderful to have a more or less Hospital of your own to go you,-- you know what I mean-- I have often thought that if ever we wrer rich enough it would be won derful to have a real hospital room in ones own house, wher one could plump the children when they get colds and things like that--- and the peace of going there oneself,-- I think the fact that the furniture is so sort of abstract gives one such a feeling of relief-- I always feel compleatly cut off-- its wonderful.

I just rushed down to the phone it was John calling up from somewhere-- I gave him your message-- he will be back tomorrow night he hopes,-- they have had all sorts of good fishing-- he sounds wonderful-- he is so kind and sweet-- he actually had to wal l eight miles to telephone,-- and there was no actual need of it. You ought to see him with Sandy?-- they are in some ways terribly alike, when they both loose their tempers with each other; they both sit and frown the same frown, Sandys movements are something terrific,-- he moves like lighting,-- and his round head is a mass of bumps and bruises---see bruses from many falls. he actually killed a moskito that had alighted on his forehead yeasterday--

I think that that is very swift for a baby,-- he is walking now-
and a caution to watch.

Did John tell you at all that Pat got married at last,-- but not
to his last Lady but an awfully nice girl he just met. She is
very much of a real person,-- attractive-- and neurotic-- I have
come to the conclusion that most nice people are neurotic,-- it
makes me feel better-- Ahem! We went over to the "edding, she has
a Farm in Massatussets,-- her name is Josephine Choate, Very--
very-- old Boston,-- all her realitives are very very old Boston
and most attractive and crazy-- its wonderful that Pat has landed
where he has-- he has always been mixed up with Society Dames--
and extremely out of place,-- I think this whole thing will free
him an awful lot. He is planning to do an awful lot of travelling
and in fact is going to relax and enjoy himself for once. its
grand.

Could you not come and stay here with us this Summer? would not
a change do you a great deal of good? We have a dear wee guest
house-- so you would be quiet and away from baby noises. I know
John would love it-- do think it over,-- if you hated it you
could turn tail and run away at once-- it seems a little insolent
to invite you to travel as far as this-- but even if you think it
so do believe it proof that we should love nothing better than
to have you come. I am working trying to finish a book
off and on-- the placid stage is about to decend upon me-- and
I am trying to get as much done as possible before I am compleatly
engulfed. My flower garden is blooming, although I must neglect
I somewhat,-- stooping is not one of my virtures---' we have
been eating asparagus this last month from a bed which John and
I planted-- and also strawberries-- I am going to save up and

CARGO W. SPRATLING
TAXCO. GRO
MEXICO.

DEAREST MABEL!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE CLIPPING YOU SENT' IT'S
A LOVELY PICTURE OF YOU AND I HAVE SHOWN IT AROUND TO ALL THE PEOPLE
HERE WHO KNOW YOU' I LOVED THE ARTICLE'

THE KINGS ARE HERE AND I
LIKE NARCISSA VERY MUCH' SO EARTHY AND HONEST' THEY DONT DRINK AT
ALL NOW' AND FOR SOME PECULAR REASON HAVE DECIDED TO EAT NOTHING
BUT FRUIT' THEY ARE GOING TO EUROPE IN NOVEMBER' AND EGYPT'
AND AFRICA' I WAS GREEN WITH ENVY' BUT NOT REALLY' BEING HERE IS
WONDERFUL ENOUGH' WE HAVE DEIDED NEVER TO SPEND ANOTHER WINTER
IN MAINE' IT JUST DOSENT AGREE' THE EFFECTS OF COLD ON ME ARE AWK
AWFUL' I COUGHT HORRIBLY ALL THE TIME AND NEVER GET OVER A COLD
I GET AT THE BEGINNING' HERE ALL THAT HAS GONE' COUGH AND ALL'
EVEN IN SUMMER I HAVE IT THERE' SOME PEOPLE JUST DONT AGREE WITH
ZERO AND I AM ONE OF THEM' THEN ALSO THE BUSINESS OF LIVING THERE
IS SO HARD' AGAIN MOSTLY ON ME' WE CANT REALLY AFFORD TO HAVE ANY
HELP' AND THE WORK I MUST THEREFORE DO LE AVES BE COMPLEATLY EXAUSTED'
YOU KNOW ALL COOKING' LAUNDRY HOUSE WORK' UP AT SEVEN AND AT IT'
A NAP IN THE AFTERNOON' AND INTO IT AGAIN' A WHOLE DAY' A WEEK A MONTH
A YEAR' OF NOTHING BUT MANUAL LABOUR' TAINT WORTH IT' WHETHER TO
SELL THAT LOVELY PLACE WHO IS SOMETHING VERY HARD TO DECIDE' A GREAT
HOWL WOULD GO UOT FROM THIS WHOLE FAMILY ' BECAUSE THEY ALL LOVE IT'
BUT ONE SHOULDENT FEEL FROCED TO LIVE A DIFFICULT LIFE MERELY FOR
OTHER PEOPLE' OH HELP' I HOPE I AM NOT BORING YOU' BUT I SHOULD LOVE
TO HAVE YOUR IDEAS ON THE SUBJECT' THE CHILDREN LOVE IT HERE'
SANDY IS CRAZY ABOUT THE LOOKS OF THE COUNTRY' VERY MUCH AT HOME'
BONNIE ALSO' BUT I EXPECTED THAT FROM HER MORE THAN FROM SANDY'

2
BILL SPRATLING' IS IN FINE SHAPE'' HIS RANCH IS LOVELY'' HE HAS AN
AERO PLANE AND FLIES EVERY WHERE'' AND HAS STARTED WRITING AGAIN''
OH AND JOHN ALSO'' ISN'T THAT WONDERFUL'' YOU KNOW I R ALY THINK WE
HAD TO GET AWAY FROM THE FARM'' I AM ALMOST FRIGHTENED TO SAY IT BUT
I REALLY FEEL THAT WE ARE FINISHED WITH IT'' DO YOU REMEMBER SAYING
THAT TO ME BEFORE WE LEFT ALBUQUERQUE''? YOU SAID'''' THERES NO POINT
IN YOUR GOING BACK THERE'' YOURE BOTH THRU WITH THAT PLACE'''' BUT
WE APPARENTLY HADENT COLE TO THE POINT WHERE WE COULD ADMIT IT'' EVEN
TO OUR SELVES'' SISTER IS GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER BABY IN OCTOBER''
SHE APPARENTLY CRAZY ABOUT CHILDREN AND SPOILS THE ONE SHE HAS
TERRIBLY'' SHE WAS ALWAYS THAT WAY ABOUT ANIMALS'' SHE SPOILEP THEM
AND NOW ITS CHILDREN'' NAPPY HAS HAD A GREAT ADVANCEMENT IN THE
BANK'' HE EXPECTED ONE. BUT NOTHING AS GRAND AS HE GOT'' THEY
HAVE BOUGHT A SWEET LITTLE HOUSE IN WILTON'' AND HE LOVES GOING BACK
AND FORTH TO NEW YORK EVERY DAY ON THE TRAIN'' IT GIVES HIM TIME
TO READ'' I WISH HE HAD TIME TO WRITE THO'' HE IS VERY BRILLIANT IN
A VERY FACTUAL WAY'' TERRIFIC MEMORY AND A VERY IMPARTIAL CRITICAL
MIND'' WE HEARD THAT ALICE CORBIN DIED'' I IMAGINE THAT ALICE WILL
MAKE A TERRIFIC THING ABOUT THAT'' ALTHOUGH APPARENTLY FROM WHAT
NANCY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO LOVE LOST BETWEEN THEM'' THEY ARGUED
ALL THE TIME ABOUT WHO LOVED MR HENDERSON BEST'' STRANGE LINT IT''
ELIXEBETH ANDERSON MAKES THE MOST BEAUTIFUL'' CLOTHES ONE CAN
GET A BEAUTIFUL UN ORDINARY DRESS OR SUIT FOR TEN DOLLARS'' LOVELY
HOUSE DRESSES' LONG ACCORDIAN PLEATED COTTON SORT OF STUFF VERY LIK
THE ONES THAT FORTUNI' USED TO MAKE'' AIN' COST ONLY EIGHT DOLLAR'
BEAUTIFUL BLOUSES' THE KIND OF THING YOU WILL LOVE' I KNOW IT''
I AM AWAITING A SMALL CHECK FROM SCOTLAND'' AND WHEN IT COMES
BONNIS AND I ARE GOING TO ZOOM RIGHT DOWN THERE AND GET OUR SELVES
SOME NICE DRESSES'' I HAVEN' HAD A NEW DRESS FOR FOUR YEARS''
ITS GOING TO BE WONDERFUL'' MUCH LOVE.
Elaine

DEAREST MABEL!!

HOW ARE YOU!' ME I AM AWFUL!' I GOT A BUG IN MEXICO!
THE DOCTOR SAYS THAT I MUST HAVE HAD IT FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS!' A TAPE
WORM' WHICH BY ITS HORRID PRESENCE GAVE ME COLITUS!' THE CREATURE HAS
BEEN REMOVED' BUT IT WILL TAKE A YEAR BEFORE THE OTHER BUSINESS IS
FIXED UP!' I DONT FEEL BADLY REALLY' ONLY GET TIRED MORE QUICKLY THAN I
AM USED TO AND CANT EAT ANY THING VERY EXCITING!' AND MANY PILLS' AND
I DO GET DEPRESSED' BUT THAT IS NORMAL!' BUT I AM GETTING BETTER MUCH
SOONER THAN THE DOCTOR THOUGHT I WOULD SO THAT IS GOOD!' WELL ENOUGHT
ABOUT THAT!!

WHEN WE GOT UP TO MAINE FROM WASHINGTON WE FOUND THE GRASS
KNEE HIGH!' AND IT HAS BEEN A JOB GETTING IT UNDER CONTROL!' JOHN DROVE
US UP T EN TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK TO WASHINGTON NEXT DAY!!

WE GOT A WONDERFUL 1940 PACKARD' AND WHAT AN ENGINE!' LOVE DRIVING IT
WHEN THE WEATHER IS FINE I WORK OUT IN THE GARDEN AND WHEN IT RAINS I
PAINT WOOD WORK IN THE HOUSE' WHICH NEEDS IT VERY BADLY' I TALKED TO
JOHN ON THE TELEPHONE LAST NIGHT HE IS COMING UP NEXT WEEK END!' HE SOU
NDED FINE' AND IS EASING OFF A LITTLE HE TAKES THINGS SO TENSLY!'
NOW HE HAS AN ASSISTANT' AND ANOTHER ONE ON THE WAY' SO HE WILL BE ABL
E TO RELAX' THE HOUSE IN WASHINGTON IS VERY CUTE AND SMALL AND COOL'
AN ENOURMOUS OAK TREE WHOSE TRUNK IS HALF IN THE GARDEN AND HALF ON THE
SIDE WALK' ITS A HOUSE ON THE CORNEROMPLEATLY COVERS THE ROOF OF THE
HOUSE AND ALSO THE BACK YARD SO THE HOUSE REMAINE VERY SHADY AND COOL
AT ALL TIMES' I SHALL BE GLAD WHEN PEOPLE START COMING' IT GETS LONELY
IN THE EVENING' AND I HAVENT FELT LIKE CALLING UP ANY OF THE LOCAL
EXPATRIOTS!' AND BESIDES I DONT FEEL LIKE LEAVING THE CHILDREN BY THEM
SELVES AT NIGHT!' SO TO BED VERY EARLY' AND BY THE SAME TOKEN UP AT...
FIVE' AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL THEN AND PEACEFUL' I HAVENT ANY NEWS RE LLY

NAPPY AND MARLISS ARE GOING TO HAVE NOTHER BABY' AND I HEAR THAT BOB
JANES IS ON HIS WAY UP HERE AND THAT WILL BE PLEASANT'

WHATS THIS ABOU
T EDWARD HAVING DISSAPEARED''? HAS HE REALLY? HES PROBABLY SITTING
WRITING LETTERS IN SOME MEXICAN BISTRO'' AND LOVING IT'' DO DROP ME
A LINE WHEN YOU FEEL SO INCLINED'' IL'' LET YOU NOW IF ANYTHING NEW
OR ENTERESTING HAPPENS'' OH YES WE HAD DINNER WITH MIRIAM BRIGHT IN
WASHINGTON AND SHE LOOKED SO WELL AND THE BOYS VERY NICE AND HANDSOME'
SHE HAD A CHARMING APARTIMENT AN HAD JUST TAKEN A JOB AND SEEMS VERY
CONTENT' HER OLDEST BOY WAS LO KING FOR A EWS PAPER JOB'' I SHALL LOOK
FORWARD TO SEEING HER WHEN I GET BACK TO WASHINGTON'.

WELL LOVE.

DEAREST MABEL'

HERE ARE A FEW OF BONNIES LADIES I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT
FIND THEM AMUSING'' DONT YOU THINK THAT THEY ARE VERY MUCH ALIVE''
AND MOST TENDER'' THE HOUSE IS ALLWAYS LITTERED WITH THOSE LITTLE BITS
OF DRAWINGS''

BONNIE IS AT THE HOSPITAL UNDER OBSERVATION'' SHE WAS TAKEN
WITH AWFUL PAINS YESTER DAY AND JOHN RUSHED HER OVER'' THEY THINK IT M
IGHT BE HER APPENDIX'' BUT I WILL LET YOU KNOW AS SOON AS WE DO'' HER
WHITE BLOOD COPSULES ARE TOO HIGH APPARENTLY'' OH DEAR'' TERRIBLY WORRIED
JOHN IS OVER THERE NOW' I WILL LET YOU KNOW''

LOVE

DEAREST MABEL:

WHAT LOVELY PICTURES'' WHAT A HOUSE
THAT MUST BE'' WHAT FUN TO HAVE A NEW ONE'' AND WE LOVED THE RECORD ''
SO MANY THANKS' THE P CTURES MADE ME SO HOME SICH FOR THAT PART OF THE
WORLD' VERY VERY BEAUTIFUL'' ISNT IT''''.

WELL BO NIES BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY''
MANY CHILDREN FOR LUNCH AND MUCH NOISE AND RUSHING ABOUT'' AND ICE CREAM'
AND A TERRIFIC POT OF SPAGHETTI''ANF FAVOURS'' AND BALLOONS'' AND THEN SIX O'
OF THE CHILDREN STAYED ON FOR SUPPER'' MORE SPAGHETTI' AND THE REST OF THE
CAKE AND THE ICECREAM'' AND THEN THE CHILDREN WENT OFF IN FALSE FACES TO
WALK A MILE THRU THE DARK AND BOO AT THE NEIGHBURS AND PARTAKE OF COOKIES
AND IN ONE MOUSE BEANS'' IT BEING HALLOKEN' OR THERE ABOUTS'' MUCH GAS''
AND TUMMY ACHES THIS MORNING AND AN AIR ODF DISSAPATION AMONGST THE YOUNG
FRY'' SO''.

I HAVE HAD THE MOST DREADFUL COLD'' THE WORST YET'' BUT JOHN GOT ME
A SORT OF INHALER WHICH YOU SNIFF AND INHALE THRU THE MOUTH' FULL OF
PENICILLAN' AND PRESTO IN TWO DAYS I AM CURED''

THE DEER SEASON OPENS
TOMORROW'' AND THERE WILL BE MUCH BANGING OF GUNS'' AND I HATE IT''
I SHALL BE SO GLAD WHEN TOMORROW COMES AND THE CHILDREN ARE OFF TO SCHOOL
AGAIN THEY HAVE BEEN HOME SINCE WEDNESDAY SINCE IT WAS A TEACHERS CONVENTION
IN BOSTON' AND THERE THE TEACHERS GATHER TO TRY AMONGST OTHER THINGS TO GET
MORE WAGES WHICH I HOPE THEY DO'' THE USUAL WAGE HERE'' A LITTLE OVER ONE
THOUSAND DOALLARS A YEAR'' IT SEEMS AWFUL WHEN THE MEN WHO WORK ON THE ROADS
ECT GET ALMOST TEN A DAY''. DID I TELL YOU ABOUT ONE OF OUR NEIGHBOURS
A MRS LADD WHO SWORE THAT ON HER EIGHTETH BIRTHDAY SHE WOULD WALK AROUND THE
TOWN'' FIFTEEN MILES IT ITS'' WELL SHE DOOD IT'' AND WAS CHEERED ON BY

EVERY ONE!' MUCH TO HER PLEASURE!' HER SON OR THE LENGTH OF FIVE MILES FOLLOWED HER BY CAN!' JUST IN CASE!' BUT THIS SO MADDENED HER THAT HE GAVE UP!' IT WAS UNFORTUNATE THAT IT SHOULD HAVE RAINED ALL THE TIME!' BUT IT MADE NO DIFFERANCE TO HER IT SEEMS!' SHE RANG UP AFTERWARDS TO THANK US FOR A SMALL PRESENT!' FIVE BIRTHDAY CAKES SHE HAD!' AND MANY PRESENTS AND A CHICKEN DINNER' AND NOW TO EVERY ONES AMUSEMENT SHE SWEARS SHE WILL DO IT NEXT YEAR AND ALL THE YEARS TO COME!'

HOW IS SPUD!' YOU NEVER MENTION HIM!' DO PLEAS GIVE HIM? OUR LOVE WHEN YOU NEED NEXT SEE HIM!'

WE ARE Hoping that betty cottum comes for a little!' she says she will' then we shall hear all abouttaos'' on yes the paper came' what fun it was reading about every one!' bettys sister asked me to go and stay with her in philadelphia whislt betty was ther'' for a few days I mean' but much as I would like it'' taint possible''

I have been trying to make both
bo nie dresses'' all I do is get a long length of cloth and gather it up and
sew on a band'' and presto a skirt'' very full'' I put sort of trimming
also'' she loves them'' lots of room to whirl around in''

John is in fine shape'' and will start writing soon now'' as soon as all the
shooting is over'' he and Sandy go off together' and its fine for them both.
They both love it'' I must go to the dentist tomorrow'' horrors'' and take
Bonnie to dr BLiss'' just to be looked over'' have you read the sitwell book
s''? so attractive and amusing'' the refinement in snobbery''

I sit writing to you with a great coat on as there is no heat in this room''
its sort of a studio room' with a big window'' very cold in winter''

well I must stop and get supper'' I will write you again when and if
anything happens to write about'' but very little does'' but it's so very
nice hearing from you that my letters are more fish hooks to lure a letter
from you than things of entrest in them selves'' and on yes of course

This one is a thank you one also'' which I do'' many of them. Love

DEARST MABEL

A THOUSAND THANKS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS CHECK. IT CAME LIKE A DOWN POUR INTO A DRIED UP WELL. YOURE A DARLING TO SEND IT'.

YOUR HOUSE SOUNDS WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL AND I CAN ALMOST SMELL IT NOW
JUST AS SWEET AND PUNGENT AS ALL THE OTHERS' AT LEAST THE ONES YOU LIVE
IN'.

I WENT TO PHILADELPHIA TO SEE BETTY AT HER SISTERS HOUSE AND IT WAS
GREAT FUN SEEING HER AGAIN. SHE SEEMS SO WELL AND HAPPY AND SUCH FUN TO
BE WITH. I LIKE HER SISTER TOO SO MUCH. THEN TO NEW YORK WHERE I PICKED
UP NATALIE AND BABY. AND FLEW WITH THEM BACK HERE FOR THANKS GIVING. BILL
DROVE UP IN HIS JEEP WHICH HE IS STORING HERE. THEIR BABY IS SOMETHING
VERY BRIGHT AND IT SEEMS TO ME AND EVERYBODY ELSE VERY ASTUTE AND OBSERVANT
FOR ITS AGE. I SAW THAT FOR A LITTLE WHICH I ALWAYS ENJOY. SHES HAS CHANGED
SOMEWHAT. MORE OUT GOING. A LITTLE LESS TIGHT. SHE LOKED LOVELY AND HAPPY.
BONNIE IS IN BED WITH A COLD. AND MOST HAPPY NOT TO HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL.
SHES A WRETCH. SHES TERRIBLY HARD ON SHOES AS YOU MAY REMEMBER. SO WE HAD
THE BRILLIANT IDEA OF BUYING HER BOYS SHOES THIS TIME. WE DESTROYED THE
BOX WHICH SAID IT. AND EVERY SIGN. BUT STILL. SHE KNOWS AND ITS A TUSSEL
EVERY TIME SHE HAS TO PUT THEM ON. SHE HAS VERY DEFINATE TASTES IN HER DRE
SSING UP AND EVERY DAY ITS AN ORDEAL TO MAKE HER PUT ON SOMETHING
PROPER.

WE ARE GOING TO PAT AND JOSIES FOR CHRISTMAS WHICH WILL BE FUN
ESPECIALLY FOR THE CHILDREN. THEY HAVE LOTS OF HORSES AND DOGS AND FROM THE
MINUTE WE ARRIVE WE DONT SEE THE CHILDREN UNTIL THEY ARE READY TO LEAVE WITH
US. THEY ARE UP WITH THE SUN AND SCAMPERING ON HORSES ALL OVER THE LANDSCAP.
ITS ALL VERY PLEASANT AND RESTFUL'.

WE HAVE HAD OUR FIRST SNOW THIS

DEAREST MABEL:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTER! IT WAS NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU
AGAIN!

I AM AFRAID THAT OUR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS TO YOU WERE RATHER ON THE
SLIM SIDE. THE REASON BEING THAT SISTER HAD HER CHILD JUST TWO WEEKS BEFOR
RE CHRISTMAS AND I HAD TO ZOOM UP THERE'' A PLACE CALLED ANDES IN THE C
CATSKILLS'' AND THE TWO DAYS I SPENT IN NEW YORK'' WHERE I EXPECTED TO
DO CHRISTMAS THINGS WERE SPENT IN BED WITH AN AWFUL COLD'' THEN I GOT
UP AND PICKED SANDY UP TO BRING HIM HOME FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS''
AND WE BOTH HOPPED A BUS'' IT TOOK US EIGHT HOURS TO GO TO BOSTON AND THE
REST OF THE NIGHT TO REACH BANGOR'' IT WAS APPALING'' BUT REALLY ENTER
ESTING IN A WAY'' I HAD NEVER STAYED AS LONG AS THAT ON A BUS'' AND I
FOUND THAT A CURIOUS THING HAPPENED'' WE ALL BECAME SORT OF ONE ILL A
SORTED FAMILY''( VERY MUCH LIKE LIFE ITS SELF'') IT WAS SO CLOSE TO CHRIST
MAS THAT THE DIRORDERLY ONES'' WHO SAT ALL TOGETHER AT THE END OF THE BUS''
SANG IN MORE OR LESS DRUNKEN TONES ALL NIGHT LONG A SONG CALLED " I AM
HOPING FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS'''' THE REST OF US MORE OR LESS RESPECTABLE ONES
BANDED TOGETHER AND TRIED TO CONTROL THEM ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO SNATCH
A FEW MINUTES OF SLEEP NOW AND THEN'' IT ALL HAD A VERY UNREAL FEELING
ABOUT IT ALL. ALL OF BEING WHIZZED ALONG THRU THE NIGHT TO OUR DIFFERENT
DESTINATIONS'' AND YET FOR THIS SHORT SPACE WE KNEW A LOT ABOUT EACH OTHER
EVERY BODY TELL YOU EVERYTHING ABOUT THEMSELVES'' PARTLY BECAUSE ITS MORR
IBLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNDIGNIFIED I THINK'' AND PEOPLE SEEM TO FEEL A NEED
TO ESTABLISH THEIR IDENTITY AND IMPORTANCE'' AND THEY ALL LANDED ON ME''
BECAUSE I SUPPOSE THEY FELT I WAS NOT EXACTLY THE TYPE THAT USUALLY
TRAVELLED ON BUSSES AND WAS THEREFORE ENCHANTED WITH THEIR LINES''

TWO DIFFERENT LADIES EVEN OFFERED TO WHEN WE CAME TO THE NEXT STOP
TO PUT THEIR NICKEL IN THE TOILET** TOILET DOOR AND THEN WHEN THEY
WERE THRU HOLD THE DOOR OPEN FOR MY USE'' APPARENTLY THERE IS A GREAT
RESENTMENT THAT THEY HAVE TO PAY A NICKEL AT ALL'' WHICH I CAN WELL
UNDERSTAND'' WELL ENOUGH OF THAT'' BUT I WOULDENT HAVE MISSED IT FOR
ANYTHING'' EXCEPT THAT BY THE TIME I GOT HOME MY COLD HAD DEVELOPED
INTO SOMETHING AWKEL AND I COULD NOT RUSH UP TO BANGOR AS I HAD PLANNED
TO DO AND COMPLEAT MY SHOPPING'' SO' THAT IS WHY OUR PRESENTS WERE ON THE
LEAN SIDE''.

SISTER HAD A BABY BOY AND THRU THE GLASS CASE IT LOOKED
VERY NICE'' THEY TREAT CHILD BIRTH PATIENTS VERY DIFFERANTLY THAN THEY
USED TO'' FOR INSTANCE SISTER WAS OBLIGED TO GET UP AND STAGGER UP AND
DOWN THE PASSAGE'' AND THE SAME EVERY DAY FROM THEN ON''. WHICH
SEEMS TO ME TO TAKE MOST OF THE PLEASURE OF BEING IN THE HOSPITAL
AWAY'' OH'' ALSO SISTER WENT TO THE HOSPITAL THREE DAYS BEFORE GIVING
BIRTH TO HER CHILD'' ALL SORTS OF THINGS WERE DONE TO HER'' AND DURING
THAT TIME SHE STAYED VERY STILL AND WAS NOT ALLOWED TO GET UP'' EVEN
X' RAYS''. SO''

LOOK'I DID NOT LIKE YOUR SMEAR ABOUT ELECTRICAL GADGETS''
IT ISN'T BECAUSE I LOVE THEM'' BUT THAT I DO THE FAMILY LAUNDRY'' AND
THE CLEANING AND THE COOKING AND THE DISH WASHING'' I FIND THAT WITH
THE VARIOUS MACHINES I AM NOT NEARLY AS TIRED AT THE END OF THE DAY AND
ALSO THAT I GAIN A LOT OF TIME THAT A WAY''! IT MAY BE CLORSER TO NATURE
TO DO SUCH THINGS BY HAND'' BUT I STILL FIND THAT NATURE IN THE FORM OF
DIRTY CLOTHES AND DISHES IS QUITE CLOSE ENOUGH'' THANK YOU''. IF I COULD
GET AN ELECTRICAL COOK I CERTAINLY SHOULD GET SUCH A THING''

WE HAVE ABOUT SEVEN FEET OF SNOW'' VERY BEAUTIFUL'' BUT VERY COLD''
WASENT IT TERRIBLE ABOUT MERCEDES' BABY DYING'' LUCKILY THEY HAD TAKEN
IT TO BOSTON TO THE HOSPITAL THERE WHERE IT DIED'' I SAY LUCKILY BECAUSE
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PANIC MAKING HERE'' SO FAR AWAY FROM THE RIGHT KIND OF
HOSPITAL'' NOW THEY KNOW THAT THEY DID EVERY THING THEY COULD'' IT WAS
AGAONY WATCHING THE PORR LITTLE THING GROW STEADLY WORSE DAY AFTER DAY''
OH WELL ITS OVER''

SANDY HUNTS LIKE MAD AND SHOT TWO DUCKS ALL BY HIMSELF'
WHICH IS VERY HARD TO DO'' BONNIE JUST THE SAME I HAVE MORE FUN WITH
HER THAN ANY ONE I KNOW'' SHE DOSENT CHANGE'' AND DRAWS AND PAINTS IN OIL
LIKE AN ANGEL''

YOU DID I THINK HURT JOHN FEELINGS VERY BADLY'' I DIDENT
SEE YOUR LETTER BUT I FELT SOMETHING WAS WRONG'' I AM NOT GOING TO SAY
ANYTHING ABOUT IT'' ITS BETWEEN YOU AND HIM AFTER ALL'' BUT MADAM
YOU HAVE HURT HIM SO MUCH AND SO OFTEN THAT I DONT THINK ONE EXTRA
TIME IS SERIOUS'' AS A MATTER OF FACT IT MAY HELP HIM GET OVER THOSE
THINGS MORE EASLY''

THATS GOOD NEWS ABOUT YOUR BOOK'' I AM DYING TO SEE IT
AND WILL SEND FOR IT RIGHT OFF''

GIVE OUR BEST TO TONY'' AND LOVE

FROM US ALL HERE.

LOVE AGAIN.

DEAREST MABEL'

OF COURSE IT THINK THE IDEA OF JOINING FORCES IN MEXICO
IS A WONDERFUL IDEA AND WE SHOULDENT BE INVITING PEOPLE LIKE MARY ECT
TO COME AND STAY' I DONT SEE THE POINT OF IT'' I LIKE HER YOU KNOW UP TO
A POINT BUT I DO FINE HER A LITTLE SHALLOW DRAFT'' ANY HOW THE THING TO DO
WHEN ONE LIVES WITH PEOPLE IS NOT TO DO THINGS THAT THEY WONT LIKE OR
AGREE WITH'' YOU KNOW'' AND WE ARE ALL REASONABLE PEOPLEAND WOULDENT BE
FORCING OUR OWN TASTES ON EACH OTHER'' YOUR SET IN YOUR WAYS I KNOW' JUST
AS YOU SAID BUT MADAM YOU ARE A MOST CHARMING AND UNUSUAL PERSON AND
YOUR WAYS ARE EQUALLY SO'' IF WE DO GO TO MEXICO BONNIE AND I SHALL
PROBABLY BE THERE BEFORE JOHN SO AS TO GET HER INTO SCHOOL'' AND JOHN SO
LOVES THE HUNTING HERE IN THE FALL' AND HE COULD HUNT UNTIL HE GOT ENOUGH
OF IT AND THEN COME ON'' WE NEVER DID FIND OUT HOW MUCH EXACTLY FRED
WANTED FOR HIS HOUSE' BUT IF IT IS TOO MUCH THERE MUST BE OTHER PLACES
WE MAY BE A LITTLE STRAPPED BUT NOT TERRIBLY'' GOING TO TRY TO SAVE LIKE
MAD THIS SUMMER BY HAVING NO HELP AT ALL'' BUT WE SHALL HAVE SANDYS SCHOOL
TO PAY FOR AND CLOTHES AND SUCH IN A COUPLE OF YEARS THO THINGS WILL EASE F
UP'' I HAVE SOME MONEY IN SCOTLAND BUT THE DARN STUFF IS FROZEN AND CANT
BE GOT OUT'' SO THIS COMING YEAR AT LEAST I WONT BE ABLE TO HELP OUT AT
ALL WHICH IS A OTHER'' BUT EVEN SO I FEEL THAT WE CAN SWING IT''
I AM TERRIBLY ANXIOUS TO HAVE SISTER AND GEORGE SPEND A WINTER IN MEXICO''
THEY ARE SO BURIED WHERE THEY ARE AND NO FRIENDS OF THEIR OWN TYPE AT ALL''
AND I FEEL NOW THAT GEORGE HAS A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TALENT'' AND IT WOULD BE
FINE IF HE COULD JUST SPEND A WINTER PAINTING'' AND WHAT HEAVEN FOR SISTER
TO HAVE SOME SORT OF HELP'' SHE DOES SUCH A LOT'' TWO CHILDREN'' COOKING
ECT'' THEY FEEL THAT THEIR AWFUL COWS WILL BEGINS TO PAY OFF BY NEXT YEAR''

AND THEY HAVE A MAN WHO WOULD STAY AND LOOK AFTER THE PLACE AND MILK
AND IN THAT WAY THEY WOULD HAVE A LITTLE MONEY COMING IN' IF I COULD HELP
THEM IT WOULD MAKE ME SO HAPPY' AND BY GOD I AM GOING TO TRY' THEY
WOULD NEED A VERY SIMPLE PLACE AND ONLY ONE SERVANT AND THAT WOULDENT TAKE
MUCH' BUT WHY DO I NOTHER YOU WITH ALL THIS' BUT I JUST GOT STARTED THATS
ALL' JOHN SEEMS SO MUCH BETTER' HE IS WORKING IN THE GARDEN NOW AND DOES
A LOT OF WORK' AND ITS THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS THAT HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO'
HES HAPPY TO BE BACK HERE' BUT HE DOES REALISE THAT THE WINTERS ARE TOO
HARD AND COLD FOR BOTH BONNIE AND ME' EVEN IF I WERE WILLING' AND AT TIMES
I FEEL THAT I OUGHT TO' BUT LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE ALWAYS DOING THAT
WHICH ONE DOES NOT ENJOY OR RATHER HATES' AND AXS FOR BONNIE' APART FROM
HER WEAKNESS FOR COLDS' THE MORAL BUSINESS AROUND HERE IS AWFUL JUST NOW'
THIS PAST WINTER THERE WERE TWENTY BABIES BORN TO TWENTY YOUNG GIRLS OF
SCHOOL AGE NONE OF WHOM WERE MARRIED AT THE TIME IN FACT THEY DONT GET
MARRIED THEY GO RIGHT BACK TO SCHOOL AGAIN' THERES A SORT OF WAVE OF
THAT KIND OF THING' I SUPPOSE ITS THE AFTER MATH OF THE WAR' AND BONNIE
IS ATTRACTIVE AS YOU KNOW AND SHE IS FULL OF EXCITEMENT AND I BET YOU SHE WOULD
BE VERY ENTERESTED TO PUT IT MILDLY' WE HAVE WARNED HER AND TOLD HER
ALL ABOUT SEX AND SHE UNDERSTANDS' BUT STILL' IT WOULD BE TAKING TOO
GREAT A CHANCE I FEEL' GOD KNOWS I DONT WANT ANY MORE BABIES IN THE FAMILY
AND IT WOULD BE TOO DREADFUL TO HAVE A CREATURE LIKE BONNIE MARRIED TO A
LOCAL YOKEL AND LOCKED UP HERE FOR GOOD AND ALL' SHES ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE
WHO ARE BORN IN ONE PIECE SHE CANT BE CHANGED OR TAUGHT OR SWAYED FROM HER
GIVEN ROUTE' YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN' I THINK YOU ARE THE SAME IN A WAY'
I KNOW I AM ALSO PERMAPS NOT SO MUCH' BUT YOU AND SHE BOTH HAVE THE
FINGER OF GENUS TOUCHING YOUR EROWS' SANDY I DONT WORRY ABOUT' HE
SEEMS VERY NORMAL AND HORRID WORDS CLEAN MINDED' ALTHOUGH HE IS BEGINNING
TO BE VERY GIRL CONCIOUS' HIS ANTICS ARE AMUSING AND HIS VOICEUNDER
STRESS OF SEX EXCITEMENT LETS OUT THE MOST APPALING SQE* SQEEKS' AND HE*SI
IS SO DARN GOOD LOOKING' HE HAS GROWN EVEN MORE THAN

WHEN YOU SAW HIM LAST' AND HIS FIGURE IS BEAUTIFUL'' HES LOST THAT RATHER
PIMPLY LOOK ALSO'' AND HAS GREAT CHARM'' ON WELL''

WHY DONT YOU WRITE FRED
AND FIND OUT' AND THEN WE CAN GET TOGETHER ON THE THING''
I HAVE JUST READ THE MOST WONDERFUL BOOK ON NEUROTIC PERSONALITY'' I LENT
IT TO THE DOCTOR HERE' A VERY UP AND COMING YOUNG MAN'' BUT WHEN HE GIVES
IT BACK I SHALL SEND IT ON TO YOU IF YOU WISH'' ITS THE MOST SIMPLE AND
UNPOMPUS BOOK OF ITS KIND I HAVE EVER READ AND FASCINATING'' IF YOU LIKE
THAT SORT OF THING''

THANK GOD MY BOOK IS FINISHED AND BEING TYPED'' BUT
ALAS I HAVE NO FAITH IN IT'' FOR SOME REASON I HAVE NO FAITH IN ANYTHING
I WRITE ANY MORE'' PERHAPS I OUGHT NOT TO TRY ANY MORE'' BUT I CANT HELP
MY SELF'' ALREADY I AM DYING TO BEGIN SOMETHING NEW'' OH WELL'' IT DOES
SEEM TO ME THO THAT LITERATURE JUST NOW IS AT A VERY LOW EBB'' DONT YOU?
I DO HOPW YOU GET BUSY AGAIN'' AND DEAR GOD HOW HAPPY I WOULD BE IF JOHN
STARTED UP AGAIN'' ONE HOPES'' AND HOPES AND HOPES'' AND I CANT GIVE UP
HOPING'' I FEEL HE IS BEING WATED'' OH WELL''

GOODNESS HOW MANY DOGS WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THEM ALL'' WHY DONT YOU TRY TO SELL THEM' I AM SURE YOU COULD'' I MUST STOP NOW THERES A LEG OF LAMB IN THE OVER AND ITS TIME TO POP THE POTATOES IN WITH IT''

I HAVE GOT OVER MY AWFUL EXAUSTION AND CAN WHIZ THRU THE HOUSE WORK LIKE
A MACHINE'' I'LL BE GLAD WHEN SCHOOL IS OVER THO' ONE CAN RELAX MUCH MORE''
MUCH LOVE TO YOU DEAR MABEL AND BLESS YOU''

LOVE AGAIN

War Relocation Project

POSTON

ARIZONA

Dearest Mabel:

Well here we are--after a good trip-- John came to meet us at a place called Salome--'Where she sang and danced' painted on the Hotel front--we spent the night-- and next morning moved on and believe it or not almost at once got a blow out-- and one of the new tire-- and its split from ear to ear''' done for-- luckily John was there to change it--

John looks tired and thin and compleatly absorbed in the work here-- which is terrific-- he talks half the night about it-- and isn't sleeping well-- but I think that having me to let steam off will help-- he and the other two men above him who run the whole place-- have the loftiest attitude toward the whole thing-- its service out and out-- they go around with harrased and noble expression on their face-- sweating brows--John as you can imagine is very popular with the Japanese-- and we have a lovely screen that one of them made for him-- and another is busy on a desk an inlaid desk for him-- a and imagine this from people who have nothing-- who have as a matter of fact had every thing taken from them-- it breaks ones heart--I am glad Eleyase dient come along-- as they wont use any workers but Japanese-- and in fact there is a great deal of race hatred between the Indians and the Japanese--he would have been miserable-- and John distressed--

As we entered the front door the painters came thru the back door-- so we all sleep on five Hospital beds in the living room-- but its all very exciting--- hot as hell-- but only unbearable about five in the evening-- and the house has a cooler which is a god send-- the kids are off to a school with many cute little Japanese--and a darling teacher-- they wrer the first American children to go-- and today others appeared-- they dosent talk about either white s or Americans here-- but Eurasians-- but I was afraid you wudent know what I was talking about if I said that--

2

I was rather stunned my self when I was reffered to as that--. but the social business is ticklish--. naturally.

John was terribly happy about the lovely orange blanket-- and it is hung on the wall-- the only thing on the room I dident dare open the blankets before the Painters are out-- they are all stored away in the next house with the trunks ect--

The dust is a foot high-- and I mop the house out about three times a day-- but its all great fun-- Bonnie is already the Belle of the Town-- and has made many friends-- here is a snap that a friend in Maine took and sent on to me here I thought you might like it--

6
Things are tense here just now as-two thousand more Japanese from the Pal
Salinas Valley are coming on the 27th and they have as yet quarters for only
half that number-- so we see John only for a second at Meal times--

Forgive the lettering-- I am sitting on the floor and the machine wriggles
perched on two suit cases--

Many-- many thanks to you Dear Mabel for everything--it seems very simple min
words
ded into be using yours to even try and thank you --- but you must know

I grateful I am and how happy thatto have been with you in Taos ---

Much love to you both--

John will write as soon as he has a minute to himself-- and when we are
somewhat straightened out I'll keep you posted as to how things are--

I hope the blood pressure is where it ought to be--and that you get a cook
soon-- I hate to think of you having to fuss--

I don't think I will be able to get any help here as the Government as some
rtry
strange restriction on hiring help-- but John says they will try and straigh
en that out-- when they can-- mean while until the stove arrives-- we eat in
thAMES scrub al howGER and WHopeth hehfued butswell and-only-costs-35cent-a meal--
the mess hall-- the food good and only costs 35 cents a meal--

I must rush now and mop the house out-- the dust is something-- I do it three times a day-- Goodbye and Love again.

Maine
Friday.

Dear Mabel :

How are you now--? the arm I mean-- I hope it is better an
d dosent hurt-- Everything fine here-- another terrific snow storm--
Sandy couldent go to school-- Had a note from Beck telling us
that Bill had joined up-- she sounds desolate-- John tried to get into
the navy but they wouldent take him on account he has two small
children-- now they have lowered the standard-- and he has regestered
for the draft-- so one can just wait and see-- I am not going to
worry about that until it happens-- Our boy friday-- or number one boy
as we call him has been drafted and he leaves Saturday-- so that's
that-- he will have been here two and a half weeks and very pleasant it
was-- although our food bills jumped-- the natives here about eat
their heads off-- they do with so little at their homes so that when
they work out they go sort of off their base and gorge--

Nappy expects to get into the army-- or else go abroad on this Job of
his, he is just waiting to see as we are.

I got a receip for sented soap-- so if you decide that you would like
it that way I'll send you on some-- eith sented or unsented--
or would you prefer to take it with you---: (Joke) I spent the wele-
whole of yesterday in bed and am full of vim a vigour today so
forgive my levity.

I put up twenty four jars of Potatoe and Leek soup last fall and they
are all to the last disgruntled jar sour ---very very annoying--.

Best love to you from all here.

Dear Mabel:

Things going not so well here-- John sick in bed with
what seems to be ulcers-- which apparently he has had all a long--
but argrivated by a cold inside-- any way the Doctor says he must
stay in bed for a while--. and then be looked over at the hospital
when he gets up. He has been overworking -- both nerviously and physic
ally and the trip to Europe dident do him any good.

A neighbour has just called up and offered us three little goats for
the children-- wonderful--

I still cant make plans for this summer-- and much as I sgould love for
us to spend it in Taos-- it is I think out of the question-- this
place has to be run-- we have chickens-- and we will be cutting and
selling wood so as to get enough money together to get sheep-- hoping
that they will help out-- also I have promised to sit on top of the
Church Steeple and look for Aeroplanes-- they expect great activity
next month-- it will only be once a week but even so this place is so
sparcly populated-- that it would mean a hardship on the population
to have any of us drop out.

Natalie came for a week-- she's and she was very pleasant and charming
and it was nice having her-- she looks very pretty also and well got up
you know what I mean-- well dressed ect. very nice.

Nickys Sweetheart Pagie write me that he is doing a bust of General
Mc Arthur-- in Washington-- to be presented to West Point-- and he
Nicky is in his element living in great style and holding long- long
distance telephone conversations with her-- much to her distress--
she hates to see him throw away money like that--.

I have a wonderful flirt-- the most lady like person-- with the
most elegant pink dyed hair-- deaf as a post-- and a wonderful cook-
hes not really a beau-- but he likes me better than he does John-
neartthatiferugypneadhimin a class by himself-- my ego is again

2

rearing its ugly head-- lord how I love admiration-- its sickening'
"Happy p tried to enlist but because of the work he is doing they would
not have him - he is night editor now and works from 12 until 8
next morning-- receiving and sending out short wave messages to
Europe-- and he loves it--. he is officially engaged now-- but
his plans of marriage are not definitely set-- but he is very happy.
I have been doing great doolies on the sewing machine-- its wonderful.
The weather is spring like at last-- and the first smooth day we will
burn off the land-- we burn about 15 acres every year-- its great fun.
I am going to pack off the soap to you tomorrow-- it will have to be
called kitchen soap as the perfume I put in it turned out pretty sour--.
Now I must rush-- as John has to have bland food every two hours--
and its time for his fourth-- so--

"any thanks for asking us to come to Taos-- I should love it--
but nothing seems natural any more-- and one simply dosent consider
ones wishes or hopes any more-- I am planting twice the gardens I
did last year-- and that means a lot of canning.

Love from all here-- and I'll let you know how John gets on--
I hope you are all right now--. I still have a hacking cough-- but am
taking a tonic and Vitiam pills like mad-- the children very well and h
happy-- Sandy the boy wonder at school and loves it.

Love,

Friday

Dear Mabel:

I am sorry that you are laid up again--I have just got up
my self havind spent the last two days in bed with a terrific cold
and cough--The doctor came yesterday and gave me a shot of vitam B--
and I am horribly sea sick today from it-- it does that sometimes
apparently--

The cooking pot is a tremendous success am crazy about it-- what little
liquid is left on the bottom I save and serve up as soup-- so we get
everything--. Sandy has a slight cold again-- this is a bad time of year--
if only Spring would come-- it nearly did-- one blissful day of mildness-
then next morning when we woke up it was snowing!!!!!

John has gone to Augusta for two days for an extra course-- we had a note
from "atalie who says that she would like to spend the Spring vacation
with us-- but we havent heard definately yet-- I have a feeling that
Alice wouldent care for it-- John wrote her asking is she wouldent
consider paing her share of the Income tax-- well you can imagine what
her answer was-- so I imagine John will have to do somethong about it--
for if things are taxed any more we wont have enough to get along on--
there is apparently a law being tried to pass to make it necessary for
alomany receivers to pay their own tax-- it seems to me very unfair
to have to give away 45 percent of ones income and also pay two income
taxes-- wheteher the new law will apply in this case I dont know-- nut
of it doesnot then something must be done and the Bank asserts that
Johns case would be a walk over as the whole thing is a gip in the first
case and never should have been allowed to stand-- it isnt fair to "andy
and Bonnie-- well any hoo--

I made soap for you but dont think much of the smell of it--

2

but you can use it in the kitchen-- it has to dry somewhat before I send it
to you however.

John still making many speeches and still working like a dog--he is ardly
ever at home for an evening or even part fo the day and its an occasion
when he can spend the evening at home--I hope he will be able to get
something else helpful to do when this is done-- and not have to go into
the army as a private.

Apparently they expect trouble here soon-- as the government has ordered
all air beacons--beacons put out and sea marks of any kind-- and a spy-- spy
of all things has been arrested who was sending messages by short wave.
Its a lovely day today-- bright ans sunny and I wish I could go out--
but the darn cold seems worse again-- I put the window up last night-
and had to sit up most of the night after I had closed it again trying to
breath.

John had letter from James Evans-- who has just heard from the War dept.
about one Colonel Townsend Griffiss who appears to be lost-- having
dissappeared while en route by plane from Cairo to London and was reperted
shpt down on the coast of England-- he is a cousin of Johns' and 'ames-
isnt he.

No more news just now-- I will let you know if anything breaks.

any thanks again for the pot-- and love from all here.

Love

Maine.

Tuesday.

Dear Mabel:

A thousand thanks for the Pressure cooker which arrived
an hour ago-- and which I shall cook with tonight-- I am sure it
will be wonderful and so easy to operate-- many many thanks again.
I made soap last night -- but it has to dry for three days then I shall
send you it on-- I put some Rosemary oil into it and it smells now a
little like cough medicine -- but it may improve with age-- if you
want the receipt I shall send it to you-- its terribly easy and fun to
do.

Nappy and a beautiful girl whose name is Marlis announced their engagement
last night-- they were anxious to have us come to New York for the
occasion but we could not manage it -- she is terribly nice and
very sensitive-- most lovely to look at-- with long fine golden hair--
Nappy is going to enlist now-- John is trying to get something thru
Washington-- but its hard since he can't afford to go and be on the spot--
and if nothing comes up he will enlist also-- I can't bear to think
of it-- but I can't appear discouraged-- he is anxious to get something that
would pay a little more than just a private-- as we need the money desperate
ly-- my shares are completely washed up now coming as they do out of
Burma-- but that doesn't seem so terribly important compared to what
real suffering this war has already caused so many--.

What I shall do if John goes I can't say-- I suppose I shall stay on
here for the Summer and then perhaps go to some little town where there
might be a good Public school-- and where Sister could and be with me--
and study at the same time-- and perhaps I could manage to do some kind of
work again-- and help things along-- I can't see our staying here alone
next winter-- we may not be able to use the car-- and we are far away from
everything-- well one must just wait and see-- (over)

2 John is still working frantically on this business of defense-- and starts a course in Castine tomorrow -- he is correcting exam papers today from the last course--

That was interesting about Bridget -- although I dident think that they got on at all well-- there seemed to be such a differance between them-- I liked him terribly well-- I liked her too though but thought her stupid-- and she was always shedding her clothes at Parties and doing rather dirty dances very unfunnily-- I hope she gets someone very rich next time-- I think thats all she really wants.

We had a terrific storm yesterday-- wind and rain-- and John who was Ellsworth got ditched-- on the way home-- and our cellar was rapidly filling up with water-- so I spent three hours dipping up pail fulls and tooting them out side and w-- getting rid of the water-- and afyer a while she let up and today the water has almost all gone-- but a bin full of Turnips have been drenched-- its beginning to howl a gale again now-- I hate the sound of the wind howling-- the bay is a mass of white caps and the water the color of arsnic' I dont like it at all--

This moring Dilly-- our cat chased a field mouse up the curtains in Johns room and treed it there on top ot the curtain rod-- Sandy who had gone down to the bathroom discovered this fact and came ripping into our room to say that there was a tremendous rat just under the ceiling-- and at once my mind flew to the cellar and it seemed to me that the rats werer deserting the sinking ship'.

Well I must be off-- again many thanks and much love from all here.

Love.

I have no more ink so must type the name-- sorry:

Claire.

Y nearest Mabel:

We were terribly upset to hear of your operation--
I hope it wasent too bad-- and that the thing is cured once and
for all-- there is a very good Navy doctor here-- and I rushed over
and asked him all about it and he said that as far as he could tel
l it must have been the best thing to do--and would be wonderful
for you later on-- so I was relieved-- it was all so sudden-- that
I was afraid it might have been an emergency--

Now listen to this the children are down with chicken Pocks--
it started yesterday-- two weeks they have to stay in this tiny
house-- and they are as irritable as all get out and more or less
look like spotted muslin-- but it cant be helped--I am going
into to Town this afternoon and get them something with the money
you sent-- Oh a thousand thanks-- the check was wonderful-- we were
down to nothing in the Bank-- and we will keep the check in Tact
until we get a chance to go somewhere where we can get something
nice with it-- John craves a case of Scotch-- so I think that's what
he will get-- me I dont know yet-- I think a dress which I need
or a suit-- and some shoes-- and mebbe a hat-- I am short on such
things here-- as I thought it was going to be warm all summer-- and
it is cold as all get out all the time--

"ext year will be hard again for us as the taxes as you know will go up and we still have to pay Alices tax on 45 percent of Johns income-- it keeps us down-- if he werent earning something we just couldent make it as it is its tight going-- but things will straighten out when his girls arrive at 21--years of age-- then something will be done (I HOPE).

I have had a terrific cold and much sinus due to the dust I think
I have never had it before-- but today for the first time in
weeks I am free of the dam thing and the cold is broken-- so I feel

2

fine and free and rairing to go--

I sent your presents such as they are on to Taos--Will you be back there in time for Christmas? is Tony on with you? Oh I friend came here last night ansd shewed us some films he had taken on the apago reservation where he was manager or what ever it was called and there clear as day was several pictures of Tony with his lovely red blanket around him-- or rather hanging from his shoulders-- and there also was Trinidad dancing like mad-- it was thrilling-- and a tremendous surprise-- the picture wrer all about four or three years old--

To add to the confusion in the house-- cricket the little dog-- is in heat and we are surrounded by a howling pack of dogs at all time-- I have to keep her in of course-- and that means drum also-- for if I send him out he stands with his nose pointed to the North Star and howls like a coyotte-- its all so awful its funny--

The people next door-- which means three feet away-- have a very cheap gramaphone-- and as they are inclined to be intellectals-- they play very modern and tinkly music all day long-- the sort that only sounds well when played on a great machine--

They are preparing to put a heater in the house-- but so far have only gone af far as digging a great hole in the ground-- and sawing a square in the hall-- thru which the cold air rushes like a whirl wind-- Goodness how I envy you all going to exico--

it will be wonderful-- how I wish we could make it-- but it seems impossible-- I dont know now if I shall be able to make N Y for Nappys wedding-- but I havent given up hope-- and someone must be there to see that it does something about it-- he has to be shamed into doing anything at all about such things-- and as I happy will be going off to parts unknown almost as soon as the wedding is over one wants to give him as much as one can from it all--

Dearest Mabel:

What a wonderful telegram!'
Feel so excited and happy-- John also--
can hardly wait-- to get going--

Look-- I will have blankets and sheets with
me-- or rather they will be shipped before
we leave-- bring enough in the car to start
with--also everything else-- like knives and
forks etc-- Pots and Pans-- anything--
everything--

We have had three tires retread--so feel ready
for anything--

Bonnie eyes are bad-- a sort of inflamation
comes from the dust-- which has been awful--
but harmless-- am washing them out--

Have to go to Town and shop-- omce a week--
thank heavens in Taos I can walk to the store--
will shop for you also if you so desire--

My garden is coming up-- I shall be walking
away just when it is to ne used--I am so excited
just talking nonsence-- forgive-- you are a darling

Much Love
E.ane.

Dearest Mabel:

Are you all right? not a word from
you and I am worried Look John had to rush
off to Washington-- and on the way back he
planned to stop off and see you for a day--
I hope it works out--any how he will do his
best best if he takes a plane and not a
train it might make a difference I dont
know enough about it--it ought to be the end of
this week or the beginning of next week--

He'll tell you what he went to "ashington for--
all very exciting--I dont want to spoil the
fun hell get of telling you himself--

Everything fine here--almost over our colds--
had some cases of Infantile Paralisis-- here
put us in a panic--but two experts came and
pronounced it quite safe--only two cases-- and that
apparently is to be expected in a Town of this
size-- I was all prepared to pick up the kids and
run-- well anyhoo--

2

I am going to rush over and post this so that it
can catch the mail in-- and then I am busy
planting a veg garden--

Sister is almost thru her course-- and what she
means to do I dont quite know-- she is waiting
to see what we are about to do-- and we are waiting
also--we will know this week about "appy and
"arlis-- and wheter they will come to PHoenex--

Much love

Dearest Mabel.

I was so relieved to hear from you--
but so sorry to hear you weren't too well and
bothered with the horrid business-- God I hope
it healing up soon-- so you can feel free again--
I do hope your depression is on the up and up
also-- what a gusty thing it is-- I have awful
spells but they never last long--and are never
as bad as Johns'

How awful it was that he missed you--you cant have
got my letter written to Taos saying he might be
stopping off--then of course he couldent-- but
to be so near in Albuquerque--and just miss you
like that--Oh well just one of those things--
John is writing you his good news-- its wonderful
for him-- a great chance-- and something with a f
future--Look if we leave in two weeks or so--
Can bring the children and stay in the Pink
House--? could we rent it?--I dont want you
to have the thought or the bother of opening it
up-- so thought that I could stop at some

2

Hotel in Taos-- and open the house up my self--
that way you wouldent have to bother-- if you
would rather I had the two story house-- it
would suit just as well I love them both-- but
I thought you might have more chance in renting
the that one--does it have two bedrooms? and
does the pink one have two also-- I should like
to have the children sleep in separate rooms--

I can sleep in the livingroom-- Bonnie teases
Sandy so much at night-- they keep each other a
awake-- t all this provided of course you
feel like having us at all just now-- if you
dont-- we can always do something else--

I am looking forward so much to being there-
it would be wonderful--and seeing you again--
so releived that you werent angry or something
with me when I dident hear-- I thought well
mebbe I said something off- silly but one
thinks up things when one worries--and I swung b
between thinking you must be dreadfully ill--
or very mad--now what a relief--

I shall have to start packing almost at once--

3

Sister has a swell job at Laguardia Air Port--
and is paid the noble sum of 40 dollars a week--
isnt that wonderful--a buss takes here to and fro-
Nappy has been made a teacher in Harrisburg--
so for the time being his fate is static-- which
is wonderful--I am terribly proud of them both
it seems to me for such dreamy people they have
done terribly well--

Look if you dont want us ab present just drop
a short line and say so--I dont want you bothered
by any out side thing-- and if you feel its
allright-- do be releived of any sence of
having to bother-- I shall simply get the key
when I arrive and clean and straighten the place
which ever you decide irt is to be-- up-- and
I shall love it--;f I feel that it is going to
bother or upset you-- I shall not come-- even if
you might think it all right-- do trust me in this
-- I r eally am capable-- and love doing such thin
gs-- and am very used to anything-- so dont do
a thing--just say yes or no--

Meanwhile much love and thank God you are all

4

right--and pray you get over the dumps--
and again thank you for everything from the
bottom of my heart--

John is jubilent-- you can see what a wonderful
job he has done here-- or they wouldent have
given him this great promotion--

When we have a house in Washington or rather in
the country around--mebbe you will come and stay
with us for a change-- it would be wonderful to be
able to do something pleasant for you for a change--
God knows its high time--

Now I must stop really--Much love again from us
all and from me in particular--

Love

2120 LE ROY PLACE.
WASHINGTON 8 DC.

DEAREST MABEL:

YOU HAVE IT WRONG ABOUT THIS HOUSE**

IT IS NOT THE ONEJOHN FIRST WROTE YOU ABOUT** BUT A
VERY SHABBY AND NOT AT ALL G RAND ONE** WE SHARE IT WITH A
FRIEND** THEY ONE ONE FLOOR WE ON ANOTHER** WE EAT
TOGETHER** AND SHARE THE B ILLS** AND ONLY THIS WAY COULD
WE MANAGE**IT WAS A GREAT BLESSING TO HAVE FOUND THE
FRIEND AND THE HOUSE** WAS HINGTON IS BEREFT OF SMALL
HOUSES AND APARTMENTS**AND THE RENTS ARE AWFUL**ONE
PLACE I FOUND WITH TWO BED ROOMS COST THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS
A MONTH**SO YOU SEE WHAT THINGS ARE LIKE**WE THOUGHT OF
THE SUBARBS BUT AGAIN THE RENTS JUST AS HIGH**AND AT
LEAST FORTY FIVE MINUTES BY BUS** WHICH MEANS WE WOULD
HAVE TO GET UP AROUND FIVE THIRTY**INSTEAD OF SIX
THIRTY** SO YOU SEE** WE ARE VERY LUCKY**I JUST WANTED
TO HAVE YOU KNOW ALL THIS ** AND NOT MISUNDERSTAND**
I WOULD FRANKLY RATHER LIVE ALONE**BUT AGAIN WE ARE
DARN LUCKY**I HOPE TO GET BONNIE IN SCHOOL SOON** SHE IS
SIX NOWAND BRIGHT AS A WHIP** SANDY LOVES HIS SCHOOL
AND THEY ARE VERY PLEASED WITH HIM**WHAT A DULL LETTER
BUT I WILL WRITE SOON AGAIN** JUST WANTED TO GET THIS
STRAIGHT** LOVE FROM JOHN AND FROM ME.

907 INDIAN SCHOOL ROAD ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

DEAREST MABEL:

I AM SO SORRY YOU ARE NOT WELL AGAIN** WHAT A BORE FOR YOU, I CALLED
YOU UP LAST WEEK BUT YOU WERE IN SANTA FE**AND AGAIN YESTERDAY AND SPOKE TO TONY WHO
TOLD ME YOU WERE IN THE HOSPITAL** THEN I TRIED TO CALL YOU THERE BUT THE LINE WAS
IN USE SO THOUGHT I WOULD WRITE INSTEAD**

THE CHILDRENS CLOTHES ARE ARRIVNG IN EXCITING
MASSES** AND WONDERFUL THEY ARE** SANDY TROTS OFF TO SCHOOL EVERY MORNING IN HIS
NEW COAT LOOKING VERY MUCH TO THE MANNER BORN** HE WEARS IT NO MATTER HOW WARM THE
DAYS STILL ARE** AND BRINGS IT BACK WITH HIM WHICH IS SOMETHING' T E DRESSES ARRIVED
FOR BONNIE JUST IN TIME FOR HER BIRTHDAY AND THAT WAS JUST PERFECT** THEY FIT LIKE A
GLOVE AND SUIT HER DOWN TO THE GROUND**A THOUSAND THANKS**

WILL YOU BE DOWN SOON** I HOPE YOU
CAN MAKE IT BEFORE YOU GO AT LEAST** I HATE TO THINK OF YOUR GOING SO FAR AWAY** BUT I
KNOW YOU WILL HAVE FUN AND IT WILL DO YOU A WORLD OF GOOD. THANKS FOR SENDING MARYS'
LETTER** SHE SEEMS DETERMINED** BUT STILL I DONT UNDERSTAND HE CALLING WALLY UP AND
HAVING HIM JOYFULLY RUN TO JOIN HER THERE** BUT AS SHE SAYS ONLY SHE AND WALLY KNOW
ABOUT THAT. LAST WEEK THERE WAS NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY** SO WE WENT OFF TO THE STONE HOUSE
THURSDAY NOGHT** SO I BLEW RAFALETA TO THE BUS FARE AND SHE SPENT THAT WEEK END IN

TAOS** AND CAME BACK AND SEEMS MUCH BETTER** SHE WAS HOME SICK** AND HER SIGHS WERE
GETTING ME DOWN** I HAVE TALKED WITH THE HOUSE KEEPER AT THE SCHOOL ASKING HER TO TRY
AND INCLUDE RAFALETA IN SOME OF THE BUSINESS AT THE GIRLS HOUSE** SO THAT OUGHT TO HELP**
SHE RAFALETA IS SHY AND NOT VERY AGGRESSIVE**BUT SHE IS DOING FINE AND IS VERY SWEET**
OH I HAD A LETTER FROM PEACH TAYLOR** YOU KNOW JOHNS COUSIN IN BUFFALO** HER HUSBAND
REG IS IN FRANCE DRIVING AN AMBULANCE** AND HER SON WILL GET HIS WENDS AT CHRISTMAS TIME
HE IS IN TRAINING SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA AND SHE AND HER TWO GIRLS ARE COMING OUT FOR
THAT** SO PERHAPS I SHALL SEE HER** IF SHE CAN MAKE A STOP OFF** SHE REALLY IS
SWELL** AND I WONDERED IF YOU WOULD CARE TO SEE HER IN NEW YORK** SOME TIME**SHES VERY
GAY AND DOWN RIGHT AT THE SAME TIME** VERY LIKE HER MOTHER** YOU KNOW AUNT MARGARET**
I KNOW YOU WOULD LIKE HER** IF YOU SAY SO I SHALL GIVE HER YOUR ADDRESS** SHE GOES TO
N Y QUITE OFTEN. EVERYTHING IS FINE HERE** JOHN TERRIBLY BUSY AND INCLIND TO BE
MOODY** I WISH I COULD TAKE THESE MOODS LIGHTLY** BUT I FEEL I AM GETTING THERE.
THAT POOR DOG TOM TOM IS DREADFULLY SICK AND HAS BEEN FOR THREE WEEKS** HAVE TO GIVE HIM
STUFF EVERY HOUR** I HOPE HE PULLS THRU** ONE THING OR THE OTHER** HE IS A THIN AS A
RAIL** I AM GOING TO START THE DENTIST SOON AS HE IS BETTER** BONNIE OF ALL THINGS HAS
A HOLE IN A TOOTH**SHE SAID THE OTHER DAY IN THE BATH TUB**CHEERFULLY** " EVERYTHING SEEMS
TO BE HAPPENING TODAY**ITS MY BIRTHDAY** I HAVE A CAVITY**A HUGE PARCEL FROM NEW YORK**
(YOUR DRESSES)AND I FORGOT TO BRING MY SCHOOL BOOK BACK FROM THE COUNTRY'"" AND THAT

3

WAS THE FIRST I HAD HEARD ABOUT THAT** I HAD FOUR DAYS BEFORE SPENT SEVERAL HOURS SHUT UP WITH HER TEACHER AND THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL** DISCUSSING JUST HOW TO MAKE BONNIE CONFORM**THEY ARE CRAZY ABOUT HER** BUT SHE UPSATS THE WHOLE CLASS BUT HER LACK OF INABITATIONS** AND THE OTHER: LITTLE GIRLS DONT UNDERSTAND HER** SHE HAD UNEARTHED IN THE COUNTRY THE WEEK END BEFORE A HUGE TRANTULA** AND HAD WANTED TO TAKE IT BACK TO SCHOOL WITH HER**BUT SINCE THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE SHE FELT THAT THEY ALL HAD TO BE TOLD ABOUT IT** SO DURING READING SHE LAUNCHED FORTH** AND DESCRIBED THE SPIDER SO**

"IT HAD THE GREAT BLACK LEGS JUST COVERED WITH BLACK HAIRS** JUST LIKE MY DADDIES LEGS"'
HER CLASS IS FULL OF ESPECIALLY NICE LITTLE GIRLS** GIRLS** THEY LAUGH AT SUCH THINGS
BUT CONSIDER HER TOUCHED** SO**WELL ANYHOO WHE DOSENT GIVE A DAM** THE TEACHER

SUGGEST THAT HER HAIR BE DONE UP SOME OTHER WAY** SO THAT SHE WONT AT LEAST LOOK DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER GIRLS**BUT YOU KNOW HOW THICH HER HAIR IS** ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO TIE IT UP WITH PINK RIBBONS**AND IF I DO MANAGE** ITS OUT AGAIN IN FIVE MINUTES, HER ART WORK IS REALLY WONDERFUL** THE TEACHER SHOWED ME THINGS SHE HAD DONE** WHICH THE TEACHER HER SELF SAYS MAKES ALL THE OTHER KIDS EFFORTS LOOK SILLY**BUT STILL HOW TO MAKE HER CONFORM??I THINK ITS ALL A LOT OF ROT**BUT ITS ALWAYS DEPRESSING TO REALISE THAT ANYTHING UNUSUAL HAS TO BE WHITTLED DOWN TO MEET THE DULL. THE TEACHER WITH TEARS IN HER EYES** SAYS THAT BO NNIE HAS TAKEN HER HEART** AND SHE WANTS DESPERATELY NOT TO HAVE TO SCOLD HER

#3

AFTER MY OPERATION** AND WHEN SAND Y WAS SO SICK** AND WHEN BONNIE AND SANDY WERE BORN** ALL THOSE THINGS HAD TO BE BORROWED FOR** AND WE HAVE ALWAYS PAID BACK**and I am very strict about such things-- because in fact one ought to be and because they haunt me any way-- so-- if you would prefer to pay in this fashion the school bill I shall send it to you directly and pay you back 50 DOLLARS A MONTH**OH DEAR** WELL ANY WAY** DO FORGIVE ME IF THIS ALL DOES NOTHING BUT ANNOY YOU** BUT DO LET ME KNOW ONE WAY OR THE OTHER** MUCH LOVE FROM ALL OF US.

PS** A FRIEND IS HAVING SANDY'S PICTURE DRAWN FOR US FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT AND I SHALL SEND YOU A COPY** HE IS TO SIT THIS SATURDAY **BONNIE HAS NO FRONT TEETH YET** BUT WHEN THEY COME IN THIS SAME FRIEND WILL HAVE HER DONE ALSO** BUT WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THAT**.

GOOD BYE AGAIN

LOVE

DEAREST MABEL:

JUST GOT YOUR LETTER. BUT I DONT THI NK I HAD BETTER GET THE BAG**
ITS MUCH TOO MUCH TO PAY FOR A BAG, DONT YOU THINK SO? I'LL GET ONE AFTER THE WAR**
WHEN THINGS GET DOWN AGAIN. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BOTHERING THO.

YOUR DOCTOR SOUNDS

FINE I HOPE TO GOODNESS HE GETS THINGS STRIGHTENED UP FOR YOU. A FINE KETTLE OF FISH HERE SANDY HAS WHAT APPEARS TO BE A MILD CASE OF MEASELES** AND ME TOO** NOT BAD ENOUGH TO BE REALLY SICK** BUT VERY ITCHY AND SLIGHTLY SEA SICK** AND OF COURSE IT MEANS THAT THE CHILDREN ARE HOME FROM SCHOOL** THE WORST PART OF IT**OH WELL THEY WILL GROW UP ONE DAY AND EVEN IF I SHALL BE () ( YEARS OLD** ITS PEACEFUL EVEN CONTENPLATING IT.

I HOPE YOU LIKE VERA** SHE PROBABLY DIDENT GET MY LETTER THEN? ANY WAY I HAVENT HEARD FROM HER. HAVE YOU SEEN MARY YET? A LETTER FROM SALLY WHO SAYS THAT THE LAST TIME SHE SAW WALLY* THREE MONTHS AGO** EVERYTHING SOUNDED FINE BETWEEN HIM AND MARY**SO.

DID I TELL YOU PAT WAS IN AMERICA? A LETTER FROM JOSIE WHO IS FRANTIC BECAUSE HER COOK AND NURSE BLEW UP AND ARE LEAVING AND SHE JOSIE DID WANT THINGS TO BE PEACEFUL WHILE PAT WAS THERE** I THINK HOTELS AND RESTURANTS ARE THE ANSWER TO THOSE WHO CAN** MEANWHILE I AM VERY HAPPY WITH RAFFALETA** AND A WOMAN WHO COMES IN FOR AN HOUR EVERY DAY** MAKES ALL THE DIFFERANCE** I AM TRYING TO BORROW MONEY FRANTICALLY BEHIND PATS BACK** I KNOW HE WILL

TRY AND STOP ME IF HE HEARS** OR OFFER ME SOME OF HIS WHICH I DONT WANT** AND WONT TAKE''.

BUT HES GIVEN ME SUCH A COMPLEX ABOUT MONEY THAT I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE A CROOK** WHICH
IS SILLY** ITS SURELY NOBODYS BUSINESS BUT MY OWN IF I WANT TO SEEL SOME STOCKS** SEEING
AS TO HOW THE STOCKS ARE MINE* BUT ALWAYS THIS FROWNING FROM BANK PRESIDENTS** ITS CALLED
LOOKING AFTER MY ENTRESTS I SUPPOSE AND I SUPPOSE IT IS** BUT LIDE IS SHORT'' AND I AM
SURE IN TWENTY YEARS I WONT GIVE A DAM WHETEHER I GO ON A HOLIDAY OR NOT** OR WHETHER
MY CLOTHES ARE ANCIENT AND STRANGE** BUT NOW DEMMIT I DO CARE** THEY CANT SEE THAT AT ALL
AT ALL''. WE SPENT LAST WEEK END UP IN THE DESERT HOUSE** IT WAS LOVELY AND SNOWED**

WE WERE ON THE COLD SIDE** AND IT WAS THERE THAT WE GOT THE SPOTS** IT SNOWED HERE TOO**
BUT WONDERFULLY BRIGHT TO DAY AND THE SNOW ALL GONE. I HOPE YOU GET ON WITH YOUR BOOK**

I STARTED UO AGAIN** BUT FIND IT HARD WRITING ON SOMETHING THAT I HAVENT LOOKED AT FOR
FOUR YEARS** BUT ITS AMAZING HOW IT ALL COMES BACK** READING IT OVER IS THE WORST**

SO BORING AND HAVING TO FIGHT THE FACT THAT IT READS DULL AS DITCH WATER** AND WHATS THE
USE** BUT I HAVE THAT AWFUL NEED TO FINISH THINGS SO I JUST GRIT MY TEETH AND GO ON**
BUT THE TEMPTATION TO THROW AWAY THE TYPEWRITTER AND RETIRE TO THE ATTIC WITH PAINTS
AND BRUSHES IS GREAT** WELL ANY HOW I'LL DO THAT WHEN THIS SILLY BOOK IS WRIT.

WE HAVE A WONDERFUL OLD FASHIONED PIANO JOHN GOT OUT OF THE WAREHOUSE** AS HIGH AS
A TRUCK BUT SOUNDS FINE** I SHALL PAINT IT WHITE TO SUIT THE REST OF THE HOUSE** ITS A
SORT OF MOTTLED TURTLE COLORED OAK NOW. WE MET SENETOR CHAVEZ THE OTHER NIGHT'' WHAT

A STREAM OF POINTLESS LANGUAGE ME* STREAMS OUT OF HIM** APPARENTLY AS FAR AS I COULD
JUDGE NO GREAT FEELING FOR THE INDIANS** FEELS THAT THE WHOLE INDIAN BUREAU OUGHT TO BE
WIPED OUT** HE AND JOHN ARGUES HALF THE NIGHT** HE ASKED VERY TENDERLY ABOUT YOU, DO YOU LIKE
HIM THO? HE IS A CHARACTER BUT YE GODS WHAT A POLITICIAN. T*E** BONIES CLASS AT SCHOOL
HAD A SORT OF ENTERTAINMENT** ALL ABOUT THE DAIRY** WHERE THE CLASS HAD BEEN GOING ONE
A WEEK STUDYING THE MILK PROBLEM AND THE VARIOUS COWS AND BULLS AND SUCH** THE CHILDREN
WROTE LITTLE PIECES ABOUT IT ALL** MOSTLY** THE COW IS WHITE** IT HAS BLACK SPOTS** IT HAS
A BLACK NOSE** IT HAS A RED TONGUE** IT HAS TWO STOMACHS**(SOMETHING I NEVER KNEW BEFORE)
WELL OF COURSE BONNIES PAPER WAS DIFFERENT** ANOUNCED SHE IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS** MUCH
TO EVERY ONES AMAZEMENT**" IN COLD COUNTRIES** LIKE ALASKA YOU GET MILK FROM A
REINDEER** IN HOT COUNTRIES LIKE INDIA** YOU GET MILK FROM A DRUMADARY"" WHERE SHE
GLEAMED THOSE ALARMING FACTS FROM I DONT KNOW** THE TEACHER WAS AS STUMPED AS I *M**
WAS** AND OF COURSE THE PARENTS WHO WERE LISTENING TO TO WHOLE PERFORMANCE ROARED** AND
PEACE HAD TO BE RESTORED** BUT WITH ALL HER ORIGINALITY SHE WONT CONCENTRATE ON HER SUMS
AND SUCH** AND THE TEACHER IS STILL DEFRE** DISTRESSED ABOUT HER** AND I AM TRYING TO KEEP
HER AT THEM AT HOME** I AM BEGINNING TO BELIEVE THAT THE OLD SYSTEM WAS BETTER** INSTEAD
OF TRYING TO GET A CHILD ENTERESTED IN SUCH THINGS THEY GAVE ONE A GOOD CANNING IF ONE
DIDENT GET GOOD MARKS AND LET T GO AT THAT** BUT THERES SO MUCH TALK OF THIS AND THAT**

4

A SO BORING** I REMEMBER SANDY HAD THE SAME TROUBLE IN A DEGREE** MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN OTHER THINGS** BUT NOW HE IS AHEAD OF ANY ONE ELSE IN HIS CLASS IN THE VERY THINGS HE FAILED AT BEFORE** SO I AM HOPING ITS THE SAME THING WITH BONNIE** I AM SURE IT IS.

I HOPE I AM NOT BORING YOU** WERE YOU A MODEL PUPIL? I KNOW I WASENT AND I WAS PUNISHED TO DEATH** BUT IT DIDENT SEEM TO HELP MUCH.

HERE COMES THE DOCTOR TO LOOK AT OUR SPOTS**
SANDYS ARE DRYING UP NOW AND I AM NOT AT ALL WORRIED ABOUT HIM** BUT I DONT WANT BONNIE
TO HAVE TO BE OUT OF SCHOOL FOR TWO WEEKS WHICH SHE MAY HAVE TO BE** WAITING TO SEE IS
SHE WILL HAVE IT TO.

THIS HAS TURNED OUT TO BE QUITE A LETTER. MUST RUN NOW.

MUCH LOVE

DEAREST MABEL:

I LOVE THE BAG AND THE CHILDREN LOVE THE LOVE BIRDS** VERY GRATE**
FULL*.

DID YOU GET FLOWERS FROM US CHRISTMAS DAY? I HOPE THEY ARRIVED ALL RIGHT.

DID YOU HAVE A NICE CHRISTMAS?* JOHN HAD SHOT SOME WILD DUCK AT ZUNI AND WE HAD THEM INSTEAD OF THE USUAL TURKEY** THE COTTUMS AND DR LIGHT CAME AND HAD DINNER WITH US** VERY PLEASANT** DR LIGHT DRESSED UP TO KILL** AND VERY AMUSING AND SOCIA L** I DO THING SHE IS SOMETHING.

YOU MUST HAVE HEARD FROM JOHN THAT HE WILL BE
EAST SOON** I HOPE HE HAS SOME FUN ALONG WITH THE BUSINESS HE HAS TO DO** HE
SCOWELS AT ME WHEN I SAY THIS TO HIM AND SAYS IN A LOFTY TONE " YOU DONT SEEM
TO HAVE THE FAINTEST IDEA WHAT THE WORLD IS MAD UP OFF" I AM NOT QUITE SURE
JUST WHAT THAT MEANS** BUT I STILL HOPE HE HAS A GOOD TIME IN SPITE OF WHAT THE
WORLD IS MAD UP OFF** ITS NO CRIME IS IT TO ENJOY ONES SELF? WELL ANY HOO.

HAD A NOTE FROM NAPPY WHO SPENT HIS FURLOW ON A DESTROYER FLUNG ING ABOUT THE
NORTH SEA'' HIS IDEA OF FUN APPARENTLY'' THANK GOODNESS I DIDENT KNOW ABOUT IT.

RAFFELATA CAME BACK YESTERDAY** SHE HAD BEEN IN TAOS SINCE A WEEK BEFORE CHRIST**
MAS** WHEN WE WENT TO ZUNI I LET HER GO. THEY HAD A WONDERFUL DEER DANCE THERE

2

SO SHE SAYS.

I LOOVED THE CHALACO AT ZUNI** WE DIDENT STAY UP ALL NIGHT THO AS
BO NNIE CAVED IN ABOUT TWELVE THRITY AND WENT TO SLEEP STANDING UP** SO WE WENT
BACK TO THE LITTLE HOUSE. I HEAR THAT YOU SAW MIRIAM BRIGHT'' DID YOU SEE HER
GENTLEMAN? IS HE NICE? WELL HE MUST BE. OH I AM SO GLAD HAL WILL PUBLISH YOUR
BOOK I THINK ITS WONDERFUL'' DO YOU LIKE VERA? I AM GOING TO TRY AND FINISH
MY BOOK NOW WILL SEART AS SOON AS THE CHILDREN GET BACK TO SCHOOL** THEN WHEN
JOHN GOES EAST I CAN WORK AT NIGHT WHICH I LOVE DOING.

WELL A HAPPY NEW YEAR** MAY I

IT BRING ALL FINE THINGS TO YOU FOREVER.

LOVE FROM ALL HERE.

DEAREST MABEL:

I AM THRILLED ABOUT THE BAG** AND SO GLAD THAT IT IS THAT
SPECIAL ONE**THE LEATHER IS BOUND TO BE SO MUCH BETTER THAN ANY ONE COULD GET
NOW** AND IT WAS THAT SPECIAL BAG I FELL IN LOVE WITH** I CANT BELIEVE THAT I
AM REALLY GOING TO GET IT** SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE** ITS FUNNY HOW I RE'EM*
BERED IT ALL THEASE YEARS AND NOW MABEL TO YOUR GREAT KINDNESS I AM GOING TO GET
IT** I CAN NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH.

WE ARE GETTING TWO LOVE BIRDS FOR THE CHILDREN**
AND A CAGE WITH YOUR CHECK** THEY WANT THE BIRDS TERRIBLY** AND I THINK ITS NICE
THAT THEY DO** THEY ARE GOING TO CALL THEM MABEL AND TONY**SO** GREAT EXCITEMENT.
I AM SENDING YOU ANOTHER PRESENT IT MIGHT BE A LITTLE LATE** SO WHEN THE RATHER
SHABBY ONE ARRIVES PLEASE KNOW IT IS NOT THE ONE AND ONLY.

I HAD A TELEGRAM FROM
MRS DE GREVE (MARLISSIS' MOTHER) SHE MARRIED SOMEONE ON FRIDAY* I THINK ITS A
FINE IDEA. I HAVE RITTEN ROSE TO CALL YOU UP** SHES THE LEAST EXCITING OF THE
FAMILY BUT BY FAR THE NICEST. I SUGGESTED THAT SHE TAKE ELENOR COWLES WITH HER
WHEN SHE WENT TO SEE YOU** I THOUGHT MEBBE YOU MIGHT LIKE TO SEE HER AGAIN** SHE

2

LIVES IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL APARTMENT** OVER LOOKING THE PARK** WELL WORTH
SEEING** AND SHE GIVES WONDERFUL DINNER PARTIES** I THINK I WILL WRITE HER* HER SE
LF** ROSE IS SO VAGUE SHE MIGHT FORGET** SO WHEN SHE CALLS YOU UP** REMEMBER'''

WE ARE OFF TO ZUNI TO SEE THE DANCES FOR FOUR DAYS** I AM THRILLED TO BE GOING**

THEY HAD A VERY SWEET CHRISTMAS AFFAIR AT SANDY AND BONNIES SCHOOL** THE CHILDREN
DRESSED IN RED CHORAL BOYS SMOCKS** WITH OTHER CHILDREN SRESSED AS THE WISE MEN
AND MARY AND JOSEPH AND ALSO A DONKEY FOR MARY TO RIDE ON** THE CHILDREN CARRIED
GREEN BRANCHES AND SANG VARIOUS CHRISTMAS HYMS with the holy actors ACTING THEM
OUT WITH GESTURES** VERY SWEET** ALL IN THE PATIO** B ONNIE NATURALLY CREATED A
DISTURBANCE** BEING SO BUSY GRINNING AT ME SHE TRIPPED AND FELL OVER ONE OF THE
BENCHES** I AM SURE IT WILL ALWAYS BE THAT WAY** (MORE POWER TO HER)

WELL MUCH LOVE TO YOU BOTH AND MAY THE COMING YEAR HOLD NOTHING BUT GOOD FOR
YOU BOTH.

LOVE FROM ALL HERE.

LOVE

DEAREST MABEL:

HERES HOPING THAT THIS WILL ARRIVE BEFORE YOU DO** AS A SORT OF
WELCOME TO YOU'' I DO HOPE YOU HAVE A LOVELY TIME** LOOK YOU WOULDENT CONSIDER GOING TO DOCTO
DOCTOR DAMION? HES REALLY A BABY DOCTOR THAT IS HE DELIVERS BUT HE KNOWS AN AWFUL LOT
ABOUT WOMEN AND IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE BEST THERE IS** IF YOU CONSIDER HIM** HIS
NAME AND ADDRESS IS DR V.G. DAMON 1088 PARK AVENUE, AND MENTION MRS DUNCAN SPENCERS
NAME** JOSIE** HE REALLY IS TOPS AND A CHARMER AND GENTLE AS A LAMB**

WE HAD SUCH A NICE TIME WITH YOU BEFORE YOU LEFT BUT I WISH WE HAD COME TO THE TRAIN WITH YOU: BUT WITH MR SHEPPARD PATIENTLY WAITING IN THE LOBBY** HE WAS THERE BEFORE WE WENT INTO DINNER'' I SUPPOSE IT WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION.

I HAVE WRITTEN VERA GENNINGS'' I THINK YOU WOULD LIKE HER,
SHE USED TO BE A DRAMATIC CRITIC FOR SOME LONDON PAPER** HER MOTHER WAS AN ACTRESS''
HER FATHER NOT QUITE HER FATHER BUT SOME ONE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE** SHE WAS MORE OR LESS
BROUGHT UP BY THEATRICAL PEOPLE OVER THERE** SO SHE IS EASY TO GET ON WITH AND AMUSING
I AM GOING TO WORK ON THE HOLIDAY IDEA FOR JOHN, BUT I FEEL HE SHOULD GO ALONE, IN FACT HE
HAS TO** I CANT JUST TAKE THE KIDS OUT OF SCHOOL LIKE THAT** IT AINT FAIR TO THEM.

2

I HOPE THAT HAND GETS BETTER SOON** WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE COCKTAILS AGAIN YOU COULD FORCE AN OLIVE ON THE NAIL FILE WHILE YOU FLOURISHED AN OLD FASHIONED IN THE OTHER HAND** JUST A PLEASANT PICTURE OF THE EVER CHARMING('' STIMULATING'' AND VERY VERY GOOD AND KIND MABEL'' MUCH LOVE FROM US ALL HERE, AND AGAIN MANY MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOUR GREAT KINDNESSES, LOVE AND JOY TO YOU FOREVER'.

DEAREST MABEL:

A THOUS AND THANKS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS PRESENT: NOTHING
COULD BE MORE WELCOME. WE PLAN TO GO TO CANADA THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
ITS ONLY TWO HUNDRED MILES FROM HERE: QUEBEC: AND I SHALL SPEND THE
CHECK TMA* THERE. WE HAVENT TOLD THE CHILDREN ABOUT THEIRS YET. BUT
WILL ON CHRISTMAS DAY. THEY ARE IN FINE SHAPE. SANDY HAS DEVELOPED
SO MUCH AND SO HANDSOME AND VERY MUCH A LITTLE HE MAN: BONNIE JUST THE
SAME AS EVER: MORE SO IF ANYTHING: I AM BUSY SEWING UP A COSTUME FOR THE
SCHOOL PLAY IN WHICH SHE IS TO BE MRS SANTA CLAUS' THE LEAD AND A LONG
PART WHICH SHE READS OUT EVERY NIGHT WITH MUCH GUSTO AND EXPRESSION'
A LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT JOHN HE COMPLAINS OF HIS HEAD ALL THE TIME'
SAYS IT FEELS CONSTIPATED' AS IF IT NEEDS CLEANING OUT. AND OFTEN
HURTS A LOT: I AM WORKING ON HIM TO GO TO THE DOCTOR AND FIND OUT
JUST WHAT IT IS' BUT YOU KNOW HOW HE IS ABOUT THAT. HE IS BUSY
WRITING THO WHICH IS FINE. BONNIE IS TO HAVE HER TONSILS OUT AFTER CHRIS
TMAS' I HAVE A HORROR OF THAT' I THINK ITS AMAZING ABOUT JENNIE AND
FRANK' I THOUGHT HE WAS MARRIED ALREADY' OR DID THAT ONE NOT TAKE?
I DO THINK THAT THEY OUGHT TO BE VERY HAPPY TOGETHER BOTH BEING SUCH
NICE PEOPLE' HOW IS BETTY DOING' I HAVENT HEARD FROM HER AT ALL' POOR
VINCENT AND MERCEDES ARE VERY WORRIED ABOUT THEIR BABY DAUGHTER IT SEEMS
SHE HAS BRIGHTS DESEASE' WHICH SEEMS STRANGE IN ONE SO YOUNG. NOT TWO
YET' I WAS IN NEW YORK NOT LONG AGO HELPING MARLISS HAVE HER BABY'
I GOT SO EXCITED' AND SHE WAS SO CALM' THE LAST THING SHE DID WHEN I
LEFT HER AT THE DELIVERY ROOM WAS TO ASK ME TO GET HER SOME MAGAZINES
TO READ' I CALLED NAPPY UP AND HE CAME RUSHING UP AND WE WENT AND HAD
A VERY EXPENSIVE LUNCH TWO COCKTAILS BEFORE A BRANDY AFTER' THEN TO THE
HOSPITAL WHERE WE SAT FOR THE MOST PART IN TROUBLED SILENCE FOR EIGHT

2

HOURS' ON TWO VERY HARD CHAIRS: AT THE END OF A LONG BLEAK POLISHED
CORRIDOR. THEN WHEN MARLISS APPEARED. I RUSHED OFF TO HALS WHERE NAPPY
WAS TO JOIN ME. THERE I TRIED TO INDUCE HAL TO GET A BOTTLE OF
CHAMPAGNE TO LET NAPPY CELEBRATE WITH. BUT NOT AT ALL'' HE HAD JUST
ENOUGH RUM TO MAKE ONE COCKTAIL FOR NAPPY' AND FURTHER HE WOULD NOT GO'
SO SISTER RUSHED OUT AND DID IT'' NAPPY IS DOING SO WELL IN HIS JOB''
HE IS BEING TRAINED BY J P MORGAN' EVEN SENT TO NIGHT SCHOOL'' IN ONE MO
RE YEAR' HE WILL BE GIVEN SOME KIND OF IMPORTANT JOB'' WHICH THEY HAVE
TRAINED HIM FOR. HE GETS TO THE OFFICE AT NINE AND USUALLY DOSENT COME
BACK UNTIL SEVEN OR EIGHT WHICH IS A LONG GRIND' I HOPE IT IS ALL WORTH
IT. HE IS VERY AMUSING ABOUT IT ALL' BUT WANTS TO WRITE ALSO AND I DONT
SEE HOW HE CAN MANAGE THAT TOO' WELL ANY HOO'.

PAT HAS BEEN IN THE HOSPITA
L WITH A COLLAR BONE BROKEN IN THREE PLACES WHICH HE GOT FROM A FALL
WHILE HUNTING' IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN EVERY YEAR'' I HAD SUCH A NICE TIME
WITN PAT AND JOSIE THIS LAST TIME. THEY BOTH SEEM SO HAPPY AND SHE MUCH
LESS TIED UP. AND LOOKS VERY BEAUTIFUL'' SORT OF SPARKLING'' THE WEATHER
IS VERY STRANGE' I AM STILL GETTING LETTUCE OUT OF THE GARDEN'' JUST TODX
AY I WENT AND GOT SOME' IT RAINS A GOOD DEAL: AND OCCASIONALY A FLUTTER
OF SNOW WHICH NEVER RESTS ON THE GROUND FOR LONG. THE CHILDREN ARE
VERY DISSAPOINTED ABOUT THIS: THEY HAVE THEIR SLEIGHS AND SKATES AND
SKIS ALL IN LINE WAITING'' AND IT DOES LITTLE BUT RAIN AND DRIP''.

WE HAVE A TERRIFIC IRISH COOK' WHO IS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF LEAVING HER
HUSBAND SO WONT GO HOME ON SUNDAYS AS SHE IS SUPPOSED TO DO: SHE DOES A
LOT OF WEEPING' AND IS SO NERVOUS THAT MOST EVERYTHING SHE SERVES UP
IS EITHER BURN' OR RAW' BUT IF SHE SPRINKLED THE FOOD WITH ARSNIC I
WOULD BE STILL GRATEFUL TO HER' SHE HAS WITH HER A LITTLE GIRL HER NEICE
WHOSE NAME IS MARY AND VERY SWEET SHE IS. ABOUT TWELVE: THEY ARE BOTH
CATHOLICS AND THEY DO TOOTLE OFF TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY MORNING' WHICH IS

3

A RELIEF' THE LITTLE GIRL IS BEING PRIMED TO BE COME A NUN WHICH I
THINK IS AWFUL'' SHE IS SO GOOD TO BONNIE' AND SANDY HAS A TERRIFIC
CRUSH ON HER. YOUR CHRISTMAS CARD JUST CAME IN THIS MINUTE'' SMELLS SO
LOVELY'' THE SUN HAS COME OUT AT LAST IT HAS RAINED A ND THE WIND
SCHREIKED ALL NIGHT LONG. I HAVE BEEN & PAINTING TIN TRAYS FOR CHRISTMAS
PRESENTS'' BUT NOT FOR YOU MAM'' CONSIDERING HOW YOU FELT ABOUT THE ONE
I DID FOR YOU A LONG TIME AGO' THIS TIME ITS MOSTLY SEA SHELLS' AND IF
YOU FEEL THAT YOU MIGHT CARE FOR ONE I SHALL CERTAINLY DO ONE FOR YOU:
BUT NOT FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT NATURALLY''

WELL I MUST STOP' AND GO OUT A
AND TRY AND ROUSE THE COOK IN HER SORROW AND HAVE HER DO SOMETHING ABOUT
LUNCH. WE HAVE BREAKFAST AT SEVEN AND ONE GETS HUNGRY'

HOW IS EVERYTHING
WITH YOU''? HAVE YOU A COOK? I DO HOPE SO AND A VERY GOOD ONE I HOPE'
BONNIE AND I TURN ON THE VICTROLA EVERY NOW AND THEN AND DANCE AROUD THE
THE HOUSE LIKE MAD' SANDY DOSENT APPROVE MUCH'' JOHN WORRIES ABOUT THE
BRIC A BRACK'' BUT WE HAVE A TERRIFIC WORK OUT''

MUCH LOVE AND MANY THANKS AGAIN. AND THE BEST OF ALL THINGS TO YOU AND
TONY.

LOVE

PS.

I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THIS I SUDDENLY THOUGHT THAT
IT MIGHT AMUSE YOU. ONE DAY IN NEW YORK I WAS HAVING LUNCH
WITH SOME FRIENDS, THE BREVOORT AND AS I SAT WAITING FOR THEM TO S
SHEW UP I SPOTTED ALICE THURSBY, SITTING ALONE AT A TABLE ENTIRELY
SURROUNDED BY COCKTAIL GLASSES AND GAYLY INBIBING RED WINE WITH
HER DINNER. I WENT OVER AND MUCH TO MY SURPRISE SHE REMEMBERED WHO
I WAS, AND INSTANTLY ASKED ABOUT YOU AND HAD I SEEN YOU LATELY, SHES
SUCH A WRETCH, BUT SUCH AN ADORABLE WRETCH, SHE KEPT SAYING ABOUT YOU,
APPARENTLY SHE LIVES AT THE BREVOORT WITH WHAT SHE CALLS A KEEPER, WHO
WAS HAVING LUNCH ALONE AT ANOTHER TABLE, I WONT ALLOW HER TO EAT WITH ME,
SHE IS A PERFECTLY HORRID PERSON, SHE THEN WENT ON TO EXPLAIN ALL
THE COCKTAIL GLASSES ON THE TABLE, THE DOCTOR SAYS SHE INSITS THAT
I DRINK COCKTAILS BEFORE EVERY MEAL, THEN TO ME, LET ME TELL YOU
COMETHING IF YOU WANT TO BE HEALTHY AND LIVE A LONG HAPPY LIFE HAVE WINE
AT EVERY MEAL, HAVE WINE EVEN AT BREAKFAST, I ALLOWED AS TO HOW I WOULD
CONSIDER IT, I SAID I WOULD HAVE LUNCH WITH HER NEXT DAY, BUT IT SUDDENLY
DAWNED ON ME THAT AS OFTEN AS SHE ASKED ME SHE NEVER SEEMED TO REMEMBER
THAT SHE HAD, SO I DIDENT GO, SHE SEEMS VERY WANDERED, BUT SO CUNNING AND
ALERT AND ACIDLY GAY AT THE SAME TIME. IN HER BLACK CLOTHES AND HER ABURN
WIG, SHE TOLD ME ALL ABOUT MR BRISBANE, HE WAS MY BROTHER, DID YOU EVER
R KNOW HIM? WELL HE WAS THE ONLY MAN WHO COULD THROW JOHN L SULLIVAN,
I COULD HAVE SAT WITH HER INDIFANATELY BUT MY FRIENDS TURNED UP, AND AFTER
I HAD INTRODUCED THEM TO HER? SHE INSISTED UPON IT, WE LEFT HER, ALTHOUGH
BEFORE SHE LEFT SHE TEETERED OVER TO OUR TABLE TO ASK US ALL JUST WHAT OUR
NAMES WERE AND INVITE US TO HAVE LUNCH WITH HER NEXT DAY, WHICH WE ALL AGREE
TO DO, BUT AS SHE LEFT, SHE ANNOUNCED GAYLY, "WELL I AM SO SORRY THAT
YOU CANT ALL HAVE LUNCH WITH ME TOMORROW, SO THAT WAS THAT.

DEAR MABEL

IT WAS NICE HEARING FROM YOU' ITS A LONG TIME'' IT WAS
FUNNY BUT JUST THE DAY YOUR LETTER ARRIVED I HAD THOUGHT " I THINK
I WILL WRITE TO MABEL'' TELL HER HOW THINGS ARE'' AND PRESTO THERE WAS
YOUR LETTER'' AND HERE IS MINE.

I THINK I LIKE SISTERS HUSBAND'' ITS
HARD TO REALLY SAY'' SOMETIMES I DO AND SOMETIMES I DONT'' OF COURS ITS A
LITTLE DIFFICULT SINCE THE REST OF THE FAMILY ARE VERY MUCH AGAINST HIM'
THE MAIN REASON BEING THAT HE IS VERY HAPPY GO LUCKY'' NOT MUCH TO LIVE
ON AND APPARENTLY NOT MUCH BOTHERED BY IT'' ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE REALY
Y EXCELLENT PROVIDED HE HAS SOMETHING TO MAKE UP FOR ALL OR TO MAKE ALL
THAT WORTH WHILE'' I AM NOT QUITE SURE'' I DONT FEEL ANY GREAT WEIGHT
THERE'' BUT HE IS*IDFFERENT* ' DIFFERENT' BUT I CANT QUITE EXPLAIN HOW''
ITS EITHER MY LIMATATION OR HIS: I CANT SAY FOR SURE'' HE IS TALL
DARK AND HANDSOME'' AND HE SINGS AND PAINTS AND IS FOND OF NATURE AND
HAS SIMPLE RADICAL VIEWS ON EVERYTHING'' AND SISTER SAYS HE IS THE BEST
IN THE SENCE OF 'GOOD'' IST PERSON SHE HAS EVER KNOWN'' THE REST OF THE
FAMILY INCLUDING JOHN ARE TEARING THEIR HAIR OUT BY THE HANDFULLS ABOUT
IT ALL'' PAT AND JOSIE AND HAL' A GREAT DEAL BECAUSE HE IS NOT WELL SEATED
IN POUNDS AND PENNIES''. THEY SISTER AND GEORGE ARE COMING UP HERE IN
FIVE DAYS SO IF YOU SEND THEM SOMETHING AND I DO WOSH YOU WOULD'' FOR THE
SIMPLE REASON THAT THEY SEEM TO HAVE SO LITTLE'' AND BESIDES SISTER WOULD
BE MADE VERY HAPPY TO THINK THAT YOU WANTED TO'' THEY HAVE AS YET NO
PERMENT ADDRESS'' NOT UNTIL THE FALL'' THEY ARE BOTH VERY HAPPY' WE SPOKE
TO THEM ON THE TELEPHONE THE OTHER NIGHT AND THEY WERE BOTH BRIMMING OVER

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WITH JOY AND PLEASURE''.SO****.

ABOUT NATALIES' 'BILL'' HE IS REALLY A FIRST RATE PERSON'' CHARMING AND GIFTED AND I AM CRAZY ABOUT HIM''HE REALLY IS A DARLING''YOU WOULD LIKE HIM EVER SO MUCH'' NATALIE HAS CHANGED SO'' MUCH MORE OUT GOING'' STILL A LITTLE NARROW AND CAREFUL'' AND IN A WAY ITS A GOOD THING AS FAR AS BILL IS CONCERNED BECAUSE HE IS VERY MUCH THE OTHER WAY'' AND SHE WITH HER SMALL HANDS LOOKS AFTER THINGS FOR HIM VERY CLEVERLY AND NICELY'' I AM NOT SAYING THIS MEENLY SINCE I DO REALLY LOVE NATALIE'' EVEN IF I AM AWARE OF HER DIFFERANCES FROM THE THING I USUALLY FALL FOR''AND ITS A GREAT DEAL TO HER CREDIT THAT I LIKE HER SINCE ITS NOT THE KIND OF THING I USUALLY LIKE. BILL IS CRAZY ABOUT HER AND SHE CERTAINLY IS ABOUT HIM AND ITS ALL FINE'' I SAW NANCY AT SISTERS WEDDING AND SHE WORRIED ME A LOT'' I INSTINCTIVELY LIKE HER '' MORE REALLY THAN NATALIE'' SHE MUCH MORE OUT GOING AND WARM'' AND I DONT KNOW, I HAD THE FEELING THAT SHE HAD BEEN HORRIBLY HURT SOMEHOW'' AND WAS AFFECTING A TOUGH BUSINESS'' AND HER EYES HAD THAT COMPLEATLY BLIND** A REFUSING TO SEE: THAT I REMEMBER YOU ONCE POINTED OUT'' HER MANNER IS GUSHING AND HARD AT THE SAME TIME'' I HAVENT MET HER YOUNG MAN YET BUT WILL IF I GO TO THE WEDDING'' I FEEL THAT ALL HER MANNER IS DEFENSIVE'' AND BECAUSE OF THAT: AND THE FEELING I HAVE ABOUT HER NATURAL SELF'' I WORRY BUT RESPECT HER ALL THE MORE'' THERES MORE GOOD MANURE ON HER BOOTSTHAN NATALIE COULD EVER HAVE SPREAD ONHER ON HER GARDEN'' I WISH I KNEW WHAT BOTHERED HER'' IS IT ALICE'? AND SHE HAS TOLD ME ENOUGH TO MAKE ME THINK IT IS TO A CERTAIN EXTENT'' AND SO HAS NATALIE'' BUT WITH NANCY I FEEL ITS MORE THAN THAT'' BUT THANK GOD FOR THE UNHAPPY GENEROUS PEOPLE IN THE WORLD'' I THINK THEY ARE BETTER OFF. TISH IS APPARENTLY A WONDERFUL DANCER'' AND DANCES IN A GROUP AT COLLEDGE'' AND MAKES UP DANCES'' SHE HAS A BEAUTY AND IS APPARENTLY VERY WELL PLEASED WITH THINGS'' I ALWAYS THOUGHT SHE HAD A TALENT'' I HAVENT SEEN HER DANCE BUT JOHN SAYS THAT SHE SITS IN A ROOM

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WITH GREAT GRACE AND LOOKS LIKE A DANCER'' HE HASENT SEEN HER DANCE
BETWEEN I WILL GIVE YOU NATALIES ADDRESS LATER WHEN I LOOK IN THE BOOK''
JOHN, BONNIE, AND SANDY, ARE OUT CATCHING EELS'' ITS SPRING HERE'' APPLE
BLOSSOMS'' I HAVE THE VEGETABLE GARDEN ALMOST PLANTED'' LITTLE TREES''
THAT WERE KNEE HIGH WHEN WE WENT TO POSTON NOW ARE AS HIGH AS THE ROOF
AND HAVE HAD THEIR UNDER BRANCHES CUT OFF. WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE HOUSE
JACKED UP SINCE IT SUNG A GOOD** SUNK A GOOD* A GOOD FOUR FEET WHILST WE
WERE A WAY'' ALSO TWO GES POOL AND ALL THE PIPES'' ALSO NEW FLOORS'' ALSO
NEW PAINT'' AND I DO SO WANT ANOTHER BATHROOM'' OUR FAMILY IS GROWING UP
AND ONE HAS TO WAIT IN LINE. HORRIBLE''. BONNIE NOW PAINTS IN OIL''
GREAT DASHES OF PAINT AND HER LEGS LOOKLIKE THOSE BATACK DRESSES THAT
PEOPLE USED TO MAKE IN GREENWICH GREENICH VILLAGE'' SHE WAS A FLOWER GIRL
AT SISTERS WEDDING'' IN A LONG DRESS WITH GREEN BOWS OF THIN VELVET DOWN THE
FRON OF HER BODY, AND A WREATH OF IVY AND LILY OF THE VALLY ON HER HAIR
VERY LOVELY AND FEY LOOKING'' SANDY IS CAPTAIN* CAPTAIN OF THE LOCAL
SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM. AND LAST SATURDAY PLAYED SEDWICK'' HE LEFT THE HOUSE
AT TEN WITH HIS LUNCH IN A PAPER BAG'' THE GAME WAS TO TAKE PLACE AT TWO''
ALL DAY LONG WE WORRIED ABOUT HIM AND HIS GAME'' AT SIX HE CAME BACK ON HIS
BICYCLE AND THEY HAD IN HIS OWN WORD SKUNKED'' SEDWICK'' A GREAT VICTORY.
SO, JOHN SEEMS VERY MUCH BETTER'' BUT NOT REALLY WELL AS YET'' UP AND
DOWN'' WELL I SEEM TO HAVE ANSWERED ALL YOUR QUESTIONS AND A LOT MORE
BESIDES'' FOR THOSE YOU WILL BE KIND AND FORGIVE ME''. WILL YOU PLEASE
GIVE MY LOVE TO SPUD AND TONY AND ANY OTHER WHO MIGHT CARE

Dear Mabel:

I had forgotten that you were not living in the big house-- and I shouldent want to crowd-- so what do you think of this plan-- that is if you feel like having the children for a couple of days-- I can very well stay in Santa Fe-- or go to the Inn in Taos-- and then you could have the children alone-- they are easy to cope with now since they dress themselves and eat regular meals with every body else-- I could arrange or rather pay for someone to come and look after them if that you would prefer-- There is no special reason for you seeing me at all-- but I thought you would like to see the children-- but if you dont feel so-- just say so and I'll naturally understand-- I shall be driving out-- and wont leave here until the end of July-- and shall stopp off quite a lot on the way-- staying with Pat and Josie for a few days-- and some others-- Sister will be with me so all will be easy--.

Sandy is home now-- but still quite shaky-- he couldent walk at first and is still pretty shoogly-- but is eating well-- but still not quite nerviously agusted--- one good thing thought-- the whole business hasent acared him-- he talks about it and remembers every detail of the operations-- and apparently observed everything-- and that is all good I think--.

We are so excited about going to Arizona-- John is doing a tremendous job-- they are practically building three towns-- from scratch-- and he is Assistant Director of the whole project -- he is a wonderful organiser it seems and is in his element-- he starts

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getting paid next month and that will be wonderful-- not to have to
worry and watch every penny all the time--I am sorry that you are so
hard up-- what a bother money is I hate the stuff--.

Did I tell you "happy is in the Air Force-- where he is just now I do
nt know-- the last I heard from him he was sitting in his room at
Camp waiting to be moved somewhere unknown-- they had handed him
a Cork Helmet -- so it must be the Tropics --

Well I must run-- let me know what you think about seeing the children
we could always do it later some time-- but they grow up so quickly--
What ever you decide will be fine with me-- as a matter of fact we
could all stay at a Ranch or something-- perhaps that would be better
r--? and then you could have them when ever it suited-- perhaps that we
would be better-- but do let me know-- I don't want to arrive and
be told by the cook that you don't want to see us--it's too far
out of the way to take any chances-- *you know* what I mean--?

I have a tremendous job of packing to do-- all the kitchen ware--
china sheets-- table stuff and silver-- I have no help yet of any kind
and won't get any now-- just for this time-- the neighbours are terribly
nice and come in and help.

Do let me know when it suits you and do remember that what ever it is
you want I'll do it whole heartedly-- so don't just be nice and say
come if you don't want it-- it never works--.

Much Love.

Dear Mabel.

Sandy has been very sick-- I took him to the Hospital to have his Tonsils out--- and after the operation he had a <sup>11</sup>Emmorige-- then he came down with Influenza-- For ten <sup>10</sup>Days I have been living in the Hospital-- with him-- but now he seems on the mend but must stay for a while yet and be carefully watched-- his temperature still goes up and down-- for five days he had a temperature of 104-- so you can see-- Bonnie got the flue also so she had to go to the <sup>11</sup>ospital-- but in one week she was out-- and kind friends in Blue Hill looked after her. When I got home I found that the sewer had backed up and the bathrooms were flooded with horrors-- so-I-it is being dug up and the cess pools cleaned out-- horrors''.

John has been made Assistant director of the War <sup>11</sup>elocation Project-- POSTON ARIZONA-- its a very important job and when the Government approves of his appointment he will be paid a salary-- if they would only hurry up-- but all in good time-- we will join him whenever we can get straightened out here-- and I thought that on the way it would be nice to drop off and see you-- it would be wonderful for the children if you approve-- Sandy has developed into something to sing about-- and Bonnie is very original and amusing--.

Now look-- this bill I send you-- it is the last payment on the <sup>1</sup>ice ch chest in La <sup>2</sup>osta-- remember we got one in and I said that I would leave it for you-- I am pretty well strapped this month-- and I wonder if you would be kind enough to pay it and I shall repay you next month--

I hate doing this-- but truly I haven't the money to spare-- Sandy has two <sup>3</sup>Nurses all the time and the <sup>4</sup>ospital bill will be something--and also Bonnies-- I wouldent bother you but I am afraid that they might take the chest back and it would be a pity to loose what has already been paid

I am going to try and morgage this place so as to help out-- I hope the Government allows such business-- any how I will find out--