Burlington W.Va.
May, 6, 1917Dear Mary -
Truly, I meant to answer your letter right away when I got it, but, as usual, I delayed. I cannot begin to tell you all your letter meant to me but I hope I may be able to express in a measure my appreciation of your kindness. Your words brought home espicially [sic] the great truth that "all things work together for good to them that love the Lord." It is very hard to understand why a man in the very prime of his young manhood should be called away so suddenly and I think for that very reason we must needs [sic] trust more fully -
I enjoyed so much hearing of your vacation last summer. I have never ceased to regret my inability to be with you and can only console myself by thinking that some day we may be able to spend some time together at the sea shore. I thought it might be possible that Ann and I could join you in a cottage some summer and hope we can. But with this horrible war in progress, I suppose we may not expect to make any plans for the future.
It seems hard to realize that we must be drawn into the war. None of our boys has gone yet but the draft will catch a great many of them.
I even had Red Cross notions in my head but thought I better stay at home and help raise things on the farm. My sister Charlotte is taking the First Aid course in Fairmont where she is at school Can you imagine that child old enough to begin teaching next year? She finishes her teachers training this summer and will have a school next winter.
I must tell you about the quail that has built a nest in the upper end of our strawberry bed. In March we had a very heavy snow fall that lasted several days so I put out grain for a bunch of quail that came down from the woods every day to eat. And now they are rewarding us by building in our garden and eating bugs and insects and also furnishing us with music. I am very fond of the "Bob White" call and that peculiar little whistle they give.
I was initiated into the Order of Eastern Star last week in Keyser. I have forgotten whether any of your men are Masons but if they are not you know the Eastern Star is the womens [sic] branch of the Masons and mothers, wives, sisters or daughters of Masons may join it. Arnold was a Mason and so I am eligible. Of course, it is a secret Order so I cannot tell you anything about it. I am anxious to go to a meeting soon to see if I have forgotten the passwords. It would be a good joke on me if I have.
I recieved [sic] a card from Wayne at Christmas time saying he was in the south and I have been wondering what he was doing down there. Is he still there and what is he doing? Since writing this question I note you say in your letter that you are all at home and of course that means Wayne too. I was so much interested in your account of the doings in your family. I am sure you enjoyed your visit to Washington Easter. I love to roam about Washington and never tire of looking at the Monument. Did you see it at night with the finger of light on it? And another thing I liked to do was just sit on a park bench and gaze at the Capitol. Simple pleasures, are they not? I wish I were going there to the Confederate Reunion in June but it is not possible. My best girl friend is to be married at that time so I must be at the wedding.
I know I am going to miss her horribly when she goes away. What does one do when ones friends get married? It has been my experience that things are never quite the same afterwards. I am not sure whether you met this girl. It is Nell Johnson and she lives in Keyser. Altho Keyser is thirteen miles away we manage to see a great deal of each other. She is a real true friend. She lets me unload all my cares and pleasures upon her sholders [sic] - and my love affairs - when I have any - and last and the greatest test of all, she laughs at all my jokes. So you can imagine that I am going to miss her!
Our family is quite small this winter - just mother, father, Ed and I. Mother is right well most of the time. Certainly far better than she was this time last year. It is so good to see her strong and active.
I wish you a delightful visit to South Hadley and a very pleasant summer all around
Lovingly
Mary.Write when you can -