Amanuensis Monday - Mr. & Mrs. Paul L Moore

I know that many of you were following my “Amanuensis Monday” and the letters between Pvt. Paul Moore and Elaine Cummings. Through those letters we have been able to take a peek into their lives from the first meeting to the birth of their little girl. We even able to meet her father, F. L. Cummings and see the love he had for his daughter and granddaughter. I wanted to share the last few cards that were written between all of those important in their lives. I hope you have enjoyed these letters and I have few more collections similar to this that I will share at some point. 

 Dec 10, 1947

Hi!

Bet the kids are sure excited about Christmas, I sure am. I’m wondering what Terry will do when he sees our tree. We are going to have present next June too, should be about the 13^th. Sure hope it’s a girl. Terry will be 15 months old, so it won’t be too bad. Hope that takes some of the meanness out of him, he sure has a lot of it, at 9 months too. Wonder what he will be like in a couple of years?

Have a nice Christmas

Love to all

Betty, Arlow, Terry

NOTE: This was a hand written note/letter on a Christmas card mailed to Mr. & Mrs. Paul Moore & family 321 Union St. Apt C Newark, Ohio on Dec 17 1947. ***The names singed on the card are Arlow, Betty & Terry True***

Sun. Dec 14

Dear Paul, Elaine and Girls:

  Hope to see you all Christmas, but in the meantime, wanted to say “hello”. I know I owe you a letter but it is so easy to not write. Anyway, we think of you all, and speak of you often and would like very much to see you. Iva, earl and Dorothy were here for the week-end, just left this evening. We all went to Paden City this forenoon to see the folks. We had not been there for a long time. We don’t get around much since we sold the car.

Love and Best Wishes

Mary

NOTE: This was a handwritten note included with a Christmas card addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Moore and Daughters, 321 Union Apt. C, Newark, Ohio. Mailed out of Middlebourne, W.VA Dec 15 1947. ****The names on the card are Doll and Mary

Dear Elaine, Paul and Children

  I often think o you and wonder how you all are I imagine the girls are really growing up. Sure would like to see you, I suppose you will be coming back to Omaha for a visit one of these. Hope you are well & happy and that you have a very nice Xmas & prosperous New Year.

Love

 Aunt Emma

NOTE: This was a note written on a Christmas card addressed to Mr. & Mrs. Paul Moore & Girls, 321 Union St. Apt. C, Newark, Ohio. The return address is Mrs. A.G. Larsen, 2452 Ave E, Council Bluffs, Iowa postmarked Dec 16 1947.

***The names on the Emma & Arvin****

Dear Paul & Elaine:

Seems I never get you letters answered when we should. Yes we’ve talked of a trip to see you several times and one of these days we’ll make it. But I can’t promise when.

Lenny went squirrel and deer hunting too but had no luck.

How are the girls? Ours have had bad colds this month.

I spent last month in the hospital so seems everything had been so far behind including my Christmas mailing.

Tell Paul I try to get Lenny to write but all he’d do was sign the cards for me. At least that’s a help. We talk so much of you folks & wish we’d get together. If you have an opportunity do come down – or if your near here let us know & well drive over.

Love Margaret, Lenny & girls

NOTES: This was a letter mailed with a Christmas card. The card is signed with Margaret, Lenny, Lucky, Pattchs Edmond. The envelope is mailed to Mr.  & Mrs. Paul L. Moore, 321 Union Ave., Newark, Ohio on Dec. 18 1947. The return address on the back reads Mr.  & Mrs. Jas. L. Edmond, Box 233, Maxie, W. Va.

Amanuensis Monday - Sadly the Separation Continues

February 1, 1944

Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Dad,

  Received you gift today and its really swell. The locket & bracelet are just beautiful, so tiny. They are a little big now but I can hardly wait to put them on her. Thank you Dad they are just what I wanted.

  Have you heard from Dr. or Paul? Paul says he’ll know pretty defiantly whether or not he'll have to go between the 1^st or 15^th so I’m thinking of leaving in 3 weeks. I can imagine how proud you were seeing Jr. name on the Honor Roll. I’m proud too.

  Well I just fed the baby and have her back to sleep. I hope, she’s really awfully good tho, and she’s so cute. She’s growing so much and just looks at everything she can focus her eyes. They are turning brown too.

  I’m feeling swell and have to call the Dr. to let him know how I am. Then Sun. I’ll be able to go out.

  I’m going over to Uncle Ch as decided that would be better than having them here.

  Mrs. Rita came up to see me & the baby she sure that she was a little doll.

Sunday I got grandmas trunk so I’m going to start packing. I called Mrs. Brown yesterday, she wants me over for dinner before I go, so I’m going to be pretty busy seeing everyone and preparing to leave. If Paul must go I think I’ll leave anyway & go to W.Va. I haven’t made any arrangements with Aunt Marg & she doesn’t want anything but somehow I feel I’d like to give her something. ????? I’ll need all I can get now.

  I ?????? to Jr tonite and I had a letter from Joyce telling me about the make up ??? Guess she’s very pleased & she thinks you have very good taste, so do I.

  I haven’t said anything to Grandma all tho from all I’ve heard she really made a fuss over Aunt Mar notifying everyone & was quite insulting. I’ll be glad to get away from all the fracas for its quite nerve wracking.

  The baby is really fussing but I’m letting her cry for if I spoil her I’ll really be tough. She’s just mad not hungry. It gives her exercise sure wish you could see her.

  Dad I wish you good luck on the house and I’ve been thinking if Paul leaves I’ll go to W.Va. then maybe by the time of your vacation, you’ll have things settled. You can come get me & help me take care of her on the train. Does that sound ok?

  What do you think of the Japs & their terrible atrocious. It’s just too horrible I hope we bomb off the face of the earth. I can’t help but believe it for I read that magazine you had on their treatment of the Chinese.

  I have to take the certified copy of Carol Ann’s birth certificate back to the City hall for they didn’t put down her name. Anything to delay me getting it sent in to the Army. And I’ll need that extra money too.

  Boy I’ll sure be glad to see a change of environment I think they are rather tired of me too. I guess I can hardly blame them for I’ve stayed longer than I ever should have. But as John says I really have learned a lesson sometimes I think my lessons will never end.

   Well Dad I should try to get some sleep & I haven’t taken my exercises I have to keep them up if expect to get my figure back. I don’t weigh what I did in fact I weighed myself today, I weigh about 132 ½. I’ve lost my big behind, I hope I can keep it down.  But I have a tummy to lose too. Really feels good tho no to have that extra weight I really didn’t need.

  Well I’m gonna close and will write again Thurs.

  Thanks a million again Dad for the gift. They are perfect.

Lots of Love

Elaine & Carol Ann

NOTE:This is a two page letter handwritten on both sides, envelope addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle 11, Washington. The return address is: Mrs. Paul Moore 3117 So 52 St., Omaha 7, Nebr. mailed on Feb 2 1944.

February 3, 1944

Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Dad,

  Well I just put the baby to sleep. She’s been good all day but was a little fussy tonite she’s really growing and I believe she’ going to have brown eyes. I’m feeling fine and will be glad when I can go downtown.

  Paul called me long distance last nite and reversed the charges. He was very upset for he hadn’t heard from me since last Fri. But when I told him I hadn’t heard from him in 11 days while I was in the hospital he kinda pulled in his horns. Then to top it off three days have gone by this week & I haven’t heard from him. He told me to keep planning on coming to see him???? he seemed worried he wouldn’t be there. He put a deposit on a house so he would have a place for us to stay.

  He hasn’t written to Aunt Marg yet and I don’t know what I’ll do if he doesn’t. If you write to him try to explain the necessity. Will you?

Evelyn & Johnny were over yesterday to see the baby. Evelyn gave me a dollar for her. Then Shirley came over too.

  I had a letter from Aunt Gladys but she didn’t have much to say except to congratulate us, said C.J. boyfriend was operated on for appendicitis.

  Then I also got a letter back from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Dad they don’t have a record of my seasonal payment on file. I wrote them all the details about it buy they can’t seem to find it. I don’t know what I’ll do if I have to pay it again. You know I sent a money order but like a fool I didn’t keep the stub. Like I say my lessons will never cease, seems like I have more thinks to worry about I should be getting my next check this week. I’ll have $100.00 but that won’t last long after I pay for the telephone call, the telegrams & any my train ticked I’ll also have an express bill too when I send the trunk.

  Haven’t heard from Junior for a while but suppose he is busy. Grandma called today saying she had a letter from you. By the way don’t you think you’ll be able to come see me on your vacation no matter if I’m with Paul or in W. Va.? I’ll be planning on that for sure.

  The baby was crying so Ken Jr. felt sorry for her so he goes in & pat her for a while & shacked her bed & finally quieted her for awhile. He feels pretty proud for he figured he had the right touch. ????? she’s at it again guess she’s really going to bawl – he’s in there again. I’ll have him experienced I imagine her crying nerve racking when they aren’t used to it. The all take their hand at it except Uncle Ken.

  Did I tell you I was going over to Uncle Chas Sunday. They were coming over here but dumb Mary doesn’t care to have Aunt Loretta here. So I had to change plans. I hope they don’t have any brawls till I leave for I don’t want to be implicated. It all dates back to when Beverly was up here & her going over there. Aunt Loretta said something to me that I don’t understand nor take the way Aunt Marg said it was intended. If I had I never would have told her but I just told her what Aunt Loretta said about Bev causing so much trouble & saying thinks about Betty which weren’t true. Things are too confusing & ??? to me but I don’t want Aunt Marg to get me in bad with them.

  I can hear Kenneth giving Bob heck for stomping up the stairs while the baby is asleep. The men are the only two who show any consideration there. The rest figure she should get accustomed to noise. It make me awfully nervous but there’s nothing I can do.

  You know its sure funny but since I’ve had the baby I can hardly keep warm at nite. I woke up & I’m just soaked with sweat & then get the chills. Maybe I lost too much blood.

  Well Dad I’m gonna close fro I’ll have to get some sleep for I never know how long the baby will keep me awake. And after I feed her at 9 in the morning I’m up for the day regardless. And I have several things to do.

Lots of Love

Elaine

Write soon.

NOTES: This is a two page handwritten letter on both sides. The envelope is addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle11, Washington. It was mailed Feb 4 1944 the return address is Mrs. Paul Moore, 3117 St. 52 St., Omaha 7, Nebr. 

Amanuensis Monday - A Newborn with Military Separation.

Jan. 28, 1944

Omaha, Nebr.

Dear Dad,

  Well I’m home now so will try to get my letters caught up on. It really feels good to be out of the hospital.

  The baby is fine and I’m feeling pretty good. Bob & Deb are sure crazy about her. They hold her all the time. All tho the baby is pretty good.

  I got my first letter from Paul yesterday. He’s been in L.A. I’ve been quite put out to think he didn’t write at least at that time but I’ll remember it. He was in LA. I don’t intend to write to him all week & boy I’ll be getting a L.D. call wanting to know what the heck is the matter.

  The baby is sure fusing now cause I told them to put her in bed. She still has another hour before feeding.

  Aunt Jill was up and she’s really crazy about her. She gave her a little dress. Then Darlene gave me 3 receiving blankets, a baby book a bunting a lovely silk nitie.

  I’ve been feeling pretty good although my back is still pretty weak. I’ll be glad when I can set up for awhile without wanting to bend over.

  I’m glad you had a nice time in Spokane. Wish you could have come here but I’ll see you this summer. Had a letter from the Moore’s they are expecting Ernie to come home on furlo. Jr. wrote to me & also another on to uncle Chas. I think he should write to grandma J. and Aunt Marg. Grandma J. & Ernie sent the baby two dollars.

  Well Dad this is short but I’ve so many letters to write & I want to write to Jr.  

  Write soon I promise a longer letter next time.

  We had a thunder storm the other nite. Imagine in Jan. We are having very peculiar weather.

               

Lots of Love

                Elaine & Carol Ann

                P.S. I named her Carol Ann.

NOTES: The letter was handwritten on both the front and back of one sheet of paper. The envelope was addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle 11, Washington. The return address was from Mrs. Paul Moore, 3117 So 52 St., Omaha 7, Nebr. The postage stamp shows it was mailed on Jan 29 1944 out of Omaha Nebr.

January 31, 1944

Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Dad,

                Well here comes another letter. I received yours yesterday. I’m glad you are having such a nice time with the Spaulding’s.

                The baby and I are fine. She’s really a little peach. Her behavior at nite is really good. I was only up with her and hour and a half. I’ve been rather constipated and it fills like I have a hemorrhoid but I guess it isn’t.  Anyway it’s pretty uncomfortable. I got some agar gall so hope that will work.

                Paul wrote and says they had an inspection of their clothing. It really looks like he will be going back. I can hardly stand to think of it.

                Say I had a letter from grandma and Great Aunt Hanna passed away last week from a heart attack. I was terrible shocked at the news. Just wonder what will become of her estate. Her attorney called grandpa. I guess grandpa-grandma have been pretty sick too.

                So Jr. wants candy bars. They aren’t so hard to get anymore are they? I haven’t heard form Joyce lately but expect to very soon.

                The weather has sure been peculiar it’s so mild out. The other nite we had thunder, lightning and it rained last nite. Actually winter will be gone before it arrives. If I can I’d like to leave here maybe by the end of Feb if the Dr. will let me. For I want to see Paul so bad.

Annie called me and she had been sick with a cold. Says she wants to come see the baby so bad but can’t come till she’s over her cold. Aunt Loretta called today they were coming over but they have colds too. So they’ll be out sometime next week. They are going to bring grandmas trunk. I’ll be glad to get it for then I can put some of my things out of the way.

I’m sure going to have a lot to do to get ready to leave here. I have so much stuff and everyone wants me to come over and bring the baby. I’ll be glad to leave but would be happier if I had a home of my own to go to. Paul spoke of a little house he heard about but I don’t know anymore about it. Sure wish I had some of my other things with me for I don’t know if anything like linens, dishes will be furnished.

                Ernie is home on furlo so spose he’s tickled over that. Wish Paul could have gotten one. Ernie should be commissioned pretty soon. Did I tell you Wayne was promoted to 1^st Lt. He’s getting resign up there.

I’m embroidering a little ice box scarf for Aunt Marry. It’s really cute. Has a Mexican donkey on it.

                Well Dad this is another short letter but I’m nearly out of stationary & news. I’ll be glad when I’ll be able to wait on myself for its awful to depend on others.

Well I’ll close & write soon.

                Keep having a good time and take care of yourself.

               

Lots of Love

                Elaine & Carol Ann (handwritten)

I’m glad you like her name. I think it goes very nice with her last name.

NOTES: This letter was handwritten on once sheet of paper on both sides. The envelope was addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, Washington. Then return address was Mrs. Paul Moore, 3117 So 52 St. Omaha 7, Nebr. The postage stamp reads that it was mailed on Jan 31 1944 out of Omaha, Nebraska.

Amanuensis Monday - Baby Carol Ann Moore

January 22, 1944

Omaha, Nebr.

Dear Dad,

  Just a line to let you know I’m ok and feeling fine. The baby is doing swell too. By the way I named her Carol Ann Moore. Everyone seems to like it. Dr. says I’m really doing fine & according to the nurse all my organs are in place. She said I had a very normal birth the only thing they are giving me beer & yeast pills for my milk.

  Yesterday I had quite a lot of company. Annie, Mrs. Bjornson, Mrs. Anderson, Shirley, Bev, Annie, Mrs. B gave me a box of candy. The Anderson’s gave me a beautiful bouquet of roses and carnations. Then last nite grandma , Aunt Loretta, Betty and her girl friend were up to see me. Aunt Loretta knitted the most beautiful sweater set for the baby. It’s just adorable.

  Then tonite Mr. Mrs. Brown were her and they brought me a Squibt Baby Pawdls, oil set. We had a nice visit and if I’m able to go back to Paul Mr. Brown is going to get me a reservation on the streamliner Tee Dad how I hope Paul doesn’t leave. I’ve been looking for him every day to come walking in here but so far no luck.

  I haven’t seen any of mother’s folds since I’ve been here. Angie & John, Aunt Mary, Uncle Ken will be up tomorrow.

  Everyone is crazy over the baby. Dad if you could see her I know you’d be proud as punch too.

  Have you heard from Jr. again. The invasion has started and I wonder if he’s in on it. I’m praying every nite hell be ok.

  Well Dad I’m gonna close and try to write the Moore’s before time for the babies.

  Wish I could see you but I’m really fine. Write soon.

Lots of Love

Elaine

PS I sat up today & tomorrow I get to dangle my feet over the edge of the bed.

NOTE: This was a single page handwritten letter on both sides. The envelope is addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle 11, Washington with the return address Mrs. Paul Moore, 3117 So 52 St. Omaha, Nebraska and the postage stamp showing mailed Jan 23 1944.

January 24, 1944

Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Dad,

  Received your letter today and also one from Jr. But nothing form Paul so I have no idea how the seare is with him. I wish so much he was here and also you.

  The baby and I are fine. She gained 4 ½ oz yesterday and she’s really cute. Aunt Marg, Uncle Ken Uncle Chas were up tonite. Uncle Chas says she’s a Cummings & Uncle ken thins she’s sweet. Mrs. Lavern came up after visiting hours but couldn’t stay. She’s coming again tomorrow. She brought me a lot of candy. Annie & John were up Sun. Aunt Kristine, Carolyn, Spence & Harry Grant were up this afternoon.

   You know Dad Grandma has been starting some sort of trouble but I don’t know the full details I’ll find out when I get home but she’s had Aunt Marg so upset she wouldn’t come up. Grandma was up yesterday and said she wanted to pass me a hint that I shouldn’t let Aunt Marg take care of the baby cause she didn’t want to. She also told me if I took the baby to W.Va. they would spoil her rotten. Just like she didn’t think they had a right to see here. I told her the Morris wouldn’t spoil the baby any more than I or the Cummings so then she tried to say she was just kidding. I’ve had enough to go thru let alone anymore.

  Did I tell you Mr. & Mrs. Brown were up Sat nite she gave me a quilt set for the baby. Mr. Brown is going to get me reservations on the streamliner if I can go back to ???? & it’ll only take me 22 hrs & regular rate. Really made me feel good.

  Today I had my pelvis exam & I’m 100% ok. I was sure glad I even sat up in a chair. I was pretty weak but I’ll get over that when I’m able to be around.

  I have so much to tell you but it’s rather hard to while lying in bed. Boy I’ve gotten out of taking enemas & that’s really swell & I’ve also quit taking the laxative for its rum to death.

  The baby is getting awfully cute, she has some of my features. She has my shape of head, ???????? and hair and by golly feet are mine & mothers too. Real wide.

  The nurses tell me she is one of the most spoiled babies in the nursery.

  I’m sure tickled over the house & I’ll keep it quiet till it’s all over. Hope you get a good deal.

  Sure hope you have a nice time in Spokane and I know the change will do you good. Try to enjoy yourself as much as possible cause it makes me feel better when I know you have something to do.

  Well Dad will close it’s nearly time to nurse the baby & then to sleep. I sure sleep like a log. Write soon.

Lots of Love

Elaine

NOTE: This was a two page handwritten letter on both sides of the first page. It was mailed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle 11, Washington from Mrs. Paul Moore 3117 So 52 St., Omaha 7, Nebr. on Jan 25^th 1944.

Amanuensis Monday - Alaskan Love Continues

The difficult part about reading these letters are they are only one sided, that was until now. We now learn that the love between Elaine and Paul grew into not only a marriage but also a new born. Like most military families we are sometimes separated during the most difficult times and those special ones like the birth of a newborn.

U.S. ARMY TROOPS

FORT GREELEY

KODIAK, ALASKA

Wed. Nite – 4/29/42

Elaine Dearest:

  Well now you sorta have me wondering why I haven’t heard form you in about a week & I’m lost when I don’t get your letters.

  Thanks a lot honey for the picture and it was swell. I thought it would never get here. So now I really have to get busy & send mine to you right quick. So you don’t get too impatient & I will send it to you as soon as possible. I promise faithfully (to love & honor, till death do us part). Oh honey if I could only see you love you and maybe even cart you off and marry you some time when you don’t even look for me to. You see dearest I am really planning on taking you home with me Just as soon as this thing is all over & I can honorably return to my job. You see dear I feel as if all of my wondering days are over. (I want a home of my own) and I can really settle down to working & just be contend to live & love my wife. I think I can do that & darling I’ve picked you for the one. I hope you have no objections but you can tell me what you think. Just so I will have no doubts as to what you would do when I do come back. I realize dear that this is very sudden & I should know you better but I didn’t get the chance so now we just have to do the best we can. So, Will you marry me, dear? I’m in earnest about this but I also realize that is neither the way or the time to propose to you but I would like very much to know what you think of the idea. Might be I could find a ring to fit you (if I know your size) and of course if you would accept it? Could you dearest? By the way, when is y our birthday? You mentioned its falling in May but you didn’t say when. So could you sorta enlighten me huh?

  Darling I have written all this letter in all seriousness & I do wish you would think it over and then, Say yes!

  I miss you so much, so very much dear. I know how this will sound but I can’t help it. I Love you. So darling come up & see me some time soon. If you only could. How swell it would be. Write soon & forgive me for loving you so much.

Especially for you

Paul

IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 5000 KISSES TO GET ME BACK TO NORMAL.

I sent one of our best papers, like it?

Write

NOTE: This letter was written on the same letter head as above and it is three pages long with writing on only one side. The envelope was addressed to Miss Elaine Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, Wash. it was sent May 3 1942 “Via Air Mail” the letter was sent by Paul L Moore, A.S.N. 3???5865, 1-H., U.S. Army Troops, Fort Greeley, Alaska.It was checked by 1st Lt Paul R. McFarland.

      

January 19, 1944

                                                                                                                        Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Dad,

  Will try to write a few lines tonite and tell you how I am. I kinda looked for a telegram from you. Hope you received Aunt Mary’s tele. Right away.

  The baby was born at 9:10 pm and weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. she’s really a darling baby. She has black curly hair, blue eyes. Has a deep dimple in chin, she’s really a doll and getting along fine.

  I labored form Friday nite till Sunday nite. I didn’t suffer too terrible but was out when the worst part of it was taking place. I woke up long enough in the delivery room to fight the gas and cuss when they strapped me down. I was pretty bruised  when I woke up. One of the nurses’ asked me if I’d watched wrestling matches at City pub. Guess she was banged up too.

  I’ve been pretty good and was catheterized once but it hurt so I decided I could use the bed pan by myself. My bottom hurts worse than any other part especially my rectum. For the exams were all made that way. I had an enema the a.m. but it didn’t hurt like I thought it would. Paul isn’t here yet but I guess he’s trying. His folks want to come if he can be here. Spencer is home so they are pretty talked over there.

  Joyce sent me a beautiful satin yellow & comfort for the baby.

  I got an air mail special deliver form Moore’s with a dollar for the baby Guess they are pretty proud.

  Annie came to see me today and Helen, Grandma, Aunt Mary, I’ve had no other company.

  I’d give anything to have you & Paul here. I know you’d both just be tickled pink when you saw the baby. She so cute even the nurses make over her.

  It’s really a good feeling to know a little thing like that belong to you.

Well Dad I’ll close now. Write later I’m a little tired.

  Write soon. Sure wish you were here.

Lots of Love

Elaine

NOTE: Handwritten letter on a single page on both sides. Addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings at P.O. Box 178, Seattle 11, Wash. mailed out of Omaha, Nebraska Jan 20 1944 from Mrs. Paul Moore, 3117 So 52 St. Omaha 7, Nebr.

Amanuensis Monday - Alaskan Army Love

The letters from Paul to Elaine continue to offer insight into the relationship of love during a separation that neither could avoid. Both anxiously await an exchange of photographs while the concern of possibly forgetting each other. There is a mention of a hasty marriage but luckily it won't be classified as a shotgun wedding. Paul ends the last letter in today's posting expressing his feeling through words of love in a tearful poem.

U.S. Army Troops

Fort Greeley

Kodiak, Alaska

4/15/42 – 1:30 PM

Dear Elaine:

                Well here is another letter even tho I haven’t much of anything to write but I’ll at least know that you are getting something form me & know that I’m still dreaming of you.

                Know what! I’m jealous of all the boys who get to dance with you & even, maybe, make love to you at all those dances. Don’t’ you dare go & fall for one of them & forget me. That keeps me going all the time. So please don’t forget.

                As for my meeting anyone up. All the women but a few natives & married ones have been evacuated from here & so I never even have a chance & anyway I can’t forget one night in Washington. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how swell you were & how hard I fell for you. I’m sure hoping you can do the same. I intend to come back & take up right where I left off. Kissing you! (but not goodbye)

                Have you ever had the picture make? I have been looking for it every day. I had a letter form home Sun day & my mother wants one too so now I guess you two will have to wait on the slowest Photographer in the world. I have even gotten impatient with him. So all we can do is keep waiting. I will send it to you the moment I can get it. So please be patient.

                Darling I wish I could see you now. I sure wouldn’t stop at any 42 kisses. It will take a lot to make up for the time we have lost. Agree?

                I am rather rushed as we have a review this evening & I still have to dress. So will you please forgive me for making this short.

                I miss you so much. The way you look at me & smile. Have you flirt with your eyes makes me shiver when I think of having you in my arms again. I don’t think I’ll ever let you out of them once you are in them. Kiss me once in your dreams tonite. Write soon & don’t forget the picture.

Especially for you

Paul (handwritten sign.)

NOTE: This letter consisted of three pages all written on stationary with the same heading as above. The envelope was hand written and sent to: Miss Elaine Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, WN. The return address is: U.S. Army Troops Fort Greeley, state marked out, Alaska, Paul L Moore, A.S.N.35205865, 1-H. The envelope is postmarked April 16, 1942 w/ hand written Via Air Mail and was checked by 1^st Lt. Carl R.McFarland

                                         

U.S. Army Troops

Fort Greely

Kodiak, Alaska

Friday nite 930 4/24/42

Elaine Darling:

  Here I am again listening to the radio & I hardly have anything at all to say to you but at least I can try. So as I have said before “Heah oh goes”.

  If you only knew how badly I miss you. Golly, I would give most anything to just see you & hold you in my arms once more. I miss you more than I even thought possible. The things are so little that make me think of you but something is always happening and it seems that every time I turn around I am think of you. So in case you sometime get a feeling that I’m somewhere around you will know that I’m longing very much to see you. So darling do your best to keep on loving me with all your heart.

  I’m so blue tonight dear. Miss you so terrible much & longing to see you. Just to think that I haven’t seen you for 3 months. Here I sit with an orchestra playing “I Surrender Dear” & you some 2000 miles away. Seems to be sort of ironic. Especially when I miss you so very much.

  I haven’t gotten the picture as yet but they tell me in town that I should get it in about 10 days. So it is still on the way. I got your letter telling me yours was coming so I’m on pins & needles waiting for it. My mother want one too so I must get two so she won’t be angry. She is about the swellest person in my life. Next to you of course. You rate no 1 on my hit parade & I’ve a very strong hunch that you will continue to hold that spot. So make sure & be ready for a hasty (un-shotgun) wedding when I get back.

  Here is something that expresses he feeling in my heart, very well.

                Got the blues tonight, it seems.

                Sit here dreaming foolish dreams

                Heart a-aching, tears fall too

                Honey I am missing you.

                Thought that we could said along

                Without heartaches, that was wrong.

                Now I cry while others laugh

                Yes I’ve got  the blues tonight

                Praying, darling while I wrote

                That you’re feeling sorry, too.

                Missing me like I miss you.

                Like it?

Write soon                             Especially for you

                                                Paul

NOTES: This is a three page letter all sheets with the same letter head as above and writing on only one side of each sheet. The envelope is addressed to Miss Elaine Cummings, Post Office Box 178, Seattle, Washington and was mailed off April 27 1942 “Via Air Mail” from U.S. Army Troops, Fort Greeley, Kodiak, Alaska, Paul L Moore, A.S.N. 35205865, 1-H. and was checked by 1^st Lt Carl R.McFarland

Amanuensis Monday - Love from Alaska to Washington

Here are two more letters from Paul Moore addressed to his darling Elaine Cummings.  Showing concern that he has already been forgotten only to find out she still thinks and cares for him. Times are hard and letters take time to arrive, which leaves them both wondering if they are remembered while waiting for those special acknowledgment in letters like these. 

Saturday, 3/14/42

  Hi Darling:

   I received your letter the first of this week & lady I sure was glad to get it. I had just about decided that you had forgotten me. I was sorta disappointed tho for it was sort of cool & distant & it sorta makes me wonder what is wrong. Have you changed or what?

  I have had that picture taken and as soon as I get it I will send it on to you. I really do want one of you took so I want you to rush one to me as soon as you can. Promise?

  I would so much like to see you. It would be so much fun to dance with you again & maybe even to sprit you clear away from the crowd as I did once before. Do you think you would mind that so terrible much? I know that I would enjoy it!

  I have been sorta laid up for the last two days with a bum leg but it is better now and I think I can get back in the thick of things in the next couple of days. This laying around idle sorta gets on my nerves. I have put it to good use though for I had quite a bit of studying to do for exams for  officers School & it has given me a good chance to catch up. I have been before one examining board & now it is all up to me when I go before the last one. Keep hoping & maybe I can see you soon. I have been over most of the Island & it really is very pretty Rugged Mountains & beautiful parks & valley. Seems a shame that you can’t b e here to help me enjoy it. You see every time I see something that reminds me of you I begin to wish a little bit harder that you were here. I miss you so very much my dear. I guess I’ll keep on until I get back & then if my powers of persuasion haven’t exactly failed me I can keep you with me for a long time.

  I miss you so very much Darling.

Write soon

Especially for you

Paul

NOTES: This was a two page letter with only one side used on each sheet. The letter was addressed to Miss Elaine Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, Washington mailed by Paul L Moore A.S.M. 35205865 1-H. (printed U.S. Army Toops Fort Greeley Kodiak, Alaska w/ U.S. Army Troops and Kodiak marked out) it was send March 17 1942 “Via Air Mail” and checked by 2^nd Lt. Inf. Robert D. Schulz.

U.S. Army Troops

Fort Greeley

Kodiak, Alaska

Friday 4/3/42

Hi Honey:

                I’m sort of wondering what you are thinking about me by this time. I realize what I have done by not writing to you & I sincerely want you to forgive me. I haven’t got so very good an excuse but here it is. I have been down in the dumps for the last 10 days & just haven’t felt like writing to anyone. I just got my first letter started for home today & they’re probably fuming too.

                I was proud to get your last letter & it sure was a help. I am so very glad to hear from you & if I could get a letter every day it would be so very swell. But then that is hardly possible up here so of course I can’t ask it of you.

                You said in your last letter that your father had asked if I have seen any of the bears that are to be found here. I haven’t been lucky, unlucky enough to do so as yet I still have hopes. I have seen a couple of mounted specimens tho & they sure are big. I say. Could you use a bear skin. If I get the chance I mean to collect a couple. So you can tell him that he really should see them. Fishing season is just about here & I also plan on having a few good fish frys. Sound good? Maybe we can enjoy a few of those together sometime. Do you think so too or do you enjoy such things?

                I had a letter from home Wednesday & my brother & Dad both had to register for the draft. So maybe there will soon be another of my family in here too. I already have one brother in the Cir Corp & I guess he is still in the States or was the last time I heard from him. I also have had my application approved & so my going to officer T.S. is just a matter of time. I sure hope it is soon tho for I sure would like to see you again. Every time I think of the fun we had dancing laughing & talking together it makes me want to see you so darned badly. We could have so much fun & loving if I was only back with you again. Just think it has been almost 3 months since I saw you. Seems almost like 3 years when I think of it tho.

                I haven’t gotten the picture yet but I don’t think it will be long now. I have it ordered for almost a month but the Photo shop here is just about swamped with orders so they are very slow. I have been sorta anxiously waiting for your photo to come around too.

                I must quit this rambling around & say Good nite Darling & the Ohio deal still stands good. I’m as badly gone over you now as I ever was. Still in an accepting mood dearest?

Write soon an again

I’ll be loving you

Paul (and written sig.)

I sure could use those

Kisses, too.

What do you mean?

Especially for you (too)

That’s my pet expression

NOTES: There were a total of four pages and all hand written on the same letter heading as noted above. The envelope was hand written addressed to: Miss Elaine Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, WN.

In the return address is: U.S. Army Troops Fort Greeley, the city is scratched out, Alaska, Paul L Moore, A.S.N. 35205865 1-H. The letter was post marked April 14, 1942 out of Kodiak, Alaska sent Via Air Mail. The letter was checked by 2^nd Lt. Robert D. Schulz.