Friday noon

[June 18, 1943]

Dear Mavis:

Since I wrote Johnnie a letter I expect you would be disappointed if you didn't get one.  We had a nice rain Monday afternoon and night. The cotton is up to a stand and everybody is busy working.  I had the garden plowed the morning before the rain.  Mama has been working in it all the week.   It looks good.  We were here in the dark last night for there was something wrong with the transformer.  They came out and fixed it a few minutes ago.

It would be nice if Thelma could travel as far as Mississippi with you when you come home. I want you to stay as long as possible.  If you thought that there was any chance of Elwyn coming home around the first of June you should stay to see him. I am getting anxious to see you both but when you do get here I will have you both for a long time.

I am glad you got you a new hat and dress for you needed them both.

I wonder what you found out when you went to see the doctor.  Hope it is nothing serious.  If you had to have an operation and wanted to wait until you got back, they have good doctors in Greenville or you could go to Memphis.

Received the card this morning from "The Land of Dixie".  That picture is from the Old South, not the one we know.

Your "model" husband is going to bed every night at the usual time, with plenty of time to think and sleep. There is so little happening around here that I have nothing to write about.  I have been down in the "dumps" so this week I do not know what is wrong with me.

Lots of love, Ruel

[also with this letter was another letter from Ruel to Johnnie]

Malvina, Mississippi

June 19, 1943

Dear John,

I received your letter this morning and it made me feel good to hear from you, and to say with pride: This letter is from my Son.  I know your Mamma did the writing, you expressed your thought through her.  Your Dad realizes he has a very big responsibility, and that is being the kind of father you can point out to anyone and say with pride, "That is my Father".  I hope I can always be worthy of the name Father.

I want to see you and your Mother so badly sometimes I am almost tempted to make a trip up there to see you both.  Before your Mother and I were married we were apart for about two months, but they were short compared to the two months just passed.  I am going to appreciate you both more than ever when you get home.  Tell her I am still counting the days until you all return home.

Be a sweet little boy while you are visiting your kinfolks, for they might want you to visit them again sometimes.  Tell your Mother "Hello" for me.

With lots of love to you both,

Your Father