Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, March 5, 1945

I didn’t get a chance to write to you last night as we moved back to the company yesterday and I was very sleepy so went to bed early. We fellows had some what of a party Saturday night before leaving and I got pretty tight consequently I wasn’t feeling too good yesterday. Think it was the first time I have really had the little blacksmith in my head since some of those good old Lone Oak parties. Fortunately being in the medics we have plenty of pills for just that sort of thing.

I haven’t seen that picture “The Very Thought of You” but think it is a must after your description. On the other hand, I doubt perhaps if it will be shown over here if I took your statement the right way. I think some fellows have a pretty good idea of what is going on back home however. I know one that hasn’t had a letter from his wife to date so you can imagine how he feels.

That was a pretty good rumor that John called Leo about. I only wish it were true. But can't imagine where it originated. I will have to try and drop Mr. Mullen a line to set him straight. Anyway I assure you I haven't been holding out on anything darling. Ha!

I received your letter of the 20th plus your Damfino card Saturday evening. Also a letter from Dorothy. Tonite I received two letters from you 19th, 25th and the “You 'n Whoelse”? card. Think that was pretty swell don’t you? The cards were very cute and very clever.

It was snowing some here yesterday and I wish you could have seen the pine trees here in the forests. The mountains here are covered with them and when partially covered with snow they were truly beautiful. I understand the French forests are controlled by the government and you can tell at a glance they have practiced conservation. The ground is covered with so much green vegetation in inluding blue grass and moss. The valleys are almost solid blue grass with small streams meandering down and usually the roads are built on either side next to the steep cliffs. The cliffs and mountains are practically solid rock which also adds to the beauty.

Sgt. Insull, Miller and myself went in to the Clearing[?] Co. this afternoon for a nice hot shower. The water wasn’t too hot but it really felt swell. We were out cutting and sawing wood this morning.

I was certainly happy to hear that your dental work is all finished and that you had no dry sockets. I was a little skeptical after your last experience but that proves the difficulty was because of the dentist before.

Think the charges were very reasonable for shipping your things back. Suppose Ford will want to change the storage bill now with the increase.

I’m glad to hear they are rebuilding the Lone Oak so soon because I’m surely looking forward to a steak there when I return. I believe that delicious salad and the French Fries sound as good as the steak. We spent some happy evenings there didn’t we honey.

Regarding your new address, I have been sending all my letters to Council Bluffs for a couple of weeks now. I hope there were some waiting for you when you arrived but doubt that I can expect that kind of service going your way.

Guess I have written you everything now except that I love you and miss you terribly. Give my regards to all the folks.