Dear Bess: October 24, 1917
Transcript
Welcome to the Dear Bess/ Dear Harry podcast for October 24, 2023, brought to you by Harry S Truman National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service.
Today’s letter was written by First Lieutenant Harry S Truman on this date in 1917. Lieutenant Truman and his colleagues were still training for their eventual service in the Great War still raging in Europe. We encourage you to click on the link in this podcast, and take a look at the digital copy of the original letter, as held by the awesome Truman Library. On the envelope, postmarked October 24, you’ll see a stamp, saying “BACK THE BOYS IN THE TRENCHES BUY A LIBERTY LOAN BOND INQUIRE AT ANY BANK OR POST OFFICE.” Did your family buy any such bonds back in the day? We wonder if Miss Wallace, her mother, her grandparents, who owned 219 North Delaware Street, or her brothers did.
As always, thanks for listening. Here’s the letter.
Postmarked October 24, 1917
Dear Bess:
I failed to write yesterday because I had a severe case of indigestion to put it politely. In my younger days, I'd have called it something else. Father Tiernan came to my rescue with a big drink of whiskey. The last one he had and also the last one on the reservation. We also had another dust storm yesterday, worse than any previous one. They seem to be progressive in their actions, getting worse all the time.
Today was an ideal day not only as to weather conditions but I got your special mailed last Saturday. Specials don't arrive as well as just plain letters. They send the mail out in a bag and then hold the specials to be signed for.
I am very glad you are getting recruits for the 129th Assn as it seems to have gone very close to the heart of that sister of mine to make it a success. I caught another thief in the canteen this evening. He only stole a dollar but I am going to have to stick him for an example of what happens to a canteen thief.
We had a cold wave today and yesterday. I had to stay at the picket line until 2 o'clock this morning. Mr. Lee was on from 10 to 12 and I from 12 to 2 and Lt. Kelley was supposed to go on from 2 to 4 but the wind quit blowing and I persuaded Capt Pete not to send him out. It is a lot warmer tonight and is a very beautiful night. I hope we get our tents boxed up tomorrow.
It looks as though I am going to get to come home all right the seventh. I am counting on it anyway. Mr. Lee has gone to bed and the light is flickering so I'll have to go too.
Hope to get a letter tomorrow.
Most sincerely,
Harry
While in training in Oklahoma, First Lieutenant Harry S Truman wrote this brief letter to Miss Bess Wallace back home in Independence, Missouri. He talks about the weather, illness, and, as always, makes sure he relays his love for her.
A digital version of the original letter can be seen here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/46740297?objectPage=5