Love Letters

Love Letters

“MAIL CALL,” Sergeant called out loud and clear. Private First Class O'Reilly and all the other soldiers at Fort Devens crowded around hoping their name would be called out as a lucky recipient.

“O'Reilly.”

“Sir, Yes, Sir!”

Fred O'Reilly clutched the newly arrived letter to his heart when he saw who it was from, elbowed his way clear of the hungry mob and hurried to his quarters for a quiet moment to devour it immediately.

Besides letters from his family he had been receiving short letters from the lovely Adeline McCormick, daughter of the owner of the ranch his family sharecropped on. The letters made his day even though he knew it was dangerous flirting with someone so far out of his league. Maybe she was only toying with this poor soldier's heart strings or thinking she was doing her part supporting the war effort by keeping a soldier's spirits high. Still he liked to think maybe they had a future together if he survived this wretched war. After all, she was the one who gave him a kiss at the train station when he left home. He had memorized everything about her face at that moment so he could recall it now.

Ensconced atop his upper-bunk, away from prying eyes he inhaled the sweet faint fragrance emanating from the envelop before carefully loosening the flap and extracting the treasure. A single page in neat flowing script.

December 15, 1917

My Dearest Frederick,

I pray this finds you well. All of us here on the ranch are doing well.

The snow is deep here in South Dakota as you probably remember. Your father, Patrick, and your brothers still must make it out to care for the animals. It is hard work.

The Crow Creek woman, Blue Bird, has been a blessing to your mother and to Hattie, my grandmother. Nana has been slowly declining and barely remembers us so needs the added help. I understand you are the one that has made that possible. You are a wonderful son.

I can't help but think about you very fondly. I do so hope you will return and we can share more of those kisses like we did when you left on the train. I think of you all the time. It makes me blush whenever I do. Please remember me in all your travels around the world and keep yourself safe.

Yours truly and always,

Adeline McCormick

~~~

'Yours truly and always' was the way she confidently signed off on all the letters she had sent over the last four months. He pulled out the other three letters he had received from her to scrutinize if he could detect any increasing feelings she may have for him. Soon it would be time for him to be shipped over seas he knew letters would be few and far between. Maybe it was time to let her know for sure his feelings towards her if he had any hope of winning her devotion upon his return-if he returned, he had to remind himself.

~~~

First letter:

October 25, 1917

Dear Frederick,

It was so hard saying goodbye to you. I have always thought so much of you. We used to play together but then I had to go away to school. When I got back you were always working at the forge. You looked so handsome you took my breath away but you didn't know I existed.

As you were about to get on the train, I couldn't stop myself. I had to let you know how I felt so I kissed you. I was delighted when you returned my kiss.

I took your mother and sister, Maggie, out for tea after seeing you off. Maggie was so cute being able to do the real thing since she pretends all the time with her doll 'Angel'.

We are all well here in South Dakota. Stay safe there in South Carolina.

Yours truly and always,

Adeline McCormick

Letter number two:

November 22, 1917

Dearest Frederick,

I find myself watching for you at the forge. Instead I only see your red-headed brother, Daniel. He is nice but not nearly as handsome as you are.

Hope you are enjoying your basic training. It's probably very hard. I imagine you have made some friends that help you get through the tough stuff.

Everyone here worked very hard to get the harvest done. As a reward the community came together for a huge harvest celebration exactly like they do every year. This one was maybe harder because of the war and so many young men are gone off for that.

I worry about your mother. She seems extra tired. Has she said anything about expecting another baby? I know it was hard on her when little Harry passed away from the croup. Babies have a way of making women tired.

I've been checking in on them every once in a while like you asked me to do. Your mother is very secretive. She says 'Hi' from you after she gets a letter from you. I've never told her we write to each other. Your pa may not like it very much. My father says it is wonderful if I keep your spirit up doing this little bit that I can. I don't tell him how much I enjoy it. I miss you.

Yours truly and always,

Adeline McCormick

Letter number 3:

December 2, 1917

Dear, dear, Frederick,

I find myself longing to see you again. So happy to know you will be in the states another two months doing special training at Fort Devens. How exciting to be chosen for engineer corps! Those years at he forge must have helped.

Christmas will be coming soon. We're mostly snowbound here on the ranch so no big parties. We wish you a pleasant holiday. Surely they will treat you to something special since you are giving your all to the Army.

It must have been a false alarm for your mother. She is looking much better than a month ago. It has been a relief to have help doing the laundry. Maybe there was no baby on the way after all. She has always been so beautiful. I can see where you get your good looks. And Maggie is such a doll and such a good helper for your ma.

I miss you so much and see your face everywhere. I can still feel your lips on mine. Pray this war gets over soon so we can take up where we left off and have a happy new year.

Yours truly and always,

Adeline McCormick

~~~

It may all be in his imagination but he read hope in her words that maybe she felt the same as he did. So he took a leap of faith.

~~~

January 1,1918

My Dearest Adeline,

You make my heart sing. Memory of your face and the taste of your lips on mine are what carry me through these lonely days and lonely nights. I long to hold you in my arms once again. Unfortunately, I will be shipped over seas soon to start fighting in this very real world war. It is not fair of me to ask you to wait for me because there are no guarantees I will ever make it home again. It is a small blessing that I may not be on the front lines due to my position in the engineer corps. Therefore, I can only pray I will make it back to the states someday.

I do have some good news. Captain Van Leer has offered me a spot in the engineering school he is in charge of. That means I can study under him for two years when this war is over. That will lead to a very lucrative career once completed. Of course, no one can guess when this war will end.

Please don't think it is forward of me but I must confess my love for you. I know we have not spent much time together since we were kids but your letters have been so encouraging I am hoping you may feel the same toward me. I'll understand if you don't. At this point I am only asking you to think about it. You would make me the happiest soldier on earth if you would consider becoming my bride when I get done with this war assignment. Stay with me through my schooling here on the East Coast, then if you want to return to South Dakota we can. I would be able to provide for you at that time. Maybe even buy a plot of land as our own? Please think about it.

I will keep all your letters close to my heart. Letters will be few and far between once I am overseas. The Army will contact my family if something should happen to me. Let's pray that doesn't happen.

All my love,

Frederick

Private First Class Us Army Engineer Corps #XXXXX