April 1944

Howard wrote from McCloskey General Hospital on April 14, 1944:

My Darling Margaret:
     I have bummed the use of a typewriter from Mrs. Red who is the ward officer's secretary and perhaps you will be able to read this letter more easily than the last. I have several letters from you, the last one to-day. I am supposed to go to San Antonio to-morrow and I will certainly get there by the 16th at leat. They tell me here that I will probably be pushed around there for a couple of weeks at the bst. I will try to arrange it a little differently but who can tell. What is the last possible date that I should meet you assuming that we will be to-gether for 4 or 5 days. About the 22nd I reckoned.

     What I had in mind was calling Miss what's her name, (I have her address &) immediatly [sic] I find when I am leaving*, have her call you and make us some reservations. When I arrive I could give her another buzz and when I found out where to go I would go there and find you waiting for me. That would be VERY nice I think. Of course I don't know how long it will take you to make arrangements or how long it would take you to gt there or any thing else for sure. One think [sic] I am certain of, I don't want any one else around so that I will have to make lame excuses to get away or else be down right rude. I guess maby you feel like wise. Can you make your arrangements on the spur of the moment or will it take some time? As soon as I get to S.A. I am going to bite them for a week off to go to Chi and see you and then come back for disposition. Maby that will work. I know it will if I happen to talk to the right man. If I find I can't get out until about the 25th or so I will get to Chi about the 5th or 6th.

     I shall break down and tell you how come I was watching those two girls that day. There are three kinds of females here. (a) workers, (b) constant visitors, (c) strangers. The strangers are by far the least in number, in fact there are only two or 3 in this section each day and they are always looking at or for the signs that are numberous here. The other two kinds know where they are going and proceed thereto with out delay. Simple isn't it? I guess I have the loose ends caught up any way. You speak of that 'weak kneed' feeling having gone away. That is very good and I can say the same but I can also add that the desire is here stronger than ever.  All my love

                                                                                  Howard
* also when I will arrive