| dc.description.transcription | 3/11/43 Dear Mr. Carter- Have just finished a six-page letter to Amon Jr. and in it, I mentioned the fact that you and Miss Deakins had been most kind and considerate in keeping me informed as to the letters messages etc. you all have received from him lately. It was certainly most difficult for me to keep an optimistic trend in my letter for I realize that Amon is "right in the middle" of the N. African Combat. The day after I sent you the wire concerning my uneasiness from not having heard from Amon, I received a lovely letter from him, dated Jan. 29th. It reached me Feb. 14th and a most happy feeling it gave me for in it he expressed himself so clearly. That is, his whole attitude toward the future, etc. He said, "This will probably be the last letter for a while but I'm going to do my very best and I wouldn't trade places with any man in the whole world." If that isn't the heighth of true Americanism? Such people as Amon have the real spirit and, I feel as you all do, that he'll come back to us soon, for he's a brave, real person. He said that he had only two pair of coveralls and that his beard was very long - resembling somewhat a villian - Said he'd taken some pictures of some German planes that were brough down and also mentioned that the French were doing splendid work with the equipment they had at hand. I have just finished a precious little scrap-book, containing all of Amon's letters, from the first one sent from Ft. Knox to the last one, so far, from N. Africa (Jan. 29th). I told him all about it in my letter. Every letter is placed in the scrap book in order as I received them - while he was still in the States, from Ireland & N. Africa. Also, other little pamphlets, cards etc. that he's sent me. And the letters etc. practically filled the little book but there's still room for some more letters I hope to receive soon. However, I realize that, now, he can't write but I keep letters on the way regularly, in hopes he'll receive the greater majority of them. It was so nice and thoughful of you to send me the clipping from the Star Telegram and that, too, I put in the "Amon Carter Jr" scrap-book. Any material that you have concerning him, I'd love to have for the book. I read every article concerning N. Africa two or three times and never miss a news report. Went to church last night and said a special prayer for Amon for I feel that means so much now. I do quite a lot of singing, as that is my special talent, and I never sing a solo that I don't think of Amon and wish every good thing for him. About a year ago, he and I met each other on a plane from Nashville to Louisville and it doesn't seem possible that so much could have occurred since then. We had so much fun the times I saw him in Louisville and (over) I am looking forward to the time when he can come back again and have plenty of time and nothing to worry him. He often spoke of you, for he adored you and I am so happy that he could have some time with you in Ireland. He told me about his love-birds and all in all, he loved Texas. almost the time I met him, the song Deep In The Heart of Texas was quite popular - So we had great fun singing it - I'm quite sure that these are anxious days for all of you but I feel sure that Amon will come through it all safe and sound. So, if at any time, you have news of him do let me know, but letter or wire and I shall be glad to do the same. I am sponsering a play that is to be given here for the local U.S.O. and will be quite busy for the next two weeks but not too busy to keep letters on the way to him. So thanks again for your letters and kind interest. Sincerely, Margaret E. Harding | |
