dc.description.transcription | Tues. Mar. 30. 1943 Dear Mr. Carter- Haven't seemed to be able to write to you any sooner concerning Amon Jr. for I've been so numbed that words seemed useless. However, I'm sure Miss Deakins told you that I called a few Sundays ago and I fully intended writing then, but such letters aren't easy to write. Such a strange premonition occurred on Thursday night before I read the article in Friday's Times. It was so strange that I want to tell you. At midnight, Thursday, I got up and read some Gilbert-Sullivan operetta and went backt o bed about 1:00 o'clock. Just couldn't sleep butkept thinking of Amon. At 1:30, I took a table to try to sleep and at 2:00 got up and wrote a six page letter to him and also answered your letter. I said a special prayer, too, for there was a strange feeling about Amon and yet I thought it was only insomnia. So, now, I feel that he was in trouble but each day, I'm more convinced that he is a prisoner and will be safe and some of these days will be home again to you and his loved ones. I adore his scrap book with all the letters, cards etc. in it from the first one I received from him at Knox until Jan. 29th (last dated one from N. Africa). In his letter, I told him about it and that there was plenty of room for more letters I hoped to receive. He has always been so prompt about writing wherever he is and so, I feel that he'll get a message through some way. I've had several friends of mine who have husbands over there in the same unit, to ask if they knew him and who knows but what someone will? Have you heard any other news concerning him? Or has the Red Cross confirmed any messages? Never in my life have I experienced such a lost, helpless feeling as the day I saw his sweet picture in the paper. I left my desk on Friday and didn't work Sat. morning as I didn't want to be around anyone. Amon meant so much to me and, of course, I am a stranger to you, but someday perhaps I can tell you more. Until then, allow me to express my deepest sympathy and to say that I feel he's safe and well somewhere and I refuse to think otherwise. If, at any time you hear more of him, please let me know for it will mean so very much to me- In the meantime, I continue to write to him hoping the letters reach him. Sincerely, Margaret E. Harding | |