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Dear [Fauny?]
I have read your letter over just six times now. I think it is time for me to have a new one so will hasten to answer yours.
Just how a man of your caliber (that is meant for a subtile compliment. I hope you give it plenty of recognition) could harbor the idea that it would make the least bit of difference in the world to your old friends wheather you had a commission, wheather you were on terra firma, the briny deep or sailing thru the ozone, this sentence is so long that I am lost and must be gin a gain.
We were all delighted to learn of your advancement. I can well imagine it takes a great deal of work on the part of a student to acchieve success
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more so I think in that branch of the service than many others. I wish Bee and I had been standing near when you made a landing after your solo flight.
Bertie is to enter Stanford Oct 1st to take special government work in aviation.
He is a great big boy now. Has been working on ranches all summer to get in good condition for his work.
I have just had the very painful experience of passing my 35th birthday. Am certainly an old maid but a very contented one and the family do say I am not a bit [crabbed?] or so very "terrible" to look at, not having lost my teeth as yet.
Have not seen the girls for a year but they write often and let us know how they are getting along. They are as fat and sassy as usual.
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It seems strange to live so near them and not to have seen them for so long a time but we travel only when it is neccessary. To tell the truth I am waiting until you kill the K. and are elected mayor of Berlin. You will get my vote and I will be tempted to stuff the ballot. ( I could start a "[swear?] factory" about this ink. )
You failed to give me the name of the officer to whom I was to write. Such gross neglect on your part should be punished most heartily. I am afraid the war will be over before I can write to him, which we would all thank God for, the war part of it I mean, and we might for both as I never wrote to a stranger in my life but I am not afraid to so hurry up and send his name.
Did you ever hear the story of the Chinese
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who built a fine fort consisting of a very very strong front but no rear at all at all. When the enemy arrived they entered by the back way. The Chinaman came rushing around there and said go back, go back, you have come in the wrong way.
Well I had better say so long for [tis?] time. Our family all sends their best regards. Take good care of your self and come home when your work is done which we hope and pray will be soon.
Sincerely, [Nial?]
