To Bertha from C.C. Ballou – February 25, 1919
[Note: Bertha is 29 years old, and currently studying at the Corcoran in Washington, DC]
Headquarters
Camp Doge, Iowa
My dear Specks,
It turned cold last night, the mercury dropping to zero or lower, but it cleared up and though cold, is not unpleasant. No news yet as to what is to become of me.
Yesterday, a lady came to interview me about your painting and also about the pictures I brought back from France. I don’t know what she will publish, and I don’t suppose it matters very much though I don’t particularly care to get the customs tribe on the _____ of anything brought in without duty. However, I told her what the paintings were, and by whom painted, and gave her the essential facts about your work. At any rate, few people in the East will be likely to read a Sunday article in a Des Moines newspaper, especially matter of a more or less personnel and social character. I don’t hear any more from the various people in France, but I dare I will when they find out that I am landed and located.
A week yesterday I talked to the largest audience I ever addressed. It was in the largest church in Des Moines, and not only were all the seats filled, but the aisle in both pit and gallery were jammed full. Colonel and Mrs. Newman said they went early but couldn’t get standing room and had to leave. It was estimated that there were four thousand in the church. I put in quite a bit of time in visiting the Camp ______ _____ and other places of assembly, in order to remove some of the discontent or the part of men who are in a hurry to be discharged. I am also trying to find men who do not care specially to get out right now, and by holding such, enable me to discharge the discontented.
I sent you a photograph yesterday that may have enough wrinkles to suit you, though it is to my thinking rather flat. The photographer should have instead that there a white map in rear of my head, making a very bad background. It is too bad that your painting is not in a better place in the exhibition, but the fact that it elicited observation and comment in spite of the unfavorable hanging is all the more complimentary.
Love to everybody.
Your loving old dad.