To Bertha from CC Ballou –
War Department
Headquarters Recruit Depot
Fort Logan, Colorado
September 22, 1920
Dear Specks,
I resumed command this morning.
Yesterday evening, I rearranged some things in the house, putting the “new” bookcase in the southwest corner of the dining room for a China closet, moving the _____ to replace it under the _____ near the parlor, library door, the big thing with shelve sin it was moved from the dining room to the space between lounge and dining room door. The oak bookcase is between hall entrances to the dining room and parlor. I hung Mamma’s portrait (India ink) in southwest corner of the library, facing the _____. I put the “_____” over the parlor mantel. There will doubtless be other charges necessary, but it will all work out in time.
Mamma laughed at me last night because I was counting up the weeks to Christmas. Austin failed to get a commission. Mr. Austin’s candidate for _____ senate failed to get the nomination. Austin is looking for a job. The Herron’s go to Camp Benning, Georgia. Dr. Stone leaves this week for station at Omaha. The _____ gone to Arkansas. The ______ are gone to San Francisco. The Steves’ are not ordered away. Dr. Chase is discharged. The Schmidt’s are gone. Dr. _____ is here get but will possibly soon be discharged, having failed. O’Keefe and Kleitz failed but being retired scout officers, they will probably continue on duty. _____ is gone to For Wonder (Washington) with rookies. Will be back in a few days. General Wood asked in recent letter to be remembered to you.
You wrote about not recognizing one of those checks I gave you. If, at the time you draw your pay, you find you have not need it, you can _____ it up and let Mamma know, as she can note it in her checkbook. I dare say your banker at Elks can buy you a Liberty bond each month. You can get a hundred dollar bond for from $86.00 to $96.00 and get interest on $100.00. Better ask _____ about it.
Your loving old dad.
Watch out for colds.