Please excuse this scrawl but the temperature has risen suddenly

To Bertha from Alice “Sally” –

June 2, 1926

Charters

Dear Bertha,

Here is a check for you which I managed to get in dollars. They made me explain why I wanted it and lots of other things but finally got it to me. I’d like to write you a decent letter, dear sister, but it is three nights since I have slept a bit and I’ve lost a pillow in the past week. In other words, I’m worn out. I’m sailing on the “_____” tomorrow morning and when I get on the boat and eat a little, I’ll write a nice letter. In the meantime, I’m sending you the European time.

Please excuse this scrawl but the temperature has risen suddenly. I’m sick and I’m tired and the combustion is too much.

Lots of love,
Sally

Miss Bertha Ballou

54 Via Montebello, 54,

Firenze (Italie)

Google Street View of address:

I started out well in this life but I seem to have gotten way laid

To Bertha from Alice “Sally” – January 6, 1927

[Note: Bertha is living in Florence in the building shown below]

Dear Bertha,

I’m enclosing a letter from Miss Louise. I write her your address and told her you said you’d be back not later than April.

Bertha, I don’t like your letters. Have you actual arrived at the stage where you regret coming home to a decently clean country where more men than the priests are gentlemen and you can have a bath?

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I’m all disappointed in you. I can imagine you are quite content where you are and _____ you having been there so long. Particularly as you have seen things which interest me above all others but really, you ought to be glad to see a bathtub materializing on the horizon.

I’m discouraged. I didn’t get my position and I don’t see any others near at hand. I started out well in this life but I seem to have gotten way laid. I wish I had taught another year in Georgetown instead of going to Europe. Then I’d have a good job at any rate.

Senn has his first lieutenancy date from December 4th. Promotion can’t be so awfully bum after all. He has been in only five years.

The Dunegans came to see us. Mr. Dunegan is smitten of my charms and between them they said they wanted me to visit them at Vancouver. I said I’d like to but I fancy I won’t hear more of it.

____ ______ _____ _____ _____ write and tell me. Alice is considering being engaged when a certain ossifer’s [Note: Slang for “officer”] tour in Panama is up. Eleanor Dunne is to be married in June. Alto Tinkle is in Panama and sends regards. There is a new lieutenant at the fort.

Love,
Sally

If you think Mamma will be hurt by my going, I won’t

To Bertha from Alice “Sally” – December 9, 1929

[Note: This letter contains the first reference to Frank Buckler, whom Bertha would marry the following year]

2941 Summit Boulevard

Spokane, Washington

Dear Bertha,

Yes or no, you settle it according to these suggestions. If you think Mamma will be hurt by my going, I won’t. I get in at 7:30 A.M. and will have all day there at home so maybe she won’t mind.

On the other hand, if you think Frank would be less disturbed by seeing me (or being seen) the first time with a crowd, it might be better to go.

I’d like to go, and if Mamma were included I wouldn’t hesitate a second and see no reason why I should be tired. Now you fix it either way. You probably have had a chance to see how Mamma will feel and I can’t go if she wouldn’t be happy.

Sally