Encoded for for the Veterans History Project, January 30, 2017.
All letters in the McNutt collection were digitized.
The following letters were transcribed from the handwritten originals by the donor. No alterations to this transcription has been made, although spelling errors are indicated with [sic]. Any special emphasis (i.e. underlining) is presented *between asterisks*.
I received another letter from you today which made a total of six and my heart leaped with joy when the mail clerk gave it to me. Your letters always make me happy and my heart is gladdened even with the thoughts of my little girl down in Tenn whom I long for
every day. When I think of you my arms ache to hold you in them, to my breast and press my lips to yours, but my longs are only dreams to my sorrow. Maybe tho some day dreams will come true. If I am ever a free man again I will leap and jump with joy to such an extent that I will be locked up in the insane asylum for being bugs. I am afrain I won't be able to get out of the Navy when the war is over and I sure do hate to stay in here after the war for my time will just be wasted, but if I have to stay that will be all there is to it just stay.
There is a new order gone into effect and as I understand it the reserved force is going to be put in the shipping board and regular navy men put on many of wars. I heard again that we were going to be put
on larger ships as there lake boats are not sea worthy enough to make the trip across and are going to be used for coast trade by the shipping board. I will be glad to get off here and on a larger ship, but have to make one more trip with mines.
I believe I am going to get sick as I feel so awfully bad tonight and Myrtle dear I am going to have to stop writing for my head aches so I can't think of anything. I hate to write such short letters, but if I am feeling better tomorrow write again and always remember I care much. Write soon.
With a heart of love