Jacksonville, Fla.
Labor Day – Nite

Dear Ina,

Just received your letter and it was a good one. Sorry that I haven’t been able to get the frame, as the man is sick and had not returned today. I rather liked the one I selected and for that reason have been waiting until he returned.

September 1, 1924

I note with interest what you said about the election and how it may affect you. I don’t see how anyone could get some one else when there is a chance of getting you. Tell him that I said there wasn’t a nicer or sweeter one anywhere in the world and that he needn’t look any further than his office for the best Deputy.

I wouldn’t like to see you go to San Antonio when Dallas is so much more desirable. If you let me, I’ll see that you get a place in Dallas. Nothing would please me more than to be where I could see you real often. I’ll get you a place that won’t change with political changes and one that you can always have if you want it. I wouldn’t make the same offer to anyone else. You could be your own boss and get up when you pleased. It might be necessary for you to come to Florida next summer and live where you can go in the surf everyday, and at times I’d expect that you would accompany me. In fact I would want you with me just as much as you cared to go.

This may seem a crude way to put it but no kidding, Ina, I mean it. I wouldn’t ask you to decide soon, but I would like to have you keep it in mind and think about it. I intended to ask you in the right way but I couldn’t resist the temptation to “spring it” at this opportunity. I’d much rather tell you than write it, but it seems that I can’t see you very often now.

Please don’t think that I treat such things lightly by my crude way of writing it, for really that is a most sacred thing and one that should be considered well before attempting it. I know that you realize it, from what you have told me. It is true that we have not known each other very long but we are well enough acquainted to know that we have much in common and so far as I know, there is nothing to keep us from being congenial. We seem to agree on everything of importance.

I have always had an ideal girl pictured in my mind, but have never met her until I knew you. I have never before met one whom I could love, make happy and be congenial with. I would try to always be considerate and kind to you, Ina, and if within my power I’ll make you happy. I know that I would always be proud of you and that I would love you with the most tender affections.

I would not ask you to decide now for I am not sure that you could love me. I only hope that you can and that you will believe in me. You need not give me an answer until you have had time to decide, but I hope that I can call you “sweetheart” in my next letter. May I?

With a sweet good night, I am

Always,
Walter.