Jacksonville July 20th

My Dear Sweetheart,

You will note that I call you “sweetheart” whenever I write, for at one time I asked if I might do this and you said “no.” I only wish there were a more expressive way, but I am sure that you know that I love you so much that I simply can’t tell you.

The clinic closed today and the majority of them were out there this morning. I feel somewhat relieved that it is over and now comes the follow up work, which consists on checking up the effectiveness of treatments and making further studies on the cause of the disease. Dr. White says that he has never been connected with a problem as interesting to him as this one and I guess he “enjoys every minute of it.” Strange to say we did not have as many cases from the beach this year, as last season, and before last year Dr. KS thought that the majority of them originated down there. Dr. White has some mighty fine dope on related things which he picked up at Johns Hopkins last spring; and having in mind the problem here he has fortified himself with a lot of facts that I am mighty glad to have.

July 20, 1925 (Walter)

If my writing is more scratchy than usual it is due to a bandage on the forefinger. Nothing serious. We have been using a treatment on patients to remove the epidermis or horny layer of the skin and the use during the period of the clinic has affected my index finger in a similar manner. Dr. White has the same trouble. It works and both of us are aware of it.

I guess we will be here during the rest of this week and part of next as we have lots of field work ahead before doing the laboratory tests at the beach. I believe that any letter written after next Sunday should be addressed to Dr. KS’s office, as by that time we will probably locate our laboratory at the beach. Maybe I can give an address down there which will give better service on your letters.

I was much interested in what you said about my letter to your mother and Daddy. Mother Lewis seems to be quite a tease, and not so much of a “matter of fact” girl as yourself. However, I love you just that way for I always know just what you mean. You don’t know how glad I am that your folks feel all right toward me, and Dear, as I promised them I am going to try to do my part and make you happy. If you were only here now, I would be the happiest man in the world. I mean every word of it. You are so sweet.

I note what you say about your chum. Incidentally I like the idea of using her maiden name as a middle name after marriage. If you like it too, I think it would be fine to have yours Ina Lewis Dove. Just as you want to, Dear, as the main idea is to have you as a wife and companion.

I am not surprised that the partnership with another family did not terminate well. This is often the case and does not reflect on either family. A house is not large enough for two families.

You have been mighty sweet to write me so often Sweetheart, and I appreciate your efforts. I know that it is rather inconvenient to get them posted so often and I had no idea I would be favored so nicely in this manner. They are always just right and I, too, read them over and over. I always get a kick out of reading them. Only wish I could hear you say such things and that I could hug real hard when you did say them.

With all my love, Honey Bunch, and with a sweet goodnight, I am,

Yours,
Walter.