41 Love Letters R. H. Swinney to Ruth Erlanger, 1934

Dear Ruth,

Harold has written us of his great happiness.
We are very happy to know he has found his ideal girl.
His ideals were so very high we doubted him ever finding one in whom they were realized.
Sincerely hope you will never have cause to regret your decision.
You have surely made him very happy.
Harold says he knows we will love you, and I am sure we will, from what he tells us & also from your picture.
We shall be very glad to know you.
You will be very welcome to our home.
This was so sudden and unexpected it rather took my breath.
He talked to me quite a lot about you when he was at home, but I had no idea it was so serious.
So please believe me when I assure you we are very glad.
Hope you are enjoying your vacation

Very sincerely
Mr. & Mrs. H. A. Swinney.

Dear Ruth,

Yes, I was quite surprised, for I hadn’t foreseen anything with such dire consequences. And as for not liking your future husband, I don’t know where you ever got the idea. At least, he’s a white man, and thats a lot more than you I can say for some people I know. Furthermore, he’s got a lot of guts, and the same goes for that as before. So all in all, I think you done pretty well. In case you don’t know it, he can swear like two troopers and a sailor’s parrot. So after due consideration and deliberation, I think that you deserve congratulations.

As for the job, it’s a swell opportunity for you, but since you are going to get married next June, I wish you’d be in St. Louis this year, because gGod only knows when we’ll see each other again after that. ‘S’funny how you hate to see the past breaking up, but you’ll be happy so, “what the hell.” (That’s my new motto)

I was going with a girl the early part of this summer, but at the present time, it looks as if I got taken. It would only be the second time so what the hell. There lot There are lots more ♀’s in the world, and even if I did get serious, the family wouldn’t let me do anything about it anyway. She was quite nice, but terribly quiet. I’ve told you and the family in general that Paul is going to get married Sept. 14, and I think that I’m going to be there—even if I have to hitch hike. Don’t say anything to the family because they’re against it, but I think that it’s about time that I did a thing or two that I want to. Now it is my bed time, so I’ll scamper along.

Love,
Herman

Dear Ruth,

I arrived back in St. Louis Saturday morning in time for Harry to cook breakfast for me and he did a cracking good job of it. Had a very pleasant stay in Virginia with an interesting trip to the historic places of Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg. Also made a flying trip by Duke University.

I found a letter from Dean Dillehunt ((Richard B. Dillehunt, Dean of UOMS, 1920–1943.)) stating that I will be permitted to have a full time research assistant beginning next June 1st. Remembering what you have said relative to such a position I have written him that “I know exactly the young lady for the position and I am quite sure she will accept it.” Just as a matter of form you might write to me at Portland and confirm the arrangement. I would like to know about it as soon as possible so I may be in a position to refuse any other candidates that may appear.

I know you are enjoying the cool climate where you are and I am looking forward to the time shortly when we can get out of the heat belt. Expect to leave St. Louis tomorrow night and Oconomowoc the first of next week.

My best regards to Dr. & Mrs. Erlanger.

Sincerely,
East South West