January 3, 1944

Darling,
The trouble with these V-letters is that, after I finish one, I wish I had written some more. I miss you so much now-days. Instead of going to bed I sat around + read the “Stars + Stripes” + listened to the nine o’clock news. I see you had a big fire downtown, and we heard a recording of Gen. Montgomery’s farewell address to the 8th Army. He has a very impressive ? way of speaking- rather high-pitched, very clear cut and incisive, + you can tell he is used to saying just what he means + having people accept it as such. No foolishness.
No letter today, but the wallet came, along with the tobacco + candy. I was much pleased to see it. The other day I got eighteen nice crisp new one pound notes to put in it. They fit very nicely. I hope they stay in it for a while, but life in Ireland is kind of hard on them, when you have to spend money to have any relaxation at all. I think I got all my Christmas presents, but this was the first 1st-class package I have received in quite a while. I wouldn’t be surprised if I forget to thank you for things sometimes, because I have a habit of writing letters in my head + forgetting to put them on paper, or forgetting that I have already told you about something + writing it all over again (don’t I?). What wouldn’t I give to be with you again + just stay right close to you forever + ever? But it’s a big help (it really is) just to have you to write to. Every day I love you more.

B