Gene's Legacy

Letters From Brother (Gene) to Brother (Bob "Bud")

4 May 1938, Alva, Okla.

Dear Bud,

Can't find a damn thing to write with but this pen. Guess I'll try it. I've really been working my old butt off for the last 2 months.

Listen I'm awfully sorry that I didn't get up to the Mil_ Ball but this car of mine is damn poor, eats lots of oil - bad tires etcetra, and then it would have cost me $20.00 and I need a new suit, also need several things so thought I wouldn't try to make it.

I got Flora a swell ring, and ("keep it quiet") to Forest. We are going to get hitched the middle of July or 1st of August. Going to live out at Benton place for awhile. She's really a fine gal, though, Boy.

Boy that's a real chance on that trip. I'd take it myself if it wasn't for all this damn wheat and feed to take care of - guess maybe I'll take mine when I have lots of time and a couple of kids to worry me -----"like hell".

The worst thing about it is that you'll really miss a good show when I drop that ring a couple of times trying to get it out.

I've just gotten a raise in rank today, I've been given the commission of Major General but there's a little sawed off Sargeant in my company that sure gives me trouble, namely 1st Sarg Constance McGill. And you talk about being officer of the day. Day, Bud, did you ever think what a job it would be to be officer of the day and night 30 days a month and try to keep about a 100 head of buck privates, namely Bos toures Linne' - Family, Bovine inside of (cows to you) 27 miles of 3 wire fence with 12 water gaps all out at the same time. If you feel capable of coping with such a problem please communicate your qualifications, recommendations and anticipated salary to yours truly and if satisfactory, your hired immediately.

Boy thats my problem. That 4 inch rain we got washed out an awful lot of fence, and I can't seem to pound any discipline into those cows. The water was about 7 feet high in that 40 acres south of the ranch house across the road, in the highest places - highest it has ever been.

Damn it's been so long since I've written anything that I can hardly read this myself and if you can't you still haven't missed anything.

Gene