Frank "Happy" Stegemann letter to Estella Wilferth - November 19, 1917
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Camp Funston [Kansas] [November] 19, 1917 Sweetheart," Well girlie Im back in camp again and ready to go back to work again. We got in Kansas City at 5.30 last night and left there again at 12.30 got in camp at 530 this A.M. I had to shave first thing and stand the roll call then a little breakfast now I have a few minutes time before we go out and I will spend that time in writing to you. I did not get a chance to write on the way cause it was crowded and I could not write. We must go out now. Just now got back from the first half day drill and if it's no harder this evening than it was this A.M. I think I'll be able to stick it out. I was at my Brother's house till 1130 last night and had a good supper so that helped out some. Say girl Im lovesick homesick and any sickness which may come after a furlough. I am really thinking of you all the time today not a
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minute passes when I don't. Say girl do you know that if ever I was near to crying I was yesterday when I left you. I don't know why but I felt funny and to think that I only had a few minutes with you I had sure expected you to go to Jefferson City with me. Estella if ever I get a chance to come again Ill sure want more than any 15 minutes. And how do you feel? Do you really care just a little for me? I know Ishould not ask that of you but I can't help it. I do and I think you know that I looked all over the place before you came in and I sure thought I would not get a chance to talk to you. You knew I was coming to see you anyway didnt you? If only I know that you care a little Ill have something to work for cause Im Blue all the time just to think you have some one else. But you know and I can't ask anymore. You made me feel good when you told me that I should let you know if ever I come home again. Well girlie you can just believe me that you are the very first one who will know and Ill not forget that it was you who asked me to try and get a furlough again. Also Dad and Mother asked me the same but you were first.
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[page 3] When you have company think of me just a minute and Ill be satisfied cause its nice to know that the one a man loves thinks of him once in a while anyway. I don't ask that of you Estella if you don't feel that way about it and I wish you would tell me too Dear Im not like I used to be anymore but a changed Boy which I guess you noticed yesterday. I am writing this with the pencil you gave me say it seems like I hold your hand in the good Bye clasp yet. I guess you think I am crazy but Ive wanted to tell you this for a long time and never got the chance or something like that and I didnt have the time yesterday. But at that you knew this before I told you I think cause you said yesterday you could read my mind and if you can you certainly know that. Ive been in the range all morning taking shooting practice am making a very good score so far I dont know how it will be this afternoon.
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[page 4] I will finish this tonight as it is time again to go out in a few minutes. I am wondering what kind of our answer I will get on this letter and am wondering what you will think of me. I really think you do think a little of me but not like I do of you. Just got back now from the drill grounds and Im still stirring around. Had some more target practice this P.M. I will have to close soon because I must do some washing tonight say girl I wish you could help me with it. I must do this tonight cause tomorrow we go on guard duty. Say dear write as often as you can casue I do want to hear from you and real often too. Send the kids away or something like that I must do all of my writing sitting on my bed and have nothing to write on just a tablet and you know how often I write and I think they are not very short at that. I remain with all the love in my little old heart for you Happy x P.S. Take good care of yourself and Ill do likewise, Best regards to the rest of the folks.
Details
| Title | Frank "Happy" Stegemann letter to Estella Wilferth - November 19, 1917 |
| Creator | Stegeman, Frank W. |
| Source | Stegeman, Frank W. Letter to Estella Wilferth. 19 November 1917. Wilferth, Estella (1896-1978) Papers, 1912-1962. C3035. The State Historical Society of Missouri, Columnia, MO. |
| Description | In this romantic letter to Estella Wilferth written November 19, 1917, Pvt. Frank "Happy" Stegmann reflected on their recent rendezvous during his furlough and speculated about her devotion to him. He also briefly discussed the daily happenings at Camp Funston, Kansas, where he was stationed at the time this letter was written. |
| Subject LCSH | Camp Funston (Kan.); Military leaves and furloughs; Love-letters |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | C3035 |
| Contributing Institution | The State Historical Society of Missouri |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the State Historical Society of Missouri: 1020 Lowry Street, Columbia, Missouri, 65201-7298. (573) 882-7083. |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | November 19, 1917 |
| Language | English |