Dear James,
I haven’t time to look for the tablet so I’ll write on this Burpee order sheet. The children have gone to school early so as to have time to play.
Now my main idea in writing is to tell you I want you to take enough money from the bank to buy yourself some new clothes. I’m asking this as a favor and you owe it to yourself and the Company. Get your uniform cleaned and mended. Buy shirts. Go down town where they have new goods and don’t buy anything cheap. I’d like you to get 2 nice white broadcloth shirts with collars attached, and 3 or 4 work shirts. You can get some nice tan or different colored shirts with detached collars that would look ever so much better than the blue work shirts. Get a raincoat too. Trench coats are out of style now I am afraid, but if you like them get one anyway. Also get a new cap for Sunday. This sounds like a lot but they are all things you need. We are going to get new clothes too but you need them most.
And I wouldn’t hang around the station listening to other men’s troubles. If each one of you would talk things over with your wives more and shut your ears to gossip the world would be a lot better off. A man’s first duty is to protect and provide for his family. If you have any time left after that is done you can work for some good cause.
This is another wonderful day.
We all send love, Martha