Paul Van Pell to Peggy

Peggie (Margaret) is my mother. Paul must have been a person my mother was acquainted with.

Transcript:

[On headed paper - Headquarters 506th Parachute Infantry. APO 472, United States Army]

Dear Peggy,

I hardly know how to begin this letter or say the many things I want to say without having you feel I'm unfair or that I tried to take advantage of you for my own selfish interests. I'm going home one day soon and I don't want to leave thinking you must hate me, though you have reason to.

I couldn't write during the past months, partly because of the war and partly because of something I can't explain. I knew that I couldn’t see you again for several years, at least, and that something told me that you’d forget me and start anew more easily if I didn’t write. Maybe that was all wrong Peggy and I'm going to ask you to forgive me. Please believe me - all the things I told you were sincere. I was in love with you and still am, for that matter, but even then I knew it would never work as it should. It wouldn't be fair or good for us to wait as long as would have been necessary. You're too fine that I should want you to wait so long.

Frank has told me of your marriage. Perhaps its better that way. If you loved him enough to marry him, then I'm sure he must be a fine man. I'm wishing you all the happiness in the world.

Well Peggy, this has been short but I hope it makes you understand. I hated to write it but rather that than have you hate me. You must see that even though I love you, this is the only way to be fair. I'll always remember you [unclear], though will never meet again. I guess this is Goodbye then.

God Bless you and always make you happy
Paul

Tagged:
Love and Romance

Contributed by:
Linda Bootland

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