JUNE 4th, 1900 - ELG to RGJ ______________________________________________________________________________________

In envelope postmarked South Paris, June 5th, 1900, addressed to "Miss Gertrude Jones, Intervale, Maine, c/o Geo Wharff" On the back, someone has pencilled "37." "Margaret" is Ruth's sister, Margaret Bancroft Jones. Emma Shurtleff was a long-time teacher in Paris schools. She died Apr 1, 1913 at age 57. "Lena" was Alena L. Young, a fellow-student with Ruth at Farmington State Normal School. (I have a number of letters from Lena to Ruth.)

Monday Eve.
June 4th, 1900.

My Dearest.

I suppose you wont mind getting a letter from yours tomorrow night and I am so lonesome and homesick to night I cant help writing to you if you have been out of my sight only 12 hours.

Have got along first rate to day for a starter but am pretty tired to-night and my back aches some. I suppose that is due to me standing all day on my feet and in one position.

I felt that old feeling of ("faint") when I got home at noon and also to night when I got home, but as soon as I got something in my stomach I felt well right.

Have been working on Patrol wagons to day and probably shall for some time yet for there are some 200 to letter and stripe.

Will has got to go to Greenwood to-morrow to locate guideboards and not return until sometime in the P.M. so I shall be alone most of the day.

O'dear. How I did feel when I left you in the car this morning. Ruth it did seem as if I could'nt let you go, and leave me for you know that now we have the rings and your folks seemed to be pleased with our choice and judgement in regard to the expense. it make me want to be with you all the time. I went up to the store after supper and got some screweyes and hung that picture you saw yesterday down here.

By the way, I had lobster for breakfast this morning and it was good to.

It has been a lovely day here and I presume it has been the same in Gloucester.

How I wish your school was done and you were here for good, would'nt I been a happy lad.

I went over to Norway after I ate supper and a coat to wear in the shop instead of an apron for I can keep cleaner.

Went on Alice wheel.

Aunt Nancy has got back for I can hear her yelling out in the yard to Emma Shurtleff.

Did she get of at Lewiston Jct. or did she go to Portland?

Saw Margaret out sailing round on the bicycle tonight.

I suppose your boarding mistress and household have seen your ring ere this have'nt they? How did they like it?

No one can help thinking it a beauty that has any taste and I know "Teach'y" does if no one else does, and as long as she is suited that is all I want.

Well the 8.45 car is coming and I am so sleepy I cant stand it to write any more so am going to say good-night to my dear one (sketch of ring here) and go to bed.

Hoping to get a letter from you to morrow night I will wish you joy and happiness and a safe return in four week to your loving hubby who sends you hugs and kisses.

Ned.