August 8, 1945

Seattle, Wn.

Dear Clare:

I have started and destroyed a half dozen letters to you in the past few weeks. What I have to say to you is not easy to write.

My feeble attempt to comfort you should not be confused with the real sorrow that I have in my heart. Herbert was my kid brother and I loved him very much. We had a great mutual understanding and I know he was very much in love with you. That he did not live to share that love with you is one of the tragedies of human life.

You are a young girl and with your whole life ahead of you. Do not let this terrible tragedy effect your future. As I said before Herbert and I had a fine understanding and I know that