(26) Letter: Jack Bentley to Cornelia Bentley, March 20, 1919

March 20, 1919 Please don't stop writing on April 15 for I may be disapointed & would need letters doubly bad if so. My dear Mother, It is seven fifteen now and the big church bell is ringing and this is a signal for all the children to get to their homes a pretty custom and these people really are obedient. Their German school is right near here and at 8 a.m. they cue up the boys & girls on separate columns of two & the boys go in first each one making a mock effort to scrap his feet - its funny. These children da a tremendous amt. of singing. Mother my love for thee is greater than thee has any idea of I am sure. I hope that old Dannie won't offer me much money so that I

will turn up my nose at him and do what I really wish to do, stay home! I am really alright to do this. Yesterday we all took Anti Typhus Serum & today we were laid off. Tomorrow breakfast at 530 a.m. hours hike to the range and then shooting. I have been deeply interested in my books on farming and many very good ideas and short cuts have stuck in my head. By the way tell Robert to prepare for corn in that lot east of the pig pen. We sail around April 15th I hope I can afford to pay Robert $40 a month but there are to be certain stipulations. So I want him to wait until I get back before the change is made. Thee might have a

little chat with him and let him know that I will probably let have more money. Robert says he can't live on his salary & yet his plea for more money is based on his being a more valuable man than the average. His wife is the cause of his trouble. I grant he is more valuable and for that reason I will increase his pay. Tell him that I will arrange a plan with him on my return God grant I never leave my beautiful home with its beautiful hosters and neighborhood. I believe I would do well to stay home now - but it depends on

that contract - if Dunnie will pay me $350 per month and give me half of the purchase price at the end of six months providing he sells me I couldn't afford to turn that offer down for I am sure of being sold for around $5,000. But I am far from settled on the subject and rather feel that I won't play. What do I care for baseball after My experience what I want more than anything else is a permanent home something I haven't had since 1911. Am I right George School in 12 & 13 I believe & since then. I remain lovingly thine Jack