Papers of the Benjamin Franklin Yancey Family

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 23, 1925

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William Eason writes May Yancey to tell her how much he misses her when she is away at school. He includes a poem with a secret message.

To: Miss. May Yancey
Virginia Nor & Industrial Inst.
Ettrick Virginia
From: W. Eason.
Elizabeth, N.J.
Postmark: Elizabeth, N.J.
NOV 24, 1925
1 PM Added writing: 6-3-E

Nov, 23, 1925

Dear May,

I have been over anxious to know why you havent wrote, It seems so long since I've heard from you, at least it seems three weeks but I must say I recived one letter from you. I guess its your tests that keeps you from writing isn't it dear I wasn't in Plainfield since you left. I guess you are going to the game Thanksgiving day. Do you care for any thing such as a fruit cake or candy? I am sending you what I told you I was going to send Saturday. I would send it now but I am going to a dance Thanksgiving (nite) and I am expecting to l use some of it. But you may expect it Monday as I ?know? that you need it I dont know what this is. Its getting very cold. Here is a poem I want you to read. After you have read it read it straight

(page 2)

Then read the first part of it perpendicular and then ans, the question.

when, you and I my dear must part.
Can Sorrow break one Tender heart.
I to a dirt and land may rome to.
Sleep and die for you alone
All in this I wish to say.
Night hide me I go and cannot stay
With, great love upon my mind
You, may in this a question find.

A line is drawn around the first word of every line of the poem.

ans.

How you like the question?

Be sweet, yours, always,
Willie

excuse paper.
Hoping you enjoy Thanksgiving
sweet heart yours William Eason.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Published by: Virginia Center for Digital History

Source copy consulted: Papers of the Benjamin Franklin Yancey Family (MSS 11599), Alderman Library, University of Virginia

Text and images (c) copyright 2001, by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia

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