It’s snowing here this morning. That has boggled my mind to the extent that I don’t have much to add about these letters.

Detroit, Mich
Nov 2, 1942

Dearest Daddy

Got your letter. Was sorry to hear you all were sick. I got a card from Polly and a letter from Cornell. They’re both O.K. Annis is down there with Cornell. Polly said Tallie and Mama was in Asheville. Are you and Lennis living with Beckey or by yourselves? Tell Lennis to be good. Daddy, have you been drinking? If you have I want you to stop. When you get my letters, Daddy, write straight back. Is it cold down there yet? It’s cold up here. Did Polly take all her clothes with her? She isn’t working is she? Tell Beckey we’re O.K. and tell J.T. Dougan Jr. is getting along fine so far but he might have to change his notch. Ha. Tell him I’ll write to him soon. There isn’t any news so I will close for this time.
Love to all
Mattie Pearl

Detroit, Mich
Nov, 1942

Dear Daddy & Bug
Will answer your letter. How are you all by now? We’re all OK up here. I got a letter from Mama today. She’s OK. But I’ll bet you can’t guess where she is – she’s at Sal’s in S.C. She said her and Polly was going to get them a job as quick as they could. I haven’t heard from Cornell since he went back. Say, did he get married, and how long did he stay at home? I sure wanted to see him, but I guess I will have to go see him when I come home. Daddy, I don’t know when we’ll be home, but before Christmas I guess when D.L. has to go to the Army. That’s when we’ll be there I guess. He hasn’t took his examination yet but I guess he will soon. Daddy, tell Beckey Hello and to write to me again. Tell J.T. and Junior and Bug hello and to write. Daddy don’t wait so long to write next time.
Where are you working underground? I hope it isn’t at John Burlesin’s old mines. They’re too dangerious, Daddy. So tell Bug to write a little. So answer soon.
Love to all
Mattie P.

P.S. Mama didn’t say anything about Daddy Talley.

A few years ago, my mom gave me a shoebox full of old papers that her grandfather had saved. Some of them were yellowed receipts and such, but there were also quite a few letters from various family members. This is one of them. Here are some others.