Jon Bouman to the Bouman Family

Jon Bouman to the Bouman Family

Bouman, Jon Anthony, 1873-1958

WWP23028

1919 March 23

Letter from Jon Bouman to his family.

Gift of William C. and Evelina Suhler

Correspondence

Paris Peace Conference (1919-1920)

Rachel Dark

Denise Montgomery

Austin Shifflett

English

Evelina Suhler is the granddaughter of Jon Anthony Bouman and inherited the family collection of his letters from the years of World War I. She and her husband gave the letters to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum in 2013.

Dearest,

    Sorry you were kept waiting for my last letter, which I wrote also on the Sunday (16th) so that probably you would not get it until Tuesday at the earliest.

    About the prospective house in Southwood Lane, I think I know just about where it is, and imagine it would be quite available, also as it has a garden, that would be an advantage, considering the fact that we found a garden such a boon for the children. I wonder if it is very much out of repair, and if the owner (who is he?) would not do it up to a reasonable extent; perhaps making a bargain of some sort. I hope the sanitary arrangements are all right. The villas in Stanhope Road I don’t know. However, you will surely do what is the most practicable and perhaps your next letter may contain some news about the proposition. I have come to the office today to look for letters, but find none.

    Glad you made a good bargain in the matter of beds, and that you have started your banking account again. I had thought of that, but was afraid we couldn’t put enough into it to start it. However, you being an old customer, I suppose there was no difficulty. I will send you a cheque for £30 as suggested, to reach you by April 1st.

    It is good to hear that the children are so well liked at school – by the way, I never heard what their grandparents thought of them; you must let me know. I suppose we must have the boy’s eyesight tested. When you do, prepare him for it, for he is likely to say, owing to his shyness, that he sees allright when he doesn’t. Don’t let him get flustered when he has to read off the letters on the board. I should be sorry if he had to take to glasses already but if it is necessary, of course he must.

    It would seem odd to be in our old house again, to be sure, and no doubt you enjoyed the experience. Tell me how the Kramers are getting on, and if he still keeps a good cellar. You will not find time hang heavy on your hands, with the househunting and seeing old friends again. What news from Newcastle?

    I sent a postcard to Gates at the Savage Club, and he wrote in return, saying that he was “reding” again since Xmas, after a spell with the War Arms Committee on propaganda work which he found very congenial. His aviator son has worked up to Lieut. Colonel and he has gone to the West Indies for an oil syndicate at £100 a month and commission, which seemed to please the old bird greatly.

    Also a postcard from the Fransos at Middelburg in reply to one of mine; I selected a very splendiferous one, with which they seemed to be pleased.

    I am happily keeping very fit. Last Thursday I was sent in an automobile of one of the old nobility of France to the Chamber of Deputies to see Prof. Dubois, a deputy with whom I talked 2 hours about the economic situation in the north of France. What a magnificent language French is! If I had taken down all he said (which wasn’t necessary) it would have just been a piece of perfect oratory without needing to lick into shape. All his statements clearly coordinated, lucid and precise; it was a pleasure to listen to such a man. I gave him a good showing for it.

    I find the New York Times printed an interview I had with London. I cut it out and sent it to him, and he ought to be gratified. Last night I dined with that old teapot Dr. Rooseboom and a Dutch-American soldier at my usual haunt, and they were highly amused at the fat landlady’s antics.

    This morning, the weather being fair though cold. I walked along the banks of the Seine to see Balzac’s old house which has recently been restored inside to what it was in Balzac’s time. Unfortunately it was not open when I got there. There seems to be a famous garden to it which I should like to see.

    No further news today; I hope to have a letter again soon. Dearest love to yourself and the babes. Take care of yourself!

Letter

Bouman Family