This is the seventh of 87 letters exchanged during World War II between Nicholas Salvatore and Elizabeth Galloway.
For more see Nicholas and Elizabeth.
Wednesday, September 29, 1943
Italy
Dear Elizabeth –
I don’t know if you’re just playing a joke or having fun with me or what, but I love it. You are the most intriguing person I’ve ever known.
The chaplain and I have become close friends. A few weeks ago if you would’ve told me that my best friend here would be a devout man of God, I wouldn’t have believed it. But he’s a good man and I have a great deal of respect for him. (And I’m not just saying that because I know he’s reading this – turns out the censor duties fell to him. Go on chaplain, you can say “hi” in the margin!)
These letters can be an escape if you like. They can be whatever you want. Just please keep writing. I can’t begin to explain what having you to write to means to me. I know it probably sounds silly and I don’t know how to convey it, but please just keep writing. Maybe that way we’ll both make it out of this alive. We haven’t seen actual fighting yet, but it always looms in the distance. I’m sure we’ll catch up with it sooner or later (or vice versa).
Here’s my one question – What is the happiest you’ve ever been in your life? And remember, you promised complete honesty. Not about how you reunited with Gatsby after all these years or anything like that. Please. I really would like to know something about you. But, of course, it’s up to you. Just please keep writing.
Nicholas
Next letter – October 8, 1943
Words will keep us together 