29 April 1960
Dearest Pat,
I was quite happy to receive [your] letter today. I was longing for a word from you.
Pat, you are right, we also have a lot of important things to talk about. Things which should be discussed in person, not by mail. If you can come to Jersey in person, not by mail. If you can come to Jersey on May 22, let me know and I'll meet you wherever that really happens to be. Otherwise I think it's going to be hard for us to get together because of the ship's schedule.
No, Pat, I don't think I know you well, it takes years of close association to know a person well. I think, however, that I understand you and that after a few years, I'll know you fairly well. Regardless, I don't believe I'll regret anything, and I hope I never give you cause to regret anything.
I hope those spots were no more serious than you said. Not so much because of what would happen to those people, but because if you were sick I'll feel sick myself
Take all the towers, etc. that you can this summer. Traveling is a wonderful experience, especially if someone else pays for it, and you all need the release from tension it will give you. I only wish I could go with you, but it looks like our northern Europe and (Shh, quiet now) Russia!!, Has been confirmed. I think we'll be gone only 6 weeks though, I'm hoping. We should be able to compare some interesting experiences though.
I imagine you're keeping ahead of the situation, on racial issues both here and in South Africa. It looks as though the integration issue is coming to a head throughout the world. I read quite a bit about both situations
in newspaper and magazine articles.
I'm sure you'll be able to adjust to the outside world quickly and easily. I find that no matter how much I loaf and also while I'm on leave, I soon quickly go back to my daily routine.
When we will be married is your decision, however. There are several things which must be considered. That's me if the most important reason for us getting together. Of course you'll be with me, that's why I want to marry you, so you'll be with me all the time!
My family was happy to see me, the only one who was angry was my mother. (She's jealous of you, by the way) She's a strange woman in some ways. I'll try to explain her when I see you. They all know I'd asked the question or at least they assumed as much. Everyone seemed to like the idea except, again, mom. We've got to talk about her and with her. The Gotole family sends their regards.
Have you told your family that I asked you to marry you? I'd like to know how they feel about it, if you've told them.
I went to Quincy with your mother and grandmother on Easter Monday. We talked, mostly about you, all, and I guess I kept her from getting bored as she did most of the talking. I've grown to like your mother, she's almost as wonderful as you.
Tell 'Cilla I'll write for soon I've my regard to everyone. I love you.
Love Always, Irving
P.S. Be sure to let me know about you Jersey trip. L-ITR
Irving Ransom
OI Division
USS Northampton (CLC-1)
c/o FPO New York, New York
Miss Patricia Stephens
Leon County Jail
Tallahassee, Florida
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