World War II–dated ALS signed “As ever—yours, D.,” four pages, 8 x 10.25, January 1, 1943. Handwritten letter to his wife, Mamie, addressing her as "Darling Girl," penned from his headquarters in Algiers on New Year's Day, 1943. Without ever directly mentioning the war—or his secret location—Ike writes of day-to-day life, exposing his knack for tactics in a game of bridge, complaining about Army food, and expressing his love for his wife and family. In discussing his New Year's Eve bridge game, we see Ike's strategic mind at work; this same aptitude would serve him well when planning some of the most significant military operations of the 20th century.
In full: "Last night I wrote you my final letter of 1942. This morning I've been fighting for the time to send you my first of 1943. It is now lunch time—but I'm not hungry. Our mess here in the building is very bad, and for some reason (possibly a lack or fancied lack of time) we've never gotten into the habit of going home for lunch. Anyway there's nothing appealing about the d— place. I think that if the season ever turns bright there may be a different atmosphere in the house.
This morning I received a radio announcing Milton's return. I was delighted to know he arrived there for the New Year.
For the first time here (and the second since leaving Washington) the household had a party last eve. 14 for dinner. Nine men and five ladies. The biggest incident, so far as I was concerned, was a bridge hand I held. We'd played about four rubbers and were finally on the last one; both vulnerable. I picked up—Hearts A, K, Q, J, xxxx, Spades A, K, Q, xx.
After picking myself off the floor, where I promptly fell—I studied the matter over. I wanted to bid 7 hearts, finally, but wanted to get there so as to get doubled & give me a chance for redouble. If I said 2 hearts—my partner might say 2 N.T. or 3 Ds or Cs. Then I'd bid spades. Since my 8 hearts made it almost certain that my partner held more spades than hearts, it seemed clear that finally I'd end up in 7 spades, where I did not want to be. I'd almost surely have to trump the first trick and that would leave me only 4 trump if spades was called. So—my first bid was 7 hearts. I still figured that my opponents might have at least 1 ace & would double. It happened that one opponent held 2 aces, but would not double. The hand was a lay down. That was at 12:30. I promptly started for bed, where I got as soon as we got rid of all guests. Wayne, Meacham, Butch & I still live together!
Well Sweetie—maybe this description is not as marvellous as I thought the hand was—but it had been so long since I touched a bridge card I felt very proud of myself.
Take good care of yourself, all year long, because when I come home I'm going to have so much time to make up in telling you what a wonderful person you are, that you'll have to be in good condition to listen to all of it. And if you yawn!!! Look out!
My love to all the folks—and please don't forget me. Sometimes I feel so alone that I wonder just who and why this Ike E. is! But on the whole I keep plugging away rather optimistically, and I hope, effectively.
The best of everything to you & our Son. Loads of special love for you alone." He adds a lengthy postscript: "Just a few more minutes! The lunch today was not so bad—New Year celebration I suppose. Maybe you'll have a drop of egg-nog today. If I could only be with you I'd cheerfully go to anything without complaining; even a cocktail party! In fact, maybe I'd want to—just to show off what a gal I have! Again, love to all—including Ruthie & all the rest in the Wardman & Helen & Mother." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original Allied Force Headquarters mailing envelope, addressed in type to Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower at Wardman Park in Washington, marked "Free" and stamped and initialed by a censor. Also includes a full letter of authenticity from JSA.
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