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Seward, Alaska
August 28, 1918
Dear Bob:
Your card mailed 27th, ult., received boat ago and was glad to hear from you,
expect now that are beginning to get settled you will not (at least for a while)
find much time to write as your spare time will be pretty much occupied.
Locally everything just about the same as you left it, and any minor
exchanges you note in paper in ______. I am going to let you in on a
secret that is not yet public information.
You probably remember Adams. He and Nell Shea were married on last
Thursday. They tried hard to keep it a secret, but in less than 15 min.,
after ceremony performed it was public information and they were given a
reception, that cost Adams $6.00 to rid himself of the kids, it was the
intention of the fellows to seperate [sic] Adams and Nell and to lock Adams up
in the brig aboard ship, (which is in port) but by the time they were located
hiding at Ellsworth, Nell was so frightened and near to hysteria they allowed
them to rest in peace.
I think it was this that put motion into Alexander's head to marry he had
been going for about five weeks with a Miss Van Slyke and it seems it was a
"Love at first sight" case, for he took Margaret and I into his confidence ad
confided his intention of getting married, outside of Mrs. Van Slyke, We
were only persons aware of his intentions, until all of us took your Father in,
had him keep it a secret and last night they were married.
While it was a serious affair for the parties being married quiet [sic] a
little comedy was present, which, all of us enjoyed to begin with Margaret and I
were to be "Bridesmaid and Best man" Mrs. Romig and Elizabeth were unaware of
what was happening and Margaret had to find an excuse for dressing and going
down town, the Doctor also had to find a reason for being away and when he
started downtown the Mrs. wanted to go along and he had to get her off the
trail. Ha! Well Alexander and I met at Northern and he "broke out"
the Wedding ring, giving it to me he charged me under penalty of getting shot
not to loose [sic] it. I put in my jumper p ocket and that was
unsatisfactory as he was afraid some one would see it. I finally hid it to
his satisfaction and the wedding party began to gather, every time sone one
smiled as looked straight at us we both felt guilty and were sure they knew.
we [sic] finally got together and started operations Margaret and I got before
the Bridal couple then behind etc., until we straightened out. I gets
[sic] out the ring and was hoping I would not drop it, Margaret was looking very
pensive, "Aleck" was pale as a gost [sic] and trembling. Corine (Miss Van
Slyke) was red as a beet and feeling for Alecks [sic] hand and on the Doctors
forehead great drops of "Sweat" stood out as it as it was his first ceremony in
some time. Your dad said a few words and just about time he finished
Corine got hold of Alecks [sic] hand and it was over. they [sic] both
stood there jaws agape waiting for something else, your Dad wiped his head and
said "that's all."
I still had the ring and didn't know what to do with it, so I give it to
Aleck and he put it, then, on her hand, and in an awe stricken voice she turned
to her mother and said "Why Mother, "Aleck" didn't hold my hand." She thought
she wasn't wedded unless he held her hand all the time. Aleck looked funny
& said "It's legal alright" and Doctor said "Oh yes! legal." Then I began
to laugh, we had Ice cream and cake and Dotor told us story of his wedding and
embarrassment and then we went home. Afterwards Corine made Aleck go
through Methodist Ring ceremony with her.
I am going to give dope to papers Sunday and Gosh! won't Marg. and I catch it
when Folks and Gang out here find out we were in on it.
Well now for myself, and its the same old tale, still here. Took
examination yesterday for Chief and sure I passed but haven't heard officially.
Expect to leave for States on Saturn [sic], but again have not heard definitely.
If I do and stop at Bremerton will probably perform for you in my new uniform,
what!
And listen I'd like instructions from you in "How to successfully be a
Brother" you should write a story under this title for the "American Magazine"
they feature such stories, those sisters of yours rave continuously about you
especially Margaret, but then I know her better, we have gotten to be quite a
conspicuous couple since you left and I seem to have been or is (whichever is
best English) the longest winded friend she's had.
If luck favors me and peace is declared before too long a time lapse, I might
come up to you confidentially [sic] grasp you by coat lapels, or bars if you're
wearing them, get red in the face, bluster, hum, haw, cough a little and in a
squeaky little voice ask you to be a best man. What would you say?
But we better let that wait until its proper time from the looks of the paper
around her I am writing you with a vengenance [sic]. So if I can't write a
letter I can at least give you a little time. But as it works both ways
and I also use yours I'd better shut down, so will conclude by asking you when
you have time and inclination to drop us a line.
I remain my dear friend
Yours sincerely,
John B. Hannon
Envelope: from J. B. Hannon, U.S.N.,
Seward, Alaska; postmarked - Aug 31, 1918, 9 AM, Seward, Alaska; To: Mr. Robert
J. Romig, Finance Dept. I.M., Camp Lewis, Washington.
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