This is how it started: the blank page. You’d hand it over, they’d tap it out. I’ve no idea why this one was saved – it was folded twice and stored away, perhaps as a rough draft, perhaps as a bad idea abandoned before Morse Code could begin its irrevocable chatter.

It’s a Dear John letter.

Remember Lois I promised that I would tell you if I ever found another – I still think you are wonderful and a fine girl. You have done much for me and I appreciate it all. I want to tell you this before Thanksgiving. I am sorry I am such a mess. You were going to ask me about the pin tonite I think. Well it is away from here – El Paso. There are two things that made me change & I didn’t want to – You know them both –

And there it ends. Next: a small selection of old telegrams and their art.