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We have 5 or 6 handwritten letters from "Duke" to his "Darling" written in 1926 when he was only 19 years old. We are curious about their value and wish to sell them.

This is the content of the first letter:

Written on "TECHNICOLOR MOTION PICTURE CORPORATION
Inter-Office Correspondence" paper

"My Darling,

Despite your warning, the news of your accident was an unpleasant shock to me. Knowing how secretive you are about your health I cannot help wondering exactly how badly you are hurt. My memory of our conversation consists of a vague mention of your knee & ankle and a lot of useless conversation about the car. Please write me immediately exactly how you are. Wire if I should come home.

I agree that it would be a waste to put a lot of money into the car, so I am getting in touch with a friend who will call you and make the necessary inquiries. He will determine whether it is cheaper to patch it up and trade it in or just trade it in as is. Naturally, not having the cash we will have to buy a new one by the (end) of the month which I deplore, but can see no alternative at the moment. Let me assure you the loss involved does not perturb me. My only concern is that it came at such an inopportune moment. It is fortunate that our income at the moment is fairly substantial. We can only hope that it shall continue so for some time.

As you know, I am conscious of my own indebtedness and had hoped to start soon to make some attempt to discharge it. It still must be done, but we must not go below a certain cash reserve. The first person to be paid must be the jeweler. If you are able or at least when you are able I think we should close my account at the bank. It is stupid to pay a monthly penalty on a delinquent balance.

Please, darling don't let all this upset you as it will all work out all right.

I love you, baby, and it tears my heart out to be so far away at a time like this. I am so utterly helpless. If you need me wire and ill try to get home immediately.

The picture is going very slowly. Yesterday there was a plan to do a great deal of the opus on a set in Culver City, but Hunt Stromberg (Producer) vetoed the suggestion and here we sit.

I have never witnessed such blind stumbling ignorant stupid inefficiency in my life. King Vidor (Director, "Bardelys the Magnificent" 1926) is so impressed with the magnitude of the production he doesn't seem to know just how to start it. Of the ten or twelve days so far we have wasted all but two on work that is strictly second unit. Even the M.G.M. People admit the procrastination is something new in their experience.

Have been asking about accommodations in the neighborhood. Cabins rent for tremendous price starting around a hundred a month. The hotels are out of the question as "The McCall" is fifteen miles away and the nearer one "The Drum", supports a den of gambling and a few cabins devoted to the boudoir sports.

Write me immediately, dear and every hour thereafter.

I love, adore & miss you,

Duke"

Tags: Duke, John, Wayne

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