In the spirit of St. Valentine’s Day, we offer readers a short billet doux, written from France on May 5, 1918, by Capt. Harry S. Truman -- who would become the 33rd president of the United States -- to Elizabeth “Bess” Wallace, the woman he was then courting, and whom he would later marry. Weekend Reading takes a break next week, so I chose a selection that’s good enough to read a second time.

Dear Bess,

We work so hard during the week we don't have time to think of anything but work. Sundays are sure dull though if we don't get any letters to read.

Be sure and write and keep writing and I'll do the same. We sure appreciate letters and more letters from home.

France is France and a grand place for Frenchmen. I don't blame them for fighting for it and I'm for helping them, but give me America, Missouri and Jackson County for mine with the finest girl in the world at the county seat. French girls are pretty and chic but they cannot hold a candle to American girls. Every man in this room agrees with me too.

It's raining today for a change after starting out with a grand sunrise and a fine morning. We've seen the sun about four days since we've been in France. The weather doesn't bother us much, but I'll bet a Frenchman would suffocate if he got into a heated room. They're never warm from September to June. They thrive on it though.

Be sure and write to me much and often, for I can always put in another week happily if I get at least one letter. The more, the better. I'm sure crazy to see you.

This is adapted from The 50 Greatest Love Letters of All Time, edited by David H. Lowenherz.

You may manage Weekend Readings by visiting www.analects-ink.com, or clicking the commands below:

p Subscribe to Weekend Reading

p Unsubscribe to Weekend Reading

p Add a friend or colleague to the list of Weekend Reading recipients