This is an original Eisenhower letter dated 1943. This letter reads: Dear Charley: Thank you so much for your letter telling about Art. I had received the news only a few days before and have already written a short note to Maud. I have had no blow in a long time that was so distressing to me as this one certainly not since my Father's death more than a year ago. Art was a fine friend to us both. I shall never forget him. Your letter was written about two weeks after we started our Sicilian invasion. I assume that your newspapers keep you pretty well up with the progress of events, so you know that we are still hard at it. War is tough on everybody. Physically the strain comes on the young fellows carrying the battle right up to the enemy. But the higher commanders must have an inexhaustible fund of nervous energy, determination and optimism. I have often felt, in my own case, that a fine constitution and an upbringing by upright, intelligent and understanding parents in a wholesome and healthful country, like our great Midwest has sustained me in many hours of crisis. Please give my very best to my friends in town; I should think that most of them still gather at Joner's place, where it should be easy for you to give them my message. Faithfully, Dwight