Editor’s note: Bing Crosby had a hit song in 1938 with “I’ve got a pocketful of dreams”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ihqPv2HlK0
8/24/38
New York/Hotel Pennsylvania
Marty Darling:
I hope the job turned out ok. But you know what I’ll say if it didn’t.
Crowley, the man with whom I am working, is a very nice person, although a little eccentric. He is lousy rich etc., and has been trying to extend unnecessary hospitality, especially alcoholic. But I have refused as I feel it better not to mix business and pleasure. Until this evening, we have seen no solution to our problem. But he got a brainstorm while David (black chauffeur) was driving us over from West Orange, N.J. it may help out tremendously.
I’ve been at this bar for a number of hours, but it makes me awfully lonesome. I didn’t know how much I counted on some people (singular). Please save the enclosure, as I think it good. Maybe when I can read better, I shall change my opinion. It was started at Ryan’s Yacht a number of weeks ago, but I haven’t been able to remember the point until I saw it tonight. Apparently my memory is better with (pardon me) 5 beers. I finished all but the first two verses tonight.
I’ve taken in the Statue of Lib., Times Square, Greenwich Village, 5th Ave, Park Ave, Stores, Docks, and Subways. I can truly say “I wish you were here.” But the really gorgeous part was the flight out. I was in one of the new “Sleepers” and slept most of the time. I shall fly back and hope to make the trip day after tomorrow.
I called Ted Woodson in Schenectady (P.U. ’33 and worked under him at Fast’s in 33-4). He says if I don’t stop in, he won’t name the baby (about even with Jo) after me.
Honestly, I didn’t miss you the first five minutes I was here.
See you about the end of the week. Regards to Bill, Jo, Jimmy and Johny. Please find out (if you can gracefully) if Bill wants me this week-end.
Love, Cy
9/5/38: Although there was no letter on this day, Cy recalled a memory about six years later, that offers an insight to their relationship at this time. His letter of 11/28/44 includes the following passage: “Hey, you, listen while the OM talks. Remember the morning in Don’s living room, following a certain Labor Day in about 1938, when you cried a little and said I probably wouldn’t love you any more? Well, since that morning, the thought of you and I not getting along like a couple of good kids has never entered my mind and won’t. You’re stuck with me and all my nasty traits of personality, whether you like it or not.”