11 April 1960
Norfolk, Virginia
Dearest Pat,
Needless to say I'm quite happy to hear from you. I had almost given up hope of ever hearing from you again.
[illegible] from you again.
Pat, I feel terribly about not being present when you needed me, even though, as you said, it was impossible.
Well, as you probably realize, we got back to the states the last of March. We had a wonderful trip, overall we traveled about 14000 miles. We visited Spain, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, and England.
Although the northern European countries are very beautiful, I think the most notable part of my visit was seeing the differences between them and the U.S. both culturally and socially. The difference was especially noticeable in the Scandinavian countries. If I had to choose a country to live in, outside of the U.S., it would be Norway or Sweden. I would like to say more about my trip, but your problems are first and quite a bit more important than my babbling.
I don't know exactly what to say about your being in jail. I was a little surprised because I didn't think they would go so far to slow down the inevitable process [illegible, torn]. Though I can't be you in body, my heart is with you in anything you do or experience. Please keep me in mind as to any new developments.
Here in the Norfolk area, CORE has been conducting sit ins also. The city of Portsmouth has been their first target as it is more liberal than the other cities in the area. Up to this point there have been no arrests or violence (that's why I was a little surprised at your arrest.) There is quite a bit of tension here however, and the city posts policemen and police dogs at the scenes to prevent any outbreaks of violence.
Did you stop over in Jersey on your way to or from N.Y.? I haven't been home yet!! I've made plans, however, to go home for Easter. I hope you won't mind my telling Aunt Jennie and Uncle Sam of your activities.
I'm sure they will be quite interested in your experiences and what you are doing for our race.
Since I'm too lazy to write your folks, I'm going to ask you to give them a message for me. The [illegible] I sent them is [illegible, torn] eating "fish and chips" (chips, [illegible, torn] don't know, are merely french fried potatoes!!!) I know they were [illegible, torn] where the spoons were. I should have sent a note of explanation, but I didn't remember until after I had mailed the package.
I'm enclosing this letter with the picture I promised. It's not half as good as it should be, or as I had hoped it would be. (note my weird mustache.) In answering this letter send yours to me home please. I'll be home from April 15 to April 25. My home address in case you don't have it with you is:
212 Douglas Avenue
Haddonfield, New Jersey
Love,
Irving
P.S. I'm sending also some envelopes (stamped) for the use of you and Priscilla.
Listen: The Blues Program
