July 1, 1937
Dear Ruth [Laurel],
When Lois divorced me it unbalanced me mentally & I made up my mind that I couldn't be happy any more. I met & married you in that frame of mind, & the longer it went on, the stronger it became. That's why I left you with the insane idea Lois would take me back.
After I left you, I found out definitely that she wouldn't. I then realized the terrible mistake I had made a& was too proud to admit it so then I tried to find a new interest to forget it all, & truthfully Ruth I never have. I have drank just to keep up my spirits & I know I can't last doing that, & am straining every effort to get back to normal.
You've been swell through it all, except the few rash things you did. I don't blame you for not being in love with me, but my state of mind overrules my true feeling. If I had to do it over again things would be a lot different, but not in this town or this business. My marital happiness means more than all the millions.
July 26, 1937
Miss Ethel [Stanley],
Thanks for remembering my birthday, I sent you a telegram canceling an earlier request to contact the former husband of Mae Dahlberg who is at present suing me on a common law wife charge, well my last marriage turned out wrong & during that court battle up come Mae Wahlberg out of the past & gets into it - too, it sure got me down. On top of all that I haven't worked since "Way Out West" picture (8 months) - having contract trouble at the Studios - Roach deciding to split up the team & keep Hardy. So it looks like I start out all over again from scratch - It will be tough going but I think I'll make it again alright - They all just about stifle me - but they couldn't take my brain. I apologizing for boring you with all this, thank you for your congratulations on "Way Out West."
Kind thoughts always -
Most sincerely,