Eisenhower, Dwight D. Important autograph letter signed, 5 June [1944]....

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Eisenhower, Dwight D. Important autograph letter signed, 5 June [1944]. Important autograph letter signed, ("Ike"), 1 page (8 x 10.5 in.; 203 x 267 mm.), [England], 5 June [1944], written to his wife Mamie Dowd Eisenhower, explaining that his regular correspondence to her would likely be interrupted due to a series of trips he planned to undertake over the next "six to ten days." Typical mailing folds. On the eve of D-Day, Eisenhower warns Mamie that his daily letters would likely be interrupted by a "series of trips that will last without interruption from six to ten days." He also hints at the secrecy surrounding "Operation Bigot": "I'm a bit stymied in my mind as to subjects to talk about. So many things are taboo..." Writing to his wife in anticipation of some very busy days ahead, and amidst the last-minute preparations for the Allied landings the next day, Eisenhower writes in full: Darling, Starting tomorrow I have a series of trips that will last without interruption from six to ten days. So if you have a lapse in arriving letters, don't jump at the conclusion that I don't want to write - I'll simply have no opportunity to pick up a pen. I'm a bit stymied in my mind as to subjects to write about. So many things are taboo - and the individual with whom you are acquainted (including myself) go along in accustomed ways. Mickey is a jewell [sic]. I often wonder how I existed without him. Anyway the real purpose of this note was to say I'm well, and love you as much as ever, all the time, day and night. Your picture (in a gilt frame) is directly in front of my desk. I look at you all the time. Another is in my bed room Loads of love - always. Yours Ike. Sergeant Mickey McKeogh, who served as Eisenhower's personal aide from 1941 to 1945 noted that even during the busiest periods, Eisenhower always took time to write to those who wrote to him. However, this time was different. Commanding the largest amphibious invasion in history was the most complex task Eisenhower (or anyone for that matter) had ever overseen, and he realized that his regular habit of writing to his wife would be likely interrupted, especially if things went badly-a horrifyingly real possibility at the time in light of the spectacular Allied failure on the beaches of Dieppe in August of 1942. In one respect, Eisenhower was not really 'lying' to Mamie about his "series of trips." On 7 June, Eisenhower undertook his first journey to France, aboard Admiral Ramsay's flagship to take an up-close look at the Allied progress. During that inspection trip, Eisenhower had boarded a smaller craft to get a closer look at the landing beaches and became stuck on a sandbar for some time, though managed to get free once the tides cooperated. He travelled again across the Channel on 12 June, this time in company with Generals George Marshal and Hap Arnold. Between those journeys were, of course, endless meetings and press conferences. In one sense, Ike's 'fib' was a clever ruse in the event his letter was intercepted. If German spies got wind of this letter they would perhaps conclude that the Allied landings would occur later in the month, rather than the next morning.