This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 24th day of March, 1927, in accordance with request made by his sister, Miss [288].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Mrs. Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born February 27, 1911, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

TEXT

1. GC: You will give the relation of this entity and the Universe, and the Universal Forces, giving the conditions that are as personalities, latent and exhibited, in the present life; also the former appearances in the earth's plane, giving time, place, and the name, and that in that life which built or retarded the development for the entity, giving the abilities of the present entity and that to which it may attain, and how.
2. EC: Yes, we have the entity here, and those relations with the Universe and Universal Forces, as are latent and exhibited in the present earth's plane.
3. In entering the earth's plane we find the entity under the influences of Mercury, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn, with influences in Jupiter and Uranus. Hence we find there are many conditions in the experiences of the entity that will be found to be at variance with those of ideas and ideals of others as respecting the intent and purpose in the mind, or the urge of this entity becoming peculiar, then, in many ways and manners to others, and often times contrary-wise; for in the influences as are exhibited, we find the entity coming sufficiently close to the idea, or changes, that there comes much of same in the urges of the entity.
4. One, from experiences in the earth's plane, that will be attracted to certain specific conditions, as are seen, and to which much may be given and little gained, or much may be given and much gained, depending upon the application to, and in the manner as is exercised by the entity as respecting same.
5. Beware - the entity - beware of those conditions, however, that have to do with firearms, or with being ever associated with any company or condition that manufactures or makes explosives or fire apparatuses of any nature or character; for there appears these conditions would prove detrimental to the better experience of the entity; yet one interested in all conditions as tend towards the development of the body in the athletic direction, especially as to games that are of this nature, and the entity may turn same to good advantage, as given, or allow same to be the factor that brings those detrimental results in the life of the entity. Beware then, again, of vaulting, or of riding, or high driving, for these would not be well at many of the urges and periods in the entity's development. Rather choose those of the surefootedness, and that do not tax the BALANCE of body when far from the ground proper.
6. In the conditions, then, as are as urges, and as exhibited in the mental reasoning of the body:
7. One that is ever in that position of being self-conscious. Hence brings to the body often those conditions that are misunderstood by others.
8. One that is very set and determined in own will. Then be sure that will is guided by those influences that are correct, and that will always bring equal and equitable influences in the life toward others, and towards self's moral and mental development.
9. One that loves games, then.
10. One that loves flowers. One that loves music, yet neither of these will ever be in the position of being ABOVE that of the medium or mediocre condition; yet either influence may be raised to the point wherein the entity MIGHT become the musician or the florist to the extent of giving to others and preparing for self much that would develop in the entity the study of those spiritual elements that are most beneficial in an earthly experience or sojourn.
11. In the appearances, then, and urges as are seen:
12. In the one before this we find the entity in that of one in the same name as is given in the present time, and in that one acting as the messenger, or the informer, for certain division of soldiery, and suffered in the end for that held as honor to the entity. Then in the name Davis, and the entity gained through that experience, yet there is seen in the present urge that of the tendency of stubbornness, even to the entity's own undoing. Rather would the entity turn this into that way of applying self to the study OF self, and not in as a grudge from others, for too easy does it (the condition) beget that which is as NOT of the mental, but of determination to rule or ruin!
13. In the one before this we find that in that period when the peoples were coming to the shore of the present land. The entity was among those who accompanied him who was acclaimed as the discoverer of the lands, [Christopher Columbus] and then in the name of Cololon, and was among those who first raised the flag in that land now known as Puerto Rico, and the entity gained and lost in that experience, in that the entity used much of the experience gained to gratify self's own wishes, rather than for the good of those depending upon the entity's actions, FORGETTING others - serving self - and in the urge AGAIN we see this manifested, or as that applied WITH the other conditions so hard, as it were, to come to that position of being in an EQUALIZED manner between duty to self and duty to others. Rather set an ensample before self and ATTAIN to that mark of the higher calling as is set in service - service - service!
14. In the one before this we find in that period when the Grecians (then called) were in the way of giving to the people's that manner of gaining the better body in the MATERIAL manner, and the entity then was a director of the games that were used as the means of developing the physical prowess of the men and women of the day. [4/16/32 See sister's rdg. 288-29, Par. 14-A indicating that this Grecian sojourn coincided with her sojourn in the pre-historical period of the leader Uhjltd in Persia or Arabia.] Then the entity was in the name Uylessi, and the entity gained through that experience, and in the application of the lessons as were experienced, both in the mental and the physical. Hence we find the particular urge in the present through that of the sports, and the manner in which same may be turned into the way of being both beneficial in the physical and in the mental, and in the spiritual - for that builded in the inner man is the development of the soul.
15. In the one before this we find in that of the land known as the Atlantean, when the destruction came to those lands. The entity then was among those who served in the council of the ruler, and the entity then attained position, power, pomp, glory. Physically and mentally the entity was the peer of the councillors, and the entity and the entity applied same well and aright! In the urge as is seen from same, that deep desire for the right in the high and ennobling way, yet ever is this tempered by self's domination through application of conditions for self. Beware lest these are of the urges that would bring self denunciation in self, for unless that love as manifested in THIS application in the Atlantean influence would rule - these would prove detrimental in their final analyses. Then we find the name was in that of Ellien.
16. In the abilities, then, of the entity:
17. In that as is seen, these may be applied in three directions.
18. In that of using the physical prowess, and in the abilities to use same and apply same in the lives of others, these may bring to the entity the moral, the physical, and the spiritual development, to lead on to higher, better, and ennobling influences in the lives of others and for self - but set first that ensample as is seen in Him who went a doing good unto those whom the body came in contact with, for in Him is the way, in Him is the light, and he that would set Him as the ensample will renounce self, IN that the aggrandizements of selfish motives are the undermining influences in good, whether for the physical, the mental, or the spiritual bodies as are manifest in the physical plane.
19. Then be guided by that ENNOBLING influence as is in His way. Keep self in that way that leads to the better understanding and in the application of these principles in the present physical experience - there will be brought the greater influence, the greater good, for others and for self.
20. We are through for the present.

BACKGROUND

1. 1/25 Mother, Mrs. [1187], sent this extract from a school paper [391] wrote just before he became 14 yrs. old:
   "I do not know exactly what my future plans are, but I do think I shall finish high school within the next 3 yrs., if nothing happens [His father had died in Dec. 1924] to prevent it. Then I may wait a yr. and go to some college by working while I am not at school to help pay my way through. I do not know exactly what college I am going to, but I have 3 yrs. to think about that. After I get through going to school I do not have any idea what I am going to do. I do know one thing. I am not going to be a school teacher, doctor, lawyer, or any business I have to work indoors.
   "When I get through with school and get me a good position I am going to find me a pretty girl if I can and marry her. Then I won't have any more plans except to live."
2. 3/15/27 His sister, Miss [288], requested a Life Rdg. for him in order to help [391] decide on his life work.

REPORTS

1. 3/30/27 Friend [341]'s ltr.: "Thought the reading on [391] was very good, sure fitted him."
2. 4/17/27 He thanked EC for the rdg., saying: "I think it is right about me not having anything to do with firearms or vaulting, riding, because I am not sure-footed at all. Lots of times I almost fall over when I am just walking along. I hate to think about not diving any, because I like to do that but I don't care anything about firearms and vaulting. I thought if I did get a rdg. it would tell me I was interested in athletics, because I never get tired of them. I like music but I don't like flowers so awfully much, although I like pretty things. I had never thought of me being self-conscious but after it mentions it I know that I am very much.
   "In all of my other lives I seemed to think of no one but myself, but in this life I will try to do better and help others a little. One time it says I was a physical director. I wish I could be one now, or something like one. It says more about physical prowess than any of the other two and I am glad because it will make me want to think more of athletics. I believe if I ever amount to anything it will be in that line. I know I will never have anything to do in an office or store if I can help it."
3. 4/20/27 Sister [288]'s letter: "It certainly is interesting about [391] having been Sam Davis, the young Confederate soldier whose monument is in Nashville, Tenn. I remember [391] as a little boy of 4-5 yrs. old having an inseparable playmate, a little negro boy the same age named Sam. They were together constantly for about a year when little Sam died. Brother [391] was inconsolable, and I don't believe he ever had a playmate who was as close. Our father, who was also very close to [391] (took him to ball games, etc.), died when [391] was 13 yrs. old. [391] was so affected with grief that he could not attend the funeral. It is strange that his young life was taken at 19 when he was Sam Davis, and this time those nearest to him seem to be taken from him."
4. 3/28 "R... [[394]'s daughter] has been helping me in English and Trigonometry and I've already learned more in 2 wks. than all the rest of the time put together. She knows about as much about T. as my teacher does (more, I think). If I keep on getting her to help me I know I can pass... I am in love with one of the sweetest girls in the world. She [R...] has helped me a lot in forming my character. If it had not been for her no telling what I would have come to. That is one reason I've always wanted to have a good healthy body."
5. 6/28 "I fooled everybody and graduated... I am to be a counselor on the first Y Camp this summer, and when we come back (I think it lasts two weeks), we are going to the wheat fields. I know we can get a job there and it'll make a man out of you, too, if you stay with it."
6. 7/28 "This is supposed to be about the hardest labor a man does, and it sure felt like it the first week. The first week we were shocking wheat, piling it up in stacks. Just think of bending down and lifting bundles of wheat weighing around 25 lbs. all day. It's a man's work alright. Two of the boys who came with us started to leave on account of it being too hard, but I wouldn't go back if it killed me after everybody in ... said we couldn't stand it more than a week. We'll show them and go on up to Canada. They pay better wages up there."
7. 9/05/28 Letter from West Hope, N. Dak: "The wheat threshing job here will last about 30 days and then I'm going home where it's warm and where I can take a bath... Next summer I'm going to try playing ball. If I can't do anything at that I'll start saving money to go to school."
8. 10/28 "I have gotten back home and have a job at ... Tire Shop... I have learned to vulcanize tires already. The fellow I'm working for sure is a nice man but I have such long hours... He says later on if he gets a better location, etc., he is going to send me to B'ham to learn the battery business, but I don't think I would like to do anything like that the rest of my life. It's not exciting enough. If I knew where I could go I might try to take up aviation. There's plenty of future to that and a job with the government means something. Some places pay you while you learn and that's the kind I want."
9. 1/20/29 "I know I'll never be really contented until I do what I want to, or at least try to. Even in small leagues they pay as much as $125 to $150 and more a month, which is more than I'll be making doing anything else around this place."
10. 2/29 "Two boys got killed in an airplane wreck this p.m., both from ..."
11. 3/04/29 "I either want to play ball this summer, work here and go to ... Institute next winter, or get me a job on a ship. The last is what I have more chance of doing, I believe. Two boys left here right after Christmas and got a job on a boat and a boy got a letter from them the other day, saying that they were in Rotterdam, Holland and from there they were going to France and then to South America. You also get paid about $60 per month and board. I believe I would like it a lot. I like to go around with as many different classes of people as I can, just to learn about what life is."
12. 6/02/29 Miss [...] [[3875]'s aunt's] letter: "I was glad to see [391]'s name leading in the Y.M.C.A activities for the summer."
13. 7/23/29 "Mr. [...] [athletic director] is trying to see about a job for me up in Nashville now, and Mr. [...] [sec'ty of the Y] is trying to help us as much as he can."
14. 10/05/29 "I have at last got a job at the Y, but right now things don't look so good... I don't believe I will get along at all with the Gen'l Sec'ty... I'm just not made to get up and make speeches, etc. I'd rather do anything than do it. Why, after I got this job Mr. [...] [school principal] wanted me to take a Sunday School Class at the Methodist Church!"
15. 11/06/29 "The main trouble will be getting rid of some of my bashfulness. I know I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be. I just dread getting up before a crowd and trying to make a speech, and I will have to do that in most every phase of this work. I suppose I'll remedy that when I go to college, though. I hope so, anyway. I can do most of the other part with a little experience and work. It sort of comes natural, but the other doesn't. I've been elected Vice-Pres. of the Epworth League recently and maybe I'll get some help in that direction."
16. 1/14/30 "I've been to Calif. and am back home already... L.A. is really a great town and I wish I could live there. It doesn't ever get cold there and the sun shines most of the time... I'm out of a job and I don't know exactly what to do... If I don't find something pretty soon I'll be tempted to join the Navy or even the Coast Guard...that wouldn't be so bad." [2/04/30 He wrote that his job wouldn't be up until March 1st.]
17. April 1930 through Labor Day young [391] and his friend operated a hamburger and hotdog stand in Virginia Beach. Mr. E. N. ("Jim") MacWilliams, being of a mind to help struggling young athletes, gave [391] some money to get started at his (Mr. "Jim"'s) alma mater, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. [391] was supposed to get a part time job until he could get settled into the athletic program of the university, etc., and Mr. "Jim" offered to help further when needed.
18. 9/18/30 Letter from the University: "I like it fine up here already... I've met a bunch of fellows and have pledged to the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity...school isn't open until the 22nd."
19. 9/30/30 "I'm not so sure that I like it as well as I did at first...everything seems to have changed since school started...some of them are fine fellows just like you will find in every bunch of boys but not as great a number as I I would like to see or had hoped. Another thing that's worrying me is the money proposition. I don't like the idea of asking that man for money. If I knew him it would be different, but as it is I don't feel like doing it. You see, I was supposed to have gotten a job when I got here but it didn't work out, so I'll have to put out much more than I thought I would. He told me to let him know when I needed money but I simply don't feel like asking for it. I'd much rather be somewhere WORKING than up here on someone else's money. I never realized this when I came because I was hoping to get some work... Please don't think I'm just homesick or anything because I'm not, but I don't want to be spending this fellow's money when I should be home helping support Mama [1187] and sister [2111]. Brother [641] has done his part and now I should be doing mine. I was a numbskull not to think of these things before coming up here. As much as I do want to go to school I don't think I will be able to stay."
20. 10/26/30 "I still have a job here at home with the Y, and I think it will last until after Christmas anyway... [641] is working with the Pictorial Review traveling around over the country, and I think it's a pretty good thing for him only he can't make any money at it..."
21. 11/09/30 "I bought [187] (little nephew) some shoes and overalls and the little rascal seemed tickled to death. He hasn't anything to wear hardly... I have a minor part in a play the Y is putting on, a comedy. We give it again tonight before all the churches."
22. 1/09/31 "Having a grand time [here in Calif.] but haven't a job. Will leave for home soon."
23. 3/08/31 He wrote of working in a store owned by his girl (R...)'s father:
    "I read my rdg. last night for the first time in a long while and I believe a lot of the things said about me are really coming to the front, especially concerning me having different views from other people, and being stubborn - which I have been reminded of by many people lots of times."
24. 5/16/31 EC wrote Mr. [779] that three boys [[391], [408] and [...] (Mrs. [394]'s son)] "have a little refreshment stand here and seem to be enthusiastic about their prospects, at least." [GD's note: [408] had borrowed money - on his car from Mr. [1925] in order to open the business.]
25. 2/02/32 Writing about his family (mother [1187], brother [641], sister [2111], married sister [199] and family): "I certainly wish we could all get together some place and live in a home instead of just houses. It would be lots more fun. Some day I expect to have a home of my own, maybe."
26. 4/06/32 He obtained a Physical Rdg., 391-2, in which he asked if his lower back condition would prevent him playing baseball.
27. 6/07/32 He obtained Ck. Physical 391-3.
28. 10/31/32 He submitted questions for Ck. Physical 391-4, and these questions which did not get asked: "I would like to know whether I should try to build a new place of business at ... or where, or just repair the same place and use it. I would like to know which girl of the ones I've gone with would fit in as my life companion best. In other words which one would I, or do I, care most about, because I don't know." [See 391-4, Par. 23-A advising that his spiritual life or character is ready for an awakening, that he should seek a personal relationship with God, that if he will be true to self he will not be false to anyone.]
29. 1/25/33 He obtained Ck. Physical 391-5.
30. 8/16/33 He obtained Business Rdg. 391-6, with advice and guidance as to his material affairs and mental well-being, also past assocs. with [934].
31. 12/22/33 "[641] wants to get an apt. and get [2111] and Mama [1187] back in town, but neither of them would be satisfied. It's all such a mess. I don't know what to do and I feel like I should do something. There are a lot of things I want to talk over with you when I get the chance. I believe my life must be all crossed up with several other people's."
32. 2/14/34 See 391-7 in re business affairs, and Par. 15-A--22-A in re possible marriage with his high school girl friend [R...]. [See 391-6, Par. 15-A--21-A (on 8/16/33) in re possible marriage with Mrs. [934].]
33. 10/01/34 EC's letter to Mrs. [2457]: "I suppose you knew that [391] got married (9/17/34). We were down to their apt. one evening last week, sort of a surprise shower. Quite a number of young people came around - she is a very nice little girl; has been married before. They have a very nice place and I believe his sister [2111] is with them at present."
34. 11/20/34 We heard that [391] and [934] had split up, that she had ret'd to Ohio, he and [R...'s brother] had gone to Fla., and that his sister [2111] had ret'd to Ala. Later [934] told us that [391] had decided he should have married [R...], so she, [934], had ret'd to her home and arranged an abortion [baby girl].
35. 3/14/35 See 391-8 on his mental-material affairs; see Par. 12-A advising that he become reconciled with [934], and remain consistent.
36. 4/14/35 "[934] and I are back together to stay now." [See subsequent Ck. Physical Readings.]
37. 6/11/35 His wife obtained her Life Reading, 934-1, indicating that much of her self-indulgence arose from "over associations" in the Grecian-Roman incarnation.
38. See subsequent Business Rdgs.
39. 11/22/35 See wife's rdg. 934-3, one month pregnant, giving advice and spiritual guidance for parents in preparing for a soul's birth.
40. 6/21/36 Their baby son, [1208], was born. See subsequent notations under 1208-1 Reports; also notations under 934-1 Life Rdg. Reports.
41. 8/36 His wife left him, took the baby to Ohio.
42. 11/36 She ret'd and they went back together. He told EC that he had been planning to go to South America but kept dreaming of the baby and what he would be like in a year or so, and later as he grew up, and was just forced to go and get them.
43. 1/16/37 Sister [288]'s letter: "[934] is home now from the hospital (following partial hysterectomy)... Little [1208] is the sweetest thing, and I've almost entire charge of him - except his father, who has been a perfect wonder during the whole experience. He's bathed and dressed and fed the baby, and 'aired' him, and all the things that a mother usually does; because I couldn't have much time with him during the day."
44. 10/13/38 See Ck. Physical 391-18 warning him of dire consequences if he persists in drinking alcoholic beverages. See Par. 21-A, 22-A in re his work, saying that to get a job in a florist business is not now in keeping with his temperament.
45. 4/10/39 See wife's rdg. 934-6 advising as to their mental, material and spiritual welfare; and subsequent Reports as to their activities.
46. 5/10/40 His wife requested a Ck. Life Rdg., saying she had to squelch her appetite for beer so that she could help [391], whom she had come to love again after disliking him intensely for a time, and so that she could bring up her son [1208] properly. She thanked EC for her rdgs. which had made her life fuller, richer and more contented.
47. 5/24/40 EC's letter to [391] following a short visit he and GC had with [934] and little son [1208] as they were passing through Montgomery, Ala., where [391] was working, for The Lance Packing Co., and living with his little family:
    "Dear [391]: Sorry to have missed you, both in ... and at your home, would like to have seen and talked with you, for I haven't heard from you since I saw you here last summer.
    "I hope, [391], you won't think me meddling when I say the things I am prompted to say here, from having been at your home while you were away. I was very much tempted to bring [1208] home with me, but didn't think it was right to do so without talking with you about it. He looks pretty good but isn't in good shape at all. I think he needs some attention about the adenoids, and if you will let him come up here I will do my best to have it looked after, if you think it a good thing to have done at this time. I feel sure that between us we can have Dr. Richardson take care of it and get him in fine shape for this fall and winter. Don't know that this fits in with your and [934]'s plans at all but am anxious about the boy. As you know, we each of us here think as much of him as if he belonged to us, and it is because I'm anxious about his health that I'm saying this. So, if it is at all practical in any way for you to let us try and get this all straightened out, we'll be more than glad to do so.
    "I hope your work is developing satisfactorily for you. I know you, like all of us, are having a struggle, and you will have to buckle right down to it and do a real man's job. I know you are tempted at times to break over from the warning that has been given you, [391], [See 391-18] but am sure your better judgement tells you the suggestions were not for any selfish motive but for the best for you and those dependent upon you.
    "You have one of the greatest trusts ever given any man, I know, [with [1208]] and I'm sure you can measure up to that necessary to give him the best opportunity possible, if you but will.
    "Would like very much to hear from you - and know I'm writing this only because of the love and respect I have for you and yours.
    "Let me hear, won't you?" Sincerely, Edgar Cayce
48. 5/27/40 Wife [934] wrote that she and [1208] were leaving for Va., asking for Atomidine to be mailed to [391]: "His old trouble is back." [See 391-18.]
49. 6/05/40 See wife's rdg. 934-7 advising what they have to work out together from the Grecian incarnation, how to help each other in understanding and meeting their problems. Par. 26-A Advises [391] to "Keep not thyself away from that thou KNOWEST to be good. Attend the Lord's house more often. Keep thy body-temperament more in accord with thy purpose. A double life, a double purpose is not a singleness of heart in the Lord."
50. 10/24/40 EC's letter to Mr. [779]: "[391] is back here and has gone to work at the Ford Plant. Understand from him that things were slow there [in Ala.], failure of crops kept him from making the sales as he had at first been able to make. He finally gave up and came back."
51. 12/27/40 His wife [934] wrote from Ohio that she and little son [1208] had gone to her home in Ohio for Xmas - she didn't know whether she was coming back to [391] or not. They just couldn't live on what he made.
52. 2/11/41 We heard that [391] had enlisted in the Army; he felt that at least his allotment check for his wife and son would be welcome, and he would have his living expenses and be doing something worth while.
53. 2/13/41 Wife [934]'s letter: "I'm in an awful state of mind. I feel what I have done is right and yet I feel that [391] and I have failed each other. There's no doubt in my mind that we could have done better in regard to our advantages. It's too late now, so we must make the best of it. There are times when I love him and miss him, and then again I feel resentful."
54. 2/27/41 [391]'s letter: "I'm sorry that I've waited so long to write, but really I haven't had time. I've been made head cook and it keeps me pretty busy feeding 100 men three times a day. So far I haven't gotten any better rank than a buck private, but feel sure I'll get something better soon as they can arrange it, either mess sergeant or first cook... I got a short note from [934] saying she might come down there and that she was glad I joined the army if I would send her all my pay, and that she didn't care anything about me and hadn't for a long time, and that the cause was that I had neglected her. I don't know when that started or ended, but she has it all figured out somehow.
    "My life has really been a jumbled up affair and naturally there are lots of things I feel sorry about, especially my boy, but I'd rather not even think about it because it's a long, long way from the conditions I would like to exist. He'll be all right, though, 'cause he will be able to take it, and hand it out too. I only wish we could have known each other at least."
55. 3/02/41 "I really and truly like it here. One big reason might be that I got a pretty big promotion for not being here any longer than I have. I've been made Sergeant straight from buck private and that's pretty good if I do say so. I'm in complete charge of feeding about 228 men and it's quite a job to keep the men satisfied on one end and the officers on the other... I don't think I made a mistake in joining up.
    "I'll probably write [934] today if I have time but if she happens to be there and you get this first, tell her I'll send her some money as soon as we're paid, - which will be Monday or tomorrow. All I had when we left was what [brother [641]] gave me, $2."
56. 3/03/41 EC's letter to [934]: "Several times before [391] joined the army he came and talked with me, said a bit about you and [1208], but never in all my life have I heard him say one unkind thing about you only he didn't understand you, yet knew he loved you as he would never love another soul - here, this time, anyway. Have wondered at myself, and is possibly why I feel something of a guilty conscience, for after he iterated all the things about not hearing from you, not knowing what you were going to do and the like - I advised him that possibly a year in the army would be the best thing for each of you. So possibly you have me to blame for his being in the army." [See subsequent Reports under 934-7, etc.]
57. 3/16/41 "I certainly want to see [1208] but in a way I'm afraid to. I know it would only make things worse for me...
    "I went to church Sunday and they talked on the righteousness of fighting. In a way it was amusing because he knew he was contradicting everything that is taught outside in regards to war and killing. It was all right, though. We had a good time trying to sing without any music."
58. 4/13/41 Wire: "MAY EASTER BRING PEACE TO OUR WORLD AND HAPPINESS TO YOU, OUR DEAREST FRIENDS."
59. 6/13/41 "I had a Colonel come in the other day and tell me that we had the best and cleanest mess hall in the 29th Division and it certainly made us feel good, even though we do have to work like everything to keep it that way...
    "I'm sending [sister [288]] a life ins. policy made out to [1208] and I'm going to try to raise it to $10,000 - it's only $1,000 now...also a $20 allotment for him. I know that won't take care of all his expenses but it'll help. I've been sending it to [934] but the last pay day I had exactly $7.50 left after paying all my expenses and couldn't send her anything, and she wrote me a pretty nasty letter about it and also one to my commanding officer. That was the first time she'd written in about 2 months. Well, I'll let it go at that but if at any time she thinks that is the way to get a person to do a thing she's all wrong, especially about me. I'm afraid I made a big mistake several years ago in not taking [1208] away from her, when I could have easily enough." [See subsequent notations under 934-7 Reports.] [See subsequent notations under 1208-1 Reports.] [10/41 We heard that Mr. [R...] had set [934] up in the restaurant business.]
60. 1/01/42 "Mr. Cayce, I want to thank you and God for what both of you have done for me. I know I'm not the ideal person or anything like one, but in my heart I feel a lot and in my mind I think a lot - it probably doesn't add up but it's there just the same...
    "Mr. Cayce, please believe this - I haven't been wrong. I've done lots of things that are considered wrong but I'm not wrong or bad.
    "Please take care of [1208] in the way that you can, and also try to help [934]. She needs it badly and you know it, and I do too. I realize there is only one way to learn, through experience, but she's all mixed up and I think she knows it now. I'm pretty sure that nobody else can help and she'll only get deeper and deeper. I'm pretty sure that I'm not in love with her now but if I thought I could help I would... The only reason she ever gave me was that I was oversexed, but for over a year I haven't touched a woman. Lots of times it probably wasn't all my credit, but I couldn't help but keep that in mind... Frankly, I don't want her back, but I do want to help her if I can, and I want you to tell me how and also help her yourself - you can.
    "Happy New Year to you all."
61. 1/13/42 "I rec'd the ltr. concerning the members uniting in prayer for a few minutes each day [1/08/42 See under 2678-1 Background]... I can't help but believe that is about the only way the tide can be turned or stopped - just little by little until it spreads throughout the world...
    "I would like you to know I enjoyed my visit there very much and appreciate what you are doing for me in watching over [1208] as you are.
    "Some day I'm sure he will repay you and everyone who has had a hand in his correct development, by living his life just as you expect him to, for other people rather than for himself, and you know he will be capable." "P.S. Just let me know the time, and what is to be done."
62. 1/28/42 Mrs. [934] obtained decree for divorce from [391]. Subsequently [391]'s lawyer advised that [934] could not be granted the divorce without [391]'s consent, and that [391] could claim custody of his son [1208].
63. 3/13/42 "I would like to know what grounds she did use. The only deserting that has ever been done was by her, not me, and about a dozen times at that. However, that's neither here nor there. What I want is that child, and if I have to do it the hard way I think I can, but I'd rather not if it can be avoided."
64. 3/16/42 "I would like very much to get a rdg. and find out just what is the best thing to do and how to do it that will be best for [1208] in the long run. If possible would like to let the divorce stay as it is but change the custody of [1208] over to me... I surely hope it can be worked out without hurting anyone, especially him."
65. 3/18/42 See 391-19 in re proper decision to secure best possible environment and training for son [1208]. Mr. [391] subsequently decided against contesting the divorce. His sister, Miss [288] was on friendly terms with Mrs. [934] and he felt that it would be best for [934] not to be antagonized. Mrs. [934] allowed [1208] to live with Miss [288] most of the time for the next 2-3 yrs.
66. 10/14/42 Mr. [391] sent a card saying he had arrived safely at his destination (which we later heard was England).
67. 12/07/42 "I had the allotment increased to $50 a mo. for [1208], two months ago. I'm buying some war bonds, too."
68. 4/28/43 "This country over here [England] isn't bad at all now, but the winter was something else. It rained almost all of that, and we never saw the sun once a week even, and then it didn't really shine - it just came in view to let know it was still there, I think. The scenery is really beautiful, tho, and it makes everything seem so peaceful when everything is quiet.
    "The people? Some are very nice and seem almost human - in fact a few that don't exactly hate us. They still think their own little shell is the whole world and nothing else is very important, EXCEPT THE WAR. The girls seem to like us much better than the men, and you can easily imagine why. I've met two that I think are pretty swell, altho I probably won't see either of them again. We expect to move soon, but no one knows when or where."
69. 6/22/44 "Well, we're right up on the front now and don't know how long we'll be here. There's one thing about it, we don't get lonesome at night because of silence. There's some kind of gun or shell exploding at all times. The first night or two I couldn't sleep for the noise but now I don't notice them very much unless they come too close. Then we have a hole in the ground to dive into and I guess as long as we make it we'll be o.k." [Later we heard he was in France.]
70. 9/06/44 "I don't feel as if I could take another year over here... It seems I've been in the army all my life and sleeping in a hole in the ground. To just put on civilian clothes again would build my morale up a lot... There's been no pass for us since D-Day - anything but... When I do get out I think I'll just spend a few weeks doing nothing but lying in the sunshine and playing golf. That's about the only game I won't be too old to really enjoy, that and bowling, I guess."
71. 9/19/44 "Haven't heard anything from Hugh Lynn yet but didn't much expect to. He's on one side of the country and me on the other, I expect. It would be pretty nice to run into him some place. There's lots we could talk about besides war."
72. 10/24/44 He wrote from Germany.
73. 10/30/44 Clipping from paper, Norfolk, Va:
    29TH JOINS BREAK THROUGH SIEGFRIED
    With the U.S. 29th Infantry Division on the Western Front Oct. 29th-(Delayed) (AP)-Scarcely pausing to catch its breath after the battle for Brest, the U.S. 29th Infantry Division shuttled more than 500 miles to the northeast in time to help the Second Armored and the 30th Infantry Divisions smash through the Siegfried Line Oct. 2, it was disclosed today.
74. 12/07/44 He wrote about his physical condition - see under 391-18, saying: "I met a family of very nice people in Holland..."
75. 1/28/45 "I have a feeling that if I'm away from my son [1208] much longer we'll be almost strangers when I do see him - it's been a long time."
76. 4/04/45 We heard that he was back in the U.S. in a hospital in N.J. [About the same time his divorced wife [934]'s gentleman friend R... died suddenly.]
77. 10/21/45 Mr. [391] and Mrs. [934] remarried. The marriage lasted about a month. Both had an alcoholic problem which had grown during the years. Mr. [391] worked for a while in a florist shop, greenhouse, and loved it. However, his personal problems, as usual, got in the way.
78. 4/20/47 Ltr. from Ala.: "I like the restaurant work I am doing - back in the kitchen, not out front with the customers."
79. 8/11/47 "I'm working at the Officer's Club at Lackland Field, right out of San Antonio...kinda like being in the army."
80. 3/22/48 He ret'd to Va. from Seattle and worked for several months again in the florist business, liking it very much. Then, again, his personal problems interfered. His wife, [934], who had again divorced him, remarried briefly in Ohio and wanted their son, [1208], ret'd to her. He, the son, had been living with his Aunt [288], where [391] was also living.
81. 12/08/49 He wrote from Baltimore, Md: "Am working at a wholesale florist here, but it doesn't pay much.
82. 1/14/50 Copy of letter to his sister, Miss [288], which she allowed us to use:
    This is just a note to give you my new address. It's about the only place I've found since I left there that I liked as a room to live in. Later I will write in detail lots of things I would like to tell you. The whole thing can be said in a very few words, though. I had to get completely to the bottom of the ladder before I found it out and it has taken me close to 40 years at that. It's this: Try as a person might, there's practically nothing that one can do by himself. I used to think, and honestly did, that I was pretty close to Christ for a long time and then I began to drift away, all on my own, thinking I could do it by myself. Well, I found out different. You have to let Christ run your life or you will surely make a mess of it in every way before it's over with. You might wonder just what caused me to come to that conclusion. Well, I have been broke and hungry quite a few times within the past year - four or five days without anything to eat and no place to sleep. The job I had with the florist here was only extra work and I was laid off four days before Christmas. What little money I drew had to go for back rent, so Christmas Eve I was broke and no place to sleep again and no chance for a job at that time. In wandering around the streets I naturally ran into other persons in the same fix as I was and found out they had a place here where you could get a cot to sleep on and would give you two slices of bread and coffee. They call them "Helping Up Missions" and they are in lots of cities up North but I'd never heard of them before. They have no denomination, it's just a combination of all Protestant Churches. Anyway, they give you a bed or cot, but first you have to listen to one hour and a half of sermon before you get it. Each night there is a different minister from a different church; so they don't tire out too easily. I had to stay there two weeks before I could get a job and I was preached to every night. You might think this is funny but I really liked it and looked forward to getting there every night for the services. They make you get up and leave every morning at six and then you just walk from bus station to station trying to get warm and you're certainly glad when night comes so you can go back there. They have about 100 there each night, all ages and all kinds. They never turn anyone away if they have room.
    It did me a big favor and I know it. I can almost say that the past twelve years of my life have been completely wasted. From now on I'm letting Jesus Christ lead me wherever He wants me to go and do. It is not going to be done as easily as saying it but with His help it can be done. As soon as I get my one and only suit out of "hock" I'm going to church every Sunday too.
    New Year's Eve I went up to the biggest hotel here, I guess, the kitchen part, that is, and the man put me to work helping clean up the place, so I've been there ever since. It isn't much of a job but it beats starving and freezing to death on the streets. The pay is only $3.15 per night; I work at night but if I watch every penny I can live on it until something better.
    You might also be interested to know I haven't had anything to drink since October and don't think I'll ever drink very much any more, if anything at all.
    Say Hello to all the folks and I'm sorry I couldn't send any- thing for Xmas, and please send my mail to this address, also news of [1208] if you have any. Love, [391].
83. 9/25/51 He wrote that he was still doing restaurant work. (In Indiana!)
84. 9/28/51 His sister wrote: "I spend all of my little spare time 'doing' [1208]'s clothes and taking care of him, but it is a pleasure. This is a very critical time in his life, as you know [15 yrs. old]. I'm not a good substitute for two parents, but I'm doing the best I can.
    "Keep sweet. I pray for you every night."
85. 1/16/52 He wrote wrote that he was still doing restaurant work: "Haven't had a drink in 3 months either - pretty sure I have it licked at last."
86. 8/52 He wrote that he was working in a big eating place in Calif.
87. 11/07/53 "I'm working in a social service organization [in St. Joseph, Mo.] where I do all the cooking for about 50 men. They furnish a nice place to live but don't pay very much. The whole idea is for men that want to stop drinking to have a place where they are helped in every way they can be helped. The man in charge is a swell guy and he has done me lots of good - how much I don't know yet. He wants me to stay here 6 or 8 months and maybe I will. I can leave here any time and get a job making $75 or more a week but I won't keep it, so it wouldn't do me any good, I might as well stay here and try not to blow up. At least he understands more than most people."
88. 8/14/54 [N.Y.C.] "I received a letter from the V.A. Administration the other day telling me to report to the [Tuberculosis] hospital in Castle Point [N.Y.] on 9/2nd... Please don't criticize me too much for the way I've been. I've tried very hard most of the time to settle down in one spot, but the terribly lonely life I've lived for so many years kept pushing me on. I'm really and truly sorry I've caused all of you worry and disappointment, and it has hurt me more than I can explain, altho I know it has been mostly my own fault."
89. 4/04/55 "The more I think about it, the more I think I would like to work around plants and flowers when I get out. The big objection is that I don't think I will be allowed to do much laboring work for a while, probably, and I will have to make enough to live on."
90. 1/04/56 He wrote this to his son, [1208], [just before leaving for Florida], a copy of which was given us by Miss [288]:
    "I'm sure that if your mother and I had stayed together I could have done as well as any of the guys around the beach. Whose fault it was is of no consequence. It's probably better that we did separate. We are both pretty stubborn and have violent tempers at times. Anything could have happened. At the time she thought she was in love with a dead man and it was pretty hard to take. If we had to live it over we might not have given it too much importance but at the time it seemed unbearable.
    "I know that both of us would have wanted you to have a much nicer life than you did have but our own little petty likes and dislikes at the time were all important. Now they don't seem to be, but it's too late as far as you are concerned. The time when we both should have been with you, we were somewhere else. You know all this, but I want you to know that I know and realize it too and it has done me much more harm than you, I'm sure."
91. See Gina Cerminara's analysis of [391] and [934]'s karmic relationship as she understood it, after knowing both of them, on page 119 of her book THE WORLD WITHIN - repeated verbatim under 934-7 Reports.
92. 7/04/56 See notations under 1922-1 in re beginning relationship of Mr. [391] and Miss [369].
93. 8/09/56 He and the neurotic Miss [369] got married. Early in '57 they separated, though kept in touch by phone and letters.
94. 4/23/57 He wrote from Bimini Hotel, 155 Bimini Place, Los Angeles, Calif: "I am in L.A. and am in an A.A. home here and expect to stay here as long as I can and see if I can't stop this drinking for good. They will let me work around here for part of my room and board for a while before I go out and get a job in town. There are plenty of people here just like I am so I won't lack for company."
95. 5/25/57 His wife [369] committed suicide - she was found in her car in garage, no gas, dead battery, ignition on, closed doors, indicating she had got in car, started motor and passed out.
96. 5/31/57 His letter from L.A.: "I'm too numbed and shocked and full of hurt to think very straight...her last letter was so cheerful...she had almost made up her mind to come to L.A. or meet me in Denver... I don't know what I will do - I just don't have any ambition at all now - just about dead all over. I do think I should go to a V.A. Hospital and have a physical check-up. She was after me to do that ever since I left there. I don't want anything to eat at all, but I know I must eat something."
97. 8/08/57 See his son's letter to 391, under 1208-1 Reports.
98. 10/10/57 "Everything is going along o.k. with me - had to make a short talk last night at an A.A. meeting. I'm getting so it doesn't scare me to death to say something to a group, but I still don't exactly enjoy doing it as some people do."
99. 12/13/57 "I'm back in a T.B. hospital again. I'm not too surprised because I could feel the change taking place gradually. I knew when I was working at Max Factor's that the work was too hard but nothing I could do about it."
100. 4/11/58 "Had a card from [1208] saying he might be near here the last of April and would try to get by and see me."
101. 4/24/58 "Had a very pleasant surprise the other day when Hugh Lynn called me on the phone, the only call I've had. I didn't get a chance to say very much, but it was very thoughtful of him to call."
102. 8/03/58 "I have let the hospital... Am still pretty weak, because I never exercised around the hospital, so it will take a little time for me to get my strength back and go to work."
103. 9/16/58 He wrote of having his clothes and TV stolen from the apt. while he was spending the night with a friend he had known in the hospital: "All I have left is what I was wearing... Anyway, I'm moving out of that locality on the 18th. I have a room with a Mrs. [...] at present and as she has just bought a small house I will have a room there and help with repairs, painting, etc., for part of my room and board. She has been more than good to me. She has a very good and important job with Farmers Insurance, so I help fix her meals sometimes, although she is an excellent cook herself."
104. 1/11/59 He wrote that he was back in the V.A. hospital "Mrs. [...] has been so good and patient with me, and I love her very dearly. We want to get married but until I can get where I can go to work it seems almost hopeless."
105. 9/17/59 "I left the hospital in July and got this job in Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, and everything was going along fine. [934] and I had been trying to get together since April, and I had sent her most all of my pension money but it just wasn't enough while I was in the hospital, so I left. After I was up there a month I was able to send $100 at one time and she was supposed to meet me there and we'd drive back to Calif. Well, she had car trouble and I was waiting in West Yellowstone for her for 10 days. I got a better job right outside the park and everything would have been o.k. except for the earthquake and she didn't show up. I almost went crazy not knowing what had happened. Then I shipped my clothes to Denver thinking she was afraid to come in to that part of the country, and then called her to say I would meet her in Denver, and she had had this car trouble and spent all the money. Well, I didn't know what to do, but decided I might as well hitchhike back to Los Angeles."
106. 10/19/59 "Well I'm here in Miami and I have a pretty good job, as always, but I won't keep it unless I have someone to make me want to. I don't know, maybe [934] can. In a way I doubt it, knowing her as I do, but people change and wonderful things can happen. I know her obsession right now is to get away from where she is, but that doesn't matter. If she can just keep me working at one job just a while it will work out o.k. My big trouble has always been that I just didn't care, and it hasn't changed any. Just maybe it might work - if not, what's lost... If [288] can get [1208] to tell the TRUTH for once it will be great. There's much more I could say on the subject but won't. I know him and he knows it and keeps away from me, but I pray for him and [934] each night as always. Maybe it helps."
107. 2/60 He and [934] met briefly in Va., at the time that their son [1208] got married. They attempted to "make up" but it was no good.
108. 12/21/60 He wrote from the V.A. Hospital in Kerrville, Texas:
     "Back in the hospital again - began to feel pretty sick and thought it best."
109. 6/13/61 He wrote that he and Mrs. [M...] had gotten married in L.A.
110. 12/21/61 "I think I can truthfully say this is the first time in a very long while that I've been as content and almost satisfied. Not that we have so much materially, because we don't, so I suppose the lack of ambition for one thing or resignation to just having the basic needs to live. Another reason that contributes quite a bit to the feeling of well-being is that M... and I have not had anything to DRINK in the way of alcohol since about Sept. or Oct. - don't remember which - and that is something, because we both have felt that once in a while we just had to have a drink or go nuts... The Health Dept. won't let me work out here, so we've had to live on my pension and social security, which isn't very much."
111. 8/03/63 "I worked for a while as a hotel desk clerk but after about three months had to stop because I became active [T.B.] again."
112. 1/13/65 See his letter under 391-18 Reports indicating he now has stomach ulcers caused by taking the [T.B.] drugs so long, also emphysema which makes it hard for him to breath at times: "I was very much surprised and shocked to hear about [1208] and his wife's separation... I'm sure that if there is any way possible at all for the family to get back together, they will all be better off, especially him. The way I feel now about something of that sort, regardless of how important it seems at the time, it won't be worth the suffering that has to be gone through later on. As you grow older, most things lose the importance they seemed to have when you were younger."
113. 2/05/65 His wife M... wrote that they, she and [391], separated last fall and the he is now in a T.B. hospital in Florida.
114. 11/03/66 See ex-wife [934]'s letter under their son's 1208-1 Reports: "If I had been as wise [as I now am] when [391] and I were married, I might have saved our marriage. That's hindsight, though - so now to make the best of what lies ahead." [See subsequent notations under Ck. Physical 391-18 Reports.]
115. 7/17/78 [391]'s ex-wife [934] died suddenly in Ohio after a long illness; [391] was at the time in a rehabilitation hospital or nursing home in Calif. trying to overcome alcoholism.
116. 11/28/79 GD's note: [391] is rehabilitated in that he has stopped drinking and smoking, from necessity due to his emphysema and a return of some of his tuberculosis. He is in a nice guest home in Calif. where he has access to the medical attention he needs. His attitude is good; he does not fear death and has resigned himself to "staying put" until the end.
117. 11/28/79 GD's note: On 10/25/79 I attended the Dedication of the Cayce Studio Marker in Selma, Ala., also the open house and festivities that followed. Hugh Lynn Cayce was the guest speaker that night at the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce 127th Annual Meeting. During the open house I had a visit with my friend Sol H. Tepper, a life long friend of my brother Boyd Davis. Boyd had already told me of receiving early this year a gift copy of Sol's booklet (which constitutes a chapter of his yet unpublished 480-page Civil War manuscript) entitled "TORPEDOES? DAMN!" Ordeal at Selma Gun Foundry and Battle of Mobile Bay Copyright 1979 by Sol H. Tepper.
     The booklet has a glowing forward by Dan Davidson of the Selma-Times Journal, and a review by Ret. Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, formerly Chm. of Joint Chiefs of Staff including this statement: "This is an inspiring account of a very important event in the War Between the States - the evolution of naval warfare."
     After listening to Sol Tepper describe events in a period of history with which he seemed intimately familiar, it dawned on me that Sol certainly had to have been a participant in those Civil War activities. I suggested that to him and he agreed. Although Sol did not have a Life Reading from Edgar Cayce he did obtain a Physical Reading for his mother who was seriously ill - she later wrote Mr. Cayce a testimonial letter as to the help received. I reminded Sol that Boyd's Life Reading gave him a Civil War incarnation as Samuel Davis [of Smyrna, Tenn., who enlisted at 18 in Confederate Army. Early in Nov. 1863, Davis, who was a trooper in the Second Kentucky Cavalry, Confederate States Army, was detailed with others to enter the Union lines in Tenn. and secure information as to the position and strength of the forces under General Dodge. He was captured, while returning, with papers giving valuable information in his possession. He would not tell who was the traitor on the Union side giving him the information. He was tried and sentenced to be hanged as a spy. When on the scaffold, the rope rasping his neck, Capt. Chickasaw, of Gen. Dodge's staff, offered him liberty and safe conduct to the Confederate army if he would name the traitor in the Union lines. This 19 yr. old heroic boy's answer was: "If I had a thousand lives I would lose them all here before I would betray a friend."
     Possibly this friend, apparently in the Union service, was a loyal Confederate, venturing life to serve his country; and not a traitor, though a spy, which is but another name for a hero]. (The above bracketed info was copied from an old history book or perhaps historical data found in connection with the memorial statue in Tenn.)
     See also attached review of book [7/48 True Magazine.] in Par. R118 below, by Adelaide Rowell, published by Bobbs-Merrill in 1948 entitled JORDAN'S STORMY BANKS - The Saga of Sam Davis, famous Tennessee Civil War Hero.
     I think Sol Tepper can safely assume that he was on the spot and familiar with those happenings. Also I think he must have been associated with Boyd in both his Grecian and Atlantean incarnations, as he also is very knowledgeable about those two periods in history.
     Sol gave me two autographed copies of his booklet; one is in the E.C.F. Archives Box of Cayce Family papers in re Selma, Ala., and one in the A.R.E. Library. Summer 1958 quote from THE CONFEDERACY program, Virginia Beach, Va., in re John Caldwell, Assistant Director of THE CONFEDERACY: "Next summer a new outdoor drama from the pen of John Caldwell will open in Tennessee. Titled THE BANKS OF JORDAN, it will be the saga of Sam Davis, famous Tennessee Civil War Hero."
118. 11/28/79 GD's note: This is the 7/48 review in TRUE MAGAZINE of Adelaide Rowell's book about Sam Davis of Smyrna, Tenn., entitled ON JORDAN'S STORMY BANKS:
     A gallant Confederate scout who was executed by Union soldiers as a spy because he refused to reveal his sources of top-secret enemy information, is given well-deserved, though long deferred, recognition in ON JORDAN'S STORMY BANKS, by Adelaide Rowell. Sam Davis, of Smyrna, Tennessee, was 18 when he enlisted in the Confederate Army. Eventually he saw service as a member of the daring intelligence unit known as Coleman's Scouts. These OSS men in gray were such a thorn in the side of General Grant that he ordered them captured at all costs. One by one Colemen's men were picked up, but a few of them, including Sam, managed to remain free. Through treachery, Sam was finally captured; he was taken to Pulaski where Federal officers, enraged because he would not reveal the names of his contacts behind the lines or tell where Colonel Coleman could be found court-martialed him as a spy and sentenced him to death. The development of Sam from boy to man, from rookie to Coleman's best scout is well realized. Adelaide Rowell spent many years searching out the records of Sam Davis and his family and also gathering material for her picture of Civil War Tennessee; the important incidents of Sam's life and military career are authentic. (Bobbs-Merrill)
119. 12/04/85 GD's ltr. to [391]'s friend, Sol Tepper:
     Mr. Sol H. Tepper P.O. Box 474 Selma, Alabama 36702
     Dear Sol:
     How very thoughtful of you to send me that article on Sam Davis from the Confederate Veteran. I will add it to the other historical material you gave me, including your book, which I have stored in our archival vault adjoining my office here at the Edgar Cayce Foundation.
     Also I will make a copy of this on our duplicating machine and put it as a Supplement behind Boyd's Life Reading from Mr. Cayce which said that he had been Sam Davis in that incarnation. [I think the picture resembles Boyd somewhat as he looked as a young man in this incarnation, don't you think?]
     I feel sure you were associated with him in that incarnation; you were so close this time and you have such a fantastic interest in (and I think past recall of) the Confederacy.
     Burt says Hello. Do come and see us. The old place doesn't look the same but it has a lot of new things added - it has grown leaps and bounds in the last few years.
     Love to you and those you hold dear, and thanks again, dear Sol.
     Gladys.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation