France-Tuesday

Feb 6th

 

Dear Cattie,

            I received forty six letters, thirty nine newspapers, two magazines, and a package from Lee when I came back Saturday night. It will probably take me all week to answer them. I got two letters from you, and also your Valentine. Thanks for your remembrance. It was cute.              

            I’m sending you souvenirs from Belgium today, but it probably won’t get to New Albany until June. Ha Ha. I’m sure that you’ll like it Cattie. Also, I’m enclosing a post card of Arlau in this letter as another souvenir.

            Say, you quit smoking at a very convenient time. I read where the cigarette shortage in the U.S. would be even worse until Germany surrenders. Truthfully though, I can’t see how that will help it any. I suppose you’ve been reading about all the “fellas” over here getting 25-50 years for selling cigarettes. One officer got 25 years. There’s about 200 of them altogether.

            So you still have a couple of the “hankies” I gave you? Gee whiz, if you’ve saved them all, you should have quite a few, because that used to be my standard present. Ha Ha. If this war lasts two more years, I could probably give fur coats for presents awhile.

            But I’m hoping it will be over in the next few months. None of us can understand what’s holding the Wehrmacht together now. And with these recent offensives, I think July will see peace in Europe again.

            I hardly think you’ll see much movement for awhile though, Cattie. It’s rained almost constantly for four days, and the ground is covered with about two feet of mud.

            Well, I should be getting some “drinking material” soon. I “tossed” Lt. Duke yesterday-his scotch against mine, and I won. So, about Wednesday or Thursday, I’ll have two quarts of gin, and possibly three quarts of Scotch. That’s about all there is to do now. I haven’t seen but one movie in two months, and we haven’t played bridge for ages.

            Besides the war ending, there’s just one other thing that we have to look forward to. Either a trip to the French Riviera, 3 days in Paris, seven days in England, or 30 days in the U.S. In three months, we’ve sent 3 officers and 10 more to Paris, more to England, and more to the Riviera. Today one man left for the U.S. So at this rate it would be 1990 before I got out. Ha Ha. I might get a “local” trip sometime though.          

            Well “Cat,” I suppose that’s about all for now. I’m feeling fine, and hope you’re all able too. Tell Aunt Irene and Joe “hello” for me and keep writing.    

                                                           

                                                                                                Love,

                                                                                                            Urbey