San Juan, 2-21-44

Dear Jane,

[I] Had to work three nights last week, also all day yesterday (Sunday); hence the absence of letters.

Our unit will be detached from here soon and [I have] a [twenty] day leave coming earlier than expected. [I] May see you by Easter. It is expected that the new unit will be started in Italy—a salvage unity naturally would be far behind the front lines. [I] do not know exactly how I’ll split up my leave but [I] will probably be in New York the first five and the last five days of it.

[I] Read two letters from you also a card from Gio. Thanks to both.

Read Andrews yearbook today and note that my name is in it – a Navy hero! And that the elderly Father Nogle has become a church steward. Both items call for a celebration. Why not in the form of snuff sniffing?

Congratulations on the wedding anniversary – my token to you is a cheery smile; to Gio a (clammy?) handshake. Have yet to see Jane Eyre.

It must be lovely listening to the radio nights with a fur coat on – anyway the fire can’t go out. Heat enough for two here – free of charge.

[I] Will probably send that form sent back later. No tax [till] 90 days after return to U.S. Infort was a dope to pay the last one—two weeks before joining service. Apparently the other boys just waited then wrote on tax form: “In Service”. Too, because of the Ruml plan, 75% of that tax is refundable—as I understand it—however, haven’t done anything about it. What’s $218 bucks? Enclose souvenir receipts still carried in my wallet. A time story of an authentic sucker.

Which do you think will break first. The coal situation or the first violet bud in Forest Park? Note your second reference to “no coal” in you second, latest letter, received today.

No news from Mills and have seen none of his senoritas.

Use the laundry service twice a week. Used to do’ em myself for a couple of months. It isn’t worth it, doing ‘em yourself. All work and no press.

Tough luck for West; good luck for that [Seamen 2^nd Class] in Andrews, stationed at a U.S.O for duty. A nice way to wage war.

Now one to Lyla. So long.

Chas