June 30, 1944

Friday AM

Dear Mother,

There is nothing much doing here so will try to think up a few lines to make an interesting letter, or at least enough to let you know I’m alright.

I’m going to enclose $40.00 that I wish you to deposit for me. I should have sent it long ago but kept putting it off hoping for a furlough. Place it in the joint account as before.

If you have my watch, or if Houston still has it, please keep it until further notice, for I have an issued watch now and there is no need for another. I hope it is still there so I won’t have to send it back. You can use 6¢ airmail stamps now [censored] V-mail is the only one guaranteed to go via air all the time and don’t write too small, for when we get them the letters are only 1/4 their former size. Regular air mail is OK most of the time though, when you have a lot to say! Parcels can only be mailed if you present a written request from me, unless it is 8 ounces or less.

I imagine Estes and the children are there now aren’t they? If so, this letter can do for all. I know Estes is enjoying himself a lot and hope they have a lot of luck. If Ray is there, you will have a driver now but try to make him take care of the car, if possible! You’ll have to try to convince him that tires and some spare parts are not to be had anymore! Tell Estes to write me about his latest adventures.

I’ve had one letter from Martha in the last week and that’s all. Maybe I’ll get a few today! Only the same old Army routine continues so I don’t know a thing to write about. I’ve been to several shows lately, and last nite to a good stage show put on by Army personnel. I went to see [J.J.] the other nite but he wasn’t at “home.”

I trust that everything is progressing nicely and that I hear from you soon. I’m going to enclose a request for a subscription to “Readers Digest” that I wish you’d get for me. You can take it out of this money or give a check, one year’s subscription.

Love to all,

Russell