Thursday afternoon,

October Nov. 4

1943

Dear Folks:

Tennessee maneuvers are over at 5:20 p.m. last night. Today we are cleaning up and getting things in order for our move. As yet we have had no order telling us to move but we probably will know by tonight.

Yesterday I got four letters all at once, one from Ma, Bill Walton, Tom and Charlie. I read them by our camp fire and enjoyed everyone of them. Ma had the best one as usual and I was certainly proud to hear about her getting in the company magazine. She certainly is a wonder and continuously doing something to make us proud of her. I am looking forward to seeing the magazine and showing it to the boys. The next thing I expect to hear about is Ma being made supervisor. Keep it up Ma.

I was relieved to know that the radio arrived back safely. I am not such a good packer but I had saved the original box and sent that back. Was it damaged or scratched in any way? Tom seems to have landed in a very responsible job and I am very proud of him. Handling a job like that requires a lot of gumption and Tom really can do it. Tom has sure come a long way from the Guaranty Trust.

Charlie told me he was expecting a fun laugh before the end of October so he may be coming your way. He has been on maneuvers almost as long as I have so he’ll probably have a lot of stories to tell you. Bill Walton is still doing maintenance work out in California and writes regularly to me.

Helen’s watch got plenty wet during my stay in Tennessee and still kept perfect time. It is a very good watch and I’ll always be careful with it.

I’m just sitting in the warm sun now and airing my sleeping role and blankets. I may get into Murfreesboro tonight if there are any passes. I went to church there last Sunday in a little place called St. Rose- it was just about the size of a regular army chapel. They had only one mass scheduled for Sunday but the priest had to say fine to take care of all the soldiers who came in. Murfreesboro is a swell little town-I bought the Sunday Paper there, had a chocolate sundae and enjoyable morning. That is about all for now, I’ll close this up and try and get it out today. I think it is advisable not to send me any more mail to this address as it will be changed in a day or so. I hope John has good luck where ever he is and isn’t sent too far. Keep me posted about him.

So long,

Joe