October 24, 1944

Dear Mom

I have just received your letter of the 10^TH and certainly am glad to hear that my letters are getting there so quickly. Hope that keeps up. Thanks for the packages you sent. I guess they’ll be driving soon.

I also received a letter from Anne today telling me that she is to be married on October 30^TH. It came as quite a surprise. For I didn’t know she had such intentions. I haven’t heard from her for weeks. It gives me quite a feeling of release but also leaves a sort of empty feeling too. I did think a lot of her, but as I told you the other night when I wrote, she was not for me.

I am enjoying our rest period. Reading, writing, and sleeping. I hope it stays like this for a while. I can use the rest.

Censorship has been lightened now so I can tell you of some of my travels. First of all when I left Jackson the train went right thru Richmond. I could see the MCV and etc. from the window. We went to Miles Standish in Massachusetts and while there I visited Taunton and Brockton Massachusetts. In England I was stationed in Stourport on Severn, a nice little town not far from Birmingham. Here I have seen most of the places you have heard of in the news and newsreels, St. Lo, St. Mere Eglise, Caranton, Insigny, Mortian, Versailles, Paris, Mons (for my semi furlough when I stayed behind with patients), Brussels, Madstricht, Eupen, and various small places in between. We have had our good times and our bad. But all in all it hasn’t been too hard.

We’re all hoping for an early victory and a speedily voyage home. And right now I have high hopes of the later once this theater is closed.

I told Anne to give you my pictures that I gave her. You could send it to Aunt Kate for I know she said she wanted one.

So long for now. Hope the packages have reached you by now.

Love

Jack