July 23, 1947

Detroit, Michigan

Hello Polly-

It’s me again, and [I’m] broke as usual. Well I guess the vacation is over for me, it looks like I have to go to work and earn my money the honest way.

It’s a no go for me. I tried the Detroit race track, Northville trotting races, the bookie joints over in Canada, and the big time gambling joints in Toledo, Ohio.

Every time I go to the crap game in Toledo I have to pick a cold table. I get stuck from the beginning, [and] then I have to sweat to get even.

I see some of the men and women [get] eight or ten passes and cash out from 500 to 1500 bucks, but not me. Why, even at the race track I had tips right from the trainer [that] the horse would run second on break her leg.

I used to watch for the big gamblers [to] bet 300 or more on a horse to win. I would bet it to show and still I’d blow.

I wonder how long it takes for a guy to get wise to himself. Every time I go broke I sing the blues. Well, anyway, I still got a good appetite, if not any sense.

You know traveling around puts a dent in the bank roll, [with] train and bus fares, hotels at 2 bucks a night, etc, etc. You know what I mean.

Well Polly, close my account and send the money as soon as possible. Also send my terminal leave bond. Send it [by] general delivery [to the] main post office.

Next week I [have] to get serious and find a job and quit fooling around. Bye for now – best regards to all.

Pete