24 June

Dearest Mother, Daddy, and Mitty,

Well, we are underway again—just before I left, I got Mitty’s box of fruit juices. Say—that was grand. I appreciate it, too. Well, Mitty I am disgusted—but don’t you be---again—I was secured to my ship because we were unloading and I didn’t get to buy a thing. I surely am disappointed, but the same thing happened at Noumea—and I was paid the day before I shoved off—then—I was secured on my turn around. So—again—did not get done what I wanted to—but one of these days—I’ll get what I want. I got Sally’s set up but don’t despair.

I don’t try to write anything of the unpleasant things about Sea duty but don’t think for a moment it is a joke. Back home no one would understand—so I don’t say anything about it.

Well—dad I guess I have looked at those Sawmill pictures—a hundred times. I was glad to hear you hit 1,000 a week but I’ll bet that you have plenty of holes for that money. I surely hope things settle and you get ahead.

Mother, I guess you had your hands full at Aunt Elda’s funeral and now that it is over I just wonder how many will be left till I get home.

Well my legs are no worse and no better. I guess if I could stop scratching I’d be o.k. so I am cutting it down considerably.

This heat doesn’t help a bit.

I have private room aboard ship and I have a good set up that way. It is getting to be livable since I have fresh air in there.

Well—I must go on water.

Love,

Bud

I am well, safe, and strong.