Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1943

Dear Jane,

Answering Geo’s letter of Sept. 15 and yours which is still on the boat. Are you sick?

More Christmas suggestions: razor blades, shaving cream. If your canning turns out well this year, surely you will be eligible to move to Connecticut next year, and after an additional year’s experience, to Maine. (Oh, yeah!)

Memo to Nogle: Too bad your romance with Lolly is fading, but do give Al Rowe a slap on the back for me and tell Babe Crandall that Puerto Rico is so much closer than New Guinea. NOTE: Glad you like Pistol Packin’ Mama; so do I. Wonder if it’s catchy, air will outline the memory of “We are the Tombstone Gulchers”? How is Connie? Please tell me what YOU want for Christmas; I’m sure it’s cash.

Bought two bonds a week ago Saturday and had them mailed to you by a San Juan Dept. Store. Have they reached you? Since Lyla mentions the screens it comes to mind that you’re probably planning to move any day now. One last beer party at the firehouse, I suppose, before immigrating.

Finished my wash just in time tonight for it’s raining like _ _ _ _ out now.

Sister- it’s unusual- is also on a letter writing strike.

Mrs. Morris confidently expects me to return to Canterbury. After living like this, nothing would seem more durable than a noon with a radio in it, light and heat and privacy abundant. (Since there is no family, I substitute room for house.) Living at Canterbury you sacrifice on the privacy angle, but again on the sociability angle. Maybe it’s all the postwar planning talks that makes me think of this now, although it may be two years before I’ll have to worry about the issue. And I know, as you know, the issue won’t be decided until I’ve gotten my freedom and am riding the rails to Washington, after the preliminary visit to Woodhaven, Port Washington, Wall St and Philly.

This week, I am on sort of a tryout as secretary to our unit head. It’s tough going as you can tell he’s been used to the best. But it’s better than heap labor. It’s too bad the desire for a better rate has crept up on me. Would like to avoid the schoolboy rest method. And it will take time to figure out another strategy which involves persuading your Commanding Officer, you should have it without even mentioning the subject. The means, as usual, is more important than the end to me.

Dope???

- Chas.