Jan 20, 1944
Dearest Mother and Dad,
Things are a little dull here this afternoon so I’ll write and tell you all the news. As I mentioned in my letter last week all the details of getting settled after our move have been taken care of and life is again much the same. It’s not so pretty where we are now and I miss the view that we used to have, however it’s not so awfully bad here and I’m getting to like it quite well. The Owen Stanley Mts. are really something to write home about. If you look them up in any geography book I think you will find that they are considered one of the most beautiful ranges in the world. I certainly will not disagree.
I’m so glad to hear that you all had such a wonderful Christmas, I thought about you all so many times that day and thought of all the good things and spirit that has always been ours at that time of the year.
Soon I expect to be going away on leave for a few weeks, just when I can’t say but it may be the first of next month. I really expect to enjoy it but as yet I haven’t felt any real need for it. That is I’m not suffering any and don’t feel the need of a change, not that it wont be welcome, especially the food, but there are some of the boys who seem to be very much in need of a change. Those who have already gone and returned come back like new men so it must be worth while.
Have I told
you about my very good friend Walter Edge, in case you are wondering who he is,
just think who the new Governor of New Jersey is. It’s his father of course. Perhaps the least important job he has ever
had, as you may recall he was with the diplomatic service for years and for a
long spell was our Ambassador to
By the way, elections are coming up this year and I imagine that you are interested as usual. This year for the first time in many years you seem to be in the driver’s seat, at least there are indications that the G.O.P. is coming into its own. I think you know how I feel about it so I’ll say no more except that if you don’t all nominate Wilkie for heavens sake get behind our Pres. And work hard. He’s had a hard job and done a pretty good job. There is only one other man that would ever be able to step in his place right now and that is Wilkie, whatever you do don’t do anything with the Boy Scout from New York. Nuff said.
Your new neighbors seem to be very pleasant and I’m sure that it’s a break for you. I appreciated their notes in your Xmas letter and am enclosing a little note for you to give them.
I can’t tell you how much I miss seeing you all and how much I miss the house and the river, but I expect to see it all before too long and I know that it will still be there unchanged. Guess I don’t have to tell you how I miss Helen, take care of her for me and keep her occupied it must be awfully hard on her.
Say hello
to everyone for me and tell Mary that I loved that picture she sent it sure was
good to see
All my love,
Walt