My Darling,
Have started off all of my letters today with an apology for my slump in correspondence and unfortunately yours must start the same way. Although have been very busy and away from my office most of the day the truth of the matter is I just don’t feel like writing anymore. This writing 2 letters a day at least hold me in a devil of a rut as I had no time to do anything else. Well, it’s not that I love you any less but I have been in a hellwar frame of mind lately and every time I settle down to write a letter, I sit and parole for a while and then give it up in disgust. Seem to have even lost interest in incoming mail. Well I don’t know Baby. I’ll try to do better in the future. That’s the best I can promise you.
Going to
send Dad’s Xmas resent off tomorrow.
Doubt if he will get it for Xmas.
Though as it might be too heaven to do air mail. It is a silver cigarette case with the map of
Received another letter from him yesterday. It was unexpected but then I know he hasn’t had time to receive my last letter. I doubt very much if he will write me again after receiving that letter. His last letter was pleasant enough I guess and contained positive assurances that I will always have a job at Bethlehem Steel as long as he worked for them. He said he would see to it personally. Also said the drafting room was rushed with extra work and wished I was there to absorb some of it. Well at least we see alike on that score as I wish I was too.
One remark
he made was typical of him and a classic in itself. He thought it would be very difficult for me
to take up the problems of shipbuilding again after procrastinating around on
these little Army jobs. If I could only
reveal the extent of this work we are doing here and show him some of the
pictures I have of our equipment and of actual construction. I think he might wish he hadn’t said
that. You know Darling now that I have
written to my father and told him just how I felt, cleared my mind with no more
conciliatory pretenses, I really get a big kick out of his letters. I’m very much amused at times.
Seriously though I’m afraid it
will be a long time before I can do the work I used to do. Towards the last of it I was more or less
concentrating on intricate detailed drawings.
Well my hands aren’t steady anymore and I am out of practice I’ll
admit. My nervousness and restlessness
also would make it hard to do that work.
However I have developed and improved in other ways. Also have become accustomed to other things. I am not sure I could be satisfied to spend all day at the board now. If you will refer to that long special letter I wrote to you, you will readily understand what I’m trying to tell you.
Our inspecting Colonel finally made it up here yesterday. Seems like the guy didn’t come up to inspect though, but to go hunting. So we gave him a couple of boats, cabins and ammunition, rations, cook and a pilot and sent him on his merry way. Perhaps if he has no luck on his trip he’ll give us the once over when he comes back. Most of the hunting parties these last few weeks have brought back plenty of deer but then they were enlisted men.
Was relieved to hear you got the Xmas package I sent to you however I believe you have made a mistake. I didn’t intend for you to wait for Xmas before you opened it. What the hell is Xmas! It doesn’t mean a thing anymore. Thought you would open it up as soon as you received it. That’s what I will do with any package I get. If not the Indians jackals, rats, ravens, ants etc. will get it before me. Had hoped for some reports on the box by now. However you do as you like Hon. If you want to save it until Xmas it’s Ok with me. I love you dearly Sweetheart. I am sorry I am unable to get sentimental over Xmas and such as that. As you do but I guess I have changed some. All those things used to mean a lot to me but over here they seem kind of foolish.
Took my O.D.’s out of my duffel bag yesterday to see what kind of shape they were in. Outside of being badly wrinkled and something mildewed and rank they appeared alright. Took my T shirts over to the tailor to be altered. He is going to take them in around the waist as they are 3 or 4 sizes too large there. Figured this is a good chance to get all my alteration work done as this Indian is a good tailor and does everything ½ price and quickly for me. When he first came up here I gave him a tent to set up his shop in and had the electricians fix up a light for him.
Sweetheart we have hit a cigarette shortage over here also. I know it is almost impossible for you to get them at home but how about sending me some tobacco and a couple of pipes. Any popular tobacco will do. If you are still looking for a lighter, ask Pauline where she got the one she sent Hank. It really is a nice one and works fine whenever he remembers to fill it.
Speaking of packages what is the story on first class mail. I have noticed alot of the men receive packages sent first class and they come airmail only taking 15 or 16 days. If it is possible I wish you would send things like that as it seems your packages take so long getting here they eventually get lost.
Well remember my Darling I love you and never have and never will stop doing so.
All my love,