April 27, 1942 - Dear Wife

whoops, that’s not a gripe, it’s something else.

Well, we finally get a break. With a whole bunch a rookie recruits, he's an old timer now. So not as much griping. And it's only been three weeks. I think this is the first weekend Mom hasn't driven up. That missing her part is going to get R rated again. Being so close to home, he can get all kinds of visitors. His sisters, Laura and Bernice with their husbands, Frank and Brownie are out of Boston, I believe, so can stop by more often. They can even help him escape if the need for beer becomes too great. I do wonder what's going on with Mom's neighbors in the trailer park. And the Vicky drama continues - even though we don't know what it is. And free time? We're playing ball now.

Original Letter

Transcript follows.

Boston Globe - April 27, 1942

I've said it before, I'll say it again; the amount of information you get in the newspaper is remarkable. Just full, unbiased coverage of the war and everything else going on all for 3 cents a day. On this day, in the morning, it's Hitler's plans for 1942. The Army wants to take over along the eastern coast to enforce strict dim-outs and even blackouts.

Boston Globe - Evening - April 27, 1942

Then in the evening edition, it's President Roosevelt's plan. Plus a Globe exclusive - Defense will Not Win the War.

Continued from page 1 of the Globe: Defense will Not Win the War Chapter 1.

Transcript - April 27, 1942

Monday, Fort Banks

Dear Wife,

Today I’m going to give you a break. I’m going to give Military Discipline a well-earned rest. I’ve been hollering and crying about the way they treat us for over three weeks now and so it’s time I thought of something else. I was beginning to feel sorry for myself. Besides they have another bunch of recruits in camp now and so we aren’t raw recruits any more. We are practically old-timers. So for at least two days I’m not going to say, “we have to do this and they make us do that.” I missed you terribly yesterday. Of course, I didn’t expect you up but I did wish you were coming. I got your letter a few minutes ago and reading about how you miss me made me feel kind of funny. It made me tingle all over. Even though we are a hundred miles apart, whenever I read one of your letters I feel as if I have just left you and so we are brought closer together. (I’ve just come back from noon chow and I started a new letter to you. I was going to throw this away because it reads silly now. I love you so much and want to be with you so much that I can work myself up just thinking of you. It’s a good thing I drink the Army coffee. I suppose this isn’t the worse letter I’ve written though)

Frank, Laura, Bernice and Brownie came over last night (Sunday) to see me and they brought over some fudge and brownies, which are all gone by the way. They came over late but they stayed and chewed the rag for a while. I get a kick out of talking to Brown. He is a little worried over the draft situation and seems to think they will call him eventually. The thought of Army life appeals to him but what a rude shock he is due for. There is no time for crap games. (whoops, that’s not a gripe, it’s something else. Maybe it’s a statement of fact.) They brought along a statement from the bank and I’m sending it to you. The balance does not look very good. I signed it and you probably should underneath. I hope it reaches you because I’m not putting any stamps on it. Oh well, you told me not to worry and so I won’t.

Bernice said she owed you a letter and so I guess she is going to write you. She thought my uniform was very pretty. Frank wanted me to hide in the back of the car and then he would drive away so we could have a couple of beers.

Have you found anything to do down there? You should have a little bit more relaxation than wrestling with Vicky. Tony and I used to wrestle with each other too but I never saw any fun in it. (don’t take me wrong now) And that wasn’t wrestling we used to do on Hereford St. At least I never thought it was. I can’t imagine being so mean as those people next door. There is no reason for those people being so small. I’m glad you told “Sheck” (or whatever his name is) just because you two are alone is no reason why they should take advantage of it. I got out and played ball yesterday afternoon and I’m kind of lame today. Not use to it.

Well sweet, here we go again for the afternoon instruction so I’ll close. Your letter was nice and you are the only girl in the world for me. I love you.

Love,

Leonard

Next letter tomorrow, April 28, 1942

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