June 3, 1942 - Dear Audrey

Jan Palson

03 Jun 2026 — 4 min read

Fort Banks - 1940s - Artist Unknown

What’s the idea of all that agitating?

Rainy days and Wednesdays. The focus is the upcoming practice firings while managing the day to day tasks. I do wonder what's going on with Mom. Green Hornets? The only thing I can find is an exciting radio show on Saturdays at 8pm. I blame that old meanie, Mr. Burke. (I actually don't have a clue) Forgive the 1940s racism - the colored band is really good but of course they are -they rock the joint.

Original Letter

Transcript follows.

Transcript - June 3, 1942

Bat H - 9^th C.A., Fort Banks

Dear Audrey,

There is one thing I can share with you, even if it is not the waffles and that is the weather. It has been very bad here for the last couple of days and tomorrow does not look too promising. Of course, this damp weather has two effects on me. First it dampens my already low spirits and secondly it causes a recurrence of my sinus trouble. I think when we build that little love-next of ours, it will be away from the damp weather. By that time, you should have saved enough money for me to retire on anyway. Either way, we will build that little love-nest, won’t we?

Tony must be riding in style. The Army sure does things differently. They get and do pretty much as they like. I sure wouldn’t want to be that far away from my wife. And speaking of my wife. What kind of a group or organization do you belong to? What’s the idea of all that agitating? First thing you know my sole support will be loafing and then what will I do. She won’t be able to start in on those ten kids because she won’t be able to afford the bacon. How are you going to get one of those better jobs if you start one of those walk-outs? I could probably think of a better name than the “Green Hornets” if I was there, but that is a pretty good one. Don’t worry, I’m not worrying about what you are doing on your job. I’m just kidding a little. What ever you do, I’m sure will be all right. That Mr. Burke must be an old meanie anyway.

I can’t resist writing about this colored orchestra that plays in the mess hall every once in a while. I think they are pretty good. That is considering everything. Considering they are small time and colored. All the fellows really like them. They have the walls shaking. I don’t think I would enjoy dancing to their music. It’s too fast. Besides I’m all out of practice and I wouldn’t dance with anyone but my wife. You are so nice and I love you so much.

We are setting down to a routine in the plotting room for our practice firing. Numbers and numbers. It’s a wonder I don’t dream about it. Tonite we get a break and can have it off. Last nite I had to write my daily obligation in the latrine and I didn’t feel any too good about it. The whole thing is beginning to be bore some. It looks like I am going to miss my appointment with the eye doctor. They won’t let me off the island once I get on to it until the firing is over. I hope I can arrange something.

I did some laundry tonight. Quite a bit. Not a trace of tattle-tail gray. Do you realize what you married? Quite a good husband. I’m trying to make you a good husband just like you are making me a swell wife. You are so nice and soft. I love you, honey. Well, I’ll write you tomorrow.

All the love in the world

From your husband,

Leonard