May 22, 1942 - Dear Audrey

This isn’t much of a letter.

Apparently, that was quite the day off. And quite the trip back to base. From what he can remember that is. It's impressive that relatives are using their sugar rations for baked goods. Considering there's a guy - from Hartford! - who's in court for registering his dog as his son in order to beat the sugar ration regulations. They take it very seriously. I will try to keep you posted. It's in today's Boston Globe below. There will be a lot of stress in many upcoming letters because in 1942, it's not "if" you'll get pregnant; it's "when". Women do not have access to birth control. Abortion is against the law. Women will not get a break. And 10 kids ... ha!

Original Letter

Transcript follows.

The Boston Globe - May 22, 1942

This is a freighter off the coast of Northern New England hit by a 2 torpedoes - the kind of attacks that keep the Battery H - 9th Coastal Artillery unit sharp. This is getting way too close for comfort. Even poor Mexico - who has tried to stay out of the war can no longer justify it since losing ships to axis torpedoes. The legendary actor John Barrymore is only 60 years old. What a heartthrob. And the Treasury wants a check-off pay deduction for taxes????

The Boston Globe - Evening

So Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and then we bombed the heck out of Japan on April 18, 1942. We should be done, right? It should be over. Except after we declared war on Japan, Germany declared war on us and now President Roosevelt is predicting a long war. Maybe the war machine can't be stopped at this point. So to muck things up, it's hello spies while more young men are required to enlist, women are now joining the military, new ships and a lot of equipment is being produced at a massive scale. Not to mention all the sacrifices folks are making with rationing, shortages, blackouts, etc. ensures that it must roll on. What is this "over-optimism"?

Meanwhile in Hartford...

Sunday's meal sounds really good. Obviously there won't be any leftover fried chicken. That's why there's ham salad for supper. All super markets will be explaining the "price ceiling" order in effect that all retail must adhere. I re-posted the Consumer's Guide to Price Control implemented by President Roosevelt below.

Here's the article with the helpful information. For more, see the letter dated: May 18, 1942 - Dear Audrey

Emergency Price Control Act of 1942 - Wikipedia

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Transcript - May 22, 1942

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

Dear Audrey,

I’m back here at camp and none the worse for my day off spree or something. Except that I miss you. You are so soft and nice. I love you too much. Do you think you are going to be all right? I can’t help worrying and I keep telling myself that I’ve gone and done it this time for good. I don’t see how you can help but get caught or whatever it is that happens. I don’t want to make things harder for you than what they are. Of course, if it is going to happen we will make out some way. But if anything happens please let me know because I’m going to worry. You are the only girl for me and I love you and always will.

You had hardly got out of sight when I got a ride that took me within 20 miles of Boston. As soon as I got into the car, the fellow pulled out a bottle and we had a drink. About every 5 miles he insisted we have another, and I had to drink it straight. So with what I had in the trailer and during the ride, I arrive at Fort Banks half in the bag. I was a little late because the subway and bus connections I made were not quickest, but they didn’t say anything. I was in Boston before 7 o’clock and that’s good time.

I had quite a time playing or rather trying to play pool. I couldn’t even see the balls. It’s a wonder I didn’t ruin the table. This morning it was terrible. I had forgotten what a big head was like, but I know now and I think it will be another 3 months before I try it again. My Aunt Bee from Framingham sent me some brownies and I got them when I got back and I hardly remember passing them around. From all the reports, they were good and didn’t last long.

I think I sort of overdid yesterday afternoon in the trailer when I closed the door on Vicky. I guess there was no stopping me. Even though it doesn’t do any good now, I guess I’m sorry. It’s tough enough on her with Tony so far without my making it worse. Please understand me when I say I’m sorry that I did it to you. I know how you feel, but we are in no position to start in on those ten kids you want. You women are too much for me to understand. I had an idea that that hot water bag you have is a sure preventive, but I give up. I don’t want to make you feel bad by telling you that. I’m worried and so I don’t know what to do.

This isn’t much of a letter. Where’s that sense of humor you said I had. I love you so much honey.

Love,

Leonard

Next letter tomorrow, May 23, 1942

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