Hallelujah! the Jackpot.

Nov 25, 1942

My Darling Wife

Mail came in for a second time today bringing three letters from you, one from Kitty, and one from Jo Harris. I also got a V-Mail from the [Mummerts?]—Dresslers, and a long letter from Ren Lawson. Hallelujah! the Jackpot. Your letters were mailed Oct 2nd, 5th, 12th.

I would surely like to see Linda & Betty going at it. I’ll bet they make a pair. It’s hard to imagine my baby being able to talk and do the things you describe. It’s only been 4 months since I saw her and she must be making rapid strides toward growing up—I’ll bet she is some help in making the beds etc.

I can’t understand Bill trying to enlist. It seems so foolish when there are plenty of young single fellows around. I can’t quite imagine his being called to duty. I often think I was silly not to resign my commission, but as long as I get home alive I guess it will be allright. They are very foolish to get another child if he is even considering joining up.

As to mother doing your thinking for you, don’t let that worry you. She has always tried to do that, but you just have to assert yourself and tell her your own opinion and what you are going to do irregardless of her advice. I have done that all my life and things have worked out allright—even when I married you—remember. She isn’t always right as we can show.

One of your letters was the first to acknowledge receipt of a letter of mine in which I told of receiving your letters. I’m sorry honey for giving you hell for not writing—but boy I was blue. You will probably feel the same way during the weeks we were out of touch with the world.

To date, I have not received a single package. As to those sheets, I can really use them now—As to pinks, I don’t know when I will need them. I can’t wear them very often, and there is a good chance that I can get the pair I have cleaned. As to size of trousers, I now wear at 34″–30″—for reference—As yet I have not received the miniature but I’m waiting …

… expectantly for it.

Did you receive those money orders yet? Have you paid off the loan at Pacific Mutual yet. You should pay that off before buying bonds—& save the 6% interest. I sent $175 to you about [9?] weeks ago & you should have received it. I am enclosing $50 money order. I couldn’t find any need for the dough and rather than gamble with it I thought you could use it beneficially—perhaps to buy Xmas presents. I thought the money order would be best since I haven’t had a chance to get an allotment made out for bonds.

Incidentally, I’ll check back and see about that change in allotment. It seems to me we have [never heard?] of $35.00 unless …

… you picked it up in your Nov. check.

Query:—what’s this about what isn’t any of the censor’s business! None of your letters since the first have been censored—Further I have been censoring my own! Getting back to the subject in hand—will take care of that when I get back—poor you—or poor me?

Today I mailed your perfume & insured it. You should get it next year, but I hope sooner. Letters are getting to be a problem. I feel I have to answer my now numerous correspondents, but stationary is quite a problem. I’m getting awfully low and at present can’t buy more.

Tomorrow Lt McBride & I are …

… going to the big city in pinks & blouses to attend a special High Mass for the dead.—both French & Americans. It will be my first Catholic service & should be quite interesting. Our division is about [82?]% Catholic and that makes us quite popular here—where people are either Catholic or Moslems. When the troops went to church the people were amazed, for they thought that Americans like British were all protestants. The cathedral overflowed and everyone is happy.

Please let the folks know most of the news I send home. Mother complains that I don’t write [often enuf?], but I didn’t see any reason for writing two letters to the same address with the same info. I’ll write them tonight

Honey I love you like hell, and it is hell to be this faraway from you. You’re wonderful—and I know it—keep your chin up and we’ll be together soon—come on you Russians.

Must close now and write to folks. Lots of love to you and my little princess

Your
John