29 May 1945
U.S.S. Prairie
Dearest family,
I have been sitting here for twenty minutes staring at the heading on this sheet. I wouldn't exactly say I'm just being of fustantentious - I get started trying to the oblivious of the activity around me, at present everyone just flew out enough for a party so taking it out on a little kid kid trying to conflare him as to whether he is in a ranch or farm. He's confused - so am I - and the army-leader just did too and left to find some one else to harry - and left to find his heart. Now I am at peace to write this letter - if it doesn't rain. The sun is shining but that when it rains best.
Well, I have given up trying to navigate trudging the first elementary steps required a college education, and a dozen other things - But I have turned to politics now. I don't remember but if I mentioned that I'm reading about every presidential campaign since two men sat for that office. My folks heros are the men who lost the presidency - all of them up to and including Willkie. "They also Ran" is the name of the book. Pretty good - I'd would have helped plenty back at Kiski in some of my arguments with Mr. Sarson. Say - did you notice more of the fulletins that my other "Capitalist" friend who helped me stand against a domestic history class,
[Page 2]
has left Princeton with one of the highest scholastic marks ever made. Pretty good, huh? Oh, well, Kiski then forever - ta-ta
My ring-worm? - No it's not on my feet but rather it an unmountionable spot. Dub. Gis baby. I am waging an extensive war on it - about, but the chances are better than even that I'll be rid of it in a couple months. - sounds like a long time but then its a big ring-worm - in a delicate spot. Ring-worm is the thing out here - a general and whoey - you get it itchy but is oooo good to scratch. Why is it that people have to scratch - Gad - let knock this off - talk about noses or something.
No noses, but there's is many. The elypinga name - ook how proud I am. I show my buddies the clippings and they look at me and shake their heads. I guess it is hard to believe were related - maybe and I.
Veen came through with a couple gonapulots taken on her birthday - informed about - what din been clamaring for for months - a year in fact. She really looks good in long hair. Boy, what pictures - the frame is "slighted". She has a good picture (formal) on the way she claims. I think she's a lot prettier than when I saw her last - I similce long hair (santello inflection)
Gosh, so aunt Nin is visiting you. Now I guss ole'll get my letter I wrote after ole gue home. I had suggested going to Cleveland and probably Temag. She must be awful lonesome
[Page 3]
for Dud - he's a swell guy.
I know no one - not a civilian that I meet says to me "say what is the Army doing about discharging men - in three day" and you say to them "Why its a point system - and the - army and Navy has different point systems and so forth". and then they say "do you think that system fair" and then you're talking. I get so mad at times because everyone thinks you're an authority just because you're in some service. Oh, this one dame once explained to me how the Germans operated some secret weapon she saw displayed at a certain store and she went on explaining how the rocket and I try and tell her that it sounds something like "V-1" and she comes right back at me and says "No! - this is a German affair" - and then I gave up and told her she was right. She must have had a wonderful feeling that her knowledge was extensive when a sailor on the USS Prairie admits to a mistake. When asked what kind of ship I'm on I say a merchant man running spices back and forth across the Atlantic. The result is "Oh, my I bet it is dangerous!" And then I sigh and walk away with my face set in a firm look which would naturally be expected by such a - merchant mariner - and she believes me. So its
[Page 4]
in that big house.
It feels good - "important" to have a bank account all my own - I still owe $100 I was going to send three weeks ago, but can't until the payrigul isn't quite so slung. By that time, I'll probably have two hundred dollars!
I envy Ralph Sanger. I'm still where he said. I remember how I felt when his ship left here for the states - I watched it sail out. Tell him to have a good leave.
I'm glad to learn Mary's boy freinds name. I he had kept selling him "sophie". I had no idea what his real name was until Mother enlightend me. Thanks. It is a queer name I admit - something like Harlen + Ling Yenne.
What are the plans for temag? Do you suppose Tidi and Tom can make it? I don't think Florida can compare with good ole Canada - but then. Mary will go won't she and maybe aunt Myrtle?
I feel the rain's coming - this time there's a cloud as I dread. Must run for shelter and anyway I'd close now so I can send this home for air cents. - I get my points from mother don't I?
Lots of love
Bud