Early November , 1943

Dear Mom, Pop, Mary, Jerry and Mat,
   I received both packages and thank you very much. Matter of fact, there's a few more cadets that thank you. The cake was most pleasing to the stomach and it certainly brought back old memories. The suit and all it's "trimmings" arrived in good shape. The big dance is suppose to be this coming Saturday.
    By the way Mom, you can put that $9.51 away some place as it belongs to the Ramblers.
   Haven't heard anything about a rain storm along the coast. Remember I am in no white man's land. Pony express will come in someday with the report.
   Most of the boys got a kick out of reading "The News". I saw "The Great Peters", the man that hangs himself several times at Madison Square Garden. The first time I saw it was about four years ago. I remember Spencer wouldn't watch him jump.
   Say Mom, will you please send me Ray McWilliams address. I have been trying to get in touch with him for quite awhile. I bet he has plenty of stories to tell.
   I have some good news. According to the scuttlebutt floating around here we are going to be sent to California in the near future. Nothing definite but everyone has their fingers crossed. Most of the boys figure we will have a swell chance for a leave from there. Naturally I will get to see that California weather everyone has been talking about. No one knows when we will be shoving off so  I can't give any definite time. If you want anything from California don't be afraid to ask.
   I hope everyone will excuse me for not answering letter properly but half the time I am walking around in a fog. The other half of the time, I am trying to avoid "Trosky" (our C.O.)
   My hear bleeds for Jerry that he has no school. That poor, poor, boy. I bet he doesn't know what to do with all the time he has on his hands.
   What's the matter with Jerry that he is getting disgusted with the Ramblers. My scouts have reported that the water boy is driving the little women wild.  They think he is "cute". Isn't that nice, Jerry dear. Ha! Ha!
   Well chow call draws near so I had better close.
                                                      Your loving son, brother and nephew,
                                                                               Jim
P.S. I haven't the slightest idea where I am going to get an envelope for this letter. I hope you get this letter someday.
P.S. Thanks again for everything.