Oct. 21, 1942 Dear Mother & Dad--
I guess the flood to the north of us held up mail for a few days. Your letters arrived late too. I hope Dad didn't waste too much shoe leather going to the post office.
Now to answer & comment on your letters. No, I havent heard from Ken, and I can't understand it. I've written him twice. - I agree will you about Kern & Benny - so do Don and Jannet. But everyman to his own choice. I really don't think he's being fooled much. He ought to know her by this time.
This note ought to be arriving about the time Isabelle and Verna are with you. Give them my regards. I owe Isabelle a letter-but I'm afraid I won't get around to writing it for a few days.
Let me know when Willard Remer is sent. There are a lot of volunteer officer canidadates here and since they need artillery officers, he may end up here too.
If you see Dave again, tell him not to worry. He's lucky if he doesn't get in with any worse fellows than Franklin & Weston. He can take it from me. He's going to get his eyes opened! Lt. Colonel is the next rank above Major. It isn't too high, but it would be nice to have in front of one's name. It's still a long way from the highest officer though.
Mother, I think you better just forget about the sweater. At least until we see how things work out. If you are worried about Xmas presents, just give me money. I'll put it towards a radio or towards my officers uniforms when the time comes to get them.
Please have my diploma framed and have it in the little room over the hall door. I've reserved that spot for it. Try to get the same type frame as Dan Ross used on my A.B. diploma.
One more thing and then I'll go into the news. I got a wedding announcement from Emily Ong Schreyer. That means another wedding present. Pick something out + send it. You ought to be able to get the address from any of the folks who work on the hill.
I really cashed in on the mail this week. I had a nice box from the Grooner's. I salvaged the peanuts, but the candy, etc. went out in nothing flat. Boxes don't last long in our barracks. I had a nice note from Fred Igler-- telling me of his visit to Bucknell--seeing you folks - the Demie House -- etc.
Leo Arbogast wrote a most interesting not about the navy. I also heard from Peggy Kauffman, Forrest Brown, Mrs. Thompson, Charlier Bard, and another card from Maude -- in addition to the regular letters from you folks & from Alice.
Yesterday we went on another overnite hike. It was cool so I wore long woolen underwear -- for the 1st time in my life, I think. I haven't developed a rash so far.
Our packs were really heavy this time, for we carried two blankets -- extra underwear & socks-- field jacket, etc. The pack when made up was fully 40 inches long. It bumped both my head and my sitter-downer with each step. Wt. -- 50 to 70 lb.
In all we walked about 6 miles out and about 4 back. It rained -- and I really mean rained all night. I kept dry -- but my blankets didn't. It took all day back here to dry them.
The rain stopped long enough in the morning for us to pack up & start back. But it rained hard for about an hour and really got me soaked on the trip back. A good hot shower and dry clothes fixed me up, however, and I didn't even catch a sniffle.
I made reservations for you at the Great House for Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Nov. 6, 7, 8th O. K. ?
I guess thats all of the news for now.
So til Sunday--John