John F. Zeller Papers
Just a brief note, for I don't have much time this evening. I was called out of the outfit today for an interview. It turns out that sooner or later I will be asked to apply for Officer's Training.
The Lt. today told me that I may be asked to apply within a few days - although he told some of the other boys, 3 mo.; and one boy 3 weeks. My own judgement is that I shall have to finish basic training with the outfit 1st. But I must be prepared whenever they decide to give me the chance. Hence this note.
The Lt. suggested that I bone up on math, since I haven't had any use or practice in that field for several years. He was a lawyer in civil life. The other boys who had interviews had to answer a few problems. But when he saw that I had completed a year in law school he said, "Anyone who can pass the 1st year in law school shouldn't have any trouble with math”. And that was all there was to it.
Now - what I want you to do for me. First - send me my College Algebra book and also the small, paper-bound, book of log tables. Both are in my box in the attic. The Algebra book is red. The log tables are brown and about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.
Second - I have written Prof. Richardson to advise we what to use to study Trig + Geometry. I told him you would call him to find out what book or books to buy. Whatever he suggests, send along too. You can probably get them at Keelers. I have to put you to all that trouble but I know you'll be glad to do it. The sooner I can start reviewing, the better off. I'll be. There are math classes here too - but I think I'd do better by studying on my own too.
I'm glad Bob + Ruth are taking the apt. I thought of them, but I supposed they would be settled by now. I'm sure you'll like them, for I liked them both.
I guess I spoke too soon about my hay fever. It was bad today. I didn't feel bad, but I sneezed quite a bit and my nose ran continuously. My eyes were all right. It has been so dry for a week now, and the sand comes up in clouds of dust. I wish it would rain, then I'd have no trouble.
I'm so glad you didn't take boys. You would never get fellows like Alex and Bill again.
Yes, I make my own bed. And there daren't be a single wrinkle in it. Thank you for the church program. Now I have Brownell's address too I shall save the papers for him.
There were only five girls in the class at law school, so it wouldn't it be hard to guess which one said that. I'll have to send them each a quarter - just to make sure I get the right one.
We had chicken on Sunday too, and I got white meat - so you & Grandma needn't worry.
I wish Peak Painter [?] were here to explain this artillery business to me. As yet I haven't the slightest idea what it is all about We're still drilling on fundamentals.
I'm going to ask you to do something else for me. I want to keep with the news. I don't have time to read the paper every day and the papers here don't cover everything anyway. So would you subscribe to Time magazine for me and have it sent to this address. I'd appreciate it very much. The Post Exchange news stand doesn't carry anything but cheap pulp magazines, and I have to have something better. I guess there's not enough demand for them to stock magazines like Time. Thank you!
Also, I'm going to retract my request not to send me food. I still don't want it for myself - but all the other fellows have offered me things from boxes - and I'm ashamed not to have something to offer them now + then too. I hope I haven't asked for too much in this letter.