John F. Zeller Papers
Thank you for sending my math books, and for the food. The Corporal enjoyed the fudge and nuts as much as I did. One can of fudge disappeared in a flash at the writing table. So you needn't worry about my getting fat. The canned stuff I shall save for a lean day at the mess hall.
Mother, the letter you wrote on Sunday arrived Tuesday evening. The food arrived tonight. The Math books arrived last night. But the letter you wrote last Thursday arrived only this evening. It's addressed correctly, so I can’t understand it.
I'm so glad Dr. Muffly found a home for King. I wonder if the Demies know? Tell them if you see them or tell Janet. I'm glad Dad got up to Henry’s cabin. and to Consistory. Hope Pearl is back again too.
As you know, I'm not at all sorry to miss house cleaning -- but my good luck sort of back fires. We have to house--clean the barracks every day! Ken Wolfe told me he planned to go home. for Joe Kunkle's funeral. Did any of you see him. He promised to drop in, if he got home, to see you, and to report on how well I look in uniform.
Alice has been sending the items, so as long as she continues, it won't be necessary for you to send clippings. Oh yes, thank's for Time, and for the local papers. I appreciate them all very much.
I can't understand why I don't hear from Ken, Dave, or Ted. Ted is busy getting used to the army himself, I suppose but I don't even have his address. I did have a card from Don Sholl, and from Jim Ostergren, so a few of my friends know I’m alive, anyway. Lib is the only girl who has written. Indeed, if not for you Alice, and your friends (and my too--but not my younger friends) I'd be deserted at mail call.
By the way, I've ordered a print of the battery picture. When it comes, I’ll send it home. Look it over – see if you can find me and then store it away in my file. for me, will you? I shall write on the back who some of the fellows are for your information. Now to bring you up to date on what I've been doing so far this week.
We spent Monday on the rifle range. Firing at a target 200 yards away isn't exactly like a shooting gallery. I hit 105 out of a possible 150, in four positions-- standing, sitting, kneeling, and prone. That's not too bad for the 1st time. I got quite a tan on my hands + face in the bargain. Tuesday we started our specialized training. From now on we deal less with drill, etc., and more with telephone, signal flags, codes, etc. I have decided not to take part in the Regimental show, I won't have time if I'm to study Math.
Last night, Gerald Roche (Wilkes Barre) and I went to see one of the U.S.O. Camp shows. It was in the outdoor ampi-theater. It wasn't bad--sort of glorified vandeville. They had several good acts, and of course, there was no charge.
Today we went on a 67 mile motor drive. We went over to Raeford. Imagine my surprise as we neared Raeford, when I saw a sign on a ball park which read-- "Williamsport, Pa. Greys - Spring Training Headquarters”. It made me feel right at home.
I was a route marker. They put me off at an intersection and I stopped traffic while the convoy went through. Tonight I studied a bit and went to the movies.