John F. Zeller Papers
It was good to hear your voices Monday evening. I hope it didn't cost too much. Let me know what the phone company charged. If it's not too much, I may try it again sometime.
I'm awfully sorry you had to change plans, etc, but it just cant be helped. The 1st Sgt. told us at retreat Monday that no passes would be issued this week-end, and that if we had friends or relatives coming we should tell them to stay home. We go on Regimental Guard Saturday and stay on til Monday -- so even if you had come the chances are I never could have seen you. On the other hand. I may be free most of the week-end but it just wasn't worth it to take the chance.
I only hope we don't run into difficulties next week-end. But since I've had most of the details recently, there shouldn't be any trouble.
I meant to write Monday, but the evening slipped by before I got a chance. Incidently, I went over right after the phone call & made new restivations at the Guest House -- so we are all set for you here.
Tuesday evening I went on prison guard and was on til 5:00 on Wednesday. It wasn't too bad. We rode hard on prisoners who had been A.W.O.L. and deserters. We carried loaded guns and walked around behind them keeping them in view. If one had escaped from me, I would have had to serve out his sentence -- so we weren't too easy on them. Fortunately, there was no trouble -- although a man did escape on Monday -- and there was a riot on Sunday.
Last evening I was told I was to appear before the examing board today for O.C.S. So I spent the evening shining shoes, etc. to get ready. Thus I didn't get a chance to write again.
Incidently, Rosco, Brownell, is to start O.C.S. this Saturday. If my name was Sak instead of Zeller, I'd probably be starting too.
The interview wasn't too bad. I got 100 in both current events and in math and my English composition was satisfactory - so I'm sure I shall be going to OCCS too before another month is out. The interviewing officer was an engineering graduate and like all engineers, he was amazed that an A.B. should know anything about math. It always makes me mad at these darn engineers -- they think A.B's don't know anything. Of course, I still have to pass another physical exam -- but if I don't pass it, I'll go into administration instead of artillery.
Before I forget, please bring my candid camera with you when you came down. I believe it will be nice to have some pictures of the fellows -- as well as of myself.
I'm glad you made out so well with your "uninvited" homecoming guests. The Sholl's have been fine to me and it helps to repay. But then we've been me to Don too.
I still don't know what we shall do when you come down -- but I suppose there will be so much to talk about that the time will pass all too swiftly. We can go to the movies. To church Sunday morning, and the band concert Sunday night. Your meals out here will have to be at the service club. You'll have to stand in line with all the soldiers -- but I guess you won't mind.
I think I shall go to the movies tonight to celebrate passing the board. So for now -- ! I'll write again Sunday, if I'm not too tired from guard duty.