Friday 8 P.M.

22 Feb. 46

My dear Fran:

I dropped you a post card from here but since I have time to waste it would be a good idea to write my honey a letter also. We arrived here in Portland, Oregon at 6 P.M. after a pretty rugged trip. They had tried to get us Pullman coaches but when we got to the station the best they had was a coach. We played cards half the night and then after I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer I laid down on the floor and went to sleep (all the seats were occupied). I slept very well because I was tired but it was a little uncomfortable. This is the first stop we made since we left that we have any time at all. We have a five hour lay over here. The train doesn't leave here until 11:30 P.M. for Seattle. We arrive in Seattle, Washington tomorrow morning some time. This service center is the first place we headed for, its large and very nice. We shaved and washed up then went out and ate. We didn't know at the time but you can get all kinds of eats right here and its free. Chili, hot dogs, sandwiches, cake, cookies, pies, ice cream, milk, coffee, any of that and as much as you want. I've been talking about we, well that’s Cookie, Frank M., Harry P., Fred W., and myself. I received 3 letters from you and one from Verna before the train left Oakland yesterday. One of the fellows from the gang who was held up for discharge brought it over to us. I probably won't hear from my honey for quite a long time now. I'm anxious to receive your packages. I'll bet the watch is nice and I certainly can use one and I'll take care of it. I suppose we will play cards from here all the way to Seattle but we must pass the time some how. You should see Cookie now, he's running a sewing machine trying to sew his hat. Honey this is really some service center it's 6 floors high and I guess you can have any thing in the world done here you want. The amazing part is its all free but that’s true of all service centers in the west. Back east everything you get in a service center you must pay for. Well honey I guess we will walk around a bit and see the sights before we go back to the station so I'll close for tonight and be back with my honey again tomorrow. Remember I love you more than anything in the world and always will. Give my regards to your folks and our friends. Be good and keep writing.

From the one who adores you,

Your honey.