Sunday 5 P.M.

24 Feb. 46

My dear Fran: -

            Well honey I'm here in Seattle wondering what the [edited for content] is coming off next. We weren't fortunate enough to land a hotel so they sent us out to Fort Lawton and what a hole. The barracks are one story and heated by pot bellied stoves the latrine is next door and colder than the devil. The accommodations here are poor but I guess we won't be here long. I think we board the boat Monday night as the boat takes off Tuesday. We are right in the middle of the rainy season, that’s all it’s been doing. We had "abandon ship" drill right after we got here. It’s just a matter of climbing down a rope ladder that’s all. Last night Cookie and I went in to Seattle and met his brother in law and did some drinking. You can't buy any thing but beer in the tap room and they close up 12 o'clock. They have bus service from camp to Seattle for a dime. Out here you have a sales tax you always need a pocket full of pennies. Being today is Sunday there is no mail but may be tomorrow I'll have some mail from you. I hope so and may be there will be a dollar or two in one of them. I have a couple of dollars but I wanted some to buy cigarettes on the boat. They are only 5¢ a pack on the boat so I really could stock up if I had the money. This letter isn't very legible but I'm trying to write it on one of the cots. I guess tonight we are taking in a movie. A lot of the fellows seem to think we will be back in the states before Oct. boy I certainly hope so because I want to get back with my honey as soon as possible. I love her more than any thing in the world and I miss her just as much so honey keep your fingers crossed and hope at least I'm back for the Holidays this year. As far as I know there's about 2900 men going on this trip and it will take about 11 days. I only hope the ocean isn't too [edited for content] rough because I'd hate to be sick all the way to Tokyo. There's 46 more men from Holabird, Pennsylvania, here waiting to go Tuesday. They were here two days when we arrived. We honey I'll close for today and write again tomorrow so be good and I promise to do the same. Give my regards to your folks and our friends. I love you and I miss you very much.

From one who thinks you’re the nicest

honey living,

Your honey.