Spitball Army

[Written to Alice in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Return addressed: Richard, Ward 11, U.S.N.H., St. Albans, L.I., N.Y.  Postmarked at Jamaica, N.Y., on 6 Feb 1946 at 6:30 P.M.]

Feb. 6, 1946

Hi Sweetheart,

     This really seems strange for me to be writing a letter.  It’s even stranger that the letter is to you.  But I guess I’ll be able to get used to it again.  Guess whose stationery I’m using.  I’m going to get some when I go down to mail this.  I just couldn’t see any sense in walking all the way down there twice so I just borrowed this and here we go.

     I got here O.K., naturally, a half hour ahead of time.  I’m really sold on the New York Central R.R.  For the first half of the trip I was watching the time-table with one eye and my watch with the other.  You could set your watch by that train. – – – all except it’s arriving time.  It was usually early getting into a station and left right on the dot.  Alf After I got in N.Y. City though it wasn’t quite as convenient as the Jeffersonian.  I took a subway from the station called “The Shuttle” and shuttled over to Times Square then I had to go up on the street and walk one block to catch the “E” train at the 42nd street station.  Then it was just a matter of time and the bus.  It seems to me there should be a better way to come so I wouldn’t have to give that second nickle to the subway and I wouldn’t have to walk that block outside.  Maybe I’ll find out before I have to go to the Grand Central Station again.  I had a swell ride considering.  The train was exceptionally clean and it was the smoothest ride I’ve ever had.  I did too much thinking though.  I missed you so much Sweetheart.  From my seat I could see 2 “doggies” and a “swabbie” with their wives, and there I was all by myself.  I don’t suppose I’m any more lonely than you are though.  I love you so much Sweetheart.  We can manage though, can’t we Sweetheart?  It isn’t that we exactly have to I’m sure it is best for both our futures.  I saw Dr. Anderson about a half-hour after I got here believe it or not.  I told him about Dr. Cox opening it.  He looked at me and punched around a little bit.  He said it was a good thing that I had it taken care of and that it looked very good.  However, he said that we had better wait about a week and get rid of the scab and let it soften up a little bit.  He also talked as if they would operate next Thursday if everything went as it should with the wound.  I think he will do the operation himself.  I’ll write again soon Sweetheart but I have to go now or the PX will be closed before I get there.  I hope they are still open.

     Good-night Sweetheart
          I love you with all my heart
               Pleasant dreams
                    Good-night Sweetheart
                             x x
                                  ‘Nite