Liberty Street: World War Ii Correspondence Between Janice Y. Chandler and Alfred G. Chandler M.D.

By Carol Chandler Malcarney

Personal letters can provide us with a unique opportunity. The letters in this collection offer a glimpse into the personal lives of two people whose lives, like so many others, were interrupted by World War II. These letters date from August 1943 to March 1946, the time that Alfred Chandler served in the Army Medical Corps. The majority of the 700 plus letters were written by Alfred and Janice, his wife, to each other. They wrote faithfully whenever they were apart. Alfred was facing an unforeseeable future as he embarked on his wartime assignment in Europe, and Janice had her own challenges living back home with her family in Massachusetts.
It is unusual to have such an extensive collection of personal letters survive, given the variety of circumstances which could have caused them to be lost or destroyed. It is even more amazing that mail was so successfully delivered to battlefields and bases all over the world, a truly major accomplishment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514425763

Carol Chandler Malcarney

Carol Chandler Malcarney was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and grew up in Antrim, New Hampshire. She attended the University of Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France and graduated from Eastern Baptist College (now Eastern University). She taught French and Spanish in Deptford, New Jersey. For over forty-five years she and her husband Ronald have lived in Haddonfield, New Jersey where they raised four children. They now have six grandchildren. Carol previously published Memories and Recollections: Memoirs of Alfred G. Chandler M.D.

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Copyright © 2015 by Carol Chandler Malcarney.

Cover design by Debra Sanfarraro

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015918890

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5144-2578-7

               Softcover       978-1-5144-2577-0

               eBook           978-1-5144-2576-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Rev. date: 11/13/2015

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Contents

Preface

August Through October 1943

March Through December 1944

January Through March 1945

April Through June 1945

July Through September 1945

October Through December 1945

January To March 1946

Epilogue

About The Author

Dedicated to all families separated in the defense of freedom and liberty.

Preface

O ur family has been given a gift and a rare opportunity to share a treasure trove of letters dating from August 1943 to March 1946. This was the time that my father, Alfred Chandler, served in the Army Medical Corps during and just after WWII. These letters have been in Dad's Army footlocker which has been here in my home in Haddonfield, New Jersey for a number of years, after having been stored in one and then the other of two family homes in Antrim, New Hampshire for over 50 years. The majority of the letters, over 700 of them, were written by my father and my mother, Janice Yarber Chandler, to each other. They wrote faithfully, one letter and sometimes two letters a day, whenever they were apart through this entire time. Their letters, plus approximately 100 others from various family members and friends, many of whom wrote frequently to Dad while he was overseas, comprise this collection, which includes numerous photographs as well. Dad's letters to Mom were all in chronological order, and Mom's letters to Dad were as well, for the most part. They both dated every letter which made them easier to follow. Included in all of the correspondence are about 275 V-Mails, which were strongly suggested for correspondence to and from someone in the Armed Forces overseas during the war. Dad added his location as well, except for when his whereabouts needed to be kept secret. It was extremely difficult to keep straight where Dad was at all times, especially when he was in Europe, so I drew a map and labeled, as well as I could, the locations he mentions in the letters. I also found it helpful to compile a chronology of his military service. Thankfully, Dad's letters are very legible because in later years his writing became more difficult to read.

These letters are clearly love letters that my parents felt would never be read by others. In response to an inquiry from Dad, Mom says in one letter, in particular, that nobody is reading his letters to her but that she reads them to others, omitting the more personal parts. Sections of the letters are so full of yearning and endearment--- and full of encouragement as well. They clearly had respect for each other and themselves. They also knew and appreciated each other's circumstances; both in difficult situations for different reasons. Dad was facing an unforeseeable future as he embarked on his wartime assignment in Europe, and Mom was dealing with her own challenges living back home with her family in Massachusetts while Dad was overseas.

The individuals who fought and persevered through this pivotal time in our history --- and especially those who lost their lives defending our great nation --- are remembered to this day as The Greatest Generation. I'm proud to recall my dad's service and to remember as well the supportive role my mother played along with the many who remained at home during this historic period.

The romance between Alfred and Janice began when Alfred was an intern at the Springfield Hospital, now Bay State Medical Center, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He chose to do his year of internship there, after graduating from Tufts Medical School in 1942. It was there that he met his future wife, Janice, who he referred to as the ball of fire in the hospital's record room where she was working as a medical secretary, having graduated from Larson Junior College (now Quinnipiac University) in 1939. And the rest of their story is now our history.

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August Through October 1943

J anice and Alfred had only been dating for a few months and their courtship progressed rapidly. When the correspondence began, they were engaged and planned to be married after Alfred's training. On August 14, 1943, Alfred addresses a letter to Miss Janice D. Yarber, 28 Liberty Street, Holyoke, Mass, written from Carlisle Barracks in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was assigned there, along with classmates and fellows he met at national boards, for six weeks of training for the Army Medical Corps and it was there that he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant. He comments, They all feel the same about saluting as I do but the strangeness is gradually wearing off. Alfred talks about signing dozens of papers and he has taken the compulsory $10,000. life insurance policy, plus a bond a month which will be sent to Janice. Sounding quite formal, he says, Thank you and your folks for your most gracious hospitality over the past few days. You were a very brave girl this morning and I am proud of you. Looking for a letter soon. Lovingly yours, Alfred.

In a second letter, dated that same day, Alfred says, Due to obtaining my marriage license in Holyoke, I have declared your home my legal address. --- Of course it does not obligate your folks in any way except reception of mail which you have been kind enough to undertake for me. Little did anyone know at this point what the future would hold for them. I think of you constantly and hope plans will go according to schedule. About getting time for the wedding I must write ahead to my commanding officer there (Fort Devens, Massachusetts) and ask permission to arrive late as we are normally allowed normal traveling time to get to our new post after completing our training here. Alfred plans to write to Ruth, his sister-in-law, to find out if Edgar will be in these parts and is writing to his brother Warwick and wife Flo as well, asking them to keep the date in mind. He would have gotten in touch with his other brother Alec and his wife Frances, also.

Jan responds in a letter dated August 17th that she has received both of his letters and is thrilled to hear from him. She says, It made me laugh when you said that lights are out at 11:00 PM. Rather early for you, isn't it? She goes on to say, I miss you so much, Al. Honestly, I am just lost without you. It seems that everything I see, everything I do, and every place I go remind me of you and bring back memories of all our happy times together. It may sound crazy, but I still expect to see you running around the hospital in your white uniform and have you drop into the Record Room a couple times during the day for little visits which I did so enjoy. Well, eventually I'll get it through my wooden head that you are no longer around here. They all, including Jan's mother, Ida May, and younger brothers Brad and Bruce, seemed to enjoy Alfred's few days spent with them at their home in Holyoke.

Jan goes on to say Do you think that it is a good idea to keep Saturday, October 2, in mind as the date for the wedding? Anyway, the date will be entirely up to you and 'Uncle Sam' and I do hope you will be able to let me know before very long so that I may go ahead and make more definite plans. Around this time Janice's father, Clifford, had left and was living apart from the family and, in this same letter, Jan says, Dad came up for dinner Sunday and stayed all afternoon, had supper with Mother and me (Bruce went out with friends) and he left shortly after 7:00. She goes on to say, on another occasion when he had spent the night, He was by no means as pleasant last night or this morning as he was on Sunday, but that's what we have to expect. This is just an example of the roller coaster he kept them on, making it extremely difficult on Jan's mother especially, as she as a result began to experience periods of depression. Janice ends this first letter with I know that you are going to be very busy from now on, Al, but anytime you find a minute to write, I'll be so happy to hear from you, --- even if it's only a postcard. With much love, Jan. It is obvious that they would write many letters, and a few postcards as well, over the next couple of years of correspondence.

With much discussion back and forth about the wedding, September 25th is the date finally decided upon and Al will be able to get a pass. Jan can now go ahead with preparations. In a letter dated August 26th she says, What a thrilling day this was and how much we accomplished! I took this afternoon off and Bruce, Mother and I shopped in Springfield. I bought a perfectly gorgeous wedding gown and veil, dear, so we'll just have to have the wedding no matter how little time we have. I won't describe the gown because I want it to be a surprise. She discusses in this letter getting everybody lined up to be in the wedding and asks Al if he has heard from his brothers. She hopes that Brad, who is away in the Army on maneuvers, will be able to get a furlough. Mother is so happy about the wedding, Al. It is doing her the world of good to have something to plan for. --- You will remember that I was having difficulty in deciding which of the girls should be my maid of honor. I just couldn't make up my mind, so we drew names tonight and Madelyn's name was drawn, so she will be my maid of honor and Betty and Priscilla will be the bridesmaids.¹

Even with plans made for the September 25th wedding, it still isn't certain (letter dated August 28) that they will be able to be carried out. Jan writes, I do hope the officer at Devens will hurry and write to you. The suspense is making me a wreck. It will be terribly disappointing for both of us if we can't carry out our plans. It will be embarrassing as well, for we have already spoken to so many people about it and we have already bought the rings and here I am with my whole outfit. I do know one thing, I won't have that blood test until we are positive of the date. I'd hate to go through that ordeal more than once. Gosh but I'm scared. In the same letter, I'm having three attendants, a maid of honor and two bridesmaids. You will need three also, a best man and two ushers.

On August 31 Jan writes, "We received a letter from Brad today. Those poor boys are going through a tough training.² --- They had to walk 25 miles to their destination where maneuvers are being held. They carried 75 pounds of equipment and Brad had on new shoes which blistered and made his feet raw. They have also had some accidents. One fellow was bitten by a rattlesnake. Another fell into a 10 ft. pit and broke 5 ribs and one lost 3 fingers on one of the guns. It looks as if they need as many good doctors right in this country as they do overseas. Oh, how I wish you could stay here, darling. I'll just worry myself sick while you and Brad are abroad."

On September 1, Jan writes and thanks Al for the four-leaf clover. We need all the four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, rabbits' paws, etc. that we can get. She expresses concern here about getting invitations out on time and, Another thing, the cake has to be made 2 weeks in advance. What a mess, but let's continue to hope and pray. In a letter mailed to Al on September 3, Jan is thrilled to hear that he will have a three day leave and she can go ahead with plans for the wedding for Saturday afternoon, September 25, at their church, the Second Baptist Church there in Holyoke. She says here, Have you any place in mind for us to go for our little 'honeymoon'? Of course it can't be very far away because we have such a very short time and also, if we take the car, I'm afraid I won't have much gasoline by then to take us very far anyway. She also expresses in this letter the continued concerns they are having about her dad and what Al has shared with his family. I don't know whether or not you have told your family about Dad and the trouble we are having, but I hope you have. --- I do hope it won't give them the wrong impression of the rest of my family and I hope it won't change their feelings toward me.

Jan and her family received a telegram from Brad on September 6 and are excited that he is arriving in Springfield that afternoon and feel that it would be too good to be true to have him home for three weeks. Hopefully he would still be able to have a short leave to return home for the wedding. During the time Brad is home Jan's mother and father both seem to be doing quite well. They are all thoroughly enjoying having Brad home. I hate to see September 16th come because that is the day Brad leaves and we don't know when or if we'll see him after that. It is so depressing to think of it. He is such a grand fellow and it would break our hearts if anything should happen to him. And in this letter of September 8, she says, Bruce starts school tomorrow. He was pretty blue and upset tonight because he was afraid that all his transfer papers, etc. from Springfield wouldn't be up here and he was worried because he didn't know to which room he should report. Poor little boy, he is such a worry bird. He is under such an emotional strain that it doesn't take much to upset him.

As has been stated, this was a very difficult time for Jan's family. They were now living back at 28 Liberty Street, but when her folks separated her dad stayed there and Jan with her mother and two brothers went to Springfield to live in the lovely old home of Frederick MacMonegle, her mother's father, who they always remembered being very proud of his Scottish ancestry. His wife, Ida May (Vogel) had died in the early 1930's. After her death their daughter Marion, Jan's aunt, her mother's sister, went to live with him.

They were all living here in Springfield when Jan began working at the Springfield Hospital. At the same time Al was also living in Springfield and renting a room from Mrs. Donnelly, a good-natured Irish woman. The night Jan and Al got engaged, Bruce remembers Jan running in very excited to show them all her diamond engagement ring. Bruce recalls it was sometime in 1943 that their mother insisted that the family return to 28 Liberty Street. It was then that their dad moved out and into the Essex Hotel. This was all very difficult and very embarrassing for the children but friends and relatives were extremely supportive.

In the same letter of September 8th, Jan goes on to say, Say, since when have you been called 'Happy' Chandler? Mrs. MacLean asked for 'Happy Chandler' last week and I thought it was just one of her own nicknames for you, until this morning when Dr. Barnes asked me how 'Happy Chandler' is. I really think it's a good name for you. Mrs. Van Horn spoke to me today and told me how glad she was to find out who the nice girl is engaged to Dr. Chandler. She is crazy about you, darling. She told me how nice you are to patients and she said you were one of her favorites.

Jan's letters to Al continue to be filled with details of wedding plans. With the date of September 25th decided upon, the time has now been set for three instead of two o'clock because so many people have to work until 12:00 on Sat. and many from Springfield and other towns nearby will have to depend on the bus for transportation and it is about an hour's ride from Springfield. In this letter, dated September 6, she is still concerned about the blood tests. She said Al should have his test done where he is and have the results sent to her. She is worried about her blood test, too, as she had recently had infectious mononucleosis and is afraid the test might be positive.

Excitement is building for the upcoming wedding. Several of our neighbors and friends have offered to do anything for us and they have offered their spare bedrooms. We figure that there will be thirteen in your family if they all come, -- your mother and dad, Warwick, Florence and Bruce, Ruth and Edgar and the 4 children and Alec and Frances. ---- We hope to be able to put them all in private homes around this neighborhood for the night because we don't want anybody in the family going to a hotel if it can be avoided.³

In other letters from about this time period, Jan talks about addressing and sending out invitations, as well as telling Al about what gifts have started to arrive. "Our wedding gift from Auntie⁴ came today. It is a set of Gorham sterling silver, service for eight in the 'Greenbrier' pattern, a pattern of which I have always been very fond. It is in a gorgeous blue leather zipper case like Mother's. Isn't that quite a gift? I hope you like it. In a letter dated September 12, Jan says, Honey, you'll be relieved to know that I had my blood test and lived through it and I'll be sport enough to admit that it wasn't bad at all. She has good news as well concerning her dad who she wasn't sure would even come to the wedding. Dad and I were alone in the living room this noon and nothing was being said about the wedding when all of ioka sudden Dad said to me, 'What shall I wear to the wedding ---my tux?' I told him yes, the others would also be in a tux. Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather. ---Isn't it wonderful?"

During this same time Al is working out arrangements for his leave as well as many other details. He is also very busy studying and preparing for exams. In a letter dated September 14, which she sends Special Delivery, Jan writes, This is your week of exams, so I know that must be why I didn't receive a letter from you today. In your letter which I received yesterday, you said you would also send your blood report so I would get it at the same time as the letter, but I didn't get it and when it didn't come today, I began to get worried. She apologizes for having to send the letter Special Delivery" but asks him to do the same with the blood report certificate, if he hasn't already sent it. She explains the time constraints necessitating this request. She needs to take the reports of both of their blood tests to City Hall to get the marriage license. And then, she soon realizes that she needs to have her blood test taken over again --- no pink slip --- and a lot of red tape! All this is discussed in much detail.

Al does take time to make arrangements for their honeymoon at The Northfield⁵ in East Northfield which pleases Jan. It should be a pleasant ride and not too far away and I am sure I'll have enough gasoline. And arrangements continue for the wedding. There have been two nice showers for Jan and wedding gifts continue to arrive. The wedding rehearsal is set for Friday evening at 8:30 with a buffet supper before that at 6:30. We figure that there will probably be a crowd and Mother doesn't know exactly what to do about it yet. The rationing and shortage of butter, meat, etc. make it extremely difficult to provide for a large number, but we'll work it out some way. She goes on to say in this same letter of September 6, As you know, we will have to give gifts to our attendants, so will you take care of your best man and ushers? I'll get the gifts for my three girls. It isn't necessary to give anything too expensive. I think I shall plan to spend about $2.00 on each. In a letter a few days later she says that she has chosen Lady Buxton wallets and describes the three different color combinations. I don't know how much the ministers should get, but no doubt you know what to do about that. And of course you know that the bride and groom also exchange gifts, so that each one will have something to remember that big day by. Now please don't spend much on me, Al. You have already bought me that lovely 'soap chest' (Does she mean hope chest?) and you have done so many other nice things for me that it really wouldn't be necessary for you to get me anything, dear. What would you like me to buy for you? I have thought of an identification bracelet, but if you don't want one, I wish you would give me some suggestions. And the preparations continue.

"Saturday noon before the wedding, Mother has arranged for all of us and our guests to have lunch at the Essex Hotel, as it would be too much for her to feed such a crowd at home. --- We plan to have a few young girls serve at the reception and I think I'll ask Connie and Mardy Ann⁶ to be hostesses, too. Don't you think they would like to do that? They would be so cute. I am not having any flower girls, but if I were, I certainly would have them. Fortunately, too, neighbors and friends have offered to help. Three of Jan's mother's friends are going to take full charge of the reception. All Mother will have to do is order the food and they will do everything else. And she says at some point around now, I can hardly wait to see you, sweetheart. By the way, please let me know when you expect to arrive (Thursday evening) and I will meet you. Hope it's early because I understand we are to have a blackout that night and I should hate to have to stop and sit by the roadside all by myself on the way to Springfield."

The letterhead on some of her notepaper says, Janice D. Yarber. On one note she underlines Yarber and says, It won't be this much longer, will it? There is much excitement and anticipation with so much to be done leading up to the big day. There is also so much love and affection expressed and it becomes a common theme throughout all the letters. Darling, I am so anxious to see you. I love you more than I can tell you and being so much in love makes it all the more difficult to be separated from you. I wish this horrible war would end soon. I can hardly wait for the time to come when we can settle down and be together all the time. She had no way of knowing, nor did anybody else at this point, when that would be. It wouldn't be until March 1946 that Alfred would come home from his assignment in Europe and they would be together for good at last.

Exams are all over but the cheering. Darling just a week from today will be our big day and I can hardly think of anything else. Al writes this on September 18, and then on the 19th he has to tell Jan of a change in orders. I leave Monday, September 27, for San Diego, California to join the 33rd Brigade of Coast Artillery Anti-Aircraft unit. My change of orders arrived this noon and hit me between the eyes. They have fortunately left my 3 day leave, so it won't upset our wedding plans. Al even asks Jan if there is a possibility that she could leave Monday with him but realizes it might be very difficult for her to leave her job at the hospital.

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Jan writes a final note Monday evening before seeing Al on Thursday before the wedding. It went off as scheduled. All went well and there are several lovely photos from the day which indicate as much. Jan's next letter, mailed on October 1, says, You left us a little over twenty-four hours ago and am I lonesome! I felt like getting in that train and going with you. I came home and had a good cry after which I felt a little better. I hated to see you go and knew I would miss you terribly, but I feel even worse than I expected. Hope we'll be together before too long. It looks as if I'll be rather sad for the duration because while I'm home I'll be lonesome for you and while I am in California with you, naturally I'll be bound to miss my family a lot and wherever I am, I'll miss Brad, -- so there you are. But that is to be expected during a war. There are plenty of others in the same boat and I must try to keep my chin up. Everyone at the hospital was so nice to me today. Guess they knew how I felt. She goes on in that same letter to describe what other gifts had arrived. It's interesting to note that many of these gifts, dishes, glassware and silver especially, are things that I remember being used on a regular basis growing up. They are things that have since been divided among the four daughters and are being used and enjoyed by the family to this day.

This was a long letter. Sally informed me today that Dr. Walker approved of a $10. a month raise for me, making my salary $100. a month. Besides that I get my lunches, --- such as they are. That is by no means a big salary of course, but I get along all right and I am starting to save right now for our future. In the very next paragraph she says, The telephone operator's husband died Sunday. An autopsy was performed and the final diagnosis wasn't on the record yet, but I glanced through it. You know that he had a ruptured peptic ulcer. He also had a sub-diaphragmatic abscess, I think, and x-rays showed pneumonia and hydrothorax. You said you were interested, so I'll try to remember to let you know more later. She goes on to say she has an appointment with Dr. Anderson for Tuesday at 1:30 and says she will let him know what he says about her hair. (This will be explained in a later letter.)

Jan concludes this letter by saying, It is almost 9:00 now and I suppose you have just left Chicago. Hope the rest of your trip is pleasant. My dearest, I wish you the very best of luck and every night I shall pray that this war will soon end and you will be with me again. I also include Brad in my prayers. You are both precious and may God bless you. Your loving wife Jan XXOOXXOOXXOOXX

On October 2, Jan writes, Just a week ago you and I were together and our families were here. What a happy reunion it was and now we are so many miles apart. My heart is aching for you, darling. I can truthfully say that I have never been so unhappy in my life. However, I am so glad that we are married, aren't you? In the next paragraph she says, In the letter which I mailed to you yesterday I think I forgot to tell you that I received the telegram which you sent from Chicago. It arrived at the hospital at 2:30 and it made me extremely happy because for a minute it made you seem a little nearer to me. So glad you were able to get (train) reservations. She goes on to say, We heard from Brad today and he is about ready to leave. In fact, most of his gang left the other day, but he was held back because his second pair of glasses hadn't arrived yet. Unfortunately, she then adds, Dad doesn't seem to be making any effort to come back home. He called early this evening to inquire for Bruce and he seemed quite good, but he hasn't been home since you left. Mother and I had a terrible crying spell after dinner tonight. It is pretty lonesome around here with Dad, Brad and you away. She also says, Al, dear, you certainly have made a hit with all our neighbors and friends. They are just crazy about you and I understand that plenty of the girls are very envious of me. I am certainly proud of you, sweetheart. You are and always will be precious to me. --- I had forgotten to add three gifts to my list, so now the total of wedding gifts which we received is 97. I wrote six more thank-you notes this evening and still have plenty more.

Saturday afternoon (the letter is typewritten and by the postmark was mailed on Oct. 3 at 6:30 PM) My Darling, It is 4:45 and almost time for me to close up the record room for the night, but first I want to get a few lines off to you. I won't have time to write this evening because the Pelissiers have invited us all to their home for dinner and most likely we will stay there about all evening. Nothing of much interest has happened since I wrote to you last night, so this will be very short and sweet I'm afraid. Not all of my letters will be very 'newsy', but I am going to write to you every day anyway. I hope you will be glad to hear from me even if I don't have much to say. --- Well, in less than a day you should be in San Diego, dear. The very thought of having you so very far away makes me almost sick. I just hate to think of how I will feel if you go overseas. --- Just a week ago today was our big day, dear, and what a happy one it was. Hope you won't be too tired when you arrive out there, darling. I shall be very anxious to hear all about it. With lots of love and kisses to the best husband in the world, Jan XOXO

On Tuesday evening, Oct. 5, Jan writes, Al darling, I have just written 16 more thank-you notes and my head is in a whirl, so please excuse me if I make too many mistakes in this letter. Two letters have come for you and I am afraid to forward them to you until I have your complete address as I haven't heard yet whether or not all my letters have reached you. By the way, I have a question concerning your mail. If you go overseas, what do you want me to do with your mail? Should I open anything that looks like advertising or bills and take care of them and forward only what appears to be personal mail to you? She goes on to say that her raise has started. It only means about $3. more in my pay envelope each time because so much is taken out for taxes, but every little bit helps. Haven't heard from the bank in regard to a deposit box yet.

Jan also says, Your wedding ring hasn't come yet. If it isn't here in a couple of days, I'll call True's and check on it. They have had it almost a week now. I don't want to send that either until I am sure of your complete address. In the same letter she says, Today we received a letter from Brad which he had written Saturday. He was all packed and was leaving the next day. He sent regards to you. Honey, I still miss you very much. You and Brad are on my mind constantly, ---from the time I wake up in the morning until I fall asleep at night. I am having a terrible time keeping my mind on my work. Hope I am not making too many serious mistakes. That would be bad, --- especially after just receiving a raise. In this letter she says, I went to Dr. Anderson. The infectious mononucleosis fever is the cause. He examined my scalp thoroughly and said it is in good condition and there is nothing there to cause my hair to fall out. It may go on for six more months. He said no treatment is necessary. He said he knows it will be all right. He asked to be remembered to you.

It is Wed. evening, Oct. 6, 1943. I haven't dared to start to pack yet in case it won't be possible for me to go out there, but I am keeping a mental list of some of the things that I will have to take if I go. I will depend on you to let me know what the climate is and what kind of clothes I should take. Mother isn't planning to go with me, so I will have to go alone. It frightens me to think of traveling such a distance all by myself and I hope I won't have a lot of trouble finding my way. Please write and give me all the details and tell me just what I'll have to do etc. In the next paragraph she goes on to say, The proofs of our pictures came today and they are all very good. Without a doubt, the best one of you and I (me --- one of the very few errors in grammar that Jan ever made!) together is the one in which we are both smiling and the best one of me alone is one of those of me on the black velvet. One is better than the other and it is our favorite as well as the photographer's. He is going to finish it up just like the one of his wife which is hanging in his studio --- remember? He is going to hang mine up there and take his wife's down. --- We now have 101 gifts. --- Well, dear, I must file my fingernails now and then go to sleep.

Jan adds, I can hardly wait to hear just what kind of a set-up you are in out there. I hope you will like it and will be as happy as anyone can possibly be these days. I certainly hope you won't have to go overseas. Goodness only knows, it's bad enough having poor Brad out of this country. We are worrying about him so much.

Outside of being lonesome, we are all fine and hope you are well, too, darling. Do be careful and take care of yourself and let me hear from you as often as you can write. Lots of love and a million hugs and kisses from your loving wife, Jan XOXOXOXOXO"

There seem to be a letter or two of Alfred's which are missing, as in Jan's letter dated October 8 she says, Even though the news in your letter which came today wasn't very pleasant, it was wonderful to hear from you. I am just as disappointed as you are, dear. I agree with you and think we should wait a few days before deciding what to do. You say you are leaving it up to me as to whether I should go out there. I really feel that I would like to go. Especially since there is the possibility of your leaving this country at any time, I feel that I just have to see you again before you go, even if it is only for a day or two. However, I don't want to get out there and have you worry about me being alone etc. while you are on duty and I wouldn't want to be a big expense either. Maybe I could plan to go out for just a month or two if you can find a place. I should not get too lonesome in that short time, --- even if we could only be together a couple nights a week. You mentioned that cabin-like place which you have tentatively held and said there will be a vacancy by the 13th. Well, dear, this is the 7th, so you can see that it would be impossible for me to get out there in six days and I'm sure they wouldn't hold it for a couple weeks until I could get there. That is a lot of money too for only one room and bath. It is really a big problem, dear, but don't worry about it. Naturally, we would love to be together as much as possible, but if you think it is better for me to stay home where you won't have to worry about me please be frank and tell me so. No matter where I am, I know I'm going to be lonesome and terribly unhappy for the duration. I am so blue now that all I feel like doing is crying.

In the same letter Jan adds, By the way, we have two more wedding gifts today --- a small gold vase, something like Pickard china and Dr. and Mrs. Ashton sent us 2 large salad plates in our crystal and 3 more fruit juice glasses. Pretty nice, huh. She closes with, Best of luck, my precious husband, and I do hope and pray this horrible war will end soon. God bless you. With love and a million kisses, Jan XOXOXOXOXO

The next evening Jan writes, Just finished writing a V-Mail letter to Brad, so now I shall write a few lines to my other precious soldier boy. I received two letters from you today and both were so cheerful that they made me feel much better. She is happy that he enjoys his new appointment and likes the doctor he'll be working with; also that he will be able to have more time off. She says she will shop for the sheets, etc. that he wants and will send those off to him. She also asks for the list of people in England to whom I must send announcements. She thanks him for the money order as well as the war bond. There is still a concern about if she should go to join him and where she/they would stay. I don't believe Mother will go with me. Even if she did go, it really wouldn't be a good idea to drive. I'm afraid because if we ever had a flat tire or other trouble out in the desert or some lonely place, it would be just too bad. --- There is one little thing which is worrying me a great deal. Now for four or five days while I am travelling, you wouldn't be able to contact me and what if you were transferred or sent out of the country during that time, what would I ever do? I'd be scared sick and hysterical if I got out there and couldn't find you and discovered that you had left. I would certainly appreciate it if you would investigate carefully and find out from one of your higher officers if there would be that possibility of your being sent out like that. She also wants him to send her the name of the hotel or whatever place he has found to stay if she should arrive at a time that he might have been transferred and couldn't meet her --- "a place to go while collecting