Well, it seems that I have put a couple letters from my grandfather out of order. Here’s the letter in which he mentions the stamps. So apparently this letter came before the last one. Just because the letter was put into an envelope with a certain post mark does not guarantee a date. There is also the possibility that my grandmother put it away in the wrong envelope, especially if she received several letters at once. How soon after the dramatic letter with the code did she read this one? Did they all arrive together in a bundle? Was she in the hospital, post birth? Sigh, so many questions… Now that I have discovered my ordering mistake, I will have to rearrange and rename some of my files, both in my binders and in my computer files. But my future self will thank myself later. At this point, I am looking forward to the letters on which my grandfather included the date again.

I feel like I am working on a very complicated logic puzzle. If A, then B, but not C. I am not exactly sure where my grandfather was stationed in New Caledonia. They are located somewhere near a town. The town is big enough to support two churches, one Catholic and one Protestant. I don’t think he was in the capital Nouméa. From what research I have done, there are more than two churches in the capital. During the war, Nouméa served as the United States’ military headquarters in the South Pacific. New Caledonia was governed by France for part of the 19^th and most of 20^th centuries. It is currently transitioning from being a French Special Collectivity to an independent state.  French is the official language of the island with several recognized regional native tongues. For a Swiss German farm boy from Indiana, New Caledonia was certainly quite the new experience.

Letter transcription:

[September 2, 1942]
Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland Ind.

Dear Mother,

Sent one letter out today and will try a follow up. Always mail the your letters air mail and maybe that will help. I really don’t know how much postage it will take but if there is any due I’ll pay it here.
Went into town today-fairly good town but of course nothing like those at home but we can’t always do as we please.
I wish you would take Mark down to see Dr. Cole and have him checked over especially see what he thinks about his tonsils or maybe Dr. Ade could do that. You didn’t mention whether you got your check the first of August and you should get the two of them by Sept. You’ll

(page 2) have to use your own judgment about the bills etc. that have to be paid.
In case there is anything about the yard lawn that you don’t understand let me know-be sure to read those things over again that I suggested in the last letter because those things should be done.
It’s a little hard to write and be restricted but maybe in time things can be a little more open. I think we will get into town again tomorrow. I hope. It’s a relief to go even though it isn’t the best place in the world.
I’ve been writing this for almost 3 hours. There has been arguments on medicine, politics, morals etc. Maybe next time there won’t be so much disturbance.

So solong
Love Daddy

Please sent some stamps [added to the top of page 2]