Tag Archives: New Caledonia

David’s arrival (Roscoe)

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

2/3/43

Dear Mother,

The only letter so far today was Dorothy K. letter of Sept 23 telling me of D. arrival. A little late but as innocent looking as any other letter that comes along. I answered it and told her I hope that you and Nick would excuse the correspondence between the two of us. I never did know if you went in a car or ambulance but she remarked the screaming siren so it must have been the ambulance. It’s funny why those letters never came. The one I really wanted at that time and then doesn’t get here until today. If there was long distant telephone service D. could almost have told me himself quicker than the letter. Well I’m

[page 2] glad things got along so well then and hope that you both are better now. Our weather is still very hot and I suppose yours is very cold and as I said before the weather sure takes a beating when there isn’t anything else to write about. I heard this A.M. that only v-mail could be written from there – hope that isn’t true because that would rule out pictures and they mean lots.

Guess Floyd can settle down for some time now and take his trip to Georgia for the spring as planned – but how will he get around? Ruth didn’t say how much gas etc they were allowed. As far as pleasure driving is concerned that could be curbed 100% because after all this is an al out war and goodness only knows we don’t get 3 gal. (that is short for gallon) per week for pleasure. Our pleasures are fe very simple indeed and it won’t

[page 3] bother people at home with jobs and families to do without some of the pleasures here to fore enjoyed. Well, I got that off my chest.

Ruth mentioned Floyd sending me another box – hope it isn’t soft candy because that sure is a mess around here – one of the fellows who works in the ships store gave us a box of candy bars yesterday. Really I think it was because they were all soft and sticky. He said it was because we had been so good to him. I think we have eaten one box so far – candy just doesn’t seem to go so good in hot weather.

Later – shows over – got your letter of Sept. 22 – with 4 air mail stamps – Uncle W. letter of Sept 23 telling of D arrival and a letter from Ruth M. dated Sept. 22 with 12 three cent stamps Uncle W. letter had 4 stamps so

[page 4] after all I didn’t fare so badly – also got a letter from mom dated Jan 7 and a Christmas greeting from Geo Sondergrath.

We hear – that only v-mail will come air mail – and ordinary mail will come by ship – however still write your letters air mail for they will come to the coast quicker, and I don’t know what to tell you to write – Just write for a while write both each day if possible and when they get here I’ll tell you which to stop – Just give me the high point in the v-mail and the others can be more complete – That’s all for now

Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/09/davids-arrival-roscoe/

Helen Kline’s husband (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:
2/2/43
Dear Mother,
It seems my prophecy about v-mail has come true because Today I received your letters of Jan 17, 18 & 19 that is v-mail. Now I don’t know whether you are writing regular air mail or not but don’t discontinue it altogether. I said last night to write it at least once each week but with it coming the way it does maybe once each week won’t be enough. I know it’s asking a lot to write so much so often but you’ll never know how much those letters mean and I can’t see why you should say my letters are interesting because about all I do is fill up space while yours are very interesting to me as well as being filled with things I want to know.
This surely has been a

[page 2] winter for you and I’m sorry I missed it for I would have enjoyed it so much.
This is ground hog day and if there are any of those animals here they could have seen their shadows OK, but it has started raining again so don’t know what the remainder of the day will be like. Hope it doesn’t rain out our show tonite.
All morning long there was a haze hanging around over the mountains and the atmosphere seemed very sticky so we more or less expected rain. Even our view of the ocean wasn’t clear – seemed to remind one a little of Indian summer at home.
I ran into a navy man yesterday and we got to talking about eggs and informed me he could get us a doz. cold storage eggs for nothing so we had a

[page 3] little egg fry after the show we got a hot plate some butter and the bottom of a mess container and were those egg sandwitches with sunny side up good. They were even good to look at. Don’t misunderstand me we have enough to eat etc but it’s the way it’s cooked.
I hope by now you got the word I sent about the taxes. Just pay enough to keep me out of Jail and keep the property in our name.
I’m going to send Mark a letter and one dollar for his birthday – I wrote that yesterday so just repeating. I have had no word on the uniform money so let me know once in a while if you have heard from it.

Later – no show it is raining. This eve after chow Helen Kline’s husband came to see me of course I didn’t know him because as near as I

[page 4] can remember I had only seen him once and that was when we were living in Elmer D. property. We had quite a long conflab. He can’t disclose where he is but he is pretty sure his wife knows. In case you go to Lafayette you might call the folk and tell them he was here. Of course he probably will write them tonight also.
Got a letter from Ruth Y. and from Mom, both dated Jan 15. They gave me the low down on things around C.C.
Well, hope your sinus is better – Lots of Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/06/helen-klines-husband-roscoe/

Summer is passing rapidly (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

2/1/43

Dear Mother,

First day of Feb. and our summer is passing rapidly of which I am more than pleased somewhat, and at the same time your winter is passing of which you are more than somewhat pleased. I’ve been reading some more of Daymon R. books and he uses those more than somewhat – more than somewhat.

I forgot to tell you that the house payments will be different this year. Not the 39.01 but the extra that is put on for tax. I wish you would let me know what the payments are – just for fun. And what did you do about that insurance. I mean those dividends that we have words and letters about each year. Maybe you have written those things but haven’t gotten here

[page 2] as yet. As I have it figured the June payment on the old Hancock policy will be the last – and while we are on that subject – How much is borrowed on that. That only way you have of telling that is by the interest you just paid or should have paid sometime in Dec. or Jan. So if it isn’t too much trouble I’d like to know those 3 things.

1. House payments 2. What about the dividends and 2. How much is borrowed. And also the number of bonds up to a certain date and whether or not you got a safety deposit box. Guess I’m jumping the gun but just in case you forgot to write those things. And I never did get the uniform money nor your travel money. Well so much for those things.

I’m going to send Mark one dollar for his birthday just like I did John when I was at Moffett field – I’ll try to send that

[page 3] out tomorrow. You don’t need to tell him unless you want to. I’m just telling you in order that you will know and should it get lost explain to him I didn’t forget.

I’m hardly expecting any mail today since I’m pretty well up to date. I mean new mail. We always expect some of that old to catch up with us sooner or later – possibly later.

Today is pay day and none too soon – for I have 2 cents. I have a little money on the book and in time will send more home, but it doesn’t build up very fast when we have to pay .60 per day for food. About one dollar per wk. for laundry. Same for cigarettes. Coke, beer and a few luxuries like that and send $200⁰⁰ home. I want a little on hand so that I’ll have car fare from San. Fran to Kentland in the dim distant future – what I don’t

[page 4] need I just leave on the books and in case of transfer can be drawn at any time. If too much accumulates I’ll send it home again. Your first birthday present was part of my travel money to Calif. and we also got some travel money from San Francisco to Ventura. I guess Helen Washburn told you about that trip we took. Our ticket costs 3.60 and we were paid 18⁰⁰ travel expenses. Had a pulman and everything. Got on the train at about 9 P.M. and off at 6:45 AM. It was one swell ride. Walsh had the upper berth and I the lower. He got tight and I had to help him in and out, but we made it OK. So far I haven’t been tight and don’t worry I can take care of R.S. Y.

After the show and after main [mail] – the show was good – The mail wasn’t.

Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/04/summer-is-pass…rapidly-roscoe/

I’m not scolding (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/31/43

Dear Mother,

I’ve re-read and I believe most of the things are answered so maybe just some comments here and there. In the first place instead of getting only your letter of Jan. 14, I got both 13 & 14 in the same envelope. Maybe that is something only what if the 14th hadn’t gotten here. I’m not scolding just kidding. Your writing every day either hits the mail as it comes or my box where ever it is gets so full the postal clerk has to get rid of some any way that was about the latest yet of any around here. Even the V-mail was later than most other mail.

If Agnes M. hasn’t written about the tax I wish she would because I didn’t know she had written in about the 1941, but I guess you have that all fixed by now. I’m sorry if I asked the 1941 to be paid after she wrote in

[page 2] and everything. You probably had written me of hat in some of those letters which haven’t arrived. And if you have any surplus buy bonds because after all that is the best and maybe it will help in a small way also.

Was your mother just coming for a visit or to stay permanently? She just as well plan on leaving Terre Haute for good for she would have it so much nicer in Kentland I would think.

All the boxes you sent have arrived, and I now have lots of chewing gum. It is OK but even inside the wrapper etc. it is just a soft mass and has to be “walled and lolled” quite somewhat before it gets into a chewable mass. We can occasionally get peanuts here that are canned and if eaten right away they are still fresh but it they stand overnight they get tough and moist.

Sorry Bart got the address twisted

[page 3] because other people might write also. Taylor’s greeting had only the Naval Base and New Caledonia but it got here OK. No San Fran. or anything.

The Chaplin hasn’t reported on the progress of John’s song as yet because after all we don’t have many piano players along since playing pianos isn’t our main purpose for being here.

Got my watch back and it does pretty good – gains only about a minute in 24 hrs. Didn’t cost anything – That isn’t this fellows work but I treated a bunch of boils for him and got him a hundred Vit – B tablets so he returned the favor. He told me however the watch had seen better days but don’t send one because there really isn’t any need for a watch here and this hot damp weather is hard on watches.

Don’t know what the show is tonite yet but the weather looks favorable.

[page 4] The show is over and so is the last mail delivery. Scored big – got each of the Christmas letters the boys wrote and a letter from Dr. M. and a V-mail letter from you dated Jan. 16. That is the latest by two days. So my idea of the V-mail was correct only you didn’t say a word about how you were and since you didn’t mention yourself I assume you are better at least l hope that is the case.

I can’t understand your mother but I do think it will be fine for both and really she don’t need to figure on going back when I come home unless she wishes because I know we can get along. She and Mrs. James should be able to hit it off in pretty good style – by the way I don’t believe you have mentioned her since I left home – how is she? I haven’t had any word from home so am

[page 5] very much in the dark about Duane, but I guess I’ll hear from there sooner or later I hope. The latest letter I had from there was from Sam & E. and it was written Jan. 4. Mom’s letter was Dec. 30 I believe, but I guess I will be hearing soon. I’m just 15 days behind now.

If you can get any dope on the new victory tax I wish you would send it. Just so I could read it over. And maybe – worry you with it. No I’ve washed my hands now of all taxes for I believe I’ve made a mess of things – so I’ll keep out. Unless the exemptions are cut way down I don’t believe we will have much to pay next year because my base pay is only $2000 per year and that is all that is taxable so we probably won’t have to worry with that.

Well, it’s good to get even a V-mail letter. Thank the boys for me – and give each a kiss for me and lots of love from me to you. Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/02/im-not-scolding-roscoe/

One of my bad days (Roscoe)

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

1/29/43
Dear Mother,

This has been one of my bad days – don’t know why or how – just not worth a dern. Finally I went up and took a bath in the brisk breeze and that cooled me off and gave me a little pep I think. I hope. Yesterday I wrote several letters but today this will be the only one I hope.

Today has been less rainy than the past few days but we have had several spurts – now and then. It rained hard at intervals last night and the old tent flopped and banged but stayed put.

My watch is on the bum and a fellow is fixing it for me. He is supposed to be pretty good but

[page 2] I’m not sure what condition it will be when returned. Of course a watch isn’t very important – What one needs here is a calendar and now since I have two I’m pretty well fixed up.

The Chaplin was in a while ago and he said he thought he would get someone to play the song tonite. I think this is choir practice night and he probably will have the regular pianist play it. Maybe John will have to make another record and sent it. We do have a phonograph.

In Ruth M.’s letter the other day she referred to her days work as My Day and I told her I’d rather she wouldn’t use that with quotation marks because of the reminder – Think I asked you to do the same thing. Once upon a

[page 3] time.

Our latest mail is still Jan 8th but there is one delivery yet today so maybe things will pick up.

Dr. P. is all ambition today – has shined his shoes – swept the floors cleaned out our water buckets etc. Must be some sorta of a spell coming on. I haven’t caught any of that surplus so far. Fred is making a necklace but uses only one strand of shells – really don’t think it is a good as the last one I sent.

LATER No mail and no show which pretty well ruins our whole afternoon and evening but maybe will be able to go to bed early and get good sleep for some hours. I am going to get something to read and see how that will work. It isn’t raining very hard but hard enough to keep the show from going on.

[page 4] We just had a visitor and chinned a while nothing important but just helped pass the time. We are just like persons living on the wide open spaces of the west glad for an opportunity to talk.

Well, I’ll have to admit that all I’ve been doing is just trying to fill in space and really I think it’s been a poor job – Maybe something will be in the mail tomorrow and will give something to write back.

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/28/one-of-my-bad-days-roscoe/

I hardly know (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/28/43

Dear Mother,

I hardly know how much I’ve answered and how much hasn’t been. All I know is that there was lots of mail in the past few days. The last letter being Jan. 8 and you were better. All the other letters told of your ups & downs. Your letter may not seem interesting to you but I read every one of them several times because they are extremely interesting. The pictures are also swell – keep them coming ever once in a while.

This morning while things were a little lax, I got out your letters and check way back to August. And strange as it may seem when the ordinary mail didn’t come the V-mail did. There are lots of letters missing – Really

[page 2] more than I thought. Some of the days may be Sun. and since you can’t mail a letter then that might account for a few missing dates. Here is the score so far – I’m giving your missing dates. Some are the Aug. 19, 23-30. Sept 6 and then from the 12 to 30 inclusive. Oct 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 13, 15, 22, 25, 26. Nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 15, 21, 22, 26 & 29. Dec. 6, 18, 24, 25, 27 & 29. Jan 2. Now if you can think of anything important you wrote in those you might repeat. You will notice that more than ½ of Sept are missing. V-mail letters of Sept. 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, 25, 26 & 29 – Oct. 2-5. Nov. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 & 9 have been received. You see most of the V-mail letters work in where the other spaces are the largest. Maybe you wrote more V-mail and maybe when you wrote a V-mail you didn’t write other. In any case that gives you an idea of how much mail is missing. I haven’t kept track of other people’s letters because

[page 3] I don’t know how often they wrote.

You mentioned that Dr. Holliday was back – you know stories get around pretty fast and we have it that he wasn’t just as brave as he might have been and shady circumstances surround his return. That came pretty straight although he may be back only for a short time. In that case I guess no one could be too hard on him, but if he is back for good I’d rather think there was a colored gentleman in the woodpile. [This is a more polite version of the idiom which means “some fact of considerable importance that is not disclosed—something suspicious or wrong.”]

Last night it looked very rainy before movie time but we took our rain coats etc and went. It was a detective story with several persons suspected and when it came just about time for the quilty one to be caught it simply came down in bucketfulls, but we stayed. Didn’t even get a bit wet, but the rain made so much noise on my hat I could hardly

[page 4] hear the sound. This P.M. it is so windy I wonder sometime if our tent will stay put but so far it’s pretty well anchored – even though it does make lots of noise.

I turned John’s music over to the Chaplin and so far he hasn’t found anyone to play it. Don’t know if it is too difficult or written too poorly. He said he believed he could find someone and if so he is going to let me know. I haven’t heard much of Mark and his horn lately. Is he still at it and if so how is he getting along? And does their music have any affect of D. sleeping hours. I would think he’d get used to noise with the two older ones around because if I remember they weren’t too soft natured around there at times.

Dr. P. & W. have gone to the sea shore for a short shell gathering trip. I’ll go again one of these days and see if I can pick up a different variety and get

[page 5] an idea. Not that I think the things I make so wonderful but it’s something different. Dr. Joe is at a place where he can buy better things than here and I doubt if good are as scarce as here and the stores and supplies larger. I told you before – but I wrote him and got an answer but haven’t heard from my last letter to him. It’s “sorts” nice that you and she can talk to each other once in a while. I think.

Show’s over and all mail over. Good show no mail. It only rained a little during the show so we really enjoyed it. The wind is still blowing like the very duce but the tent is still holding fast, probably the flopping of the tent will help us sleep.

That will be all from here tonite good night and
Love Daddy

P.S. Did that ending sound like Allan Scott do you still listen to him?

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/26/i-hardly-know-roscoe/

Two More Letters (Roscoe)

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

1/27/43

Dear Mother,

Two more letters came from you today but they were back, Jan 1 and Jan 4. I suppose now there won’t be any more mail for days again – Even now the oldest letter is 19 days. That isn’t so bad if we could just keep it coming with any regularity. There is more to it than that but I can’t tell just now why we have difficulty.

You asked questions about the money. I’ve already written that but my advice is to buy bonds. The Bldg. & loan is OK but those are taxable so in the long run bonds are better. About the piano – See what Miss Smith thinks, and I don’t recall any further questions, but there are comments – Sure wish I could have been present at the little

[page 2] party at Funks. I can just see Bill passing the drinks. Tell Ellsworth I have gained some weight but he still has me bested by a large poundage. I hope this new necklace gets there in A-1 condition because I believe you will like it better. There are upward of 200 shells in it and there are 2 holes in each shell. My thumb and index finger are still numb – The color of these may not be right for you but as you said a new dress will have to be bought.

I was surprised and I wasn’t at the Dye family. I think I told you before that you she came to me about him being so hard to get along with and he always seemed so sarcastic with her and I think she was more or less sensitive by nature – and they used to sleep in different rooms. I shouldn’t write that – but I did. You

[page 3] had written me that before and I also had seen it in the Newton Co. E. Don’t write out the last word in any more of your letters because there is a ship by that name and someone might censor it. So refer to it as I have above. Gosh I wish I could remember what I wrote in that letter to Bart – because if it comes back out here I might blush if Dr. P. or Fred read it. I’ll censor the whole letter out before they have a chance to read it.

I hope you and D. are over your troubles entirely but there are several month of cold weather yet and one can expect things like that during those months.

We didn’t have a show last night – too much rain – It’s still cloudy today but not

[page 4] much rain so our show should go on. The Evenings are very long when we don’t have a show. WILL FINISH LATER

After show and mail – Your letters of Dec. 22, 18, 23, Jan 4, Dec 5 and Dec 19 came. I just gave you those as I have them laid out on the table and tell Tony Schub his postmarks of Dec 18 & 19 were incorrect. They were Nov instead of Dec. Your letters are getting pretty well up to date now. That is up to Jan 8th you were better in that letter hope you are continuing so . The picture of the three boys was good and the snow pictures were good. Those small ones must have been taken by Mr. Zell I believe. I still believe I’ve answered all the questions. You say taxes. Do you mean 1941 Federal? That amounts to 80⁰⁰. I believe – The last two installments. I still wish you would

[page 5] pay that or put that much extra in bonds, because I know that that will have to be paid. And possibly interest. So I’d rather it be paid. But don’t pay 1942.

Letters also came from Ruth M. Sam & Esther – Dave & Marie and a Christmas greeting from Berdie Steele. I’ll make out a list of your letters up to date in a day or two and you can see how many are missing. Lots of your letters have the same date post marked on the outside. Must be early in A.M. and late P.M.

I’ve gotten so many letters from you in the past 2 days that I’ll have to re-read and rewrite but for today I’ll say Lots of Love – and thanks for all those letters. I know it’s a burden for you to write as much as you do as often.

Love again
Daddy

Mrs. Fred Williams
1012 Root St.
Flint, Michigan} Fred’s wife’s address

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/24/two-more-letters-roscoe/

More Christmas Greetings (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/26/43

Dear Mother,

Just finished a letter to Uncle W. thanking him for the atlas. I didn’t give you a very good accounting of all the things you sent. We did get rid of some sardines last night. I used some of the misquito cream before the show and we have the calendar up on the wall in plain view of all. I don’t know if you knew it or not but one of those papers had an article in it about the mail to the boys outside of U.S.A. Hope more articles like that are written and results are obtained, because it is now 7 days since any new mail has arrived and that makes things sorta draggy as far as the mail is concerned (I mean new). Got the package of course and some Christmas greetings

[page 2] mailed way back in Dec. The Christmas season has sure lasted long this year as far as the greetings are concerned some of those earlier ones came about 2 wks before and the last one came 2 days ago from Dolores. I still have hopes of getting another or two – don’t know who from but just expecting I guess.

We have had rain most of the day after a deluge last night or rather 5 AM this morning. It really sounded like it was coming right thru the tent top, but it didn’t.

John and Mark, circa 1942

John and Mark, circa 1942

I always keep forgetting when I write to John or Mark. Are they still keeping the scrap book? And if not why not? And I still think it would be a good idea – Maybe one item each week or

[page 3] one per month. I think each should do that. Particularly of things that happen in the South West Pacific. Those things might be interesting to talk about when I get home. That’s just a suggestion and if I thought it a good one made it I would say it was a good one but I really don’t want to brag – modest. I remember John was saving some before I left.

The films you sent weren’t exactly for the camera. There were 16 exposures and the camera only shows eight – So one my first roll every other spot was vacant. There isn’t any hole in the camera to show the extra ones. Don’t know if I’ll be able to figure how to use them all. The pictures were pretty good but small. There weren’t any pictures just the developed films. I tried to develop a few but didn’t do so hot. Will try again soon. In time I’ll get some to send home – If not I’ll send the films. If you are allowed to send packages – you might send 2-3 rolls. We have to be a little careful where we take pictures and when but there are times when good pictures would be of great value.

Silvester Schiele, 1939 Portrait given to his nephew Roscoe S. Yegerlehner

Silvester Schiele, 1939
Portrait given to his nephew Roscoe S. Yegerlehner

Later. Mail

Got 5 letters from you – postmarked – one Dec. 21, two on Dec. 28, one Jan 7 and one Jan 8. Mark’s Christmas greeting came. Mrs. Plummers greeting and letter. Geo Tilton’s letter and calendar another letter from Uncle Wess and a letter from Dave Burns. His letter (Daves) was the oldest – Dec. 10 (4). Mark’s greeting was Dec. 10 Mrs. Plummers was Dec. 20 and Geo Tiltons Dec 4 (10). Notice the correction. Anyway things looked

[page 5] up. In your last letter you said your sinus was better and Dr. A. thought it looked better – sure hope you are both correct.

I’ll answer just a question or two of your letter today and read them over more carefully before the next – First I can’t offer anything on the piano – Have John talk to Miss Smith – She could give more advice than I. If you can see your way clear financially and she thinks it better than the old one it is perfectly OK with me. What will you do with the old one. Make them take it away for I don’t want to have to push it around the garage when cleaning time comes.

Well, I must write other letters and will re-read your before tomorrow’s letter. When you get my letters just mention the dates written no particular reason just curious. D’s picture was pretty good –

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeny
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/22/more-christmas…eetings-roscoe/

Sipping on warm beer (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/25/43

Dear Mother,

We are sweltering again this P.M. but there is a pretty good breeze so we aren’t suffering too much. As I’m writing this I’m sipping on a warm bottle of beer. That seems to hit the spot much better than warm chlorinated water. And even better than warm coke – we have all three. Our beer was all gone for a few days but we were able to beg a little working around. Got a case of 48 bottles for 10¢ per bottle. We have it stored and when a bottle is taken out a dime is put in the fund goes on for another case. Don’t worry we aren’t drunks because 2 or 3 bottles is about the days limit and that is generally in 10-12

[page 2] hours. Just for thirst and not affect. Maybe the beer has caused the extra weight I spoke about and not the food. Anyway that can be cut off when I come home.

Image via Wikipedia

The show last night was “Arise My Love” pretty good but another war picture – What we need is more funny – slap stick – Donald Duck or Pop Eye. Or some of those actresses in person – What for? The what for was the last item, but don’t worry on that score either because other than whiskers we are a bunch of hermits – no money either along with the whiskers.

Really it’s hard to write anymore as you can tell from what I’ve written above but maybe some of these days more mail will come and then

[page 3] there will be something to answer and write about.

I’m sending in another letter about the uniform money so if you get it be sure to write me in several of your letters. I’d like to get that and your transportation to and from Norfolk, but those things seem to be very slow. That would make a pretty good size pile and if you see fit pay off the loan on the John Hancock policy and save 6%. I’ll try again later.

We had sardines and crackers tonight with beer. What does that mean? Your box came today. The one with the chewing gum and sardines – we had some crackers left so we are still saving the crackers you sent for a later party. Boy were those sardines good. I can see where 5 boxes won’t last very long.

[page 4] a small atlas came from Uncle W. today. It’s pretty good – has maps large enough to see something.

I printed a few pictures but just got the knack of the thing so will print more in a few days. These are very small but if good they can be enlarged. I’ll print more when I’m in the mood. Seems as if I’m temperamental anymore but I’ll get over that in time I hope.

Well I do hope some late mail will come tomorrow.

Love Daddy

Lt (jg) Yegerlehner MC USNR
Receiving Station
U.S. NAVAL Advanced Base
Noumea, New Caledonia
% Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/20/sipping-on-warm-beer-roscoe/

Not Much in the Mood (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/24/43

Dear Mother,

I’ve written Dolores in answer to a Christmas greeting received from her this A.M. and also to the folk and I can say right now I’m not much in the mood for writing. It’s too hot. I wrote Boonie last night but was so sleepy I’m afraid it was a poor letter. If you see him make excuses for me.

It’s almost bath time again but today Dr. P. went to see if the water was on. I did yesterday and was fooled so he made the sacrifice today.

I finished taking the roll of films and think I’m having them developed – at least I turned them

[page 2] over to a fellow who said he would have them developed. If you say I’m getting fat this time I guess I’ll have to start reducing. Maybe I have gained 3-4 pounds – but once I get home your cooking will take care of that. Just kidding – our diet is so top heavy with carbohydrate that I’m not surprised at weight gain and I don’t get any more exercise than I did at home. Of course, we don’t have cars here but we don’t need them we are right here.

The preacher was here all time I was writing to the folks – Shooting the breeze and therefore I didn’t write much but I have no excuse now for he has gone and P. & W. are on their way to bathing. I’m going

[page 3] to rub in some Fitch and go do likewise – so will finish later on.

Later – shows over and about ready to turn into the sack to keep the mosquitoes from nipping at me. Got three bites on my hands at the show and was uncomfortable most of the time try to scratch.

I wish you would repeat some of the letters you wrote along about Christmas because I have a feeling those will be late like those of D. arrival. I’d like to know how you and the boys spent the time etc. That

[page 4] is if it isn’t wasn’t too bad and you don’t like to recall the time again.

I’ll repeat – I sent you a box yesterday – Just shells etc. If it doesn’t arrive there won’t be much lost only just some of my leisure time gone to waste.

And again repeating – Don’t pay the taxes – only 1941 – the remaining installment but leave 1942 until later.

Well, I’ll stop repeating and say – Lots of Love –

Daddy

Lt. (jg) Yegerlehner (MC) U.S.N.R.
Receiving Station
U.S.Naval Advanced Base
Noumea, New Caledonia
% Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/18/not-much-in-the-mood-roscoe/