July 16 &18th, 1941

Dear Stan:

Hello again- Tis it "Good morning, afternoon, or evening or just "Hello"

So now its "Cincy"- I like it.  Now tell me- just why did you name him that.  Could it be.  But may I ask how did everyone think up a name beginning with C. and did anyone pick the name "Clown".  I am really curious about this last.

Stan, Stan don't be such a pessimist.  Say over and over "War won't come" then you can at least be happy until it hits you.  For some reason I don't think we will go to war.  Why I believe this I cannot say- Maybe its just a feeling.  Certainly though everything points in that direction but then again there are quite a few articles in papers and books that point away from war.  If only we knew- its all such a question mark.  Perhaps- it is all propaganda- but still I pray each night that war will not come.

You know I forgot to ask you "Did you christen "Firefly" "Cincy" yet- and when you did- did you knock a bottle of                 over his head.  And did he kick (literally speaking) when you did- if you did.

My goodness Camp Forrest is certainly getting blazoned across the country these days.  When was it- Wednesday- Tuesday- there it was practically a whole page about Camp Forrest- and yes your name isunder the title of "We Salute"- Of course there were other names but Francis Cronin uncovered yours and showed it around.  If I can coax it out of her tomorrow I will read what it is all about and enclose it.  So you see that guy Ben Lear isn't pushing anyone back in a dark corner.

My pen has a case of leaks- that is first its heavy then its light - (See first page) its all according to the side you write on. 

Have you heard of "America First"?  Mother and Dad are members as well as quite a few or shall I say numerous friends of theirs.  It is said that this shall we say association is doing its all and fighting tooth and nail against the passing of the "extension of time" bill.  There are millions of members of this club who write to F.D.R. reminding him of promises he made in the past.  Perhaps it is this pressure that is holding the bill back- and if this be true "A thousand times more pressure against it I say".  If a promise to the president means the same as a promise is to me then "its everything" and we won't ever ever go to war.

My goodness now see what you started- me- you just wound me up and I could probably keep going on the subject for a whole book length but not being a writer - nor a preacher I will stop here. 

I'm sorry but I have no second sheets to this stationary so here I am using a first sheet for a second- but don't let it confuse you- and just so it don't I am placing a big -2- right at the top of the page- this minute- now- I'm finished and I hope it keeps you on the straight and narrow.

Well here I am with three pages left and what to write about- well how's about some "shop talk".  You like that- allright here goes.  First of all comes a big surprise- or is it- Helen Van O has left us- a job elsewhere- and so around the circle again.  Betty Boys takes Helen's place- and a new girl name of Miss Minch takes Betty's place at dictaphone.  Francis Cronin, Pearl, Frank Cole (I think) and Troy Dinger are starting their vacations Monday.  Oh yes and its just the walls of A.A. not the building that are coming down.  When you come back may I have the pleasure of showing you around please.  It will be a pleasure I assure you and with so many new nooks and crannies you could never find your way alone- as a matter of fact when we're all settled I will be over in 'Karashuseum?'-spelling- rug Co.  I mean where it used to be.

Guess where I have been- dinner- then a look at the newspapers- the result of which is enclosed.  I said this time no clippings- but alas and alack they intrigue me.  Please don't think I am a paper cutting maniac- at heart I'm harmless- and when you have had enough paper clippings- at least to cover the barrack walls- just yell "stop" and reconsider.

Is it raining you ask.  Well yes aannd nooo.  Lightning and thundering yes.  The angels are rolling beer barrels in heaven.

Two letters in one week- well as you always say "keep up the good work".  By the way Ivy Backherms was married on the first day of his ten day leave.  He and Mary plan to live in Camp Shelby- someone said- I'm just a newspaper man at heart. 

As usual- not enough space and so I end saying "Goodnight- come home soon and if you don't mind instead of dreaming for you- I will dream of you. 

Sincerely,

Mary Rose

P.S.  If you hear even a hint that its time you are coming home- tell me.

July 16, 1941
Kay Kyser Time (8:45) C.S.T.

Dear Mary Rose:

My Gosh, this guy Ben Lear is certainly getting all of the publicity.  We poor enlisted personnel must sit back in the dark outside the world.  But really everyone in the barracks receives some sort of clipping about the golf course incident.  Strange enough they're all different.  The cartoon clipping which you enclosed was the best and funniest yet.

No they're not riding us hard, but we did have to stick around and clean bridles last Saturday afternoon just because the Colonel got his hand a little dusty.  For a while over the week end and the early part of this week it seemed as though there would be a mass uprising against the powers on the throne, but it seems to have quieted down with a few expections.


The 10 day leave is still a Grade A rumor and no order has as yet been issued officially.  I'm going to be the most disappointed boy in camp if this major dream doesn't come true.

Today we changed all of the horses names to those beginning with "C" (Troop C- get it?)  So "Firefly" is now "Cincy".  Pretty classy title don't you think.

What's wrong at the office?  Don't tell me the Carew Tower is crumbling.  Or is the American Auto just knocking out another wall?

My. my F.D.R. is really blowing his top.  Wants us to stay in longer than one year.  But will we?  You know "doggonned" well we will.  It's just one of those things and in the final analysis one-two or three years won't mean anything because war will be declared before the second year has a chance to start.  It's terrible for me to talk like this.  Isn't it now?

Well, I'm in charge of quarters to-nite so I'm the guy that must turn the lights out.  Goodnight and dream a little for me.

As Ever,

Stan