September 7, 1943

September 7, 1943

Cp. Stoneman

Dear Mom & Dad –

So you finally got a couple of letters – certainly took a long time enroute. I guess the censoring takes time & also the clearing thru the A.P.O. in San Francisco. When I get overseas we’ll correspond by V-mail. It’s much faster & saves a lot of valuable shipping space. I couldn’t remember what I had said in those two lines that were cut out – couldn’t tell you if I did remember, I guess, so it’s just as well. (Isn’t that right, censor?)

I bought this classy new stationery in San Francisco when I was in last. How do you like it? Don’t know how I’m going to fill up this little space though. Guess I’ll just skip it.

Your idea about keeping a continuous letter while aboard ship is a good one. I’ll give it a try. I understand we are not able to mail letters while enroute. So I’ll try to jot down a few interesting facts each day & mail it when I get to the destination. If you suddenly experience a dirth of letters very soon, you’ll know what to think – won’t you? We are not allowed to phone or telegraph from here so I have no other way of letting you know except by the absence of letters for a spell.

I’m experiencing a dirth of mail myself these days. Have an idea that a lot of the trouble is in that A.P.O. – it acts as sort of a bottle-neck. One of Nancy’s letters from Frisco took 5 days to get to me.

Nothing more to tell you except that we took a killer hike last week – 12 miles over the ruggedest country in these parts. Made it OK tho cuz I’m in great shape.

Goodnight now & remember – don’t worry when you don’t hear from me.

Love, Dorance