Love Letters During World War II

This story consists of a series of letters between Thomas Hale Keiser, Jr. and his family during his military service during World War II. Tom, Jr. was my mother's older brother, and her only sibling.

This story begins with a letter from Tom's mother after he left home for military service in July 1942, and continues until shortly after he returned from the South Pacific in April 1946.  Up to 2 May 1943, all the letters were saved.  After that date all we have are Tom's letters.  However, starting in Dec 1944, Tom's mother, Agnes, began keeping notes on the subjects of the letters send to Tom, and these notes were also kept with the letters received from Tom.  These notes gives us an idea of the other side of their communications.

Tom was born on 24 Aug 1919, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and as a child moved with his family to Collingswood, New Jersey, where he graduated from Collingswood High School in 1936, and from Peirce Business College, Philadelphia, in 1938. An image of Tom is attached.

Tom was working in Philadelphia when World War II started. What follows is a summary of his military service:

14 Jul 1942 - enlisted at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

25 Jul 1942 - left for Fort George Gordon Meade, Maryland

30 Jul 1942 - assigned to 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

15 Nov 1942 - began Officer Candidate School in the 2nd Quartermaster Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

11 Feb 1943 - commissioned as Second Lieutenant and assigned to Normoyle Ordinance Depot, San Antonio, Texas

11 Apr 1943 - assigned to 476 Quartermaster Truck Regiment, Camp McCoy, Wisconsin

9 Aug 1943 - assigned to 819 Quartermaster Amphibian Truck Company at Camp Gordon Johnston, Florida

10 Jan 1944 - assigned as Executive Officer, 827th Amphibian Truck Company, Camp Gordon Johnson, Florida

28 Feb 1944 - assigned to 364 Harbor Craft Company, Camp Plauche, New Orleans, Louisiana

Sep 1944 - graduated from the Combination Piloting School, Navigation Training Section, ASFTC, Camp Gordon Johnston, Florida

Nov 1944 - sent to the West Coast for transport to the Pacific. Stationed on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, and was transferred to Noumea, New Caledonia in March 1946.  Although Tom disliked the South Pacific, he did request being commissioned as an officer in the regular Army in early in 1946.  For whatever reason, this request was not granted.  Tom took ill from hepatitis in April 1946, and was sent to the States about the end of April.

After the War, Tom attended Syracuse University, studying electrical engineering. After six semesters he left college to work part time for WOLF radio in Syracuse, and later full time with WHEN TV in Syracuse. In June 1956, Tom was hired as a computer technician by International Business Machines in their new Kingston, NY office, and spent the remainder of his working career with that company in noth Kingston and Poughkeepsie. He resided in Woodstock, NY, and never married. He retired from IBM in 1987, died in Dec 1996, and is buried in the Woodstock Cemetery. [Update added Apr 2008]

[Throughout these letters I have added editorial comments in brackets. Also, throughout these letters are references to photos taken and pictures or negatives sent back and forth between Tom and his family. These photos are in an album that I will have access to in the future, and I will post appropriate images related to these letters as time allows. It will take me some time to complete this project of transcribing all the letters through 1946, so please check back periodically to see if more have been posted.]

James H. Culbert

June 2007

Postcard of Atlantic City, New Jersey

No date

Postmarked: 5:30 AM, 24 Jul 1942, Ocean City, New Jersey

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

Having a wonderful time[sic] wish you were here.  My picture is not shown on the reverse side of the card.

Tom

From: The Keisers, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, New Jersey

Addressed To: Tom Keiser, Somewhere at Camp Mead [sic - in Maryland]

[Note: five separate letters were included in this envelope.]

Sunday [July 26, 1942]

Dearest Tom,

Daddy and I waited for Lester [Kish] to come out of church this morning so we could ask him all about his first days at Camp Mead [sic], and thus know what you are experiencing. He was very patient and gave us all the details, and since he seems happy with his life there now - we hope that you too will be.

He says in 3 days you will either move or be assigned to a place at Mead. [sic] I will be home all day Tuesday but Wed is last clinic day for the summer, so from 1 to 4 - I will be at 303 Benson.

I have asked Daddy to come home for lunch Wed. and stay here from then until I get home - so if you have a stop over on the way thru that day and phone Coll 3669 - Daddy will come right down and pick me up and drive me to see you - or if not that long a time to wait - ask information to give you the store at 301 Benson and they will come upstairs for me.

Leo and Lois [Stahl - Tom's Uncle and Aunt] came over at 2 o'clock today and we had 140 steamed clams, sweet corn, tomatoes, slaw and cherry pie. They thought they had a banquet - so it helped us over a lonely spot. Lois is going down to Ocean City with me tomorrow by train to see Mary [Keiser, Tom's sister] and then I guess she is going back to Syracuse on Tuesday.

Lester thought he could find you tomorrow - so if he can I couldn't resist sending our love and bestest wishes to you.

Love, Mom

--------------------------------------------

Dear Tom,

We are having a good time with Leo and Lois today. I know you are having a good time. Lester Kish says you are having a good time at Camp Meade for he say [sic] "Everyone does" down there. He says it is a good camp.

Tell your supervisors that you have has Tetanus injections etc. That you belonged to the Boy Scouts. Two years at camp in the Poconos etc. Be a good boy. Everything O.K.

Lovingly, Daddy

--------------------------------------------------

Dear Tom,

Guess how many clams and ears of corn I ate for you today?

We are all well and happy and hope you won't hide your light behind a bushel.

You love to play and loads of soldiers will love to hear you. Besides indulging yourself you can give a lot of joy to others.

Let us hear from you and what any small needs may be.

Lots of love,

Unk and Aunt [Lois and Leo Stahl]

-------------------------------------------------------

Dear Tom,

I'll give you the same advice as I heard Mr. Boringer [?], former General Manager of N.C.R. [National Cash Register] said his father told him when he left the farm - quote "Keep your money and your pecker in your pants and you won't get into any trouble."

Kindest regards and Best of Luck, L.E.S. [Leo E. Stahl]

-------------------------------------------------------

Good Luck Fellow, here is one you can spring any place. L.E.S.

Dear Cousin:

Your Uncle has a job at last! The first time he has worked in forty-eight years.

We are rich now, $17.25 every Thursday. So we went up to Sears, Roebuck for one of those new danfangled bathrooms like you rich people up North have. It came and we got her all put up right. You should see it. Over on one side of the room is a big long white thing like the pigs drink out of, only you can get in and take a bath all over, at once.

Over on the other side of the bathroom is a little white gadget, hanging on the wall, called a "zinc." This is for light washing on the hands and face. They also sent us a roll of writing paper, but it's kind of cheap. I think it rips easy.

But over in the corner ---- WOW! They got a thing you put one foot in and scrub till it gets clean, then you pull the chain, then you get fresh water for the other foot.

Yours, Cousin Abner

P.S. Two lids came on the damn thing and we ain't had no use for them so Ma is using one for a bread board, and we got Gandpop's [sic] pitcher framed in the other.

Postmarked: 1:00 PM, 29 Jul 1942, Camden, New Jersey

Postmarked 11:00 AM, 31 Jul 1942, Fort George G. Meade, MD.

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. A - 3, 1302 SURC, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland

[Note: Address has been crossed out and forwarded to Camp Lee, Virginia.]

From: A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

Wednesday

Dear Tom,

Nothing ever did me so much good as that telephone call last night, and Daddy was just as pleased as I was to know that you are well and happy.

We talked about you all day Sunday and though we wrote you the notes, we really didn't feel assured that Lester [Kish] would find you in so large a camp. Lois and Leo [Stahl - Tom's aunt and uncle] hadn't had any sweet corn this year or fresh tomatoes either - you should have seen them eat. We had 2 dozen great big ears of corn. Daddy and I each ate a couple, and there were only 5 left. We thought they would burst. They left about 10 on the bus.

Monday morning Lois and I met at the Camden Station and took the 9:08 train for Ocean City. We had lunch at the Plymouth Inn and Mary [Keiser, Tom's sister] waited on us. She and Irene are so much happier there. Regular and easy hours - good clean food and all they want - no cleaning silver or floors. It is more like a tea room. Their room at the Georgian is much more comfortable than at the Oceanic and everything is so clean and nice. I'm so glad they made the change.

Lois and I took a swim with Mary and then caught the 4:30 train. Just before the train got near Camden there was a cloud burst and as we looked out we could see autos flooded clear over the tops and rivers of water running up over the door steps of rows of houses.

All traffic was at a stand still. Water was over knee deep outside the station. Lois got over to Phila. in the ferry but couldn't get taxi or street car and eventually walked to the hotel. I was over 2 hours getting a bus to Coll. Daddy wasn't worried because he thought we had waited for a later train and anyway it wasn't so bad in Collingswood.

Tuesday morning (yesterday) I cleaned up a bit and at 10 - Partridge, Sutherland, Lummis, Henderson, and Richardson came to O.K. the clinic change to this location. They all approved so if we ever receive the F.H.A. approval of the mortgage - we will all be set. Mrs. Partridge was so surprised to hear you had left so soon. She said to tell you she was disappointed because she came all set to hear a joke. She sends her best to you.

I called Mrs. Sharp about Merritt this morning. She said he was still asleep, but was on the mend. He really needs his tonsils out and they are going to have his chest X-rayed as soon as he is around again. Mrs. S. is crazy about you. She thinks you are so witty and she said you and she just took to each other.

A letter came from the Unemp. Comp. - saying they were unable to give you credit for the two weeks in question since you were not available for work during that time and according to law, a claimant must be totally unemployed, able and available for work.

I am mailing you the funnies. If you want them, I'll save them for you each week. If you haven't time for them anymore just let me know and I won't bother you with them.

How about cash? Don't go without. It may be quite awhile before you receive any - so if you have any needs just let me know how much.

Gladys is coming down to visit Lester this week end and at first I thought I'd ask her to bring you a cake or something, but then Daddy and I thought that maybe since you are taking innoculations that you would be on a diet and it would be just as well not to tempt you to eat something that might not agree with you at the time. When you feel for something from home - just give me a hint and it will [be] a pleasure to make it and send it to you.

I'm not asking you any questions because I could just fill sheets - doing nothing but that - but we are interested in everything that you are doing, whenever you get the time to tell us. The main thing is to know you are well and having a good time.

Clinic today. The last I hope at 303 Benson.

It's hot as the dickens here the last few days, and I think how Daddy used to suffer with the humidity at Baltimore. Hope you are getting some nice breezes at camp.

Lovingly,

Mom

I received your Atlantic City card from Ocean City - Monday and at first couldn't get the connection. I thought you had sent it from camp. Some swell mail service we get.

Postmarked: 5:30 PM, 31 Jul 1942, Camp Lee, Virginia  

To:  Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758,8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

Thursday, 30 Jul 1942 

Dear Mom and Pop,

Just a hurried note to notify you of my change of address.  When I talked to you on Tuesday, I thot [sic] it would be several days before I was transferred, since several of the boys were there one and even two weeks.

Boy! is it hot here!  The sweat just pours off like rain water and I have a towel over the sheet under my fingers to keep it from the letter.  Fort Meade was cool compared to Lee.  We were told this morning to get ready to move and at 8:30 we were at the station, ready to go, only to find that the 9:30 train was over an hour late.  About 10:45 we entrained and that was a hot and dusty ride.  Arrived here 4:30 pm, went thru Washington D.C. and saw the Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Monument from the car windows [sic] rode down with a fellow from Sonderton who knows Charlie Heckler.

Can you give me Gordon MacWilliam's correct address here?  I tried to call the hospital! the only way I knew to trace him, but the line was busy both times I tried.  Will try again tomorrow.

I can't tell you much more now, except that it is really hot and even Christian Science doesn't help.

This may not be a permanent address.  I take more classification tests tomorrow, I understand.

I have to write Les Kish again.  Yesterday I dropped him a note and asked him to come see me, so I'll have to cancel it. 

Love, Tom

Postmarked: 10:00 AM, 31 Jul 1942, Philadelphia, PA

Postmarked: 7:30 PM, 2 Aug 1942, Fort George G. Meade, MD

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. A - 3, 1302d SURC, Fort George G. Mead [sic], Maryland [Note: address has been crossed out and letter forwarded to Camp Lee, Virginia.]

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Thursday Eve.

Dear Tom,

Mr. Hawn from the bank called at 8:30 this morning and said the F.H.A. [Federal Housing Administration] had OK'd our mortgage. Later Mr. Henderson called and said the lawyer would get the title papers about August 15th - so now you'll have an "inheritance" in 127.

Your suit, 2 shirts and safety razor arrived via parcel post man at 10:15 this morning. They had gouged a hole in the package but I guess nothing spilled out. They must be letting you wear your socks and undies. Do you want the rest of them sent to you?

Merritt [Sharp] came down today to return your gas ration book and visited with me for about an hour and a half. He is going to try to get to the shore again this weekend - good excuse to recuperate.

Daddy had 2 evening calls in Woodbury after supper, so I went along.

When the F.H.A. called Peirce [Business College, Philadelphia] to verify Daddy's salary this week, I guess they also inquired about the expectancy of his job because Miss Kesler told Daddy that they told F.H.A. that he did good work and as far as Peirce was concerned his job would last indefinitely - so that is some comfort, isn't it?

I called Mr. Carr about your salary amt. yesterday and he said he would get it for me in a couple days. He asked all about you.

If you should find you are to leave Mead [sic] - and are not coming nearer home and can let me know in time - I'll hop a train down. I was tempted to call Alice and ask her to come down this week end but am afraid you might be in quarantine and not be allowed to have company.

Give us the low down on the rules about company when you know them.

Love from us both.

Mom

P.S. Do you want some writing paper? or anything else?

Postmarked: 11:30 AM, 3 Aug 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, New Jersey

From: War Department, Office of the Commanding General, Quartermaster Replacement Training Center, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

[Note: this form letter has been scanned as an image, attached.]

[Agnes Keiser added the following notes to the back of the letter:

Sat. July 25 to Camp Meade, Co. A-3, 1302d SURC, Ft. Geo. G. Meade, Marlyand

Thur. July 30 to Camp Lee

Started basic training Mon. Aug 3

Richmond [VA] to Petersburg [VA] - 29 miles

Petersburg to Camp Lee - 3 " [ditto]

Barracks - [? obliterated] Floor - 1 Platoon

1 Platoon - 75 men

1 Company - 4 P - 300 " [ditto]

1 Batallion - 4 C - 1200 " [ditto]

1 Regiment - 2 B - 2400 " [men] 

Postmarked: 10:00 AM, 3 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

Postmarked: 5:30 PM, 4 Aug 1942, Fort George G. Meade, MD 

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. A - 3, 1302d SURC, Fort George G. Mead [sic], Maryland [Note: address has been crossed out and letter forwarded to Camp Lee, Virginia.]

From: A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Sunday

Dear Tom,

Just a little bit of a letter from you would be such a comfort, but I'd much rather have it be just neglect rather than illness that kept you from writing. I hope by this time your injections are over and you have not been distressed by them.

Gladys is in camp today with Lester. It will be fine if she sees you and can give us a message tomorrow.

I had a letter from Mary [Tom's sister] yesterday. She has had her hair cut and says it looks very nice. One of her friends, Betty Millnamon, has had to come home [from Ocean City, NJ] with impetigo.

Mrs. Pettyjohn called today to ask about you. She says Bill [Pettyjohn] weighs 185 lbs. Army life surely agrees with him. Douglas McArthur, who was in your class at H.S. is down there at Camp Shelby Miss. with Bill.

We're having awfully hot weather and lots of rain. Everytime I get the sand cleared off the side walks it rains and smears them all up again.

The Overmyers have gone to Toledo for two weeks. Charlie had more pain last week but the doctor said he could go. Dad is supposed to water their garden and pick the beans and tomatoes.

We couldn't buy a piece of beef uptown yesterday. I hope you fellows are getting lots of it. Will be glad to do without it, if we know you are getting your fill.

The Hendersons were over awhile tonight. Just back from Ocean City. Betty [Henderson] was on one of the floats in the baby parade. Dorothy [Henderson] has no date tonight. I guess she got tired of Harry, and the new fellow doesn't turn up steady.

I called Alice [Crompton] yesterday to see if she had heard from you. She was out getting her hair done - so Mrs. Crompton said you had written her last Sunday but not since. I do hope you will learn to love to write letters because now you'll have no one around to nag you to write as I used to do when you got presents and should write thank yous.

Scott MacGregor, who used to be guard at Roberts Park, was sent from [Fort] Dix to the Signal Corps at Monmouth as permanent swimming instructor. He had asked to be in camoflage because he is quite an artist but is delighted with his assignment.

Mrs. Pettyjohn's cousin, Morris Webb, who was married July 4th - with all those difficulties, has to report tomorrow with the August contingent.

Mrs. Blake called me tonight from Phila. She said Mr. Levereng has a baby son.

Daddy and I spent most of the day weeding in the yard and transplanting some of the flowers and patching up the concrete.

We both hope you are well and getting enjoyment out of your new environment.

Lovingly,

Mom

over

Mon. AM

Dear Sunshine,

Daddy just ran up to see Gladys and she says you have been transferred to Camp Lee, Quartermasters. We did so want you nearer but we trust and hope you are getting the best for you.

Love,

Mom

Postmarked: 5:00 PM, 3 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T.758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Monday 12:30

Dear Tom,

Your Thursday letter just arrived and it did me more good than a tonic to know that you are well.  I wrote you letters Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th, and Sunday Aug. 2nd.  If these do not reach you let me know and I will try to tell you all the news again.  I sent you the funnies last week and again this morning, and will be glad to do it each week if you enjoy them.

Mrs. Pettyjohn just had a letter from Bill and Jean.  He said, "Boy is it hot here!  Camp Lee was cool compared to Shelby."  He said it was so hot they were boring holes in the floor for the sweat to pour thru.  So I guess it is just hot everywhere.  If the dampness would just clear up I don't think we'd mind it so much.  Hope you don't have too much drilling till it is cooler.

I don't have Gordie's [Gordon MacWilliam] address.  When he first went there it was:  Co. L, 6th Quartermaster Training Regiment, but since then he became a Sergeant and then went to Officers school so I suppose it was changed each time.  I wrote Floy [Gordie's mom] and asked her to send it to you.  I haven't heard from her since July 18th but I suppose she has been too worried to write.

I had all I could do to keep from taking the train to Mead[sic] with Gladys on Saturday, but was afraid of missing you on the way.  It wouldn't have done me much good, would it?  Boy, I hope you don't go any farther - yet a while - anyway till I get adjusted to 300 miles.  While I felt you were at Mead[sic], it seemed it wouldn't be long before you would be home for a week end.

[Tom's father now writes:]  Glad to hear from you son. and I believe you will be happy in the quartermaster corps.  Try to write mother as often as you can and it will help a whole lot.  Mr. Witmer's son has been in Camp Lee for some time and has just finished an officer's training course, and is now a 2nd "Louie."

I will try to get his address and send it to you soon.  You might want to look him up.

If ever you wish to contact us in a hurry, use the phone and reverse the charges.  We are usually home from 5 PM to 7 PM and more often all evening.

Take care of yourself and I'm quite sure you will be O.K. for you will have the best of care.  I understand that Camp Lee is a very fine and well equipped camp.

Best of luck to you,

Dad

[Tom's mother continues:]  Daddy just said "To heck with the expense.  Call up Floy and get Gordie's address for Tom." - so you know I didn't have to be coaxed.

She said Gordie was getting along fine and was walking around but they had said nothing about his leaving the hospital or getting a furlough.  She writes him:

Staff Sergeant Gordon C. MacWilliam, Station Hospital, Camp Lee, Virginia

Willie is in N.Y. today - still has no prospects.  Don's job has folded up and he is looking again.  Floy was happy to know you are near Gordie.  I said maybe you had found him by this time.

How are your funds?  Let us know if you need cash, or anything else you would like to have.

Love,

Mom

Postmarked: 1:30 PM, 5 Aug 1942, Camp Lee,VA

To: Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

August 3, 1942

Dear Mom and Pop,

Well, things seem to have settled down a bit.  I will be here in Camp Lee for eight weeks of basic training - four of drill and four of special Quartermaster training.  I will then probably be eligible for Officers Training.

I found out Gordon's [MacWilliam] address from the hospital - Company D, 2nd Regiment, Quartermaster School.  Camp Lee is shaped like a large "L" with my barracks about 16 blocks down one leg; the Q.M. School area seventeen down the other.  Co. D is away back in the woods at that end.  So, Sat. night I decided to take a postman's holiday, and I walked over to see Gordon.  Only the hospital didn't tell me that he had not as yet been released - of course I didn't ask that and so have no one to blame.  (I walked back ,too.)  Yesterday I went to the hospital to see him.  He looks fine and expects to be released in a week or so.  We had a couple of hours chat, and then I left, after promising to come back next Sunday to see him.

It certainly is hot here - about 100 degrees all day long, which is certainly not the most pleasant temperature for drilling and marching.  But, it cools off considerably at night, which makes sleeping endurable.  Sweat just pours off all this time.

How did the pictures turn out?  I presume you have them by the time you get this letter. 

I started this letter at noon.  It is now 8:30.  After lunch we went to a theater here in camp (there are 4 showing all the latest pictures every night) to see a special film on the Articles of War, and on Safeguarding Military Information.  Then we had a lecture on the War and its causes, how this one started, etc.  Then back to the barracks for instruction on how to prepare a pack for marches.  After supper I attended a special class which has as its object preparation for Board Examination for Officer Training.  Tonight was a lecture on chemical warfare which will be continued on Thursday.  Tomorrow night the class lecture will be on current events from 7:00 to 8:30.  It is not compulsory, but I expect it will be a big help.  Attending these classes on Mon., Tue. & Thurs. nights I ought to be able to pick up several points which will stand me in good stead.

There was a rainstorm tonight.  It was a real downpour for several minutes (the first we have had here) and it did cool off the air somewhat, but it won't last.  It is hot again already yet.

Army life seems to be a good way for me to save money.  I started out on the 25th with $10, and I still have $7.15.  I couldn't do that good in Collingswood, could I?  Maybe I shouldn't have told you that, for I want you to send me a carton of cigarettes.  I have just about finished Jane's [Jane Freas was an aunt] carton. You can get them much cheaper if you apply to have them sent by the Tobacco company than they can be bought at the camp exchanges.

Will you also send me four of my pants hangers and my bedroom slippers?  I should also like to have the portable radio, but I don't know whether it would be possible to ship it without injury.  It would be swell if you folks could bring it down, but I don't suppose you could spare the gasoline to come 250 miles and back.

Maybe you could come down by train some week end.  You could stay in Richmond, which is 25 miles away, or in Petersburg, which is only 3 miles.  Let me know.  I don't expect to be able to get a leave any time before I finish my 8 weeks of basic training.  Since the farthest I can go from camp now is either Richmond or Hopewell, I won't be able to get home for a week-end unless I were to go A.W.O.L. [Absent With Out Leave], and that is a bit too risky.

I want to tell you something really ridiculous that happened during the lecture we had this afternoon, that I mentioned earlier.  We were sitting out in the woods, and the Captain was telling us various aspects of life here at Lee, and answering the several questions that came up.  Our dope got up and asked him (I don't remember the exact question, but it was something like this): "Now we are privates in the Quartermaster Corps.  When we become officers, do we get Full-master ratings?  The Captain didn't even bother to answer, but joined in the general laughter.

The fellows here are all swell.  We have in our barracks a good many "Skis" from Hazleton.  The rest are mostly from Pittsburgh and Phila., and that fellow I told you of in my other letter, who is from Sonderton, is still with us.  The fellow on the one side of my bunk is from Lakehurst; on the other side from Upper Darby.  This latter fellow, Harry Harvey, is having his mother and girl friend come down this week end.  He wants me to meet them, and I may ask them to give you a message.

It just started to rain again, and the cool breezes feel wonderful.  I will take a shower now, and then to sleep.

Lots of love,

Tom 

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 5 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Tuesday

Dear Tom,

I had a disappointment today when I went over to Gimbel's [in Phila.] for your pictures. They had finished the wrong ones and those of you with the smile had so many lines brushed out that it didn't look like you. So now they are going to do the whole business over, but I'll have to wait 10 days more to get them.

Dick Stryker called up last night to ask about you. I told him to stop in for his "racetrack" picture when he could.

I an enclosing an article about your friend, "Tombstone." [The article follows:]

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, Aug. 3, 1942, Courier Post, Camden, NJ

Charles G. Canning, 34, of 118 Frazier avenue, Collingswood, is in the Cooper hospital with injuries suffered when his automobile side-swiped an abutment on the Admiral Wilson boulevard, at Federal street today. He has a fractured right ankle, lacerations of the chin and a blackened right eye. He was taken to the hospital by a motorist. Police say that Canning probably lost control of his car.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I called his mother up this morning. She said Charles was unconscious when they picked him up and hasn't any idea what happened. He had to have stitches taken in his ear and was so bandaged up that they didn't know how badly he was scared[sic - scarred]. His ankle was so swollen that he hasn't been able to have it set yet so he must stay in the hospital till that is done and until all danger of infection from his wounds is over.

His mother said he had been deferred in the draft because his father has heart attacks and he, Chas., has to look after the business. She wanted to be remembered to you. She said you and Chas. called each other "War buddies."

Uncle Leo [Stahl] called me up today to inquire about you. He is very much hurt because Lois [his wife] is seriously considering enlisting in the W.A.A.C.s. The captain at their filter center is pressing her to go to Des Moines for training and a commission and then maybe come back and teach at the Syracuse center [where the Stahl's lived] - but of course in the army they must sign for any place in the world. Betty Jane [Stahl - their daughter] and Jane [Freas - Lois' and Agnes' sister] are having a fit about it and Leo won't write to her until she makes her own decision. Lois wrote to me today and said she promised B.J. not to make a decision until she knew where Leo goes from Phila. [where Leo was working temporarily for National Cash Register] and if B.J. gets a job.

I received the form notice from your commanding officers this morning. [ref. Aug 3 War Department letter, above] Is it a new ruling that no furloughs are granted, except for emergencies? Gordie [MacWilliam] and Bill [Pettyjohn] both got home many times, so naturally that was what we were looking forward to. With the basic training condensed from 14 to 8 weeks, I dare say they will keep you pretty busy and we will have to be patient.

Mr. Pettyjohn said Bill had to have a permit for them to visit him at Camp Lee. You might inquire sometime if that is necessary and later on, when you get more adjusted to your routine, if you would care to have us come down - we will.

If you find things going a little easier and you are going to be free at that time - the Labor Day weekend, Sunday Sept. 6, might be a good time as it would give us a Saturday to come and Monday to return. If you find you are not free at that time - we will just make it some other time when you are.

Your new Book of the Month ought to be coming along soon. Shall I send it right on to you?

Daddy is going down to Ocean City and Atlantic City again on Thursday - so Mrs. Campbell and I are going along to see our daughters. Merritt came back from the shore tonight. I asked Mrs. Sharp to go down with us Thurdsay but she can't because there are so many things to be done before the brother's wedding next Sunday. The married brother from Oaklyn has been called up again for examination. His wife is expecting and they are terribly upset about it.

The insides of the living room radio just came back today. It cost $6.39 to take the squeeks out. They haven't fixed the bed-room one yet because 4 of their radio men quit last week and went to the ship yard.

Les [Kish] and Gladys went to the reception center at Mead[sic] to see you Sunday. Someone in charge said there was no one ther by the name of Keiser. Les said, "Why, yes there is, he is an enlisted man" - and in less than 2 minutes he told them you had been sent to Lee, so that was how I knew it before your letter arrived Monday.

I'd like to hear about your clothes and food and bed and everything if you get time to write it all.

Our love to you,

Mom

I'ts much cooler here tonight so I'm hoping you have relief, too.

Postmarked: 11:30AM, 7 Aug 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Miss Mary Lois Keiser, 1120 Central Avenue, Ocean City, New Jersey, c/o the Georgian

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

August 6, 1942

Hi Kid,

Many thanks for your card, which was transferred to me and just reached here this afternoon. Note this new address. I'll be here for about 8 weeks, probably more.

On the old address at Fort Meade, the S.U.R.C. stood for "Service Unit Reception Center," but that doesn't mean anything much now. I was there only 5 days when I was shipped here. And it is hot here - I''ll say it is!

I got stuck in Quartermaster Corps (hereinafter written QMC for quickness) and not the Signal Corps as I wanted. Working for the Government doesn't mean you can get what you want. They put you where they need the most men at the time they want them. Of course, there is a QMC in every branch of the service. It is QMC's duty to bring up the supplies. Signal Corps has one too, so it is just possible that I may get there yet.

Mom said in one of her letters that she and Lois [Stahl - his mother's sister] got down to see you before Loch[sic - Lois] went back to Syracuse, and that they approved of your rooms and the Plymouth Inn. So, I guess you are set for the summer. Glad to hear you're having such a swell time.

Every time I get to feeling OK they give us another shot in the arm and then it hurts like the devil for about a week.

Last Sunday I went to see Gordon MacWilliam. He is still in the hospital for observation, but he looks fine and expects to be released in about a week. We had a couple hours chat and I promised to come back this Sunday.

Bet you have a beautiful tan by now. I got a burn when Merritt and I were down to see you and it is peeling off now. So it doesn't look like much. Did you get Betty's bathing suit? It looked well[sic] on you.

A fellow in the barracks took some snapshots but hasn't had them developed yet. Soon as I can I''ll send you a snap. It was so hot then I didn't have my shirt on, but you will be able to get a good look at this Godawful haircut. Maybe it's not so bad though 'cause I don't have to brush or comb it.

How is Merritt [Sharp]? I understand he came down again to see you over the week-end. He wasn't feeling so hot and you were supposed to be part of the cure - I'll bet you sure pepped him up, beautiful. He certainly thinks the world of you, kid, and while I don't want to get preachy, he doesn't like to have you going on drinking bouts at Sam's. Of course, that's your affair. So, I'll lay off and not butt in any more. I guess you're old enough to take care of your own doings.

We are really rushed here. It seems to be "Fall In" all the time and as soon as we are dismissed there is just about time to turn around before there is something else to "Fall Out" for. As yet we have only had class lectures, calesthenics, and a little marching. But next week they will start training us with rifles, 4-day hikes, and the like.

This is quite some letter for the first time a guy writes to his sister and I'd like to write more, but I have to get my laundry over by 6:00 pm and it's ten of now.

Let me hear from you again soon.

Love,

Tom

Regards to the gang.

Postmarked: 10:00 AM, 7 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Thursday Aug. 6, 11:00PM

Dear Tom,

It was certainly a perfect ending to a full day to come home from Ocean City tonight and find your letter waiting for us. I wonder if you have received any of my letters, Let me know if you get them. I wrote Wed. 29th, Thur. 30th and Sunday Aug. 2nd to Camp Mead[sic - Meade] - and Mon. Aug. 3rd and Tues. Aug. 4 to Camp Lee.

I've had 3 different ways of addressing you at Camp Lee, - the one you sent; the one from the commanding officer, which was similar to yours but omitted the Barracks number; and today a card from the War department, which said, "For prompt mail delivery when writing the following person, please use the full address given below.

Pvt. Thomas Keiser, Jr.

Company G - 8th Regiment

1307th Service Unit

Quartermaster Replacement Training center

Camp Lee, Virginia"

Daddy said you ought to know where you are - so I will use yours unless I hear from you to the contrary.

I will mail your hangars, slippers and cigarettes tomorrow. I've looked at your slippers every day and wondered if they wouldn't feel good to you at the end of the day, so I'm glad you asked for them. Daddy is afraid your radio might be smashed in transit and thinks we had better bring that to you.

Mrs. Pettyjohn told us of a very nice auto camp at Lake Moore near Petersburg where they stayed. If the plan I told you of in my last letter is OK with you, we will bring your radio and extra battery down then. If not OK, we will try to come when you suggest. Daddy got someone to promise him 40 extra gallons of gas and I haven't used any of your book except the 2 we gave to Merritt. We will take your car to the Jehl Bros. garage on Monday and have the clutch and brakes fixed so we can come down in that - because Daddy couldn't use his. Maybe Merritt will come with us to help drive. I asked Alice but she said she had to work Labor Day. Maybe she can manage it some other week end. We won't make any definite plans till we know what is most agreeable to you.

We had a drowning in Cooper River Tuesday night. A 13 year old Camden boy stood up in a canoe and fell in. Three or four fire companies arrived with pulmotors and grappling hooks. Jack Sullivan was out in his kayak and saw him fall. He dived in for him and lost his pants - with $5 in his pocket. It was 45 minutes before they got him and too late to resus[c]itate him. His name was Holshue.

The bishop is going to send Jack [Sullivan] to a school in Baltimore for 10 years free of charge and make a priest out of him.

The Cools had a 50th anniversary today. I sent a donation of $1 to Mrs. Irish. She took in over $100 so she got a $100 bill from the bank to present to them. Louella and Mrs. Steamer went over to the party, which was continuous from 3 to 10 - but I preferred to go down to see Mary.

Daddy took Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Clayton and Martha Jean, Mrs. Pettyjohn and me along. We spent the day on the beach and all the kids asked for you. There were 23 in the crowd. It was a perfect day, clear and cool, and Mrs. Pettyjohn said she wished we could share it with you boys down in the heat. We had supper at Plymouth Inn and Mary [Keiser] waited on us. She gave me $5 more to bring home, which makes her total now $41. Pretty good I think - to earn a vacation at Ocean City and that much extra. She looked fine today and her hair is very pretty.

I'll bet you and Gordie [MacWilliam] had a good old talk-fest. It is nice to know that he is better. Floy [MacWilliam] is so anxious to see him. When does he expect to go to Long Branch? Give him our love when you see him again.

We were pleased to hear about your work and are glad that you are interested in it and especially glad that you think the fellows are all swell. I'll bet you'll make some fine friends and you'll also see the funny side of a lot of people. You missed college life - with its dormitory associations and bull sessions - so this will make up to you somewhat for that loss and I'll bet you will love that part of it - as both your father and I did - and being the student you are - the other part, the grind, will be fun, too.

What we all wonder is - how you get up in the morning and whether you have had to be called twice.

Mrs. Pettyjohn returned "The Moon is Down" - the play flopped in Phila. because the audiences hissed the Nazi officers because they were too good to be real.

Bob Partridge is home from Florida for a week - will go back next Monday. Mrs. P. is taking roomers now because she can't bear to be in the house alone - and of course she can use the money.

Vernon Ware has finished his basic training at Camp Croft [Craft?], S.C. and they haven't heard yet where he is to be sent. He isn't getting much of a kick out of army life.

Are your inoculations all over now? How about vitamins? Do you miss your pills - or do they give them to you in some hidden fashion?

A funny incident held us up this morning. Just before Mrs. Campbell was ready, their bull dog Betty (in heat) got out; some one left the door unlatched; and a great big mongrel went to town. It took many buckets of water and much embarrassment to free Betty - and since she is such a little dog, she couldn't bear the pups of a big dog - so I drove Mrs. Campbell and Betty down to Dr. Fittipaldi and he was going to do away with her. She had a cancerous sore on her leg and she hates children, so Mrs. C. was going to get rid of her anyway before Eleanor's baby arrived.

I was talking with Helen Wygle (Mary's [Keiser] southern waitress friend) today. When she goes home to Western Va. she is going by way of Richmond to stay over two days with a friend. They will attend some U.S.O. [United Service Organizations] doings - so she said she hoped she might see you.

Guess I'll go to bed now, and sleep better because of this swell letter from my Sunshine.

Lovingly,

Mom

Your letter written Aug. 3 was postmarked Camp Lee Aug. 5th - 1:30 PM and arrived here today Aug. 6th.

---------------------------------------------

Dear Son:

Glad to get your letter and know you are getting along O.K. I think one can have a very fine and interesting time in camp, if they will adjust themselves to it.

I have, and am, making arrangements for enough gas to get down to see you, and if all goes well, you can look for us Labor Day weekend.

Give my regards to Gordon [MacWilliam] and tell him I hope he will be completely well soon.

Best of luck to you. Take good care of health for it means a lot.

Lovingly,

Dad

-------------------------------------------------------------

[Enclosed with the letter was a news clipping, as follows:]

USO Gets Proceeds from Club Dance

Medford Lakes, Aug 5 - Medford Lakes Colony Club held a USO barn dance in the community house and raised over $90 for that agency, in addition to over-subscribing its quota in the regular USO campaign, Mayor Todd announced today.

Costume awards went to Mrs. Edward Moranz, Richard Charles, Mrs. David Johansen and George Hagerty. Specialty numbers featured Richard Meyers, Daniel Jones and Elmer Tattersdale. The committee in charge included Fay Binns, Mrs. Jack Gillen, John Binns and Ray Bondy. Music was furnished by Don Risler's orchestra.

Postmarked: 7:30 PM, 7 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Friday Aug. 7th, 3:30 PM

Dear Tom,

I was talking to Miss Baker today. She is head of the American Service Aid and she wanted to know your address. They write to all the boys from Collinngswood and ask them what they would like to have - and if within reason supply the wants. She said so many of the boys like these "shower bags" as they call them, to carry their things to the bath in, and she insisted on my taking this one and all the accompanying articles for you, so when you have a minute, drop a line to

Miss F. Gertrude Baker

American Service Aid

11 E. Franklin St.

Collingswood, NJ

and thank her for it. They meet every Thursday night and either make things for the boys or pack cookies or write letters or take eats to the boys on duty around here. They want to furnish a place for the local boys to gather, as soon as they can.

The town is seriously considering a 10 o'clock curfew for all kids 16 and under, because it is becoming pretty disgraceful how so many real young kids are hanging around the spotlights until midnight and after, and won't go away when told.

Your book of the month came today. $2.62 - I will pay for it out of your envelope and hold it here until you tell me whether you want it sent to you now or not. Shall I send you the next advertising literature that comes or do you have too much to read now?

Have you been able to get at a piano since you have been in camp?

Daddy just got one of his Irem cards. It said Laning Harvey of W.B. [Wilks-Barre, PA, where they lived previously] had died and also Heine Kleinkauf on Aug. 4th. He was your old piano teacher, do you remember?

Lynn Carr sent a statement of your earnings for 1942. He said including salary and bonuses, the gross amount was $902.50. I will put it in the box with your other papers, so you can use it for your next income tax statement.

No other receipt has come from George Hill on your insurance. Do you think I'd better call him about it?

Daddy is going out on a call - so I'll send this uptown with him now. He is going out to collect for the U.S.O. [United Service Organizations] tonight.

Love from us both,

Mom

Postmarked: 7:00 PM, 10 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Sunday

Dear Tom,

Daddy and I just finished making you some cookies, and I will send them out in the morning. I'm going to enclose a little sweitzer[sic] cheese. Let me know how it arrives and if OK. I can send you some more some time. If there is anything special you get hungry for, just tell us and we will try to get it to you.

Alice [Crompton] came over to see us yesterday about one o'clock. She had to work in the A.M. She visited with Daddy and me until 3:30 and then she had to leave because her mother is in N.Y. and Alice had to do the food shopping. We surely enjoyed having her and wish she could have stayed longer. When she left she took her umbrella and needed it because it was raining.

It has been pouring here off and on ever since. Hope you don't have to tramp around in the mud. What do you do when your shoes get wet? Do you have more than one pair?

We are wondering if you knew Gordy [MacWilliam] went home last Wednesday for 2 weeks. I had a note from Floy [MacWilliam] saying how happy they were to have him. Gordy told her you look fine and seemed in very good spirits. He also said the very remarkable score you got on your I.Q. won't do you a bit of harm - that it is very unusual and he feels you will progress rapidly. Alice told us your score was 145 out of a possible 150. That is certainly swell, Sunshine!

Gordy is supposed to resume classes when he returns and Floy is hoping it won't be too strenuous for him. He said he would be seeing you frequently.

I was talking to Lester Kish again this A.M. as he came from church. He said he got your note and was sorry to have missed you, but he felt sure you would like Camp Lee. I guess he will be staying at Mead[sic- Meade] indefinitely.

Daddy and I listened to a radio program called "Quartermaster" at 7:30 last night over W.I.P. It was about Food for the Men in the Field and it was quite surprising to hear the many things that your department must know and do about foods.

I read a few pages in your "Just and the Unjust" last night. Here is a quote - "The dwarf in the sideshow married the girl in the next booth, the tallest woman in the world, - yeah, his friends put him up to it." Now, do you think that's nice? It is entirely irrelevant to the story, but authors seem to think it necessary.

Brysons stopped here awhile Friday night to get us to walk around the block, and then we went in their place and played bridge awhile. Lex was especially vituperative and he got my goat and I finally sailed into him and told him what I thought of him and others like him who criticized - not even constructively - and did nothing for the war effort themselves. I told him I would walk out of his house and not return if he ever talked against Roosevelt again. I guess we're still friends - we played two rubbers of bridge after that - but he surely did calm down.

Merritt's [Sharp] brother is to be married at 6 tonight in Salem. Merritt will be best man in a big church wedding. It's going to be a wet one from appearances now.

I am sending your Book of the M[onth] advance report on to you. I don't believe you will want the September choice. I will keep here the little slip that must be returned to them before Aug. 25 - so you let me know your decision.

------------------------------------------------------

Dear Son:

I guess mother has told you all the news. We have not been out of the house all day. We, myself included, have been baking, reading, washing dishes, etc. and mom says I can shellac the floor from the dining room to the kitchen tonight before I go to bed. Boy what a day. I guess army life is much easier. What?

Not much news so will start to get dinner ready.

Lovingly,

Dad

-------------------------------------------------------

Gosh, but your Dad is henpecked - isn't he?

Love from Mom

=============================

[Included with this letter was a separate note, which follows, as well as a reminder card, also described.]

Please tell me if you want the funnies. Daddy say[sic] you don't and I'm only making a baby out of you. I have them all saved and ready to send and if you want them - you say so and you shall have them.

-----------------------------------------------------

A Reminder

According to our records your eyes were last examined

Aug. 20, 1938

We advise that you return to your eye physician for a re-examination

Doyle & Bowers

125 South 18th Street

Philadelphia

[Also written on this card was the note: "Was this the last time you had your glasses changed? I suppose you have had a recent test in the army."]

Postmarked: 10:30 AM, 11 Aug 1942, Camp Lee, VA

To: Mrs. Thomas H. Keiser, 127 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, New Jersey

From: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T-758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

==============================================

August 9, 1942

Dear Mom and Pop,

It is now a quarter of six and I have until eleven to get some letters written. I wish I were a little better at this telepathy business - then I could just send you a thought every few minutes. Believe me, I do think of you quite often.

All your letters except Sunday the 2nd have now reached me [Note: That letter did arrive and is shown above.], and in addition, the Sunday funnies that were sent to [Fort] Meade. You need not send the funnies, for the [Philadelphia] Inquirer is on sale here at Lee.

I'm glad that something has at last happened about the house, and also that you can hold the Clinic there. That ought to make it a good deal easier for you. [Note: The clinic was for Planned Parenthood, and Mrs. Keiser used to travel to Camden to volunteer.] I was also glad to read the clippings you sent. "Tombstone" [Charles Canning] must certainly have been quite banged up. If I can, I'll drop him a line. It was nice of you to have called Mrs. Canning. I'll also have to drop Howard a line to see if he is still kicking around at Medford Lakes or if he is as yet in camp.

There was a fellow from Philadelphia with whom I made friends at Fort Meade. I dropped him a note to let him have my address and asked him to let me hear from him. Just a day or two ago I had a note from him. He stayed one more day than I at Meade and entrained on Friday. In his note he says he is at the Ambassador Hotel in Atlantic City - private room and bath, with hot and cold running water, either salt or fresh. His room also overlooks the ocean. Some swell picking, isn't it? When I tell him about Lee, I don't think he will be very envious.

Had a card and a letter from Mary [Keiser] and two letters from Alice [Crompton]. So I will have some answers to write to them. By the way, the penmanship isn't always so good in my letter. I'm sitting on my cot, and every so often change my position. I could go to the Recreation Hall, and have a table to write on, but there is always a radio going and someone playing the piano, in addition to several games of ping pong. Here there aren't quite so many distractions - a poker game, a radio, and every so often some fellow going past stops to say a few words. It has only taken me half an hour to get this far. Of course part of that is the way I go at letter writing. You know! I'll write to you as often as I can, but they work us quite hard here and there isn't much time. In the evenings I have to do some of my own laundry, for it takes a week to get back what you send out, then shave, shower, and by then I am generally ready to hit the hay. Lights are put out at 9:30. Bed check at 11:00.

I'll tell you something about camp life here. I have an $8,000 home, quite well equipped. It has an air conditioning system (but not very much cool air comes from it), is equipped with electricity, and has hot and cold showers (hot, if you can get it before someone else), sinks and toilets. I live upstairs. There are a mattress, 2 sheets, a blanket and pillow for each cot. Clothes are hung from a rack on the wall, and some are stored in a foot-locker (like my camp box that I had at the Y camp). If you want to know where some of the tax money is going, figure $8,000 for a barracks building; each barracks holds a platoon. There are four platoons to a company, four companies to a battalion, two battalions to a regiment, and I have so far counted thirteen regiments here at Lee. That is living quarters. There is a mess hall for each company, administration buildings, four theatres[sic], 7 post exchanges (stores), and the quartermaster school buildings and several fire companies. All of which must represent a tidy sum.

It isn't too hard getting up at 5:45. Then we fall into formation for Reveille and police the area. Back into the barracks to make up our cots, mop the floor and clean up. Then breakfast, calisthenics, then classes or drilling - whichever is on the menu. At 11:30 the morning is over - we line up again for lunch, at 1:00 the afternoon classes or drilling starts and lasts until 4:30. Then comes Retreat and then supper. After that we are on our own, unless there is some special class for the evening. The same schedule holds for six days and Sunday is given over to doing whatever comes to mind.

This past week has been rainy and damp, quite a relief from the heat, but it has warmed up again tonight, and I guess tomorrow will be a sizzler again. Of course I caught a cold from sitting on the damp ground during one of our classes but it has just about cleared up now, and I expect it will be gone tomorrow.

My equipment is by now quite considerable. I have two summer suits (shirts plus pants), two winter suits (shirts plus pants), an overcoat, raincoat, blouse, field jacket, two fatigue suits (work clothes), toilet articles, leggings, caps, gas mask, rifle, haversack, meal can with knife, spoon, and fork, canteen, first aid kit, half a tent, cartridge belt, and various other items, including 2 pair of shoes, 6 pair of socks, 5 sets of underwear, and 4 handkerchiefs (all G.I.) G.I. is Government Issue. Enough of that - I'll tell you more later.

I went up to the hospital to see Gordie [MacWilliam] again and found that he had left for Long Branch for at least 14 days - maybe 28, so that ought to pep Floy [MacWilliam] and Mac up quite a bit. He is evidently all well again after the operation. So I guess it will be some time before I will see him again.

The other day (one goes like another and it is hard to keep track of them without effort) we went on a four-hour hike. We left at 7:30 and got back about 11:30. the march was about 6 miles and the whole batallion went - about 1200 men. We had a pack to carry and at that time there were about half enough rifles so each man carried a rifle for half the march - about 2 hours. Fortunately, I had mine the first half. To lapse into the vernacular, my ass was dragging, and it was enough to carry Pvt. Keiser and pack without the rifle for the last half. By the way, it was only a light pack - there are two others, each with more equipment, and I guess the marches will get longer too. Oh well! I guess I can get blistered feet just as well as the next fellow. We marched for 50 minutes and then a 10 minute break for a cigarette. That's the way we have class lectures, too, 50 minutes of instruction and then a 10-minute break. That afternoon we marched out to a large instruction ground back of the camp for instruction in tent-pitching. There were rumors that we would have the afternoon off to bathe our feet, but no such luck!

I have also had a go at K.P. [Kitchen Patrol] (which no longer means Korb Pettit! [Note: A former employer of Tom's.]). The cups were first and went pretty easy. The plates were next, and being heavier, were a little bit harder; the vegetable dishes and platters, weighing about 3 pounds each, were back-breaking after the first 150. Then the mess hall had to be cleaned up, tables set, and string beans prepared for the next day. The potatoes were all done, fortunately! That was just one meal. The next time it is my turn at it, it will be an all-day job.

Last night I went into Petersburg (3 miles) with Harry Harvey. His girl friend and mother were down for the week-end. I stayed in town last night (there is no bed check Saturday night, so it is permissible) and we all came back to camp early this afternoon. I stayed here because I was going to see Gordie, and Bud and his mother and girl went back to town. They came by bus and leave tonight about 8. It is an eleven hour trip. I gave Mrs. Harvey your address and she said she would get in touch with her[sic], so you can find out that I'm doing pretty well, except for this cold. But that's almost gone and is nothing to worry about.

I will certainly be glad to see you if you can get down Labor Day. I'll check up on regulations and let you know about reservations later. I haven't had much time for War and Peace, but if you want, send the books and I'll see what I can do about reading them.

I have a couple of other letters to write, so will close this one now.  Could my account stand a $5 withdrawal?  (I went to Petersburg so I must reverse my decision about money mentioned in my last letter.)

Love,

Tom

Use the address I gave you - it is the quickest if not the most technical.

================================================

[Also enclosed with this letter when I found it was a note probably written by Mrs. Keiser, after talking to or otherwise hearing from Mrs. Harvey, as follows:]

280 miles to Camp Lee.  Neighbor uses 13 gal to Richmond and does it in 6 hours - Petersburg is 22 miles farther.  Camp is ten minutes farther.

Mrs. Harvey took 7:00 bus Sat A.M. at 69th St. [Phila.]  Changed in Washington [D.C.]  Took bus "Norfolk by way of Richmond" and got in Petersburg at 6:45 Sat eve.  It cost her $8.40 return.

Son met her - called Tom over and they stayed in a double room in Petersburg over night.  Did camp Sunday and then went back to Petersburg and left by bus at 8 o'clock - rode all night and got in Phila. at 6:30 A.M.

Phone call costs 65 cents.

Train takes 6-1/2 hours - costs $12 plus.

Her son comes home Sat. eve. by bus and arrives 6:30 A.M. Sunday morning.  Leaves Sun afternoon - Costs only about $6 - soldier rates. 

Postmarked: 1:00 PM, 11 Aug 1942, Camden, NJ

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

==============================================

Wednesday

Dear Tom,

Your Sunday letter just came and I'm rushing uptown to send you a Money Order.  It's 11:30 and the mail goes out at 12.

Take care of your cold - you know a little Argyrol 10% helps you a lot.

If you want me to come down Saturday - call me by telephone and reverse the charges and I will come down either by bus or train.

Will write more when I come back.

Love,

Mom 

Postmarked: 9:30 AM, 13 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, PA

To: Private Thomas Keiser, Jr., Co. G, Barracks T 758, 8th Quartermaster Training Regiment, Camp Lee, Virginia

From: Mrs. A.F. Keiser, 127 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

[Included with the letter was a news clipping entitled "Industrial Oddities."]

==============================================

Wednesday eve, Aug. 12, 9:45 [P.M.]

Dear Tom,

I couldn't wait for Mrs. Harvey to get in touch with me so yesterday about noon I called her up, and heard the story of your trip to Petersburg. I told her I appreciated their including you in their party. Today Daddy has a call over in Upper Darby [PA] and he stopped to see Mrs. Harvey. She said Bud [Harry Harvey] was going to call her up tonight, so Daddy told her if you were along to have Bud tell you to call us up and reverse the charges.

She said she thought Bud was going to take a six o'clock train Saturday night and get into the 30th Street Station [in Philadelphia] at 12 o'clock and she wondered if we didn't want you to come along. It would surely be grand to have you if you were permitted to come - and if the trip wouldn't tire you too much for your next days work. You know we always want you and don't ever let the financial cost ever hold you back. The satisfaction of seeing you can't be measured in money and we will always find it somewhere. If you do come, call us or send us a telegram collect and we will meet you at 30th Street. If you don't come, we will understand that in your judgement you shouldn't take the risk.

I sent you a M.O. [Money Order] for $10 this morning at 12 and I will send you more next week if you want it.

Mrs. Harvey said you were using tissues Sunday so your cold must have been in your head. I hope it has gone by now and won't get on your chest. Please don't neglect your health, dear. I dare say they will give you proper treatment if you report your cold.

She said Bud wanted his bathing suit and more bath towels. Shall I sent[sic] your suit and towels to you I know your space for keeping things must be limited - but please ask for anything you want.

She told Daddy you said something about wanting Dress Shoes. Lester had on a pair that I spoke to him about. They were plain toes with one buckle over to the side. I saw them in [the] Hanover window in Camden - marked for Service Men. Are they what you meant and would like me to get a pair size 2[?]-9-1/2 and send them to you on approval? Or can you shop in Petersburg and prefer to get them there and shall I send you the money for them - $4.50 I think they were at the Hanover.

I'll send you the Courier [Camden, NJ] funnies for last week. If they don't appeal tell me when you write again and I won't accumulate them. If you get any kick out of them - I'll enjoy saving and sending them.

Would you like a portfolio that would hold your paper and act as a desk or hard surface to write on? I saw a nice one uptown today for 59 cents and I'll be glad to get it for you.

Mrs. Henderson had a letter from Vernon Ware. He said he bet Tom would find it pretty tough in the army because he was used to light work - and he (Vernon) was not finding it any picnic. They haven't heard yet where Vernon's next camp is.

Your friend was certainly lucky to draw the Ambassador. The Army has taken over every Boardwalk Hotel now - so a good many men are going to have pretty swell locations. How grand it would have been to have you so close - yet I am glad you are not in the Air Corps.

Dad said he wrote you today and gave you heck for not writing me oftener. Don't take it to heart, dear. I was terribly worried from the Tues. night you called until the following Monday when your letter came because I thought you were still at Mead[sic-Meade] and was afraid you might be sick from your inoculations, and couldn't understand why I hadn't a line from you if you were able to send it.

It seems to take so long for your letters to leave Camp Lee. The letter you wrote me Sunday (9th) was marked Camp Lee Aug. 11, 10:30 AM - and I got it this morning Wed. Aug. 12. So you see it isn't your fault. And that letter was swell. I've read it and read it and tonight Dad has his poker crowd here and I read it to them.

Your subtle sense of humor is a saving grace and will help you over many a rough spot, Tommie.

Mary [Keiser] said she had a letter from you Monday afternoon. She said it was the first letter she ever got from you and that it was a very interesting one.

Have you heard how they punish naughty soldiers? They send them to bed with a WAAC.

A letter from Mildred Hauser today says Albert has intestinal grippe and a sinus infection and is so weak he can't sit up any time at all. Al Sr. has applied for a commission in case salesmen should be dispensed with but he hasn't heard further.

Skippy Wallace went past tonight and asked for you. He said you should write when you get time. Bergen[?] was home over las week end.

Grandma's [Mary Agnes Sheahan Freas] letter said Jane [Freas] arrived last Sunday. [travel from Syracuse, NY to Jermyn, PA] Frank [Waters, Tom's uncle] is planning to take them to Berwick [PA] next Sat. and they will come down here by train Monday or Tuesday to stay a few days.

Grandma is planning to take Annie [Reilly] back to live with her until October 1st and thinks she will then close up the house. She is never going to be happy away from the place and it would be swell if she and Annie can get along there together. She will have a Martin boy come in each day to bring up coal and his mother will clean and do the washing each week. I hope it will work if that is what she wants.

Mr. Nagler[?] said Bob called them last night from Wichita Falls, Texas. He is drilling every day in the sun at 127 degrees. He says he really sweats. The girls down there won't dance with the soldiers and he says they have t