July 26, 1944

Dear Mom

I got your very nice letter today.

What's this you tell me about Jesse DuMond? I can't imagine any such luck. In fact it seems almost impossible. My theoretical knowledge of radio isn't much more than one would get in college physics but I've gained a fair amount of practical knowledge. Electronics at Chanute, which I finish in October or November, is largely theory on vacuum tubes, so I'd learn something there. I can't think I'd be much help to Jesse, at least as a radioman. After graduating from this school we can do only first and second echelon work replacing tubes, fixing relays, installation, tuning, etc. Supposedly no soldering iron stuff on the sets at all. Trouble-shooting is the extent we're not authorized to replace the defective part. So you can see that even the army doesn't consider us radio men. But I can't imaging a better job than working for Jesse. It would be wonderful.

I hope you do come east in August. I will be very happy to see you. Where would you like to stay? The Williams will be here then, I think.

Do you remember that book that someone gave me about a canoe trip down the Ohio and Mississippi? It was called Where the Rivers Meet or something like that. I wish you would send it if you can find it. Prof. Williams said he thought something of the kind would be good for his daughter to read.

It's a shame that Crellie's having a hard time retaining an image memory of me. But it isn't hard to forget what someone looks like. I'm afraid that a furlough may not come until December or thereabouts.

How does Hastings' place look after the army? I'll bet you're glad to get rid of the range. Pete will miss Lieut. Monk.

I like harpsichord music. I've heard quite a lot over the radio, but I've never seen it. It would be fun to have a harpsichord.

I ran out of paper.

I remember the Elliotts. Are they still in Pomona?

You garden certainly sounds fine. It's going to be good to get back to it.

My love to the family.

Linus