14 October [1945]

Dear Mom

We're on the Grace Liner Santa Paula. It looks quite different from those Nat. Geographic Advertisements. All grey, and covered with gun emplacements and rafts. Every nook and cranny inside is filled with tiers of canvas cots, room for 3000 troops. Quite a number for a boat that must be only 500 or so feet long. Our quarters are decent, though. My operators Andy and Frank have a stateroom complete with [sink] showers, etc. I have to live with the chief radio operator in a little cell with nothing but a washbowl. Perhaps I can change things.

Paula won't sail until the end of the month. At present I'm living in an empty stateroom I found, one of the best. Might as well be comfortable while I can. Some high ranking officer will have it while we're carrying troops.

The first voyage or two will be to Le Havre. But there we're liable to have to make a long voyage to India. I'm afraid life will monotonous more than somewhat.

What goes with the family? How are Dad and Caltech coming along? Tell him that just as soon as I find a suitable container I'll ship his books plus some more he'll like to him.

The money I owe you I am unable to pay back at present. We haven't been paid for September, and I've spend $30 and lend $25. And when we do get paid I would like to keep it for a while in case opportunity arises for the pulling of some deal in funning merchandise between continents. That's purely a tentative idea and If you want your money back, say so and I'll send it as soon as possible. That is if you want it back immediately.

All my love, Mom.

Linus