[on stationery from California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, post-it gives a date of 1.30.46]

Jan 30

Wednesday noon

[My dear sweetheart, eaten by a mouse]

We are getting closer and closer to Chicago. The ride across the desert was, as always, wonderful- I shall never tire of the beautiful mountains and broad valleys. Colorado and Nebraska for a Kansas have been nice, too, and now Illinois- this is indeed a great country.

There has been no snow falling, except a brief flurry, and little on the ground. The rivers are covered with thick ice, but the ponds are melting, and so I think it is not very cold. I thank you for mending my old bed socks- I have worn both pairs, because the car was rather cold. And give Linda my love and thanks for helping with the candy; both the marshmallows and the nuts were a surprise, because I had forgotten about them. I've eaten only a small amount in these two days.

I've read some Guggenheim reports, and half of Beadle's fine review article, and have worked on my speech- I want it to be good. Also I've read Marin Ettlinger's application for a Jewett fellowship- it is a very interesting and well-written document, & I hope that he comes to Pasadena. After carefully reading his description of his recent work and his plans for future research I hope think that we may well want him as a professor of organic chemistry. He is about 21 now, with this PhD from Harvard.

Perhaps you should have Mrs Wilson get reservations for me- a roomette on the Lark to Berkeley the night of Sunday, Feb. 17, and return Tuesday night. My lecture is Monday night, and I can see Addis Tuesday. You should decide if you can go with me- then we would need a bedroom.

I trust that the children are all well, and that you are, too. Peter's chin seems to be growing- he looked very grown-up when I said goodby to him.

Love to all from

Paddy