I made some fudge squares for you.

Adams Ward, Los Angeles

December 9, 1944

Hello my lovely little wife,

Managed to get a pretty good sleep last night so I feel pretty "hep" today. In fact I've been feeling pretty good most of the time, except a little sleepy occasionally. I haven't got seasick as yet either so that should answer all your queries pertaining to my health. Too bad about your little sick spell, but since it was of short duration and you're okay now, I guess that's the main thing.

I'll have to admit that I got to feeling pretty blue until I received your letter last night. That also accounts for my feeling better today and no doubt contributed a great deal to my good rest last night. You see, your letters are really quite a tonic for me. I wonder if mine could produce an anyway similar effect upon you.

I found an amusing little bit of nonsense yesterday and am passing it along to you thinking you might get a little chuckle out of this foolish, but quite realistic, nonsense. It is called, "A typical sailor's marriage ceremony."

"Wilt thou Jack, have this woman as thy wedded wife, to live together insofar as the Bureau of Navigation will allow? Wilt thou love her, honor and keep her, take her to the movies and come home to her on the 6:30 bus?" "I will." "Wilt tough, Jane, have this sailor as thy wedded husband, bearing in mind liberty hours, boat schedules, watches, sudden orders, uncertain mail communications, and all other penalties of Navy life?" "I will." "I Jack, take thee, Jane, as my wedded wife from 6:30 pm until 6:30 am as far as permitted by the commanding officer, liberty subject to change without notice, for better or for worse, for earlier or for later, and I promise to send thee a weekly letter when on cruise." "I Jane, take thee, Jack, as my wedded husband subject to the whims of the officer-of-the-deck, changing residence whenever the ship moves, to have and to hold just as long as my allotment comes regularly, and therefore I give my troth."

Nonsensically yours, Perry


December 10, 1944

Hello Darling,

Well, tonight is Sunday night, officially at least. Quite some difference from those Sunday nights we used to spend when I would sit and hold you in my arms and talk or read to you and then we would go to church. Oh well, we will have some more of them.

You seemed worried that you wouldn't see me again for quite a while. I think I can safely assure you that I will see you before Christmas. Maybe we will even celebrate our Christmas early. I received another nice letter from my mother and dad. Also Hazel, Hope and June. I didn't receive a letter from my sweet little wife today though. All the others helped to partially compensate though. Your letters are really very sweet and, as you say, it is the next best thing, so do write as often as you can.

My eyes started bothering me again so I went to the doctor. He said come back in the morning, so maybe I'll get something done for them. Please do not worry though. It's nothing serious and they'll be all right. Guess I've been getting too much night life--and I can assure you it hasn't been from going on liberty either.

They are going to start a movie in here pretty quick. (I'm in the mess hall writing on a table) so I've got to close out. There isn't much "percentage" in me seeing it since I've seen it once. "Dragon Seed," do you remember when we saw it?

Goodbye for tonight and all my love, Perry

p.s. How do you like this one: "A hug is energy gone to waist."

"At the shop downtown at 7th and Flower St."

December 11, 1944
Monday at the office

My Darling Husband,

Here it is Monday already. I wanted to write you last night, but it was so late when I finished wrapping the cookies I made for you. Perry, I made some fudge squares for you. Then I made some icebox cookies and baked them last night when we came home from church. I think they turned out pretty good, and I hope they won't get broken up too much before you get them.

I've been thinking of you all day and can hardly wait to get home to get your letter so am taking this opportunity to write you. My darling, I hope you have been getting my letters by this time. Your letters seem to take 3 days to arrive. I wonder if they really come airmail. Guess they do, but your letter of the 6th was postmarked the 7th, and I received it the 9th. That was the letter you did not mail airmail. Your airmail letters do not come any faster it seems.  Oh, yes they do--I just checked your letter of the 5th. It was postmarked the 6th and I received it the 7th. I think that is faster. Please send them airmail, Perry. If you ever run out of stamps, I'll send you some, honey.

I was so overwhelmed (or is it overpowered) with lonesomeness for you by Saturday evening, Perry darling, that I broke down and wept some bitter tears (alone in the bedroom.) Then I prayed--I spoke to the Lord aloud--asking for strength. I asked the Lord if it could be possible that I might see my dear husband very soon, but that thought left me soon after (for it was making me feel badly that I could not see you.) So I thought only of being comforted. Well, Perry, I felt so much better after awhile. My prayer was answered. I can't exactly explain it, but I do feel more calm tho I miss you as much as ever, dear Perry.

I had better close for now, but I'll write you very soon again. I love you dear Perry. Your own wife, Gene