After 5 days, return to
Box 347
CHARLESTON, MISS.


CHARLESTON MISS.
4/23/42
The Gaffer
APR 23
6 PM
1942
Miss Christine Smith
MPA Office- City Hall
Columbia, Mississippi


Thursday Afternoon
4/23/42
Xtine (for the duration, it uses less ink)
That name you like least- consequently
it's yours for the duration, on account of
getting practically to the Free State and not
even crossing the border to see the natives.
God, if I had an ego its oozed out
after that juncture. Course that "thought"
somethere between Calhoun City & Winona
did cause a warm glow- but not much.
There's an ominous pall and quiet
in our little community. The mocking
birds are mocking and the catfish are 
catting and all nature's bringing forth
a bumper crop of young. However, our
village elders are not deceived by this
halcyon lull,- understand all preparations
are made for a test blackout. One can't
be too careful in the capital of a strategic
state. Know you must chafe at the
monotony down there so far from the
scene of action.
The Clay, the Williams and the Harrington
are coming down Saturday for a spot of
fishing. We'll camp over on the river
and set out some hooks, and then


no doubt settle down to the serious
business of the week end. Wish you
were going to be with us. We don't
have any "Cape Henry's", but you know
that legendary Cooter Brown originated
in this country.
The Judge and I have heard 
no news as yet from the Navy. It's been
six weeks today since we submitted
our applciations (and incidentally enjoyed one
swell afternoon with the Kringle. So I
guess we'll hear one way or the other in
the next two or three weeks. If I make
it, will have to take another physical
exam before reporting to the school. There's
a bare possibility I'll go back to New
Orleans, but it's more likely they would
send me to Birmingham, as it's closer.
If you haven't been over therewards lately
why don't you meet me there, or anywhere
between Winona and Columbus and we'll
laugh and playm and mayhaps cut a rug. 
A lad has just come by to play
a game of badminton with the ole Smasho, so
I'd better get this in the P.O. Write soon.
Yours,
the Gaffer


4/23/42
The Gaffer