[AN] AMERICAN AIRWAYS SYSTEM
P.O.BOX 3311, MIAMI FLORIDA


MRS. S.H. SMITH
PITTSBORO, MISSISSIPPI


MIAMI, FLA. 3
DEC 15
2 - AM
1942


December 15, 1942


Dear Mother,
Although the Chamber of Commerce refuses to admit it, sometimes
it gets unpleasantly cool down here. We're having a cold spell now, and
I feel colder than I do in the dead of winter at home. So far though,
except for a few exceptions, I forget that it isn't summer. The flowers
at this time of year are especially beautiful. Poinsettas, bougainvillea,
and hibuscus everywhere. About the only thing that will convince me that
it is almost Christmas is the poinsettas. I don't think I've ever felt so
indifferent about the holidays. I just looked at my schedule and saw that
I work on Christmas day. It doesn't matter to me as it makes no difference
now. 


Thursday night Lt. Wiley Gooswell called me from West Palm
Beach. He's the one I met in Jacksonville on my way down here. The last
time I saw him was in July. After that he was shipped out on secret orders.
I had a few cards off and on from various places, but really never expected to,
see him again. He and the rest of his squadron were ordered to W.P. Beach
for plane repairs. They're to be there a few days before going to Africa
where the fighting is going on. Frances and I drove over and had a fine
time with all the boys. They were all getting their wills, etc. arranged,
acting as if the whole trip were just a joke. Occasionally one of then
would slip out with a serious remark. As would be expected they're a reck
less lot. The Bombdier kept xxxx telling Frances and me about his wife 
Who is going to have a baby in another month. He hasn't seen her for seven
months and is worried to death about her. He may not see her again.


One of the Captains brought me back two big orchids from
Balboa the other night.. One white one and one purple. It was certainly
a surprise to me as I didn't even know his name. He handed me the box
and said, "this is for you for being in such a good humor at four o' clock
in the morning."


The Governor of the Virgin Islands has flown in twice since I
Wrote you about my enperience with him. He worried me considerably about
going out, but I told him that my future husband was in town. Then he
started trying to get me to slip off and meet him somewhefe clandestinely.
all very mysterious and romantic. Frances says that he is a personal friend 
of Roosevelt's


Johnnie Brons and I have been having a lot of fun lately. He
is the co-pilot who makes trips to Africa, previously a newspaper reporter.
We read stories together, go bolling, shimning, etc. Sunday he wanted me
to go to a symphony with him, but I had to sleep.


Did I tell you about seeing Dr. Bob Kavanes (Lt. now in the Army)?
He takes me out to dinner and likes me because he hs never known anyone from
Mississippi and thinks me strange. I like him because he is a Swede and the
funniest thing I ever saw... he also looks a little funny. Frances and I usually 
have something to do. Often we have boy's in to eat at night. She's such a good.
cook and ayway, they like coming to our house. I guess I'm having a pretty good time,
considering the fact that a War is going on and that I don't ever get enough 
sleep. Of course there is always that feeling of insecurity and unrest fostered
of the times. and if we'd think bout it there would be a lot of things to make
us uhappy. It is best to be careful, and I find that most people are. This
War is certainly a boon to C. Bessie, I know.
There isn't a great deal to write. I'll probably hear from Phil today.
I do hope he'll come in the next three weeks as I'll be working days then.


Love, Chris