January 9, 1944

January 9, 1944
Parris Island, SC

Dear Mom and all,

I have a good bit of time to write letters now, so I thought I'd write again this evening since I promised you I would write every time I got a chance.

I went to the sick bay today for my cough, and they just gave me some more aspirin and some other kind of medicine to take every 3 hours. They are as bad as those company doctors. I feel pretty good except for my cough. The doctor told me to quit smoking, so I guess I will have to quit.

How are you all feeling? Hope Dad is feeling better and has started back to work.

You know, the longer I stay here, the better I like it. I finally got off guard duty yesterday. I was on for 2 hours, and I might not have to go on it again.

Mom, if it isn't too much trouble for you, could you send me a little candy and 2 or 3 packages of chew gum. We can't get candy or gum here. All we can get is ice cream and Coca-cola. Don't go to too much trouble to get that stuff. If you can't get it at Harvey Wilson's beer joint, don't make no special trip just to get it.

Tom had to go to see the Captain a while ago for not taking exercise this morning. I don't think they said much to him, though. I went to have my teeth fixed last night, and they didn't get around to me because there were too many boys there, so I guess I will have them fixed in the next day or so.

Mom, I just got back from the PX and got some chew gum, so you don't have to send me any. But, send the candy if you can. If any of you want any chew gum, write me and let me know. I've still got $13.00, and it just costs .70 per carton, and you can buy as many cartons as you want as long as they got it.

Mom, you don't need to send any more writing paper because I can get it here.

I wrote 5 letters yesterday. One to Jewell and Betty, one to Dugie, one to Dad, one to Louise and one to McDaniel.

Tell Aunt Lucy I will try to write her soon.

Your son,

Eddie