March 25 and 27, 1944 Washington, D.C.

Hello Mom,

Will write another short letter while I'm laying around. I guess you weren't expecting me to call you last night, were you? I was just sitting up there with a girl and decided to call you. You don't have to worry about me drinking too much because I know better than that. And there is no danger of me shooting myself with my gun.

I went on duty at midnight last night and got off at 4:00. Then I had to get up at 6:30 a.m. So, I'm going to stay in tonight and for three or days and get caught up on my sleep.

Well, I haven't gotten a letter from Louise yet, and I wrote her twice. I like her, but if she doesn't want to write, that suits me. I got an awful sweet letter from Eileen today. You know, that's an awful nice girl. I guess I like them all. haha. I also like the girls here in Washington.

I'll close for now and try to get a little sleep. I'll write you again tomorrow.

Your son,


Pedue



March 27, 1944

Hello Mom,

Will answer your letter received this morning but don't have much to write about.

I ate 3 meals today. That is the first time I've eaten 3 meals in one day since I've been here. I thought they feed good at Parris Island, but they feed a whole lot better here. We have ice cream every day.

So Pete is going to get married. I thought he had better sense than that. Well, if he is willing to give her 50 bucks a month out of his pay, I guess that's his business.

I think I will stay in for about 2 weeks. This girl called me up last night and wanted to know when I was coming back up town. I told her I got restricted for two weeks so she wouldn't keep calling me. She said I should try to slip off and come see her.

You mean Grandpa is loading coal at Wet Branch? They shouldn't let him work. They know he's too old for that. He don't need to work, anyway.

I got a letter from Louise today, and said she thought I did her wrong by not stopping when I was home last time. She was awful mad but said she would forgive me this time.

Well Mom, I'm going to lay down and try to get some sleep before I go on guard duty tonight at 8:00.

Tell Roy to write to me and tell me the news around Dry Branch.

Your son,



Pedue