Capt. T.G. Leske
633 T.D. BN. APO304 Fort Lewis, Wash.
9-7-43 (Postmarked Sept 11, 1943, Bend, Oregon. No stamp, just “Free” written where the stamp would be.)
Miss Jane Axtell 538 S. Normandie Los Angeles, California
Hello Jane:
Your morale building letter was received a day after I arrived at Hole-in-the-Ground and was very welcome.
We have moved and are now about fifty miles east of Bend in country which is worse than that at which we were before. The nearest town the other way is about sixty five miles. Plenty hot and dirty!
In writing a letter you should not end it as you did your latest to me when the recipient is living under these conditions. “Will I get everything I ask for?” Girl, the ideas I get sitting out here in this country would probably cause you to a lot without asking.
You also said that when you were in this part of the country you were three and that you believed in fairies. Don’t tell me you no longer believe in them – especially, living in Los Angeles.
It doesn’t look as if I will ever get to that school and, on the same theme, it doesn’t look as if I will ever see you again, the way things are working out. As far as taking you with me – do you think you would be able to earn enough to support me in a style I am not accustomed to?
Nothing spectacular has happened and my back is going dead due to my position, so closing for the time being.
Don’t forget the morale of those in uniform and write.
Teddy