Letters – 1942 to 1945 #8

Capt. T.G. Leske 71st Infantry APO44 Fort Lewis, Wash. 12-17-42   (postmarked Newport, Oregon) Miss Jane Axtell 538 S. Normandie Los Angeles, California Wednesday nite 12-16-42 Hello little lonely lady (?): What’s the idea saying you were four to none on letters? Haven’t you really received a letter from me or just teasing? And it wasn’t four – it was three. Excuse the interruption – a two and one half hour one. A priest, and Red Cross worker, and a Captain wanted to go bowling and as much as it hurt, I gave up writing and went bowling. Right now I am a very proud fellow on several counts. I am home before twelve, made a high score of 222, and had only three beers, and am writing you before hitting the pillow. Right now I am in Newport Oregon.  Know where it is?  Came out here yesterday in my truck, which is called a mobile dentist clinic.  For one week before coming here I had spent over a week at Camp Adair, which is near Corvallis. You have mentioned coming back to Oregon in your letters.  If you were serious please wire me here at Newport.  Big reason – we are finally being allowed a leave  and I would sure like it if we could get together. No wire by Sunday – everything off.  Right? I’m dead tired from a damned hard day and the  bowling didn’t help any. Thought I would be able to  stay up longer but am pooping out. Waiting for your letters! Remember Ted   The following notes in Mom’s printing were on the back of the  pages of this letter.  They appear to be drafts for the wire to Ted.