Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, January 11, 1945

Another day is gone and still nothing to see but water, gets very boring after a period of time. Will be glad when we arrive at our destination and get off this tub, of course our future problem may be a lot worse but at last will be able to stretch out once again. I actually believe if I had to take a month of this I would be completely batty.

Par #2 - Weather

This has been another very pretty day. Had a few showers but the sun would come out nice and warm soon after. It has been comfortable on deck in shirts only so you can imagine the nice temperature. I heard on the ship’s loud speaker that you have been having a cold wave in the South and Gulf States. Hope it hasn’t been too bad in Okla especially since you haven’t your fur coat with you.

Par #3 - Food

Terrible - Ain't fit for man nor beast.

Par #4 - Requests - Ha!

This is the important paragraph. Don’t know of any thing I need at once but was just thinking when you ship the other things I requested, if you have some room left in the box, how about sticking in a jar or two of jam or pickles or just anything   in the line of canned goods. I am sure, will be hungry enough to eat anything. Seriously tho, we do have good bread and I can make a sandwich out of anything you can find to send.

How are your cigarettes holding out honey? We each received two packs free today as compliments of General Motors. I bought another pipe before leaving the states which will help to conserve the cigarettes. Was talking with one of the Navy men and he informed me cigarettes were better than money for bartering in foreign parts so am glad I brought some extra. Had I known they were so scarce on the ship I would have brought more.

Well daring I don’t know of any more news so will close telling you again that I love you. The old saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder is certainly a fact as you are ever in my mind. Keep your chin up honey.