Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, May 31, 1945

This is another of those good days for nothing but reading and writing letters. It has been raining all day and is also quite chilly, sounds very similar to the weather you are having.

I did some thing that I have kept away from so far in the army. I got into a good poker game and guess what happened, I won $17.00, not bad for a beginner do you think? I'm not going to make a habit of playing however as some of the boys play every nite and I don't want to start that. It is a pleasant pastime now & then especially when one is lucky.

Honey I am inclosing some more pictures of Dachau, I know you don't like to see such things but I would like to save them for future references just in case some one trys to tell me about the good Germans. Perhaps Mr. Lisles[?] would like to see them as proof of some of my statements in the letter Dorothy has shown him. I have some others that are much worse in fact they are too terrible to send home so I plan to bring them with me and will show them to him some time.

Honey I would prefer that you did not send me a camera as if I decide to get a good one, believe I can get a better buy on them over here from the Infantry boys. You see some of the boys liberated several which are of the best including Leica and Contax. Germany is noted for the best cameras in the world. For the present I will be satisfied with me little 120 as it works satisfactorily. Some of my pictures should be arriving soon and then you can see for yourself.

I just looked out the door and noted the mountains are getting white with snow. It looks so funny as none has fallen here in the valley whatever.

I received a letter from Earl White and he was at St. Nazaire, France. They didn't even get into Germany before the war ended however now he says they are moving near Cologne as part of the 15th Army. I would surely like to see him but we are quite some distance apart so don't suppose the opportunity will arise. He states Gus is still at Ft. Riley but hates the place. Boy how I would love to trade places with him. I guess CRTC is practically folded up now, Gus is in Hq's but with the only horse troop remaining there.

Honey, I opened my last can from   my last package and guess what it contained, the grape jam and cookies. Needless to say it was delicious. I still have some left and am hoping we have some nice hot griddle cakes one of these first mornings to use the balance on. Of course I can get bread, but oh, is it ever good on hot cakes. Am also munching on the Stovers candy while writing, doesn't that make you hungry?

Well darling I guess thats about all the news for now. I have a few more pictures but will inclose them in my letter tomorrow so until then—

Honey— I am inclosing a note for films. Hope it will help to obtain some.