Letter from Clarence Williams to Gretchen Williams, October 25, 1945

Don’t have much in the way of news to write about but wanted to tell you I am thinking of you constantly and should see you in about a month. I am all thru with my processing here now, having received what clothing I needed and had my records checked. Incidentally I talked with them about changing my orders for Ft. Leavenworth and think it will be done. That would be so much more convenient and perhaps then you could meet me in Kansas City and we could have a few days there to ourselves. I imagine upon arrival in N.Y. we will be sent to Camp Kilmer or someplace nearby and surely I can phone you while there and   give you some definite information. From all indications we will be here about four or five more days and then ship to camp Top Hat at Antwerp. Will probably be at Top Hat about 5 or 6 days before loading on the boat, Here at this camp they don’t know yet that the war is over, drill and calisthenics every morning and baseball or sports in the afternoon. I am gradually getting wise to the hideouts however so now manage to stay clear until they leave and then go lay on my bunk and read. They hooked me the first day because I didn’t know the score.

I am now reading a new novel I found here at the Red Cross and one of the best I have read in a long time. It is “Journey in the Dark” by Martin Flavin and if you havn’t read   it I know you would enjoy same. I have always enjoyed reading the books you have recommended so think our likes are quite similar. I got the book last nite and have it practically finished already, in only one day, that is unusual for me as you probably know.

I think when I get back I shall contact my congressman and see what can be done about me staying in the states. Have also been wondering if maybe it would help to talk with Mr. Cullingham when I get there providing Charlotte wouldn’t object. I rather imagine he has some pull and thats sure as hell what it takes in the Army.

The weather here has been terrible the past couple of days with rain most of the time and a very chilly, high wind. I can   just picture that little old ship tipping up and down and me throwing up but I don’t mind how sick I get because I know I will be home after a few days of it.

Well darling I guess thats about all the news for now but will drop another few lines occasionally and hope they will arrive ahead of me.