Dearest Laura:
We are leaving for Peru Sat. and leaving San Diego for Coronado Roads tomorrow so I will write you one last letter before we shove off and leave the dear “United States,” thousands of miles off our stern. You know, of course, that the stern is the after part of the ship or the part that trails behind. Yep! in about twelve days we will be down where they have dark girls again. I am going to get you a birthday present–oh! oh!–bet you are thinking of your mother;—down there. I think I can get you something real nice. I hope. Maybe I can bring you back a Peruvian lass to keep house for you.
By the way; as long as you are thinking of your mother, I received a letter from her the other day. -Quote- “Why don’t you write. I have not heard from you for almost two months maybe more. Maybe someone took your letters out of the box if you wrote. I would sit down and cry if it would do any good. I feel that way anyway. Please write and–etc.” unquote. So I broke down and answered. I wonder if she ever found out I was home in June?
Yesterday was payday so I had to buy a box of cigars to pass out to the radio gang which is a tradition which must be followed when a bluejacket makes a rate. You know—sort of unwritten law. I will get Charles some Peruvian cigars down there if he smokes cigars, I will get them anyway if I can and if he doesn’t like them he doesn’t have to smoke them.
Remember the smelt Charles bought that time? The water around the ship here is full of smelt. Some of the guys go fishing on the docks and catch them all the time. That is what Parz would or will like.
I am sending some clippings, etc. that I have cut out from time to time. I cleaned out my locker today. If you find anything worth reading ok! if not throw them away or give them to the folks or something.
Well, I guess I will go to the show tonight, I haven’t been to a show for a long time.
With Lots of Love (always)
Bill.
My address is still Coronado, Calif .