Letter, Robert B. Ray to Denise Ray, April 22, 1944

Correspondence from Robert B. Ray to his wife, Denise. In the letter he describes to her the conditions of his "final destination," Finschhafen, New Guinea. He describes the conditions as good, but muddy. He also asks for her to send him essential items: Picayunne cigarettes, 400 yards of fishing line, hooks, wire leaders, and swivels.

World War, 1939-1945

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Hq XI Corps A.P.O. 471
C/O Postmaster, San Francisco
April 22, 1944

Dearest Sweetheart,

We have arrived at our final destination. I cant say where it is but I can say that I am “somewhere in New Guinea.”

We are well fixed up. In fact, considering that our area was nothing but Jungle, and I mean Jungle, a short while back, we are exceptionally well off. I have had much worse in maneuvers many times. We really never did have as good. It is just about the same as Camp Blonding was except of course there is mud here instead of sand. We are right on a point out in the ocean and get a breeze if there is one at all.

A lot of mail was waiting for us here and I got two letters but neither one was from you or anyone at home. One was from [?] written 17th March and the other was from Gen. Woolfley written on 15th March. I am writing this letter mainly to let you know I got here safely and that I am well. And this is the last letter I am going to write until I start getting some letters from you. The other fellow’s wives have written them anywhere from 10 to 30 letters that they have received since we have been in this area. I know I love you as much as anyone could love another person and I don’t think you have treated me right. But if you don’t want to write, I cant help it. I would at least like to know why. Some letters that came in today were dated way up in April. Well I have said enough about mail. I wont say any more but neither am I going to write any more letters.

I went back ashore the day after I first saw Robert Meek and John B Crosby and was going to spend the day with them but I just saw Robert for a few minutes and was going to see him again later but we got a message and had to get back aboard ship at once. I may get to see him again later, also John B. Be sure to tell their people that they were both well and looking fine. I did not get to send the cable after all, and every one says air mail is just as quick anyway.

Lucius looks fine and is getting about like a switch engine. He seemed to be glad to see me. I am glad to be settled again, altho the trip was nice and pleasant but so long. You finally get tired of getting up every morning and having it look like the lever has busted.

I believe it would be a good thing for you to try to sell the typewriter. I paid $40.00 for it and believe you can get that much for it now. Ask [Jimmy?] Boyd to sell it for you. Maybe Everett needs one.

Please send me 3-4 cartons of Picayune cigarettes as soon as you can. The air mail might cost a lot but it would be worth it. Later you can send me some by regular mail but I might be 3 months getting them. Air mail letters to or from the armed forces overseas sill is only 6c instead of 8c. They issue us cigarettes now free. But I dont like them.

Tell Miss Lee, Cainie, and the others I think about them a lot and hope that they are well and have no troubles. Tell some of them to write the news of the town. All the scandal, etc.

Robert told me they had sent quite a few more of the young married set into the Army lately. Well it wont hurt most of them and most likely will do them some good.

Tell Lapsley to get you about 400 yds of good linen line of about 18 thread and you send it to me. There are lots of King Mackerel around here and I have a rod and reel I got over here, but I need some more line. Also get him to get me some hooks, wire leaders and swivels. He will know what sizes to get. Use this a s the request to mail them. I want them air mail.

I brought along about 3 times too much stuff and am going to have a lot of it sent home I believe I could get along on nothing but a Valpak.

Well I must close. Baby, I love you and sure want to hear from you often.

Love
Burris

P.S. You should have gotten some of my letters by this time.
B

[[Envelope]]
Lt. Col. Robert B. Ray, 0296051
HQ. XI Corps, A.P.O. 471
C/O Postmaster, San Francisco, Calif

April 22

Fishing hooks etc
REGISTERED
NO. 2223

Special Delivery

Mrs Robert B. Ray
Kosciusko
Mississippi

Robert B. Ray

Opened by U.S. Censor

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