Everett Schafer's Letters

April 2 1944
Dear Mother

Here I go on a letter I should have written before now. I have received all your letters to date, including the last one you sent me to Pendleton. I received it yesterday. I had a total of six, the most in one day since I’ve been in the outfit.

Quite a few things have happened since the day I first entered the Marines. As you mentioned, it was my intention to get in a machine gun outfit. And so it went, till now.

Things here in this camp are running a little taunt[?] but I suppose there is a reason. All in all there are no kicks on my side.[1]

I’m sorry that you didn’t receive the word of my promotion before LaFerhn called you. I’m sure that I wrote you a letter the same day as hers. I’m thinking of you every day, and write as often as I can. I most certainly realize your interest in me and what I do.

I believe LaFerhn mentioned that money is practically useless here. I’m glad you received the money order alright. You can get more out of it than I and I’m glad to give it to you. I’m wondering if you are still receiving your allowance alright.

A bit about camp life. We have a fairly nice P.X. here. They sell everything we need. Toilet articles of all sorts, candy, cigarettes, towels and odds + ends. All cheaper than civilian goods. They also sell beer + Cokes, not too much but they have them. We have a movie every night + talent shows about once a week. We get liberty once every eight days, and transportation to and from the largest town around here. It’s about as large as Mooresville, but not quite as up to date.[2] About the only rationing they have is gas. There are thirty or more native women to each white, and they fairly run the town. They are (the younger generation) all very well educated, neat + hospitable. That covers about all of the environment. I received the quarterly you sent and put it to use. So you see things can’t be very unpleasant here.

I received a couple letters from Delwin and he’s sending me a watch. I lost mine and he was only too glad to give it to me. Received a letter from Joan + one from Ronny. I was surprised to see how well written Etta Joan’s letter was. She must be really growing up. Ronny is quite proud of his good grades. He remembered what I said about him doing better, and let me know. I’ll try + write them each. I also intend writing Roma + Doris. They’ve been swell writing me. This is about all from now.

I remain


Your loving son
Everett