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355 August 3 - Friday - 8:00 P.M. My Dearest Darling: Sure am glad you’re not at Casa now - everything is in an uproar. Helen rode home on the bus from Monterey this morning with John White. The bus was making so much noise that she couldn't hear well, but he did say something about his being out, tho it was likely he might be called back. Evidently quite a number of men are going to be sent out on sea duty shortly, and not only the men, but of course their wives are very upset. I can't give you any details, because I haven't as yet heard anything firsthand, but it will all probably come out [pg 2] in the open during the next week or two. This afternoon Helen got a very excited letter from Walter, saying that in a surprize move - all Navy MG on Okinawa were to be replaced by Army MG during the next 60 days - that some of the men were getting sea duty, other were to be sent to island bases, and the rest going stateside. Of course he hopes he'll get into that last group. What a hell of a mess - and where does it get us - no place, but I’d damn well rather see you finish out your sentence on Tinian. Riley is due back at Casa this week-end - perhaps he'll call, and be able to give me straight stuff - or some of it at least. At any rate its [pg 3] all out of the scuttlebutt stage - Here's a laugh - a Navy wife whose husband is at Casa, spoke to Helen at the bus station, and told her that the men had been warned, that if any information got out they would be subject to court martial - Reminds me of Conover and Fujin Kai. The Navy certainly should have learned its lesson by now, tho I'll admit that keeping anything quiet in a group as large as this, is practically impossible, especially when everyone is under such terrific tension. I feel badly sometimes, when I think that we might have had this whole year together, but I wouldn't want you mixed up in this present mess for anything. Received #288 today - still missing [pg 4] #287, and I'll bet it's a long one, because you speak of being in the mood for writing. Was glad to hear that its only smoking, and nothing more serious, that irritates your nose, and amused at the Tinian reaction to Dickie and the ice box story. Will see about getting you some notebook paper tomorrow - Did you ever receive the fudge or shouldn't I ask? Ruth Ebling phoned this morning, and said she was coming over to see someone here on Carmel on Tuesday, and could she see us? We decided that it would be best if she phoned after she arrived, and we could make plans then depending on the weather, Wendy's cough, etc. etc. We didn't do anything [pg 5] exciting or out of the ordinary today. I read nursery rhymes to Wendy tonight, just before bedtime, and she seemed to enjoy it very much. She sat on my lap here in the big chair, watching my face - then the book, and occasionally breaking out into smiles or laughter. 9:30 Some barking dogs just woke little sweetie up, and she started to cry, but quieted down just as soon as I picked her up for a minute. Now she's back in her crib, eyes closed, and thumb in mouth - What do you think I ought to do about this thumb sucking business? Sometimes I think she wouldn't do it, if she didn't need the comfort- To bed now - didn't sleep well last night, and had mixed up dreams. Love you darling, love you very much- Bobby
