7 November 1942 – Newport, Rhode Island

Dearest Marion,

Hello honey, how are you.  I feel pretty good except for the fact that I miss you very much.  I didn’t get any sleep from Thurs. morning until 9:30 Friday nite.  If you didn’t get the card I sent I’m in Newport, R.I.  I’ve only been here a few days and I love although I’m very homesick.  We get swell food, too many clothes, and no lovin’.  Have you seen Irene yet.  Poor kid I was thinking about her and leaving you and felt lousey on the train.  We got on the train at 10 o’clock Thurs. nite and we didn’t leave until 1 o’clock Fri morning.  We arrived at Newport at 7 o’clock Fri morning.  Did we have a busy day.  We got 3 needles in the arms, and med. exam and all our clothes except our dress uniform.  What a load of stuff to carry.  We got a hammock, 2 blankets and a mattress besides our clothes all together it weighs over 100 lbs. to carry.  Excuse the writing.  This is the first chance I’ve had to write and my brain is all mixed up.  Tomorrow we don’t do anything but go to church so I’ll write again.  You should see my head they cut off almost all my hair except 1/2″ in front.  I’ll tell you what to do.  Go around to my house and read the letter I sent my mother and you’ll find out a lot more of what we do.  I’ll have to close now because we have to turn in.

Here’s my address.  Write exactly as it is

LAWRENCE J. REILLY A/S

COMPANY 250, BARRACKS B, BATT 2

U.S. NAVAL TRAINING STATION

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Please write soon.  I miss you an awful lot.  Tell my mother the same thing.  Tell everyone else the same and I’ll write them as soon as I get a chance because we’re awfully busy.  Good night honey.  I love you.  Take care of yourself.

Love Larry

XXXXX

This is Pop’s first letter home to Nan after joining the Navy and heading off to boot camp.