January 12, 1944

2200 12 January,1944(V-mail)

Dearest,
Here I am writing in complete peace + quiet again. But this time the only people in bed are the two at the far ends of the room. The major is in Belfast ? having a very jolly evening. Capt. O?, the dentist, has gone to London to a meeting. Lusty is in the Officer Ward with the hives- where he got them nobody knows and for that reason I am OD today instead of tomorrow. All the rest are at the club drinking Irish coca-cola, and dancing with the nurses. I know, because I just came from there, I had two weak drinks and no dancing. In fact I was just wondering how to detach myself politely from Higgie? when Buss decided to dance with her. Higgie must be about 35, maybe more, kind of a Sad sack type, always mistreated in a good-natured way, and very Nyoo O’leus. ?? She talks like Grantland Rice + they all kid her about her ?? street accent. They say she calls me on the telephone + the Irish operator calls around asking for “Lt. Hoirn”. Except I can’t remember that she ever called me. It’s good story, anyway, + always makes her sadder than ever. She’s OK, though.
They like to ran the pants off me today, what with chasing back + forth between the ward and the admitting office, trying to write up my own patients and admit those coming in without admitting too many. The hospital is too full now.
I got a letter from Fred Merchant today which touched upon the festive holiday season back as 651, amongst other things. They must have had a rollicking good time from Organization Day (Dec. 20) until New Years Day. Earlier this evening I answered it. He sent me my laundry + dry cleaning that I left behind there. Now I think I shall retire. It’s so warm I didn’t even need a field-jacket today. Have you noticed how much I think about you?
Love B