Oct 8 1942

Dear dad,

I haven’t much to say at his time.

Except this. I have one only chance to come home and that is to get a emergency furlough. I did think I would get to come in this month. But they have made so many changes lately.

So if you all can make some excuse for me to get a emergency furlough it would be a great pleasure to me. They will make an investigation through the red cross. So do your best to get a good one. You all know I’m going to Texas next month. So I’ve not got a long stay here. And if I don’t get to come before I go, I won’t get to come for five more months. So I guess you know how I feel. So do your best and write real soon.

Your son,
Cornell

A few years ago, my mom gave me a shoebox full of old papers that her grandfather had saved. Some of them were yellowed receipts and such, but there were also quite a few letters from various family members. This is one of them. Here are some others.

I realized yesterday that I’d forgotten to share any letters over the last few weeks. So this week, we get two of them. They’re both from Cornell, who was obviously having some drama in his life.

July 4 1942
Camp Pickitt Va

Dear dad,

I am still O.K. but I am worried to death. I am going to have to buy some clothes so I can get some rations. We don’t have enough clothes to keep clean. That is the reason I wrote for the money. I am in hard luck now. And if you knew what I do you wouldn’t think about selling out. You would be glad to know you have a home. I have taken out $5,000 of insurance and the government has the same. So that makes $10,000 dollars insurance. It will be mailed to you so I want it put in a safe place. So send me some money if you can. Tell Polly to send me some hangers.

CM

If hangers and insurance weren’t enough, there’s something going on with Cornell’s love life, too. And whatever it is, it’s turned him into a Fezzik-style poet.

Sept. 4, 1942

Hello everyone,

I haven’t time to say much. But I’m hoping you all are well. Here’s all I have to say. My heart is great for the ones who care. But that ones that don’t theres nothing there.

In time I’ve had a lot to say, and you all tell me to go away, and now I’m gone and no one cares. But someday your eyes will fill with tears.

I always loved only one and she is now the greatest one. I’ll spend my life with that very one that made my life a pleasant one.

Just Cornell

This is the first letter from Cornell, who I believe has left home to join the Army.

June 22 1942

Dearest dad,

I can’t write much as I am in a hurry to go to bed. I am O.K. and like it fine. I don’t know how long I am going to be here, so if you can any way get me a little money and send it down here I will send it back just as quick as I get my first pay day, that will be the first of August, so if you can get me as much as $10.00 it will come in mighty good. We have to buy a lot of things and pay for our laundry to. So you know what I am up aganst so do your best and I will be expecting to hear from you soon. Rush the money just as quick as you can.

Your son,
Cornell

If you’re reading this, dearest Dad? I could use $10, too. Rush it just as quick as you can.