Folders 241-250: 11 July 1944-17 July 1944

Containers:

3, 5

Scope and content:

Tells Esther that he never intends to return to Williamsburg after he is discharged; discuss how he resents those civilians who do not know what the serviceman has given up by being in the military. Thinks that the Democrats are going to drop Wallace as FDR’s Vice President; having the African-American soldiers at the Camp has proved not to be a problem. The newest rumor is that the camp is to be condemned by the medical officers and moved to Ft. Eustis. Learns that there are no longer waivers on commissions, so his eyes must be correctable to 20/20; learns that Lt. Crockett is being replaced by a new Lt., Lt. Kennedy; visits the College Library. Finds out that he will not be commissioned anytime soon, because his eyes are too bad. Talks with one of the camp librarians, learning that many of the political books they used to carry have been removed; sees the movie “The Canterville Mystery;” talks about the mindset of the Germans in using the V-1 rockets; notices Jewish periodicals in the W&M library. Walks around the campus of William and Mary; resigns himself to his low rate and vows to enjoy the reading that he can get done instead; talks about an interview he read with Santayana. Says he feels like writing a book about his experience at Peary. Defends VP Wallace against being a liberal and an unrealistic idealist; dismisses the idea that, if Ester were to come to Williamsburg, she would work at Eastern State Hospital.

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