Feb 9, 1943
Dear Shirl,
Fine about next Sunday, not so fine about this one. How about two letters this week to sort of console me? Also that picture.
Right now I'm trying to learn 13 weeks of military navigation in 5 days. I'm afraid that one day my brain will give up and shall start unraveling. I'm strictly the truck driver type, this stuff is for super men. Is Dunning still operating?
I'm going to ask you a favor. I'll only be here till the end of this month, and then it will only be a matter of a couple of weeks till I go over. I'm planning to come in the 14th and the 21st. There are rumors that after this Sunday, our day off will be Monday, however, these are only rumors so I'm still planning on the 14th and the 21st. I'll let you know if anything comes up, but wich ever day it is, I want to see you. No mush or anything. I'll explain next Sunday. It's very important to me. My passing this course depends a lot on seeing you and getting your letters. I'm not getting romantic, so don't get mad at me. I'm a funny guy, and have funny ideas, but I'm just beginning to straighten out. You (innocently) got me into this shape, now I want you to help get me out. O.K.? You'll understand after I talk to you.
I'm not much up on hand writing analysis so I won't argue the point. All I know is I'm a lousy writer and have a hard time reading my own notes. Then after de-ciphering them they still don't make sense. I'm beginning to think that the world consists of nothing but radios. I'll bet that if I was dissected you would find that my stomach had taken the shape of a R.F. circuit. I'm really not a human being, i'm just a dirty old vacuum tube with hair. (had a good haircut , so I haven't even got the hair) Our outfit overseas is supposed to be a suicide squad. I don't believe it. If you can live through your schooling, no bodily harm can reach you. Except an irate transmitter might strangle you. ... Why did someone have to discover radio? Bah! Haven't got time to denounce the damned stuff anymore, got to study it.
No matter what you say I still like your legs. You wouldn't be the same without them.
Watcha gonna have for dinner Sunday? I love you very much but if you have beans or carrots I shall beat you and begin to have a series of affairs with the local Indian maidens.
I haven't gotten into any trouble for almost a week. I'm leading a very peaceful life. Disgusting!
There goes that whistle again. Bye honey, Don't forget the two letters and picture. Keep happy.
Love and Kisses
Thomas Jefferson