Rumor Number 40

Francis Poltrack writes the family that he had just learned that he will not be able to get home for Christmas. The letter is undated but was written prior to September 15, 1940.

Text Format

Dear family:
 
There are about 1700 unhappy men in camp today. It seems that rumor no. 40 was correct. We leave the island Dec. 15th--destination Cuba. The name has an odious sound to me now. And at the present time, I dislike this Marine Corps. very very much. And so Mary, I shall read your sentimental, but nice farewell letter anew.. it seems not so silly now. Christmas sounds all the more miraculous to me because I thought I was going home. Therefore, it is up to us to keep it that way, i.e. keep that Polish Xmas spirit in our hearts. I'm pretty sore about this so yo' all better have a Merry Xmas.
 
Drodze rodzice: to jest momczek i Popczek: Juz nie jest wiec do mowienie. Myslal i mysle o Polsce Bozego Narodzenie i teraz myslam o Hiszpanskiego. And at Nic chcem na Xmas bo bedziem w cudzym ziemi. Dla Mami i Pop, posylam paciorek na present. Kochajacy, Fra