Encoded for for the Veterans History Project, October 22, 2020.
All letters in the Ellsworth Dewitt Hill collection were digitized.
The following letters were transcribed from the handwritten originals by Veterans History Project staff. No alterations to this transcription has been made, although spelling errors are indicated with [sic]. Any special emphasis (i.e. underlining) is presented *between asterisks*.
July 14, 1944
Dear Florence.
Today was a banner day, with letters from everybody- that is almost everybody. D. A. wrote me a big note and I was very appreciative of it. Barbara [pink?] letter was up to her usual ingenuity. Nancy’s enclosure (the thoughts on your wedding anniversary- was really touching. Honey’s letter was [?] with the customary adjectives and analogies. Your mothers mail was prosaic- but don’t say I said so, for then she might not write. The emoposite letter from your anniversary party fathering reminded me of the date.
This passionate purple in was some French ink I found in a German Headquarters. One finds all all sort of interesting things. I now have a nice feather pillow. It was German. I cut it open and took out the feathers, steamed them and then sewed them in a clean new cover. I am improving in my sewing, but don’t think I am going to darn my own socks
*apre le geurre fini*. My laundry is gradually being solved. The French farm women are passionately fond of washing. (Clothes) That is if you furnish the soap. There is plenty of G. I. soap, so I furnish my women with that and a bonus of Lux every so often. The Lux really gets them. They like the smell. No matter how big or small my wash is, she always charges twenty-six francs (5 cents,) I don’t think she can count any higher.
The world seems a little brighter today, because for the first time in a month (since 2 days before D day) I have not had to eat K rations. We are now on B rations and they are much better.
For the first time in 10 days the sun is out. It has rained almost every day. When your tent and bed roll get wet it makes things pretty miserable. [Inturustely?] I captured a German shelter tent, which not only camouflages my own but makes it somewhat larger and keeps it dry. I have also bought myself (from the new commissary) a pair of wool pants, a wool
shirt and a pair of G. I. shoes, so my wardrobe has practically doubled. I was afraid if the commissary did’nt get here soon I would be barefood, so I have only one pair of shoes. You just could’nt wear the dress shoes, and tramping the mud and rucks and what not wear even G. I. shoes out in short order.
Here is a Natzi officers insignia Nancy may want to add it to her collection of trophies. You will note that most of those I send do not take up much space. The is always a lot of spoils as we go into new country, but while others like to collect helmets and guns and such, I do not, for they are awkward to carry around. However if Barbara or Nancy want any brass shell cases (which can be turned into nice table lamps) or so booby-traps (immobilized) or a silk parachute or what not, have them request it, and I will do a little moonlight requisitioning. I wish I could find a camera, but no luck. Is that small folding camera around? If it is send it to me together with some films. I will take some snaps. They would have to be censored, but that is all right.
Dont remind me that I took the big one to Washington. I know it. I guess it is still there. If you want it write to Major John Terrill, c/o lf Army-Navy Petroleum Board, Munitions Building Washington, and have him ask Corporal (I forgot the name but she will know) to send it to you. Just remembered- Corporal PORTER
I wrote to Barbara about her engagement to Jack. I hope she understands that I am not opposing her marriage. I think both you and I agree on this. With me, it is consent but not with approvation. Her last letter (the one written on pink paper) was very sweet and very frank, and partially at least it removers some of the regret I feel as to her decision. If I keep on keeping on my point of view it will possibly lead to some estrangement, and I don’t want her to feel that way. It is of course extremely unlikely that I would be home by September and I hope she will keep my posted as to her plans.
Nancy’s 97 in mathematics is remarkable, and I am quite proud of her as she becomes
a high school freshman. I suppose this will be a strange vacation for her, but Barbara says she is going up to Gypsy Trail with Dana. Why does’nt Barbara go too?
Have you received any word about the return of my trunk? I looked all around Cherbourg for your trunk but could’nt find it.
I have a most amusing colored boy who drives me around in a jeep. He really is quite remarkable, so great in fact that I call him Alexander the Great. On different occasions I have shorted it to Alexander and then to Alec. Sometimes we had to drive to places that quite hot, and he is quite consoling to have along, and incidentally he is a very good shot. As I have developed to be pretty good at map reading, we never got lost. Once or twice we have gone a bit too far, but I have had an arrangement with Alec not to do so. He is also very amusing. He can play any musical instrument every made and do it well. Sometimes when we have been out over night he tells me
all about himself and his life. His father is a negro preacher in Columbus, Ohio. Then I tell him about Long Island and where I live and about the horses and the dogs and Barbara and Nancy. Last night he said he had thought it all out. Just before sailing to England from New York about two years ago, he met a girl in Harlem. He says she is a good cook. So he has decided to marry her and the two will come to live with us, so as he can drive the Zephyr and take care of the horses. He seems very determined. All I have to do is suggest that some scrambled eggs and beans would be nice for supper, and in a short time he shows up with them. The remarkable part about it is he doesnt speak a word of French. To-day he showed up with a whole case of Barnewheat cheese, and was awfully disappointed when he found out he could’nt send it to you. In some unguarded moment I must have told him you liked Camembert cheese.
Now that is is getting dark I had better stop before it gets to dark to address
the envelope. Lots of love to you all.
Dewey
Major E. D. Hill AUS.
G4-Advance Section Com. Zone.
A.P.O. #113- Postmaster N.Y.
Daddy’s driver
Mrs E. D. Hill
76 Fourth Street
Garden City L. I.
New York.