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158559233
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Transcript of Letter from Katherine Fite to Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Fite
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158559233
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document
title
Transcript of Letter from Katherine Fite to Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Fite
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Katherine Fite Lincoln Papers
Correspondence Files
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Jackson, Robert Houghwout, 1892-1954
War damage
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158559233
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20
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1945-07-20
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7
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1945
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c/o Office of U.S. Chief of Counsel
2
APO 413
c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
(mailed July 20, 1945)
Dearest Ma and Pa,
In a way, it's a pity I didn't write the first day or
two after I arrived in London - because impressions are much sharper then,
tho probably a little out of proportion. I am sorry I didn't get a cable
off Sat. night. I was too tired to take it down to the hotel desk and
Sunday everything was all closed up & I didn't get out & across to a
P.O. until mid afternoon when I thriftily sent a night letter. They had
told me in Prestwick a cable would gp more quickly from London - I think
they were wrong & am sorry I listened to them.
Before I forget it - postage rates are 6c for me- i.e. going west &
60 or 86 coming east. The authorities differ on the latter point. Wattie
says Serena's letters have come both ways. In any case- no 30c is necessary
I am at the Cumberland Hotel, " billeted " by the Army. I have a
single room - private bath - & tub as big as a swimming pool - and plenty
of hot water, so I didn't need to worry re roughing it. My first night
in London was the last night before the street lights went on - so tho
there were window lights & auto lights I saw the chasms of blackness from
my window. So far I have seen many bombed out houses & groups of houses -
but no while blocks. I suppose thats further east & south. They are busy
taking down barbed wire. I eat at the famous "Willow Run" mess- an army
cafeteria where there is ndchoice - you hold up a tray with grooves in
it & they put the food in & take away your card if you don't eat up
everything. Price 3s 9d per day or 75p. I enjoy most the butter which I
hesitate to mention. The Army is a remarkably efficient, paternal organ-
ization.
Justice J. has been grand- takes me right into high quarters & intro-
duces me to everyone. The Embassy people arenice. Ran into Wattie at
breakfast & had dinner with him & went went for a walk in Hyde Park. The
hotel is at the Marble Arch. So far I have seen only the fashiohable West
End of London & then the hitehall-Westminster area. As a city, it has
more charm than I remembered. People at the office are having trouble
with mail. We will see how APO 413 works. You might try one letter thro
State.
I worry lest you & Daddy were physically worn out with your trip. Do
take care " keep yourself in good health. All my love,
Titter
This is a fascinating experience.
TRUMAN.
ARCHIVES "MATIONAL RECORDS AND
ADMIN.
c is