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to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the "hot, sweltering horror" of the climate in the Tropics". He outlines the books that he has read on the voyage, giving Estelle short reviews of each. Written at sea

GLC09120.253

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses the time difference between his present location and New York. He tells her of his desire to share this spot, this experience with her, and writes that once the war is over, if they have sufficient funds, he would like to spend a...

GLC09120.256

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he is located on a large island in the Southwest Pacific, where the language spoken is French. He tells her that they have been building the base camp, and that there is a large town about 22 miles away.

GLC09120.257

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that he has sent his "fancy get-ups" home as he has no need for them in his present location. He writes that he would love to be in the European Campaign as "this jungle fighting" is not for him.

GLC09120.276

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that, at the termination of a long period of extremely arduous intensive jungle training, he had thought of her constantly. He tells her that "[F]rankly it's been rough", commenting that this "jungle nonsense" is a little out...

GLC09120.279

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he is now "even more impatient to get at the Japs."

GLC09120.288

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes one of the "natives", mentioning that they "appear a great deal more savage" than those on the other island.

GLC09120.292

to Estelle Spero

Diamond provides Estelle with a vivid description of the jungle.

GLC09120.297

to Estelle Spero

Diamond encloses $20.00 with the letter, prescribing a "date" that she should go on with a friend, to be financed by the money. He then describes some of the "native boys" that he has been working alongside.

GLC09120.307

to Estelle Spero

Diamond reassures Estelle that there are no women around, as the "natives" had fled to the hills when the fighting took place. He asks Estelle to send him clippings of articles about chemical troops in action.

GLC09120.312

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the "natives" on the island. He then discusses the banian tree, drawing diagrams to illustrate.

GLC09120.314

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he is in the midst of carrying out an inventory and audit. He tells her that he has once again been working with "native boys", describing them as "cute".

GLC09120.320

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes a conversation with one of the "natives" about love and marriage.

GLC09120.321

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he had gone into the jungle to inspect the impact area of yesterday's firing. He describes a discussion with the other officers based upon the question: "What will the people back home say to us when we return?""

GLC09120.323

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the soldiers from New Zealand that he has been working with.

GLC09120.326

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the "situation continues as usual", with everything "wet, damp, moldy" from the rain.

GLC09120.336

to Estelle Spero

Diamond talks of the constant rain, his desire for good cuisine and a recent nightmare about an air raid.

GLC09120.358

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that he no longer has "that burning hatred of the jungle and its mysteries", commenting on how peculiar it is that "a man can adapt himself to this way of living".

GLC09120.361

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has gone from platoon leader to Company Executive Officer. He also mentions that they are now allowed to divulge that they are somewhere in the Solomon Islands

GLC09120.390

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the "days are completely devoid of any activity." He mentions that a rotation policy is being started, whereby men who have spent between eighteen months and two years in overseas service will get an opportunity to go home....

GLC09120.393

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that some day he hopes to visit New Zealand or Australia. He comments that he has read part 2 of "France et La Vieux".

GLC09120.407

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes "hot & bothered", with "bandages sticking". Diamond expresses frustration about the fact that all press about the "work" that has been done in the South Pacific accredits all success to the "God damned marines."

GLC09120.413

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the night before, the radio broadcast Fiji music, and he expresses surprise that "somehow the music - melody - intonation - of those not marred by civilization can be so completely expressive." He then goes into a lengthy...

GLC09120.427

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that, although he was meant to have been discharged that day, his physician changed his mind upon removing the bandages. He complains that the period of time for wounds to heal is extended due to the tropical climate. He expresses...

GLC09120.437

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes his "home" in the South Pacific, and begs Estelle to go and live with him there.

GLC09120.489