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to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he was menat to go to the general hospital to have his surgery, but instead he had managed to persuade the doctor to operate on him in the line hospital. Had he been moved, he "would have left on a certain morning on a...

GLC09120.416

to Estelle Spero

Diamond jokingly complains about his doctor and the ward boy, and their treatment of him.

GLC09120.417

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that wherever she happens to be on her birthday, she should know that he will be thinking of her. He also writes that there is "nothing new to report from 'sick bay'".

GLC09120.418

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that there are rumors that some nurses may be sent to the army hospital. If this transpires to be true, he states that they will be the first white women that he has seen in seven months.

GLC09120.419

to Estelle Spero

Diamond responds to a number of Estelle's letters. Regarding "that hotel deal," he writes that he regrets not having had "those few moments free from fears of curious eyes, of parental scrutiny, - just to be alone -." He informs Estelle that once...

GLC09120.420

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he is still "sojourning at the 52nd Field Hospital." He then responds to a series of letters that he has just received. He relates an argument that he has had with "Bud", about the concerns of the soldiers overseas. He...

GLC09120.421

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes a short note informing Estelle that work has piled up, but that he is so happy that she is "the gal."

GLC09120.422

to Sidney Diamond

Letter thanking Diamond for his informing the magazine that the poem that they published in their April issue appears on a tombstone in the Bronx, and not Indiana as they claimed. Diamond then appends the letter with a short handwritten explanation...

GLC09120.423

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes his daily routine in the hospital.

GLC09120.424

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the other patients in the officers' ward of the hospital.

GLC09120.425

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he does not want a large family, but that he plans on "consulting" Estelle first.

GLC09120.426

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 discusses the "news of the continental invasion."

GLC09120.428

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tries to understand why Estelle is angry with him.

GLC09120.429

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the Texan ward boy. He also explains that, although he had already written Estelle a letter that day, he "felt like being with [her]."

GLC09120.430

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that Mario Colin, presumably a friend, had written that "the average soldier doesn't know what he's fighting for" in a letter addressed to Sidney. Diamond then refutes this: "…I believe wholeheartedly in the way of government...

GLC09120.431

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he intends to break up the monotony of the day by getting a haircut, and going to an "artist" to have a picture of Estelle copied together with a portrait of himself, "just so we can see what we look like together…" Sidney...

GLC09120.432

to Estelle Spero

Diamond responds to a series of points raised in Estelle's recent letters. He instructs Stella to "get the most out of [her] stay at Northwestern." He explains the "rotation deal" which could allow him some leave after two years spent overseas.

GLC09120.433

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he has now spent almost a month in hospital, and proceeds to describe to Estelle his schedule there.

GLC09120.434

to Estelle Spero

Diamond complains about his "tyrant ward boy" in the hospital.

GLC09120.435

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he has been in the "purgatory" of hospital for twenty nine days. He includes a short poem to Estelle, and then playfully describes his fictitious history as a poet.

GLC09120.436

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 responds to the series of letters that he has received recently from Estelle. He mentions that he now has a punctured ear drum as a result of being exposed to constant and intense firing. He also writes that he cannot understand Natalie's...

GLC09120.438

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he has been released "after exactly 33 days in the hospital." He attempts to quell Estelle's jealousy about his having relationships with other women.

first two pages typed, rest handwritten

GLC09120.439

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that they are "doing little else besides train and train some more." He describes a party that a Lieutenant Rubin had given in honor of his fiancée's marriage to another man: "killed a bottle of scotch - laughed - joked…" He also...

GLC09120.440

to Estelle Spero

Diamond reports to Estelle that his housewarming party had been a success. He mentions that all is quiet, except for the sound of a radio, and "a whistle blows occasionally at a basketball game - a negro team is playing our team - It's a pleasure to...

GLC09120.441

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that his "only gripe is some of the water training" that they do.

GLC09120.442

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that his gardening is going well, and that he had gone to see a motion picture that evening.

GLC09120.443

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that a Canadian border man has been helping him with his French.

GLC09120.444

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the night before he had seen "Best Foot Forward", a film starring Lucille Ball, which he describes as a "stinker". He states that he loves Estelle for her "scolding".

GLC09120.445

to Estelle Spero

Diamond comments on the amusing nature of the advertisements in popular magazines. He writes that he has received no mail from Estelle that day, "as usual".

GLC09120.446

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle he has just been appointed Company orientation officer, a position that entails preparing lectures and aid in making the "American soldier the best informed soldier in the world." He writes that the topic for the following...

GLC09120.447

Handwritten notes on U.S Foreign Policy

GLC09120.448

to Estelle Spero

contains love poem

photocopy

GLC09120.449

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he is in an "ugly mood", but that it will have passed by the morrow. Sidney comments that Estelle is now the "traveler": "You're meeting new people, doing different things - seeing new sights…"

GLC09120.450

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he had given a lecture to an infantry outfit that morning. Sidney writes a short "scene" between a man and his wife.

GLC09120.451

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes to Estelle in a mocking tone their "control baby".

photocopy

GLC09120.452

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that there is "nothing new to report - all is the same…" Sidney discusses an article in Readers Digest that he had read about the "white-black relationship in the South".

GLC09120.453

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses his dislike of Frank Sinatra.

GLC09120.454

to Estelle Spero

Diamond reports that the battalion is undergoing a "reorganization to conform with a new table of organization for chemical battalion."

GLC09120.455

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the day was spent in an "insane squabble to straighten out an ammunition expenditure report, censoring mail, a lecture on voting - and an afternoon at the beach -" Diamond proceeds to complain about the complexity of the army...

GLC09120.456

to Estelle Spero

Diamond relates a lengthy conversation that he had had with officers from New Zealand.

GLC09120.457

to Estellle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he had received a letter from Harvey Salb, an infantry platoon leader who had taken part in the invasion of France: "They had a very rough time of it - With all the jungle and discomfort I'm glad we're here - not there -"

GLC09120.459

to Estellle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has enclosed a page of the Pacific Pony edition of "Time". He writes that it is "really revolutionary. No advertisements, no fancy frills, every ounce of paper utilized." He mentions that the day before he had drunk...

GLC09120.460

to Estellle Spero

Diamond writes that he is "disgustingly jealous" of Estelle's roommate as she can be with Estelle, and talk to her.

GLC09120.461

to Estellle Spero

Diamond describes his "home" in the jungle to Estelle, writing that although it "isn't large", he could squeeze her in

GLC09120.462

to Estellle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has received "a billet-doux from Georgey", in which an obvious question was posed: "What's organized labor planning for the returning soldier?" He continues to discuss this problem.

GLC09120.463

to Estellle Spero

Diamond writes that the night before he had seen the film "Going My Way", starring Bing Crosby. He mentions that he is "getting tired" of giving lectures.

GLC09120.464

to Estellle Spero

Diamond writes that the day should be named "D" day as it has been thoroughly discouraging. He describes a visit from the Inspector General's Department and a lecture that he gave on mortar to an infantry outfit. He closes the letter by stating...

GLC09120.465

to Estellle Spero

Diamond apologizes for the letter that he had sent the day before: "The letter written last evening was putrid, rotten, cruel…The blame is mine -" He tries to describe to Estelle how helpless he feels.

GLC09120.466

to Estellle Spero

Diamond describes a humorous event that had occurred the night before while the "gang" were "reminiscing good old home."

GLC09120.467

Handwritten notes

Story about being on an observation post during a "Jap attack", and a faulty cartridge preventing Diamond from killing the target.

GLC09120.468

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the rain in the tropics "stops all, paralyzes life". Diamond describes a conversation with Capt. Holmes, a medic who patches up "Jap prisoners" in the nearby evacuation hospital.

GLC09120.469

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that there are some U.S.O. entertainers on the island, allegedly containing a female.

GLC09120.470

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the U.S.O show, starring "the first white woman" that Sidney has seen in eight months.

GLC09120.471

to Estelle Spero

Diamond thanks Estelle for the "stuff" that she had sent him.

GLC09120.472

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes an essay that he had read by Charles Sank about the Jewish people.

GLC09120.473

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the earthquake that had taken place the previous night.

GLC09120.474

to Estelle Spero

Diamond reports that he has eaten some of the produce from his "garden". He also informs Estelle that the day before he had given a "successful lecture", and goes on to describe it.

GLC09120.475

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses the "dismal rains".

GLC09120.476

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that, even though he was jealous of "Stan", he is unable to "stay sore" at her. He mentions the fact that they seldom have political discussions in his company, continuing to discuss the one Southerner's attitudes towards...

GLC09120.477

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that she has been very good to him, and requests that she allows him to spend the rest of his life repaying her. He apologizes for having gone "off the deep end" at her.

GLC09120.478

to Estelle Spero

Diamond mentions that the sixth anniversary of the couple's meeting has passed, and proceeds to discuss their relationship. He writes about army policy regarding different races.

GLC09120.479

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes the letter as a fake memo on the subject of "Miss Estelle Spero", addressed to "The world

GLC09120.480

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has been snowed under with work. He then proceeds to discuss how much he misses her.

GLC09120.481

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses "psychoneurotics" in reference to an incident that Estelle has written to him about.

GLC09120.482

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses the books that he has been reading and describes the U.S.O. show that he had seen the night before.

GLC09120.483

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses whether or not Estelle's letter had been censored.

GLC09120.484

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes a letter to "Miss Taylor", Estelle's roommate at Northwestern University, about her having addressed him as Sidney.

GLC09120.485

to George and Jeanette Spero

Letter written to Estelle's parents, thanking them for their package of caramelized nuts.

GLC09120.486

to George and Jeanette Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he is nursing a "terrific sun burn". He describes the process of cleaning out his foot locker.

GLC09120.487

to Estelle Spero

Diamond apologizes for having upset Estelle. He also informs her that the portrait of the two of them together has been completed, but complains that he bears no resemblance to the picture. He discusses the books that he has read recently.

GLC09120.488

to Estelle Spero

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

GLC09120.489

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that, although he loves Estelle, he has "wasted the whole letter writing time to answering the damn questionaire

GLC09120.490

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that she has "kept a warmth and happiness glowing within [him] to which [he] shall be eternally grateful." He writes that "war news over in the European theater sounds encouraging - Very encouraging -" He states that he...

GLC09120.491

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has enclosed a copy of the A.P.O. newsletter. He also tells Estelle that, after seeing "Pin Up Girl" again, he has concluded that Betty Grable has nothing that Estelle doesn't have.

GLC09120.492

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses sex with Estelle.

GLC09120.493

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tries to clarify to which address he should send Estelle's letters, as he is unsure as to whether or not she is remaining in Chicago.

GLC09120.494

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that the battalion has been reorganized, and that he has been transferred to Company "C", writing that he no longer knows his men, what they can do or where their weaknesses lie.

GLC09120.495

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle how much he desires to see her.

GLC09120.496

to Estelle Spero

Diamond reports that he has completed his final lecture, so he is now able to devote some time to his platoon.

GLC09120.497

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses planning their wedding with Estelle.

GLC09120.498

Gamma EP Alumni Bulletin

Newsletter from Diamond's fraternity at City College.

GLC09120.499

to Estelle Spero

Diamond wishes Estelle a happy and successful Rosh Hashanah.

GLC09120.500

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes a friendship that had sprung up between a Lieutenant Gutman and an infantry lieutenant who is subsequently killed. He encloses a clipping from the 31 July 1944 issue of "In Fact" that mentions the friendship.

GLC09120.501

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has received his New York State absentee ballot, and declares that he is "strictly a Roosevelt man". He describes a lecture that he had heard that day on "white man versus the colored (all colors) -"

GLC09120.502

to Estelle Spero

Diamond mentions that he has been reading Montaigne's "Selected Essays", which leads to a discussion of the problems pertaining to a potential "victory" over Japan.

GLC09120.503

to Estelle Spero

Diamond comments on an essay on the topic of melodrama that Estelle had written while at Northwestern University and subsequently sent to him.

GLC09120.504

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes his Rosh Hashanah celebrations.

GLC09120.505

to Estelle Spero

Diamond comments on the fact that Estelle's letter paper smells of her powder. He writes that he had attended Rosh Hashanah services that morning.

GLC09120.506

to Estelle Spero

Diamond justifies having sent Estelle a check, begging her not to tear it up. Diamond describes a set of pictures that he has recently posted to Estelle.

GLC09120.507

to Estelle Spero

Diamond comforts Estelle after not having received, or taken, a job offer. He describes a U.S.O. show that he had seen the night before. Sidney then discusses how much he misses Estelle.

GLC09120.508

to Estelle Spero

Diamond congratulates Stella on her recent culinary success.

GLC09120.509

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he had given a lecture with a Public address system for the first time. He informs Estelle that he desires to be put "back on the front lines".

GLC09120.510

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that even though he is unaware of the exact date, he knows that it is Yom Kippur and that he is fasting. He states that, while he realizes that "it's all a bunch of hokum, it's the only way you can show people that you are what you...

GLC09120.511

to Estelle Spero

Diamond dreams to "Someday…walk on pavements, sleep in clean white sheets, get up at 10:00 A.M. -" He comments on a picture of Estelle that she has sent him.

GLC09120.512

to Estelle Spero

Diamond uses his reading of Montaigne's "Essays" to try and solve Estelle's friend Jan's "problem".

GLC09120.513

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has recently become more concerned with superstitions, given the "occupational hazards" of his profession. Sidney describes an incident that had occurred during a recent battle.

GLC09120.514

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he has been too tired to read, and describes his longing for Estelle.

GLC09120.515

to Estelle Spero

first page typed

Diamond argues about the scale of the wedding with Estelle. He writes about the letters that he has received from various friends. Sidney describes the frustration that he feels at the fact that all of his friends are "working at...

GLC09120.516