13.

Albacete, May 17 Dearest,

Today was a rich day. I got three letters from you. I was overjoyed by your desire to come here and work, but I am compelled to say no for the present at least. We have made a decision that no wives are to be allowed to come here un- less an emergency arises. It’s this way—the boys up in the front lines are naturally prey to all rumors, usual in wars, that at the base the officers are eating, drinking, smoking, etc., they have their wives or other women, etc., etc. Actual- ly, the boys up front get better food, they get first crack at cigarettes, etc., but we must lean over almost backward to deprive them of any excuse for the above stories. The situation may change and allow you and others to come- if so I will notify you at once. You can be sure of that. Personally, I think you’d make a first-rate tank-driver in addition to the other things you’ve listed.

Have been more active lately, getting the school started, and leave the base tonight to stay at the school until it is over. Was out there several times already. It’s situated in a pine forest—isolated from most everything, and is an ideal layout. Three kilometers away there is a swell river and we will swim in it at least several times a week—thus getting what is one of the hardest things to get in Spain, a bath.

J01: s

40.