File:Letter, 6 January 1941, page 1 of 2.jpg

Dear Dad:

So sorry not to have written sooner, but the cold weather we are now enjoying does not make an ideal condition for regular correspondence. In fact its all I can do to hold a big object, like a rifle, let alone a small article, such as a pen.

The Christmas package was waiting for me when I got back. The chickens had spoiled, but the candy and cookies were enjoyed by all. Tully ate most of the candy, swore it was the best he had ever eaten, and asked to have the nuts left out of the next batch. Says they get between his teeth and the effort he expends picking them out lessens the pleasure he derives from eating the candy.

This sergeant proposition is all fouled up. Washington says I have to be a sergeant before I can take the examination for Staff Sergeant. They also say that the examinations for these range section ratings"

From the Edward L. Parke Collection (COLL/5627) at the Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division