“At least with my people, we were trained to help each other when needed.” Sept 23, 1943 (Alex)

Alex responds to Sylvia with answers to her questions about where his camp is located, whether she can and should visit, and asking his family for baby clothes for Adrienne. He doesn’t shame her for being anxious to ask for help but writes, “I am going to write to Serena and ask her for what you told me in page 4. You know that she will be glad to do it. The direct method is the best for these things, if you tell her that you need it is not charity, because at least with my people, we were trained to help each other when needed. But don’t worry honey, I am writing her right now. ”

I wonder who he means when he says “at least with my people,” does he mean his family? Hungarians? Communists? I don’t think it’s a reference to Judaism since Sylvia is also (and more religiously) Jewish. I just like the assuredness with which he categorizes his people – family included – as generous. It was something I felt like I needed to read today, in a world that feels so ungenerous, so individually-oriented, and so segmented.

Wednesday [sept] 22 [1943[

Dearest,

Received today two letters from you and one from mother, they made me happy to know you are well and all is well. Of course I shall write to Serena and tell her of the babies needs and I know she will be happy to do what we ask her. 

Right at this moment I don’tknow the rules about you coming up here. I know that wives can visit after the third week up here, and they are allowed 4 hours to see their husbands in one of the drill halls. 

This place is located at the eastern shore of Lake Seneca. I think it is a few miles from the City of Geneva. That is all I know, we have it got a New Yrok State map so this is the closest info that I can give you. Both Rochester and Syracuse are nearby. Later on I shall give you more exact information. 

I am sorry if yesterday’s letter wasn’t as cheerful as it should have been, but I was slightly disappointed and I din’t feel too well, because we got a double typhoid shot, which gave me the chills and then a fever. Today, I am already well and happy. 

Today they gave us our endurance test and although I am not the best physical specimen I managed. They also gave us instructions how to abandon ship,

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We had to jump off a raft 15 feet high swim to a rubber raft go aboard it and roll off the other side and go out of water. The second part was to jump off again with life belts then board the one with nets instead of staircase. The whole maneuver is excellently carried through by the orders of a whistle. 

I spoke to our chief he told me we can have visitors after all at the 4th Sunday after our arrival. There is special consideration given if so desired, in other words if you want to come before the fourth week write me and I shall ask for special consideration, and you may see me. But the catch to all this is that I can’t leave camp, can’t have privacy, and we are restricted to drill hall with other people who visit. You may spend 4 hours with me and then leave to travel so far (8 hours by coach train with rotten accommodations) or to travel by car, which may be fun for an hour or so but after it is no picnic at 35 miles per hour so far. The train fare I think is about 9- 10 dollars. Rochester is but 50 miles from here and Syracuse some 75. I don’t think you should come, it is a terrific staring on a person and four hours is mighty short time for a trip like that. You see when we will go to a regular training camp then perhaps it will be worth 

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While, because after my days work I’ll be able to get a pass to get out of camp and spend a few minutes in at least the privacy of a hotel room. Please understand me, nothing could make me happier than to see you and be with you. I think a little playtime(?) won’t hurt. THe days fly comparatively pretty fast of course to me, I hope yours are more endurable. 

I am going to write to Serena and ask her for what you told me in page 4. You know that she will be glad to do it. The direct method is the best for these things, if you tell her that you need it is not charity, because at least with my people, we were trained to help each other when needed. But don’t worry honey, I am writing her right now. 

So in the meanwhile my love to you and to Cookie, someday I’ll hear her gurgling and it will be soon. 

Millions of kisses

Alex

Best regards and love to all relatives. Love to mom.

1- Fever

2- Rosh Hashonah?

3 – Faye Levine

4- Dress

5- Cookie and Toy