With this two-page letter, Dart’s prediction about the his letters getting shorter came to pass, if not the one about their frequency.

He begins by telling her about another meeting today that explained more policies and regulations to the new guys. The ship’s Executive Office even said the Navy had no trouble with the crew griping about conditions. With that permission, Dart begins, “They can take their tin can Navy and push it as far in any direction, any place, as they care to. It’s rough, wet, cramped and crowded. I slept on the deck inside last night. Some fellows were not so lucky. They slept on the deck in the rain. It threatens to be months until we get bunk space. I’m disgruntled.” Bear in mind, all this was said in clear view of the censors!

His next complaint was about the daily “Dear John” letters received by men on board. He refers to the bitter pills wrapped in sugar that announce that Miss So-and-so is now Mrs. Somebody Else. Dart says it’s tough to watch these men as they read the painful news and feel their hearts break. He confesses he wouldn’t know what to do if Dot left him. He hopes this letter doesn’t give  her any ideas. “I’ve seen stronger, more level-headed guys than I am sit down and cry like babies.”

Finding his way back to a more positive note, he thanks Dot for the pictures she sent of the Chamberlain house at Christmas time. He thinks Gale has a cute, devilish look and Doug looks much like Dart’s brother Burke at the same age.

He reminds her that even if he can’t write as often, he thinks of her just as much as before and his love grows daily.