Transcription of Document FFDoc-0747.pdf

Dear Dot,

I designate for your next letter the same type as the one I received today. Don't you know I am very much interested in what you are doing and thinking? Wish we were able to chat over a beer, cocktail or highball. Perhaps, some day soon we shall. I hope so! [One version contains: (I CAN'T TAKE THIS STUFF!)]

Dot, here is my guess. You really want to go overseas. Rather imagine the natural curiosity relative to the unknown is at work while its resulting anxiety and fear leads to ambivalence. Stop thinking about it. Come on over. Get it out of your system. You will be capable of appreciating your family all the more upon your return home.

Dot, here is another guess. What you are now doing is as beneficial as anything you might do overseas. There is always the chance you might be able to contribute more but the brutal reality of it all is the fact its a mere chance.

I hear the New York Times carried an article pointing up the need for psychiatric workers and urging our social workers to join the WACs. My correspondence with AAPSW indicates the same need. Dot, you know what the Army is actually doing better than I. Whether or not you could do a good job under these circumstances is hard to say. I wrote to the War Secretary of the Association condemning the present practices of Military Psychiatry. The essence of my remarks was that I hated to see this happen and I felt I couldn't be a part of it. Dot, I have not gone through with my request for reassignment. Yes, it would bring me back to the States, but the Army is just as unattractive in the States as it is over here. Sooo - this factor holds no inducement. I want to do a job - a worth while job. I want to feel as though I am contributing something. Unless I succeed, it doesn't make much difference where I "sweat" it out which is all I am doing. Dot, if I were in your place, I would like to acquire membership in the AAPSW. As you know, there are very few clinics in the United States and thus it is difficult to qualify as a psychiatric worker. It might be wise if you connected with Military Psychiatry. If for no reason other than the fact you might be given status as a psychiatric person. And, Dot, you would gain an experience which is difficult to acquire. If I had not had the background I so happen to have, I would join a consultation or Rehabilitation unit. Another term I hear is Mental Hygiene Unit but I imagine they are all the same.

As you know so well, my attitude is negative relative to present day happenings but if I were in your place, I should go into the Psychiatric field in preference to what you are now doing and in preferance to going overseas. Dot, here again there is the chance you might be able to do a grand interesting job. If things become any more unbearable I shall take the chance. Anything might be better than what I now have.

Dot, if you decide on rehabilitation, you might write to Mrs. Elizabeth H. Ross, American Association of Psychiatric Workers, 1711 Fitzwater St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is able to tell you everything.

Dear Dot,

This the fourth page of my letter. The original was returned by the censor. Had mentioned something which might have been of interest to you. Don't bother guessing. It was unimportant. You probably have seen it. It had to do with Public Welfare.

Dot, I am glad you don't use V mail. I really dislike it. I got a big kick out of the cartoons but here I am again using V mail. I was going to use stationery. Couldn't get any. Was going to type . No typewriter. Sooo, you see my good intentions.

Did you know Agatha Walsh and Bill O'Brien? They were a year or two or three after you. Well, they were married. Yep, they were married. Spicy news isn't it? Heard from John Gabarino[?]. He seems to be doing well. Yep!

What does the yep mean? Just trying to feed my sense of humor. Am trying to see humor in everything.

Ed.

Part V

A wonderful example of how one's abilities are utilized. It is as difficult as ever to accept but accept I must.

Dot, it is sweet of you to remember me in your prayers. I am grateful.

How is Billie? heard from Decker. And I hope to hear from him again. Well, Dot, I guess I have done more talking tonight than I have had in some time. I have enjoyed it - reading and writing you. Hope you won't be long in writing again.

Goodnight Dot

Ed