Captain Samuels Ordered Back to States. The Exec Hartfield Will Take His Place.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
             Monday 13 November 1944, 8:35 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Good morning, Sweet, how is my darling this morning?  Saturday night after writing I saw the movie aboard, "The Rhythm of the Island," and although it was amusing I haven't seen any of the dusty beauties in their native costumes running around loose.  Anyway I was amused and after the picture I turned in.  This hot weather really tires one out. By 9:30 or 10:00 PM. I'm really ready to hit the sack.

          Yesterday was Sunday but unless you looked at a calendar it was just like any other day of the week.  Eat and sweat, work and sweat, rest and sweat, and that goes for everyday.  Then around 7:00 PM we had a real cloud burst.  The rain came down in buckets so we stood under the awnings and just watched.  It did seem like there would be no movie, but at 7:45 it stopped raining and the many, many twinkling stairs lit up the heavens once more.  The movie was "Charter Pilot" with Lynn Bari and Lloyd Nolan.  Just another picture is all I can say.

          After the movie I was tired so I read in bed until ten o'clock when all lights must go out at this place.

          Our skipper got his orders to go back to the states and our executive officer will be captain in his place.  The shaver has not arrived as yet so I'm selling the captain the one I have now and will keep the new one when it arrives.

          I awoke this morning and it was raining again and it is still.  But who cares!  As long as it rains, the sun won't shine and that makes everything much cooler and tenable.

          Although we have been here now for several days, no mail has been received.  I guess when it does come I'll get a sack full all for myself (I hope so).  Anyway dear, don't worry if my mail doesn't come regularly.  It's simple--a problem of transportation and distribution.  I'm really well and safe.

          Goodbye for now.  Love and kisses and a great big hug to you my darling and my two sweet girls.

Devotedly

Gil

Eleanor Is A Naughty Girl

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
           Wednesday 11 October 1944, 9:35 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello darling, how are you this morning?  Our chief pharmacist mate got a 30 day leave and is returning to the states.  So last night we sat around and talked until so late, that I decided to do my writing this morning instead.  It is now 10:45 and this is all I've gotten written since I started.  Come hell or high water, now I going to finish.

          Picked up 220 library books yesterday and there are many best sellers amongst them.  After I got the books back to the ship I went on liberty.  I did a lot of window shopping but still have the $100.  Nothing seems to be just the thing I'm looking for.  I returned to the ship for dinner and found we had two new ensigns aboard.  I got another letter from you in the afternoon mail and everyone wants to know how I do it.  Guess they never heard of love.

          We had another good move last night, "Sweet and Low Down," with Linda Darnell, Lynn Bari, Jack Oakie, and Benny Goodman.  After the movie I returned to sickbay and the long visit I mentioned at the beginning of this letter.

          You mention Miss Earnest.  The last time I heard from her she wasn't working but I don't believe she'd work long for Dr. White.  They just wouldn't get along.  At least that is my guess.  So what if he is busy?  As far as your teeth are concerned you were a naughty girl when I was in private practice.  You always had something to do instead of keeping dental appointments. Oh well after the war I'll make other appointments for you and you'll break them again, but who cares.  We'll be together and having fun and plenty of it.  I haven't heard from Libby in a couple of weeks but suppose I'll hear soon.  If I don't find anything more by the middle of next week I'll get my gifts off to you both for your birthday and Xmas for all.

          You know honey, you still aren't yourself and I can tell very easily.  You say in one letter you are enclosing a clipping and then if comes in the next one.  You sent me the first page of Deb's letter but where is the rest of it?  Take is easy Sweet, when I get back I want to find you your old sweet self not a nervous wreck.  And don't be so suspect when you miss a letter from me one day.  When we put out to sea it might be a month or more before any mail will leave the ship.  Just remember every day that passes is one day closer to the time when we'll be together again.  And even though I won't be hearing from you when we are out at sea you'll always be with me in my heart. You and my two darling girls.

          Do you remember how you got a gift every time I got a big case until big cases came so thick and fast we quit that routine? After the war we'll resume that and continue regardless of how many and now often I get them.

          Honey, I must wind this letter up so that if gets off today.  I'll sign off with love and kiss to my sweet wife.

Lovingly,

Gil

P.S. I've changed my mind about Xmas cards.  Why not have some printed or made up with the signature:

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

Dental Corps--U.S.N.R

I could use about 100.  If you attend to it right away and airmail the cards to me I should receive them in plenty of time.

Bye again darling.  I love you

Gil