Australian Royalty

Capitola Calif. 25th Sept. 47 Dear Sis & Fred:- I cannot recall how long it is since I wrote you but it must be three years or more. Perhaps while I was over seas. Your letter was very interesting, and families sure grow up. I was glad to know you are purchasing a house, and also that Fred was still interested in the Fire Dept. If one can keep interested in something as the [sic] grow old it is better for them. I have never had a letter from Archie at anytime, so the news of him was something new. I am afraid my letter writing days are few and far apart, but now and them I start up. Recently I have been doing quite a lot of public speaking for the various service clubs, and I meet quite a lot of interesting people, and every now and again I judge livestock at the Shows, which I consider quite an honour. My days for work are nearly pass [sic], but I am on call by the Co-operative Farms for disease of Livestock. This is not a big event but it is all. Three or four times a year I am out for Uncle Sam, doing the field work and advise [sic] to farmers on their difference [sic] set ups. This is quite interesting work, and I certainly come into contact with fine people. After I came home from overseas and recovered from my injuries, Uncle Sam sent for me again to go overseas in the Philipines [sic] and China, but I managed to get out of it, by accepting a civil position at home. I was placed in charge (Administrator) of five counties in California War Farm Administration, and amongst the person were 6500 German prisoner, and 1100 Italian Prisoners. The only thing there was so much ground to cover, but thank heaven that is all over now. The service over seas was a great honor. I was only an American citizen a few weeks when I go [sic] my sailing orders to join Admiral Nemitz staff for special service. On reaching my Station I was detached and placed on General Hawone staff, and given Lieut. Colonel rating. I had such a lot of ground to cover mostly flying and such a variety of duties I cannot recall them. I was received by the American Officers in splendid fellowship, and my quarters were certainly not what I expected, they were grand. There was electric lights and quipment, Fridge Air, 6cc feet and a tent of 16 x 16, so you can see how I fared in the US Army. I made hundreds of friends and I still keep us [sic] a corresponce [sic] with many of them. The report on my work which went to Washington and I had seen it, said “This man has something which we have no where else. He has the confidence of the Army and Navy”. I sure am proud of that report. Recently I have been lecturing quite a bit on Australia and the people here are very interested in Australia. We live by the sea and still have our own house, it is in a nice part. Concreat [sic] streets and sidewalks, electric lights, gas, water, and sewer and some wonderful neighbours. The family is grown up, and the grandchildren are growing like weeds. Kathleen and the baby are with us now. The Boys are doing well. Ken Dorothy’s husband is now manager of the Bank of America Livermore Calif. Florence husband Bill is Division Educator for the late Power Co. Fred Kathleen husband I Division Englneer for the Telephone Co and has done wonderful well. Love to you all Fred