Letter after learning of death of Grandfather Samuel Tappan
Just released from the hospital.
Saturday Eve
Dear Folks,
I don’t know how to start this letter but of course I am sorry for what happened. It came as quite a shock to me. I got your telegram about noon today and because I was more or less dazed anyway from just getting back from the hospital a few minutes before, it hit me pretty hard.
I went immediately to my company officers to see what could be done for me. They thought that since I had lost out anyway and would have to be transferred that I should have a furlough. But they cannot give emergency furloughs for death outside your immediate family. So they sent it to battalion headquarters and it was refused.
The only thing I knew to do then was to call you. I hope you could understand me. I was surprised at the rate the call went through. Most of the time the boys call home it takes 3 or 4 hours to the call to go through. My call came through in about 15 minutes or maybe less. It cost me $1.75.
I hope you took care of flowers etc for me. I suppose the grandchidren bought flowers. Either you can take it out of money I have sent or you can remember it for me.
When I was down at battalion headquarters seeing about my furlough, I heard them call to somewhere with my transfer so I should be transferred the first of next week.
God bless you all
Donald