Dear Bud-

Damn but it was good to hear from you, and I think I know where you are, and have taken a guess.

I guess you got all the reports on our position and it was rugged as hell - and by comparison. Gun was a May Day pinie - this position was a real cedar lawn clambake.

I was never more wearier, and had a native pack carrier with me for a couple of days, but he got such a baptism of fire for 2 days & nites, that at the first cessation & open road we had secured, he took off - I was relieved cause I didn't want him hurt, and dug him in with me at nite - where he shivered in my poncho. But he was invaluable cause he got water for us, cocoanuts, etc.

There's a deadline on this mail and I just want to see I got so far without a scratch and believe in miracles, cause we put into the best I hope. I don't want to meet any better.

When you get into the fuss, watch spider holes and enforcements under shacks which are cleverly camouflaged, and ground level - also watch the thickets, etc. These bastards are expert plots, and so hit the dirt when you hear a nip "pok"

Got a letter from Jeanne, she's fine & dandy, and everything is well in NJ.

Gotta get this in, and for Christ sakes don't go ahunting, stick to the ladles and I'll be seeing you.

As ever,

Jack