14-12-4
Manzanar, Calif.

March 13, 1943

Dear Joe,

I believe the last time I wrote you was last friday. Gee whiz, I don't know why, but I just can't keep up on my letter writing. I think the reason is because my other friends from back home all seem to write me at the same time, and slowly but surely I get them answered. Well, we are in the new semester now and it really feels good to start fresh again. In your latest letter, you wanted to know of my grades in my finnals. Well, I didn't come out so hot. We didn't get our finnals back, and we haven't even gotten our report cards yet so off hand I can't let you know. You also mentioned that reading books is really essential. I more than agree with you on this, but I'll have to admit it right now,

[Page 2]

my eyes poop out and my memory doesn't hold good on what I read. I think my eyes have gotten to be a lot worse since I've come up here and my glasses don't fit me any more. I'm going to see doctor Itatani about it right away. We had a I.Q. test on reading last Thursday, and believe me, I didn't do so good in it, although we don't know our results. You mentioned subscribing to some radio magazine, but nowdays radio magazines are so limited due to national defense and the material you get is only on national defense. I think it is wiser not to do so. However, I think that if I get some back copies of Q.S.T. (a radio magazine) as listed in the Radio Amateurs handbook, they would really be of great value. Well, I had all of my radio junk sent up although I haven't received it as yet. You see, Mr. Wetzel sent it through railway express and

[Page 3]

it comes only as far as Lone Pine. So a school teacher is going down today to claim it for me. So I'm expecting to receive it tonight when he comes back.

Well, nothing new has happened out here and its still same old dry monotenous place. Probably "Moscow" will be telling you this in her letter, but we got word from Mrs. Clanalot that Carmen Hastings got married in her house. What a laugh; I can just see that divorce one year from now, although I shouldn't be thinking that way. You know, guys like Ken Mayeda and Henry Mikami ask if its favorable to go on the outside, and I just tell what you say, but if you give me your full opinion, maybe I can give them a more complete answer.

Say, that was some joke you pulled. I could hardly believe a preacher saying one like that. Ah well, I got a great kick out

[Page 4]

of it. "Moscow" and Mama kept hounding me because they didn't get it. The only part they thought was funny was where the cow flew out in bits of hanburger. "Moscow" finally caught on though, and you know how once she starts laughing, she can't stop. We received the "Japanese book" from Reverend Fertig and will send up it up pretty soon. There are just a couple of things I want to get out of it first. Boy, that katakana letter was sure sharp. Mama and Papa got a great kick out of it and if you wrote a few more of those, I think they will really enjoy it. My brain has run out of things to say, so I guess I'll be closing. Don't study too hard and keep up on your health.

Sincerely yours,

Towru Nagano.

P.S. keep looking for the soldering iron & solder. George & Tom Ichien asked me to say hello to you for them.