I think the changes are about over now and that things will remain somewhat stabilized until the policy is changed by Manila, I am still “qtrs” and am getting B¹, from the dispensary daily for vitaminesis. We currently have billets in Snug Harbor but my compatriot is working part of the time — “qtrs” other times. Things have tightened down more and more; for example, all work details now are forbidden shoes, an excellent method of preventing escape. Another fence has been put around and inside the old one; sentries patrol between them — misters are all held by Jap officers now — there is no more airport detail from this camp and we have heard that all other such details have been called in — and there is activity on our little road to say nothing of the troops quartered in the old hospital area. Bulk food seems to have increased somewhat, at least we do not feel as hungry as we once did although the doctors say we are starving. I have seen more than one diagnosis marked “simple starvation” — maybe I am just getting used to so little to eat. Vitamin pills are in again, a 2 months’ supply for the camp. They are truly life savers.
Not much visiting these days; either rain or lack of energy has held it down to a minimum, I miss my oldest and best friend; although he lives only a short distance away, we rarely see each other now. We have so little free time. Scarcely ever finish evening meal in time to make muster and that takes about an hour. I then finish my duties and by that time it is 2030 and I come home and finish dinner, cold as it is. Although it is pitch dark we arise at 0530 and cannot finish muster and breakfast before 0630 — details at 0645. We just don’t have free time any more — relaxation is a thing of the past aussi. There is too mech “strain” in camp now. My eyes improved enough to read stories of some of the island around us — I read with scattered interest only for a while, but then quite a bit more but eyes on blink for last couple of days. Talked of days at the Naval School a few nights ago — of how our football team used to play, remembering excellent ends and those hard unexpected drives over center. Maybe one of these times we’ll see another of those games — they’ll be playing again this fall (at home) but we will be far out of the scene. I’d like to play, but can’t for obvious reasons. I’d certainly like to get those letters I have across the street — no luck so far though. Many people are getting cracked on the chow question — so far aching hands and legs along with conjunctivitis are my only ill effects. I still think I have a normal mental attitude. Details work in rain and we muster in rain — many do not have dry clothes to change to — we thank God for sulphur drugs, they have saved 1000s
of lives!