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Erie, Pa.,
Friday, Nov. 15, 1940.
This was the first day that I have had much of any time to even begin to get half organized on my new job. A few incidents:

1.) Eddie Edwards told me (after I had asked him what work he has in hand) that he has been getting nothing but odds and ends from Shap - is pretty discouraged and disgusted. From what little I have seen of Eddie, I believe he deserves better treatment and he's going to get it. I may turn over the target car to him if we can get the order - more dope to White on it today.

2.) Talked to Henry Guy, Walt Harris and Woodward about the new Army loco program and will get things started myself - then believe I can turn it over to Jake safely. Shap told me not to trust Jake on prices - "he'll run to Henry Guy to get them and every time Henry sets a price we lose these jobs." So there is something to ponder! The correct system, of course, is for Henry to set them.

3.) Jake came in this morning with a wild cat he got from Marsh over some liquor last night - 80 20 to 30 ton mechanical drive locos built 100% to Gov't drawings - a purely manufacturing job with no responsibility for design or performance. Marsh told Jake he was placing a contract [[underlined]] today [[underlined]] with Baldwin & if we were interested to phone him by noon. Jake did so and the drawings will be here Monday. Personally, I'm rather inclined to think we shall turn it down.

4.) Had a nice talk with Spike today regarding a Navy Spec. Jay left yesterday - never knew Spike could be so affable. Have had many congratulations - many remarks about the change being welcome. Pour old Shap!