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68

We went to the Wardman - Park after work to see the apartment Ed Harley and Vic Remix have and Marshall and I inquired as to the chances of getting something similar - hopeless at present. A few scotches in the dimly lighted cocktail lounge, dinner in the hotel with Joe Rowbottom comical as ever and back to the Carlton to bed about 11 PM.[[ left bracket]]

Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, Aug. 4, '42.

[[underline]]Major Marsh and Capt. McLeod[[/underline]] came over to see us this morning to learn [[underline]]from us[[/underline]] what War Dept. locomotives are on order and they found plenty they had no record of which Capt. McLeod kept repeating "just burns me up!" [[underline]]He can't make the various branches of the Army keep him informed of what they're doing[[/underline]] although orders have been issued that they must. Capt. McLeod is a little chap around 30 to 35 from the Bangor and Aroostook, son of a guide in the Maine woods. [[underline]]Major Marsh, nemesis of the G.E. Co.[[/underline]] probably had his [[underline]]thoughts concerning me[[/underline]] on WPB but he was pleasant and [[underline]]gave no indication of any reproachful [[/underline]] feelings in that connection. I can see the necessity for [[underline]]some careful attention [[/underline]] to my [[underline]] P's and Q's[[/underline]] in dealing with him in my new capacity. [[underline]]For example he has[[/underline]] cooked up a [[underline]]freak straight and automatic air brake[[/underline]] without a distributing valve which he wants to put on all War Dept. locomotives - which is contrary to WPB's desire to standardize; it might mean an [[underline]]unpleasant tangle[[/underline]] with him some day.

My impression today from McLeod is that the diesel locomotive demand by the Army is tapering off decidedly, which is somewhat disturbing to me as a manufacturer - however, we shall do whatever is necessary to win the war - that is paramount.