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(base) in the grade of captain. His orders from Washington designate him a specialist in cardiology. He is being trained for administrative officer in charge of cardiology in a general hospital. That is a fine assignment and unusual for one as young as he. Of course nothing is 100% certain in the army but unless some unusual occurrence arises he should remain here for perhaps 6 weeks more and then be sent to another base for a few months before foreign service. He is very happy to be in service and is particularly happy with his assignment. For the first time in years he is being able to study and read medicine as much as he loves to. It tickles me to watch the faces of privates who must salute him while we are out walking when he accompanies his salute with a cheery hello.

I've heard some soldiers say that if they thought Alter could be their officer they would transfer to the medical corps.

Some day, after the war, you'll have to meet him and know him. He's very fine.

I want to read and read and read while I'm here because I may not have such a good opportunity again. I'm going to designate you my guide. Remember you said I'm not cultured. I want to learn a great deal about my country and history generally. I've got Delacroix’s Journal with me. I like reading bits of it each day. It stimulates me. I want to read valuable books on art too. Political reading is inaccessible here - I'm lucky to see the St. Louis Post Dispatch for