Much of Elmer’s correspondence at this point is dictated by censor requirements. Letters must be short, they could not contain xo marks (which might be code), and they cannot reveal any information about what they are doing or where they are operating. Naturally this limited what Elmer could say.
The last image below is of a cablegram that Elmer sent on December 20th. The envelope in which it was stored was labeled “12/21,” suggesting that his parents indeed received it quickly. It may have also been the first indication that his parents received that he was alright.
Two hours spent worrying about one’s kid is an interminable length of time. Two weeks? I can’t even imagine.
Next Entry:
December 22nd: Revenge will be Sweet
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Censorship can be devastating. When a child cannot even talk to his parents about what’s going on, that’s a sad state of affairs. Great post!