When the news of Pearl Harbor broke, Ellsberg, true to his nature, left for Washington by train the next day and reenlisted. So, for the fourth time in his career, he was a Lt. Commander.
Letter #1
December 16, 1941
Tuesday
Lucy darling:
I arrived and reported a little before noon. I am temporarily assigned to the Ship Maintenance Section in the Bureau of Ships, which section, of all people, is now in charge of (since yesterday) Captain Broshek!
I was of course, glad to see him, and he told me (this is very confidential) that he understood I was to go to Iceland, since Admiral King had asked for me. Now all this may be so, but it’s subject to lots of change, and since neither Bryson Bruce, Van Keuren, nor Admiral Robinson has yet said a word to me on that subject since I got here, I should say it’s far from an accomplished fact.
Meanwhile, I’m busy reading a very thick file on the British salvage experience.
I also put in a good part of the afternoon signing various forms about nearly everything in connection with pay, travel, uniform allowance, etc.
I now know that my pay will be $504 a month, or $6048 per year. As soon as I find out a little more about where I’m going to be, and about allotments, I’ll probably arrange to send $350 a month home, allot $40 a month to cover my Govt. and Navy Mutual Aid insurance policies, and keep $114 a month myself. I probably won’t need that much though, and if I find I don’t, I’ll send more home.
The Army and Navy Club is full tonight and they are putting me in a dormitory, but they hope to have a room tomorrow.
I just wrote Mary to send me her car & berth numbers and I’d call on her when her train rolls in here next Saturday morning.
I hope you are not too tired today.
With much love, Ned
Letter #2
Dec. 18, 1941
Thursday
Lucy dear:
Not much happened today. I read salvage files till I was dizzy in the head, and that was about all.
Please let me know when you get the check from Dodd, Mead for my Lit. Guild payment. So far as I can figure it now, my own income will be greater next year than this, so it was advisable for me (but not for you) to take my half this year. When the check comes, deposit it in our checking account for the present.
The weather has been exceptional – cold but clear. I have been walking both ways to the Navy Dept. for exercise – it’s about a mile each way. (Ed: The letter was written on The Army and Navy Club stationary). I trust the snow holds off so I can keep it up a while.
I’ve made no attempt yet to see anybody at all around here – just studying.
With love, Ned
Letter #3
Dec. 21, 1941
Sunday
Lucy darling:
I was sorry to see from your letter of Friday you were in bed with some fever. I certainly hope it’s nothing more serious than a “little.” Stay in bed, and get somebody else to work for you.
It was grand to see Mary yesterday morning, if only for a few minutes.
About myself, I’m busy here studying the salvage files. But that’s as much as I know of the future. I’ve heard nothing more whatever.
It looks to me now as if I can leave Washington somewhat earlier Wednesday. I’ll try to make the train due in Plainfield at 5:02 PM, but if I find I can’t, I’m fairly certain I can get the one due in Plainfield at 7:14 PM. I’ll telegraph you when I start.
I ran into Capt. Wright in the corridor Friday and had quite a talk with him.
I took the first tetanus and the typhoid injection Friday. They made me a little groggy so I went home early and turned in. Saturday I was OK. I was going to take the yellow fever thing next Tuesday, but as that is too close to Christmas, I’ve decided to let it go over till the week following.
About the matter of service (with respect to pay) I was allowed a little over 24 years. That includes all service as an officer, both in the regular Navy and in the Reserve, but omits service as a midshipman. It is a lot more than I thought I’d be credited with.
My pay is made up as follows:
Pay………$4200
Quarters…..1200
Subsistance..650
Total $6050
As a practical matter, it makes little difference what they call the various parts – it all adds up to the same. In one place only it does make a difference – the quarters and subsistence allowances are exempt from federal income tax.
I don’t think I’ll ever be so glad to see Christmas come as I am this year.
Lovingly, Ned
Letter #4
Dec. 26, 1941
Lucy darling:
Confirming my just completed telephone call, I was advised by Admiral Bruce today that the detail to the Red Sea is definite. The Army has also been advised, and I had the first discussion today with several of the army officers assigned to this North African Military Mission. My orders will shortly be made out.
I was advised by the Army here that all members of the Mission will be allowed or reimbursed their actual living expenses in Africa, so that at least doesn’t come out of our pay.
I need a passport. And as the State Dept. will probably require my old one, I asked you to send mine here by special delivery so I’ll get it Sunday.
I also find I haven’t my rubbers. I think I left them in the closet at home. Please send them, parcel post. (Both the above to the Club).
From what Admiral Bruce said, that I might find it necessary to look over some salvage or other ship matters before I go, I judge that I will find it necessary to take a look at some matters in New York probably before next week is over, so I should be home for a day or so then.
I’ll probably leave sometime the first half of January, by air with some of the army personnel, if they can get reservations on the planes. The route is apparently to South America, across to Freetown, Africa, and then across Africa. It takes about six days, they say.
The ship route around the Cape of Good Hope takes two months, I’m told. I doubt I’ll use that.
With much love to you and Mary.
Ned
P.S. You can now tell Mary this, but no one else. I’ll find out soon how confidential the detail is supposed to be.
Letter #5
Dec. 28, 1941
Sunday night
Sweetheart:
I’ve been studying plans and reviewing damaged ship problems all day today, as usual. The weather is still cool and clear. Remarkable.
Last night I went to a dinner party at Lute and Dora’s. Some of their friends took me out, and some others brought me back. Pleasant, but not an exciting time. They were all newspaper men and their wives there and guess what they talked about exclusively – shop! Just like actors and shopkeepers!
Lute and Dora are going to New York for a week tomorrow. You’ll probably hear from them. Apparently it’s both business and a vacation trip. They’re staying in some New York hotel.
I wrote Harry and Will today both by airmail, requesting they answer to Westfield. When, if & as the answers come, hold or forward them, depending on how soon it then seems I’ll be coming home.
I’ll be struggling with my orders and some conferences the first part of the week, so I’m not sure now I can get home during the week, New Year’s being no holiday. But if I don’t, I shall certainly be home Saturday evening and Sunday.
I’ll try to get around to the Bureau of Navigation in the next day or two, and then perhaps to Celler (Ed: US Representative Emmanuel Celler, a big supporter of Ellsberg’s in the 1920s).
Funny that interview I gave those high school boys a month or two back should come out now.
I received the passports (2) and the rubbers. Thanks for your speed.
By the way, I ordered a two volume book on Naval Arch. sent to Westfield. If it comes, just hold it there – don’t forward it. I’m using a library copy here.
I had another shot in the arm yesterday, and they’ve made out a regular shooting schedule for me that will leave me looking like a pin cushion, and immune to everything – but you.
With love, Ned
Letter #6
Jan. 4, 1942
Monday night
Lucy darling:
My trip was OK but when I got to the Army-Navy Club, the place was all full. However, they finally decided I could take the room of another officer who was away for the night, so I turned in in his bed. As it was about midnight, that was welcome. Today, I have another room which I guess I can keep.
My orders are being made out attaching me to the North African Mission. This afternoon, a Lt. Colonel Chickering, who is Exec. on the Mission phoned to invite me (and you) to a cocktail party at his house at 5:30 PM for various members of the Mission. I accepted, and went to find that the occasion was in honor of his being promoted to Colonel. I met there Mrs. Maxwell, who is the wife of Brigadier General Maxwell, the head of the Mission, and various others. Among others, I met again a Major Riggs of the cavalry and his wife (he’s also attached to the Mission). And from them (I met him over a week ago) I learned that he is Pannie’s brother! (Ed: Pannie was a roommate of Mary’s from Hollins College). It seems she heard from Pannie that a naval officer who was her roommate’s father was going abroad and they put two and two together. Well, it had never occurred to me to connect Pannie and Major Riggs, but there it was. He’s a very nice chap, and hopes Pannie will go back to Hollins next year. He thinks this Leo is a louse, but says, thank heaven, Pannie has learned better, and that difficulty is all over now. Though for a while he was afraid his parents’ violent opposition might have the wrong effect.
Can you beat that? Pannie’s brother and I both assigned to the same general task?
Got a few things done today, but not much. Cochrane (Ed: Ned Cochrane, Ellsberg’s classmate at USNA) just got back from the Pacific. Saw him briefly. Situation none too happy. He says he hopes he isn’t going back.
I enclose my pay check. Please deposit. (for the 2nd half of December).
With love, Ned
Letter #7
Jan. 6, 1942
Tuesday
Lucy darling:
Nothing much new today. It was very cold here in Washington this morning – about
18° F. with a fair wind.
I got a second cholera inoculation today, and also a smallpox vaccination. However, so far there does not seem to be any reaction at all from either one.
I was told today there was a slight possibility I might get passage on a plane leaving Jan. 15, but it was improbable. Jan. 22 was considered more likely. I’ll try to expedite my orders and get away from here soon, though there seems plenty to do here as well as in New York.
I have not had any letter from you here yet.
If I didn’t make it clear yesterday, I now have a room of my own here at the Club, which I can hang on to till I leave this station.
Did you hear anything from Laing about the radiator?
With love, Ned
Letter #8
Jan. 7, 1942
Wednesday
Lucy dear:
Things today about the same as yesterday. My orders are moving through the mill, and I may have them tomorrow or Friday. I hope to be home again by the end of the week.
I heard today that I might go on a plane Jan. 16, and it was more likely just now I might get passage that day. If not, they figured a week later.
Well, I’m sorry to hear what Will’s answer was, but I rather expected it. I judge now the best thing to do is for me (or rather, you) to send $30 a month and Harry $15. That makes $45 which is a little more than previously. If prices take a sharp rise, it may be that Harry can make good what’s needed extra. I’ll write him about that soon. (Ed: Will and Harry are Ellsberg’s brothers. Ellsberg was making sure that everybody pitched in to take care of their mother in Denver, CO).
I had the enclosed card from Mary today. You may have heard similarly. I don’t myself take the situation too seriously, but it’s possible it might develop so.
With love, Ned
The End
Letter #1
December 16, 1941
Tuesday
Lucy darling:
I arrived and reported a little before noon. I am temporarily assigned to the Ship Maintenance Section in the Bureau of Ships, which section, of all people, is now in charge of (since yesterday) Captain Broshek!
I was of course, glad to see him, and he told me (this is very confidential) that he understood I was to go to Iceland, since Admiral King had asked for me. Now all this may be so, but it’s subject to lots of change, and since neither Bryson Bruce, Van Keuren, nor Admiral Robinson has yet said a word to me on that subject since I got here, I should say it’s far from an accomplished fact.
Meanwhile, I’m busy reading a very thick file on the British salvage experience.
I also put in a good part of the afternoon signing various forms about nearly everything in connection with pay, travel, uniform allowance, etc.
I now know that my pay will be $504 a month, or $6048 per year. As soon as I find out a little more about where I’m going to be, and about allotments, I’ll probably arrange to send $350 a month home, allot $40 a month to cover my Govt. and Navy Mutual Aid insurance policies, and keep $114 a month myself. I probably won’t need that much though, and if I find I don’t, I’ll send more home.
The Army and Navy Club is full tonight and they are putting me in a dormitory, but they hope to have a room tomorrow.
I just wrote Mary to send me her car & berth numbers and I’d call on her when her train rolls in here next Saturday morning.
I hope you are not too tired today.
With much love, Ned
Letter #2
Dec. 18, 1941
Thursday
Lucy dear:
Not much happened today. I read salvage files till I was dizzy in the head, and that was about all.
Please let me know when you get the check from Dodd, Mead for my Lit. Guild payment. So far as I can figure it now, my own income will be greater next year than this, so it was advisable for me (but not for you) to take my half this year. When the check comes, deposit it in our checking account for the present.
The weather has been exceptional – cold but clear. I have been walking both ways to the Navy Dept. for exercise – it’s about a mile each way. (Ed: The letter was written on The Army and Navy Club stationary). I trust the snow holds off so I can keep it up a while.
I’ve made no attempt yet to see anybody at all around here – just studying.
With love, Ned
Letter #3
Dec. 21, 1941
Sunday
Lucy darling:
I was sorry to see from your letter of Friday you were in bed with some fever. I certainly hope it’s nothing more serious than a “little.” Stay in bed, and get somebody else to work for you.
It was grand to see Mary yesterday morning, if only for a few minutes.
About myself, I’m busy here studying the salvage files. But that’s as much as I know of the future. I’ve heard nothing more whatever.
It looks to me now as if I can leave Washington somewhat earlier Wednesday. I’ll try to make the train due in Plainfield at 5:02 PM, but if I find I can’t, I’m fairly certain I can get the one due in Plainfield at 7:14 PM. I’ll telegraph you when I start.
I ran into Capt. Wright in the corridor Friday and had quite a talk with him.
I took the first tetanus and the typhoid injection Friday. They made me a little groggy so I went home early and turned in. Saturday I was OK. I was going to take the yellow fever thing next Tuesday, but as that is too close to Christmas, I’ve decided to let it go over till the week following.
About the matter of service (with respect to pay) I was allowed a little over 24 years. That includes all service as an officer, both in the regular Navy and in the Reserve, but omits service as a midshipman. It is a lot more than I thought I’d be credited with.
My pay is made up as follows:
Pay………$4200
Quarters…..1200
Subsistance..650
Total $6050
As a practical matter, it makes little difference what they call the various parts – it all adds up to the same. In one place only it does make a difference – the quarters and subsistence allowances are exempt from federal income tax.
I don’t think I’ll ever be so glad to see Christmas come as I am this year.
Lovingly, Ned
Letter #4
Dec. 26, 1941
Lucy darling:
Confirming my just completed telephone call, I was advised by Admiral Bruce today that the detail to the Red Sea is definite. The Army has also been advised, and I had the first discussion today with several of the army officers assigned to this North African Military Mission. My orders will shortly be made out.
I was advised by the Army here that all members of the Mission will be allowed or reimbursed their actual living expenses in Africa, so that at least doesn’t come out of our pay.
I need a passport. And as the State Dept. will probably require my old one, I asked you to send mine here by special delivery so I’ll get it Sunday.
I also find I haven’t my rubbers. I think I left them in the closet at home. Please send them, parcel post. (Both the above to the Club).
From what Admiral Bruce said, that I might find it necessary to look over some salvage or other ship matters before I go, I judge that I will find it necessary to take a look at some matters in New York probably before next week is over, so I should be home for a day or so then.
I’ll probably leave sometime the first half of January, by air with some of the army personnel, if they can get reservations on the planes. The route is apparently to South America, across to Freetown, Africa, and then across Africa. It takes about six days, they say.
The ship route around the Cape of Good Hope takes two months, I’m told. I doubt I’ll use that.
With much love to you and Mary.
Ned
P.S. You can now tell Mary this, but no one else. I’ll find out soon how confidential the detail is supposed to be.
Letter #5
Dec. 28, 1941
Sunday night
Sweetheart:
I’ve been studying plans and reviewing damaged ship problems all day today, as usual. The weather is still cool and clear. Remarkable.
Last night I went to a dinner party at Lute and Dora’s. Some of their friends took me out, and some others brought me back. Pleasant, but not an exciting time. They were all newspaper men and their wives there and guess what they talked about exclusively – shop! Just like actors and shopkeepers!
Lute and Dora are going to New York for a week tomorrow. You’ll probably hear from them. Apparently it’s both business and a vacation trip. They’re staying in some New York hotel.
I wrote Harry and Will today both by airmail, requesting they answer to Westfield. When, if & as the answers come, hold or forward them, depending on how soon it then seems I’ll be coming home.
I’ll be struggling with my orders and some conferences the first part of the week, so I’m not sure now I can get home during the week, New Year’s being no holiday. But if I don’t, I shall certainly be home Saturday evening and Sunday.
I’ll try to get around to the Bureau of Navigation in the next day or two, and then perhaps to Celler (Ed: US Representative Emmanuel Celler, a big supporter of Ellsberg’s in the 1920s).
Funny that interview I gave those high school boys a month or two back should come out now.
I received the passports (2) and the rubbers. Thanks for your speed.
By the way, I ordered a two volume book on Naval Arch. sent to Westfield. If it comes, just hold it there – don’t forward it. I’m using a library copy here.
I had another shot in the arm yesterday, and they’ve made out a regular shooting schedule for me that will leave me looking like a pin cushion, and immune to everything – but you.
With love, Ned
Letter #6
Jan. 4, 1942
Monday night
Lucy darling:
My trip was OK but when I got to the Army-Navy Club, the place was all full. However, they finally decided I could take the room of another officer who was away for the night, so I turned in in his bed. As it was about midnight, that was welcome. Today, I have another room which I guess I can keep.
My orders are being made out attaching me to the North African Mission. This afternoon, a Lt. Colonel Chickering, who is Exec. on the Mission phoned to invite me (and you) to a cocktail party at his house at 5:30 PM for various members of the Mission. I accepted, and went to find that the occasion was in honor of his being promoted to Colonel. I met there Mrs. Maxwell, who is the wife of Brigadier General Maxwell, the head of the Mission, and various others. Among others, I met again a Major Riggs of the cavalry and his wife (he’s also attached to the Mission). And from them (I met him over a week ago) I learned that he is Pannie’s brother! (Ed: Pannie was a roommate of Mary’s from Hollins College). It seems she heard from Pannie that a naval officer who was her roommate’s father was going abroad and they put two and two together. Well, it had never occurred to me to connect Pannie and Major Riggs, but there it was. He’s a very nice chap, and hopes Pannie will go back to Hollins next year. He thinks this Leo is a louse, but says, thank heaven, Pannie has learned better, and that difficulty is all over now. Though for a while he was afraid his parents’ violent opposition might have the wrong effect.
Can you beat that? Pannie’s brother and I both assigned to the same general task?
Got a few things done today, but not much. Cochrane (Ed: Ned Cochrane, Ellsberg’s classmate at USNA) just got back from the Pacific. Saw him briefly. Situation none too happy. He says he hopes he isn’t going back.
I enclose my pay check. Please deposit. (for the 2nd half of December).
With love, Ned
Letter #7
Jan. 6, 1942
Tuesday
Lucy darling:
Nothing much new today. It was very cold here in Washington this morning – about
18° F. with a fair wind.
I got a second cholera inoculation today, and also a smallpox vaccination. However, so far there does not seem to be any reaction at all from either one.
I was told today there was a slight possibility I might get passage on a plane leaving Jan. 15, but it was improbable. Jan. 22 was considered more likely. I’ll try to expedite my orders and get away from here soon, though there seems plenty to do here as well as in New York.
I have not had any letter from you here yet.
If I didn’t make it clear yesterday, I now have a room of my own here at the Club, which I can hang on to till I leave this station.
Did you hear anything from Laing about the radiator?
With love, Ned
Letter #8
Jan. 7, 1942
Wednesday
Lucy dear:
Things today about the same as yesterday. My orders are moving through the mill, and I may have them tomorrow or Friday. I hope to be home again by the end of the week.
I heard today that I might go on a plane Jan. 16, and it was more likely just now I might get passage that day. If not, they figured a week later.
Well, I’m sorry to hear what Will’s answer was, but I rather expected it. I judge now the best thing to do is for me (or rather, you) to send $30 a month and Harry $15. That makes $45 which is a little more than previously. If prices take a sharp rise, it may be that Harry can make good what’s needed extra. I’ll write him about that soon. (Ed: Will and Harry are Ellsberg’s brothers. Ellsberg was making sure that everybody pitched in to take care of their mother in Denver, CO).
I had the enclosed card from Mary today. You may have heard similarly. I don’t myself take the situation too seriously, but it’s possible it might develop so.
With love, Ned
The End