Dear Brother

         I suppose you are in the great State of Illinois by now and hope you are enjoying yourself. I'm sure you must have felt a little bit sad when you left the Northshield's house. They are good people and I'm sure you will never forget them.

         I'm so happy that you have received such a good scholarship. However, I will be sending you some money from time to time. If you need money for a special occasion or reason please let me know.

         The Americans here in Vietnam are all very sad and discouraged at the recent turn of events. Its difficult to believe the present Government when they say anything. Not only are the Americans upset but most all of the people find present conditions unbearable. They have lived under deplorable conditions now for a long time but the Budhhist trouble is more than they can take.

         Its difficult to tell the people of the country side that the Government is truly interested in their livelihood and a better life when they hear that the Government has raiden Pagodas and killed women and children.

         We pray that God will guide us, and the Vietnamese Government, in these present troubled times.

         I find that Vietnam is not like Laos. There are so many people here who resent our presence. They just can't seem to realize that we are here to help them win their war and that's all.

         At this time the Government of Vietnam is taxing much of the items we are bringing in from America to give to them. Recently our office, Rural Affairs, tried to bring 100 typewriters into the country for use in our office. The Government of Vietnam wouldn't let us get them off the ship so we had to send them back to the States.

         Its just a little difficult to understand these things. In Darlac Province, in the Highlands, where I work I find many of the Provincial officials are not really interested in helping the people have a better life. How can we ever convince the people that its better to support the Gov't than the Viet Cong.

         I hope I can send you a happier letter next time. Be good & pray for us all.

Your Brother
Earl