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John William Graham letters, August-September 1944

1944-08-08 John Graham to Mr. & Mrs. W.J. Graham Page 2

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As soon as I got into town I called Bob up rather played a hunch as to where he was but for once I was lucky. He looks fine and we had a grand visit spent almost three days with him. The second day I was there we took the trip out to Pompeii, Bob Bill & I. It was wonderful I had no idea how extensive nor in what good condition those ruins are in. It takes a half day to go thru and not loiter along too much then. Some of the things I used to read about & see pictures of in my Latin books were there, gave me quite a funny feeling. I have a couple of little booklets and some cameos which I'll send home soon. Most all the souveniers have run to junk for the G.I. trade. Saw several things I'd like to have but they couldnt be carried about nor transported. There is a cathedral near the ruins that has some of the most magnificent paintings and marble work I ever expect to see. It required over forty years to build and I dont know how much money. The marble work especially impressed me the grain and pattern in the stone is almost unbelievable huge blocks of stone were first squared then sawed in two, placed end to end and cut again. It makes an intricate pattern much like an object reflected in water. You know one right side up and the other bottom side up expect thats a goofy description, wish you could see it tho. There are many panels made like that each with a distinct and original design. The next day we visited a cousin of Bills who is an infantry captain, he took us for a jeep ride while he looked after some business and we got to see some more of the countryside. We really hob-knobed with the elite ate at the officer's mess etc. boy I'll bet those infantry boys hated us, they dont like the air corps very well
 
World War II Diaries and Letters