A.W. (Peter) Machen to John P. (Jack) Machen

April 28, 1970

Vietnam

Dear JP,

How’s college life treating you?

I got your letter a few days ago.  As a matter of fact, I played that X-mas tape with your guitar music.  Everyone was quite impressed.  I've sort of given them the impression that you've played every coffeehouse on the East Coast.  Without a doubt you are very good, Jack

94 more fucking days in this damn place.  Time has gone remarkably fast and I hope that keeps that way.

I just got back from a village Quan Nam 2, and it was long week of killing.  One of the heaviest I've been.  We lost no Marines, captured 4 VC and haven't yet gotten the reports on the confirmed kills.  I may sound preoccupied with war, but I'm not, it's only that there's not much else happening.

Maybe I told you.  I've read up a little on SDS.  Man, I never knew it had such communist undertones.  I've learned a lot about how these fucking Reds influence people.  For security reasons, I can’t write that in this letter.  I don't believe many of the students are commies. I'm sure they are anti-Communist but it's just what the SDS represents (I'm getting carried away)

Well I better get going.  Take it easy old buddy you don't do anything you're crazy brother would do.

Pete