Correspondence Diary: Holograph, 1943-1945

File — Box: 6, Folder: 7

Identifier: III

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This series of letters written in a small, paper-bound notebook from 14 October 1943 to 25 August 1945 was also written to Jean. Inside the cover is inscribed, "To whom it may concern: In case of my death please seal this tablet--UNREAD--and send to my sister: Jean McDougall, 659 South 11th East, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A."
McDougall describes the physical setting and characteristics of Muntok Prison, the internee quarters from December of 1943 to March of 1945. In Muntok the death rate soared as the rations decreased. McDougall tells Jean about the darker side of internment as he describes illness and death as a part of everyday life in his role as a hospital attendant. He makes continual remarks about the food situation as a contributing factor to the illness in camp.
After the move to Belalau he writes only three more letters with a much more positive outlook. He describes the new camp and the improving food situation as a result of black market activities. Finally he records that the internees have been told the war is over and he looks forward to reunion with his family.
October 14, 1943
"There are more than 700 men in here now...We are jammed into large cells, the largest of which now holds 250 men. So crowded are the cells men sleep and live in spaces varying from 26 to 29 inches wide & six feet six inches long....Our entertainment has been considerable curtailed, no more lectures, debates or monthly stage shows...."
February 24, 1948
"...it is such an effort to write. Confinement does something to the mind, robs it of initiative; weakens the will to do abstract things let alone concrete things...."
August 1, 1944
"Morning shift [hospital] ward men begin temperature taking, cleaning up generally, airing bedding and clothing, washing helpless patients. Five dressers begin their rounds, doctoring skin ulcers, wounds and itches...We average 80 to 90 treatments daily."
November 17, 1944
"Definitely our survival is a race against time--the time of freedom. Another six months of this and more than half the camp will have died. "God send us deliverance soon."
November 19, 1944
"No letters have yet arrived here from America, but many have come--in two batches--this year from England and her colonies, and one from Canada....So I still do not know if you have heard from me."
June 26, 1945
"My luck has finally turned, bringing me good health, letters from home, extra food & news of the best....
"From your letters...I deduce you heard from me first in December '43 or January '44; that only one card, my first, was received..."
August 25, 1945
"I've missed the entire war, but I'm alive, thank God, and in good health. Now for home & you all as quickly as possible...."

Dates

1943-1945

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.