Maness, Charles Franklin F2
893 82 61

September 29, 1945

Dear Sir,
Received your letter about my husband, thanks very much for letting me no how the Indianapolis went down. If it is not asking too much at for, I would like very much to see and talk with you. I have 3 small girls but can leave them with a friend for a day or so. If you would be so kind as to see me, I no you are busy, but wont take up much of your time. I want to see all the boys, but no the Navy won't let me. I don't believe Charles went down. He was like you. He had much to live for. I would like to no if they no all the men. For I no Charles never wore his I.D. tags only for inspection.
Excuse this sorry writing for I never went to school. So my spelling is bad.
Thanking you again for your letter.

Sincerely

Laura Maness
107 Brigade Street
Charleston, 13, S.C.

Pers-8249-adc

October 23, 1945

My dear Mrs. Maness,

Your kind letter of September 29, 1945, reached me only day before yesterday.

In your letter you state that you would like very much to talk to me in the hopes that you may learn more about the sinking of the INDIANAPOLIS and the manner in which your husband lost his life. I am more than willing to talk to you should you feel that it would in some way ease the anxiety and sorrow which is now in your heart. However, all the details that I know concerning the tragedy are contained in my letter to you of September 26. I realize this must appear to you rather meagre information but when it is realized that the explosions occurred in the middle of the night and that the ship remained afloat only a very short time thereafter, and that no records whatsoever were saved, I am sure you will understand why we have not been able to piece together a more coherent story.

I honestly feel that a trip to Washington only to find out that I am unable to give you more detailed information would not warrant the time or expense entailed.

I am forwarding under separate cover, a list of the survivors and their addresses to you, as there may be some one among these who are closer to your home. Perhaps there may be some one whom you may know and would like to talk with.

Again may I express my deepest sympathy.

Very sincerely,

CHAS. B. MCVAY, III
Captain, U. S. Navy

Mrs. Laura Maness
107 Brigade Street
Charleston, 13, S.C.