| Summary: | In the first letter, dated January 28, 1942, Lawrence explains that there is little support for the war effort in his school or town: "We are finding it exceedingly difficult to get our student body, teachers, and the public generally to realize that we are in a war. . . . I have been trying for over a month to get our student body to collect scrap iron, but they do not seem to be interested. We have collected about one dozen pieces. Our negro janitor has collected more than the entire student body. I sometimes believe that we are going to have to have a few bombs dropped in America to make our people realize we are in a war. I shall appreciate very much any suggestions that you may give me whereby I may either as Principal of this school or as Post Commander of our Legion Post stir up our people to the gravity of the situation. Frankly, it has me worried and puzzled to see our people so indifferent when American boys are shedding their blood in defense of American Liberty." In the second letter, dated February 6, Cole acknowledges receipt of Landrum's report and offers some encouragement: "I realize that one of the biggest problems we have to face in connection with Civilian Defense is the problem of complacency. However, I believe that we have a start in Alabama and that we are destined to make progress from time to time. I certainly appreciate your efforts."
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