Correspondence, Fall 1917
Dear Mother, I have been missing your company very much, I'm not afraid to tell you.
Hello. I hope this letter reaches you in good health. How are things in Lansing? Give my love to pop and Suzanne.
All is well here. It was snowing today, but we are well bundled here. We just finished a good, hot dinner, and I am readying myself for a tough game of cards with my trench buddies. Remember my friend Fitzgerald that I told you about in my last letter? Well I have to beat him tonight, or I'll owe him my hat when I get back!
Now, mother, I told you not to worry so much about how we're doing over here. The fighting is still pretty far away, and the worst we have to face is boredom. Keep your chin up, and I'll be back before you know it!
Remember, all my love to you all -- always.
Just finished a letter to Lansing, but I dare not tell them I'm on the front. Please, please remember to visit my family and see to there well-being if I don't make it out of here. I will forever be grateful.
I was just sent with George and the Muller up to string wire. We were getting shelled pretty bad, but all I could think of was that my mask doesn't work since I smashed it in my dive for cover last Thursday. Thank God there has not been gas since we got here ... But I just can't get that poor…