Dear Folks:

Our vacation has come to a termination, we are off again for a short walk. Perhaps a week or ten days before we will again be established and given an opportunity to write and receive mail. I should have joined Cook's Tourists instead of the army only the army is cheaper and you go into detail more. For instance, we take nothing for granted, if there is something in front of us that resembles a hill we go up to see if it really is. To make sure that there is land underneath we dig in. We go into it a little deeper than the ordinary traveler.

However, it is a fine place to spend a vacation. The country is beautiful. There are plenty of cool places, streams, rivers, fords, not the kind you mean, these keep on running. The boys are enjoying their stay very much and will have lots to tell (some of the stories true) when they return. I have not been to the front but I can tell enough to make Guy Empey's stuff sound as interesting as the Erie time table.

Lots of love, George

Dear Folks

Another Friday in Sunny France and it certainly lives up to its name and reputation some days, today is one of them. Nothing but drill for two hours then the rest of the day is ours. Play ball, write, read, sleep anything you want. However, there is a rumor that we are going to move soon and every country in Europe has been mentioned (Germany excluded) Italy, Siberia even South America, it's not in Europe but the fellow that said he heard we were going there is going to stick to his story. There is many a jest said in truth, we are on our way and it means again getting settled, acquainted and accustomed to new quarters, and conditions, also a delay of mail for about ten days but they never consult me before making a move so I will have to keep company.

I have rolled my pack so often that the blankets have a natural tendency to curl. For hours nightly I try to flatten them but all in vain. The tent pins are getting soft, I have pressed and squeezed them so often. apart from this I am in the best of health couldn't feel better and in finest spirits.

Best regards and love to all George

Dear David

The statement of our being in the trenches is quite true, some of the boys had newspaper clippings telling about it. The articles were somewhat elaborated and doctored up probably written by someone who never went outside of Hoboken. You have the wrong impression of war if you imagine that we are in imminent danger every minute of the day, that we suffer and have to endure tremendous hardships, you are all wrong --- war is business, there is a busy time when there is plenty of work then there is a slack season when we are in the reserve ready for action but little to do. We even have vacations, some get very long ones -- We get up in the morning, after breakfast we ask the sergeant who we fight that particular day, whether he selected the enemy. We then go about our business, each one having a certain function to perform. It's a position or job that you cannot resign but it is strictly business.

Our first lap in the trenches is complete and we feel better and more confident than ever. We came through without losing a man not even an accident. Our division has been congratulated by General Pershing for its good work. After a certain number of days in the trenches we go back of the lines for a rest. All unserviceable clothing is exchanged, there is a bath house in the vicinity and all other comforts of life. A Y.M.C.A. where most anything is obtainable also a baseball field with plenty of sporting supplies. So it isn't so bad after all, it is far different from what you picture this place to be. Our regiment even has a theatrical stock company that entertains the different companies as they come out of the trenches. It is made up of nearly all professional men and they offer some good amusement. Several days ago (this is a joke) if you have laughs prepare to spill them now, several Germans were captured in a church, when I heard of it I thought it was foolish for them to hide in a church it only displayed their stupidity and ignorance. It was an easy matter to capture them, the bells gave them away, they "tolled on them". I told it to the leading comedian and he used it, it must have been good.

Don't worry, look on the sunny side of things, write often and plenty. At present we are on our way somewhere, no one knows the distance. I am acquainted with every road, hill and dale but maybe we skipped a place and we are going back. The French letter I promised you is still in the making, but it is coming.

George

Dear David

Have told you of our experience in the trenches in my previous letter. When we were relieved we went for a much deserved rest to a place called Camp Mud which lives up to its name. After several days to ourselves, with new life, ambition, in finest spirits and fully equipped we again started on a promenade. Doing most of our walking at night. For three reasons, first so as not to be detected by the enemy, secondly, it is much cooler and thirdly, you can't see the pack and what you don't see won't hurt you, unless it's an automobile (maybe I used this line before). Usually as we hear day breaking, we reached our destination, our night's program was complete. We remained in town for the day, in the evening again resuming march. The villages are small with few stores and nothing to purchase but fortunately plenty of fruit trees with apples, plums, begging to be eaten, we needed no second invitation. The fellows that picked the apples were called applers and the others plumers, joke! Finally we reached town where we stayed four days, three of which were devoted to open warfare practice. Every day we captured a hill (more of a bluff), took it, left it, without losing a man nor was any one decorated. Again in harness, this time to catch a train, very lucky to be there on time, who can tell what would have happened if we missed it? Wonder if the tickets would be good on any others?

At twelve working in darkness, we were packed in a train, only thirty three in a car not enough space to yawn but it was only a short trip and we didn't care as long as we rode. After a short walk, we were in a large field where we tented for the night. Another day of rest and in the afternoon we were put in lorries driven by Chinamen which took us to a place now making history. (It's hysterical). A place where you can get lots for nothing but can't buy anything, can't give your money away. It was about seven o'clock when we landed in a woods for a rest. An hour later we were marched to another woods similar to the former also outdoors only more muddy, and was surrounded by trees (which made it shady in the evening) just like Prospect Park which I understand they are going to enclose because the trees are all leaving. In the dark we were told to make the best of it, try to get as much sleep as possible, also eat, our last meal was breakfast at ten in the morning. It was now about eleven and the journey made us tired and fatigued not to speak of the appetite that was reflected on us. Four of us got together, opened a can of embalmed beef (canned corn beef) and with some crackers ate a kingly meal. It was so dark that many times my spoon found its way into my bunkee's mouth. The following evening there was a little surprise for us, a fifteen mile walk and we must get there before it gets light -- we did ---. In the woods again we found plenty of dug outs where we made ourselves comfortable and to sleep. At twelve again we ate some of the hash and cracker and then we discovered a French kitchen nearby. Some fellows attempted to get hot water for coffee but it was fruitless. But it is wonderful when you speak the language, you can get anything that they want to give you. I took two cups and ascended to the cooks. "Avez vous de'l'eau shawd" I said, handing him a franc. "Oui" he replied, taking the franc and filled the cups with damp boiling water. If I only could talk business with the Kaiser. This gave us coffee which is the best part of the meal with me. That night we hiked an hour when we landed in another woods full of dug outs but very difficult to get about in the dark. Another fellow and myself found a hole where we spent the night. In the morning when we found that the woods would be our home for about a week, we went to work and made the place worth while staying and sleeping in. It was not only woods but a hill and maybe called a mountain (young). So that you can say we are spending our vacation in the mountain. We are in support, our next move should be to the lines but orders have been changed and our company is not going but staying behind, taking care of supplies and rations. We do not sleep much during the night, the heavy artillery fire both the German and ours keeps us awake but it slackens during the day. We sleep and even play cards. All that remains for us to do is to sit and listen to the cannon balls as they whistle over head. We bet as to where they will break and if they are gong to explode. The Germans are using poor ammunition, they have many duds, a dud is a shell that is a conscientious objector, it is fired but does not do any damage when it strikes the ground. If they only purchased their shells from us, of course, we are making shells for them but I mean our service, delivery, accuracy you can't beat it. They will soon realize that we are in it heart and soul and that the sooner they come to their senses the better.

Am writing this letter near my dug out or dug in to the music of the batteries (batteries for today are six six inch guns). We expect to sty here for several more days and then go for a rest. You will not receive any letters between the time we left Camp Mud and the time that we arrive in the next place. Although I am writing this now it may not leave until next week. There is also no incoming mail. Have not had any for three weeks.

Best wishes and love to all, it is not as bad as pictured and by the aid of God everything will be for the best in the end. Good bye and good luck to you, take care of the family and try to better yourself , your social and business standing.

George

Dear Ida

For more than two weeks I was deprived of the duty, pleasure and privilege of writing to you. No mail was accepted even when written and none was delivered. This morning bright and early for I did sleep much knowing of the heavy bag of mail that came in the night before, I received ten letters, four from Celia. Every fellow felt the weight of the sack and made some remark, the cloud was lifted even though the mail had not been sorted, the confidence that there was news from home was enough to cheer and brighten our thoughts and spirits. It's the old story, when you don't get it, you are blue, when you do you are bluer. But its effect on the boys can hardly be described, they are changed men.

My position at present while not dangerous is precarious, in fact in the army one must always be alive and ready, no one can tell when you are called upon. However, my company has been fortunate, we are always late when the Huns are up to one of their tricks. Somehow, the Germans fear the pet (Metropolitan) division of New York, they realize the significance of keeping their hands off.

At this present moment we are in the support lines which means that our next move should be the front. Our boys, that is my company is not going to the lines having been assigned to do detail work for those at the front. The support artillery is oft in more danger on account of ammunition. There is no need for worry, all precautions are taken, along routes where plenty of protection is possible and little exposure to enemy balloons. There was a time when I thought that a man amounted to little, but have since changed my mind. The officers look out and keep their eyes on us day and night. No chances are taken, we are playing safe and it is the way to victory.

Was debating with myself as to whether I should have written that third page and although it will enlighten you as to the condition it ought to prove that we are not in imminent danger every minute of the day and that the strain and hardships are not tremendous. When my mail is finished sometimes today I will play pinochle or liberty, it is all arranged, in fact the opponents consider the game lost, so you readily see that there is time for everything.

Now cheer up keep the family wheels going on as best you can till I return to harness, what a pretty piece of phraseology.

Love, regards and everything. George

Dear Leah

Am enclosing a handkerchief, a little souvenir, not much but everybody sends some little token home and I want to be like the rest. Before me is a letter complaining about mail and in another envelope is a letter from Celia telling of the wholesale batch that you received, so that needs no explanation. Am doing my best in writing more than many of the boys. Also am satisfied with the replies. Keep up the good work and write when you have a chance.

Two great events have taken place which have relieved me of great worry. One is David's classification which although I was sure would be all right yet the uncertainty of matters bothered me. The other is the store. What would become of the family if the only support was withdrawn? But it seems that you are as wise and understand the situation as well as I do. But I am much happier since the two matters were straightened out.

Not a day passes that I do not think of you all, not a moment goes by without thinking or seeing some member of the family before me. Now the holidays are approaching and I will miss you more. The happy home, father's big radiant face with the wonderful eyes. You, the mother of the family with all the burden and responsibility on your shoulders - cooking, cleaning and making things pleasant for the rest, ably assisted by Ida. And David fortasting and interfering in the kitchen, what a wonderful sight. More holidays are coming and so am I, it will take a little time ut nothing can be done to quicken the termination of this war but fight and the Allies are showing new life and are striking harder than ever since our troops made such a wonderful showing. It won't be long sister, I will be back before you know it.

Have written Ida about the place and it is not wise to repeat, you will undoubtedly read her letter. The package is not here yet and it proves that your energies are wasted. It is not worth the trouble because I have everything and want little.

Have not written to father but my heart and soul are with him always. Of course, these letters are read to him and even though I do not express my love and regards to him, it is there by its absence.

George