France,
January 3rd, 1917

Dearest Mother:

Sent you a letter on Christmas day [not in file] and intended to have written before this. Have been very busy and never got around to it before . I received your parcel containing butter, syrup, quinine, etc., on the last day of the old year. Many, many thanks, especially for the butter which is a very real treat over here. Received Irene's parcel yesterday. Am planning to write her as soon as I get time, probably tomorrow. Also received a very nice parcel from Laura Gordon day before yesterday containing a roast chicken, oranges chocolate stuffed dates, etc.. It was certainly very kind of her as she has so much to do and has Heber over here besides. Now Mother, about still sending parcels. Over here we are able to get almost anything we want. There is a splendid YMCA about 300 yards in front of us where one can get all kinds of eats and in the village behind us, 15 minutes walk, there is a large Y and a first class canteen in connection with the Army Chaplains' quarters where one can get practically anything. So you see that during the remainder
of the winter months there is no need of sending nearly so much from home. Of course when the new offensive opens things will be as hard to get as they were last summer on the Somme, And it is then that parcels will be eagerly looked forward to and most appreciated. During the next few months I would rather you would cut down the parcels for I don't really need them.

Now I must tell you about what happened today. Each battery was to send a representative to the trench. Our O.P. was in to clear out all wires not in use. I was the one to go from our battery. I got out, found the officer who was in charge and we were just starting when along came a fellow who said he belonged to No. 2 Heavy. I asked him where the battery was and he told me and asked me what battery I was in. I told him, "98 Siege, P.E.I." "Do you know Fred Donald?" "Well, I guess! Why?" "He's right up here." I hurried around just in time to see Freddie coming around a turn in the trench. He is looking fine on his 16th month in France. He is the same old Fred that he always was and said he would be over to the battery in a day or two, and I was to get over to see them as soon as I can as there are several of the old P.W.C. boys with them. They are about five miles on our left.

Don't think I have much news to write today. Things are very quiet here, so quiet that, after last summer, one almost get bored sometimes for a bit of a row. However I suppose we will get our share of it when it does start. Now I must sign of as it is bedtime.

Love to all and I very large share for yourself, Harold