France,
Oct. 15, 1917

Dearest Mother:

It is 4 a.m. and I am duty in the exchange so while there is not much doing I will write a few lines home. There are three men on office duty, from 6 - 10, 10 - 2,and 2 - 6. I am on the 2 - 6 shift. Our detail this time has been for two weeks rather than one like last week. I was on duty from 6 - 10 and in fairness to the other fellow who went on at two and did not get his eight hours sleep last night as I had, I changed over last night and took the two o'clock shift. Night duty in the exchange has one great advantage; it is a splendid opportunity to catch up in one's correspondence, especially between two and six for in the silent watches of the early morning, except OKing the lines at intervals of about one hour, there is seldom anything doing. and sitting alone. with a good fire going one can write or read without being disturbed by the conversation of about half a dozen fellows,
and perhaps talking and working at the same time. I came on at about five past two, made
myself a drink of coffee to waken myself up properly and keep myself awake, then reading a magazine until four o'clock, then starting to write. It is a perfect night, clear and cool, with a myriad of stars overhead and a heavy frost, which gives the bracing tang to the atmosphere and makes one feel like living. It is also one of the quietest nights I have heard for some time. With the exception of twenty rounds fired by a field battery on our right and the dull rumble of a heavy howitzer firing on our left there has been nothing to break the stillness.

Received the parcel from you the night before last containing chicken, dates, walnuts etc. and last night one containing chicken, coffee, milk, oxo, and talcum powder and bachelor buttons. Many many thanks. Your parcels are certainly splendid, especially chicken which is as good a treat as one could have over here. Also received a parcel from Clemmie and a letter dated September 16, your letter of the 16 and a letter from Clemmie dated the 18th. Not too bad for one week, eh? I am enclosing some snaps which she had taken while in Bay View. They are splendid and I was certainly glad to get them. Some of them are I think especially good. The one of you and kiddies in the wagon, the one of Gordon standing at the salute, the one of Jean holding the cat and the one of Lloyd taken in Clemmie's backyard on his second birthday.

Now I must answer your letter. You ask about gloves. In my last letter, I think it was, I asked you to send a pair of leather ones woolen lined similar to the ones you sent last fall. As for knitted gloves they are practically useless in our work, for if it is damp at all they get wet and useless. The only ones that will give satisfaction are the leather ones. As for sweaters the one you sent last year is not worn out yet and I won't need one for some time yet.

Now I think I must close and write a few lines Clemmie before I am relieved. Will write again in a few days. All well.

Love to all from your soldier son, Harold