France
March 17, 1917

Dear Mother:

It is a lovely day here to-day and as I am on fire piquet to-night there is no parade for me till to-night so I thought it a good chance to write and tell you about the last box I had. It was the one with the mince pies and preserved pears. The pies were swell just like the kind Mother used to make as the saying is. Be sure and send a couple of dozen next time and some more pears the same as the last. We have been in this town for quite a while now but as we have a comfortable shack with a nice stove we can't kick. When we were paid last time I bought a box of Quaker Oats and have been having porridge about twice a day. Of course I can't cook them like you used to. Sometime I put salt in and sometimes I don't. Maybe I put sugar in and perhaps I don't but it tasted more like home than not having them at all. Two days ago we had a nice bath and change of underclothes which makes it feel a lot better. What is Bruce & Grace and Violet doing now it is quite a while since I had a letter Violet or Grace. Young Art must be getting quite big now. Well Mother I will close now and please don't forget to send a lot more mince pies. Love to all at home.

Your loving son
Jay