France
Dec 31/16

Dear Mother:-

I got your letter to-day and that is the first one for 2 weeks now But maby I will get 3 or 4 all in one mail soon. I havnt written for over a week now but I couldnt very well.

We went into the trenches on Christmas Eve and was in for 6 days. it was not too bad at all far Better than I expected it would be and the weather was pretty good. I only felt it cold one night. all our fellows came out fine except Jack Ivnor he got a machine gun bullet through the leg But it was not Bad at all and a little fellow from the Soo Alex Murray got hit just below the eye with sharpnel But only enough to make it bleed. But I didnt mind it at all. The noise sometimes was awfull But a person will get use to that after a while I spent Xmas day in a dugout. But we will be out for New Year and can have our Christmas Then But it is not the same as if it really was Xmas and it dont look much like New Year over here there is no snow at all and it isnt cold. But it Rains quite a lot. I had a letter from Jennie while we were in the trenches. They Brought our mail right to us up there. I got the Box with the gloves and tobacco before we went into the trenches and The gloves sure were welcome up There too. Well This in new years Eve, a year ago to-night I was on guard in the Sault. well if I live to be 3 hundred years old I will never forget this Christmas week. Christmas night was my first night in the front line. and I will never forget that anyway altho it was quiet enough.

I got a nice letter from poor old Ira to-day and I must try and answer it Right away. Say tell Mrs. [?] she was foolish not to pour the hot tea on that old Brute Believe me I would have empted the tea pot on his hand and then got the Kettle Believe me he would have spoke Before I was done with him. I heard that There had Been 2 more drafts left the 119th. But I dont know what Battn they are in over here. I dont know Olivers no or I would have written to him and found out. But I guess he is in France himself By this time. Earnie was not in the trenches at all this time I Think he is working on a cook kitchen. I havent saw him now for about 2 weeks. But I saw Willis last night and all the fellows were fine and came out good only Jack Junior and his was only slight for he walked to a dressing station well I guess this is about all for this time. There is not much I can tell you I would like to tell you more But it wouldnt do. I can do that when I get home. Now you are doing too much worring we are all Right if a man is carefull. I will wrtie as often as I can How is Kate and all her family tell her that Sams Brother is over here. One night I was going up a trench and I saw a Big grey cat sitting on the paripit. Well I guess This is all for now I will write to Anna and Kate in a day or two. I hope paw will Be ale to stand his work up There. But it is too Bad it is so hot. for he will have a cold all time. well I will close for now. write soon again.

Love to all,

John