Saturday, Nov. 18^th France

Dear Cattie

No doubt you’ve noted a lapse of about a week between this letter and the last? Sorry, but it couldn’t be avoided. I’ve been out on a job since last Saturday, and just returned last night. I can’t tell you much about it now, but in two weeks, Ill give you the complete details. Censorship regulations, you know? I’m feeling as you say, “as well as can be expected.” It’s been raining, snowing, and cold everyday this week until today. But surprisingly, today was warm, and “ol Sol” beamed brightly all day long. I’d get out my best suit for church tomorrow, if I had a “best” suit. Ha Ha. Incidentally, I was able to attend services last Sunday morning, but didn’t do much singing, as my usual, due to a chaplain conducting services, whom I had never seen before. He wasn’t though, but the chaplain whom were becoming accustomed to, is much more interesting. Cattie, I hate to say this, but in my opinion, some of our chaplains, are no more of a preacher than I, in civilian life. At least, that’s how some of them impress me.

The Red Cross had a club mobile-bite unit here when we arrived yesterday, and those doughnuts and coffee certainly tasted delicious, after eating “K” and “C” rations for a week. And occasionally- not eating. I lost my “waistline” during this certain operation, but expect to regain it in a few days, because the food here in camp is darn good, and naturally—your “little” cousin’s a “chow hound 1/cl (navy rating- “first class”)

I went to town this afternoon and witnessed a second- rate movie.

(modulate to “3”)

It was called “Her Primitive Man,” and it offered a few amusing scenes. No music however. Don’t care much for Robert Paige. He played “the lead.”

Accomplished quite a lot today in the way of personal chores. Cleaned my rifle, rearranged the bed, wrote an account of last week for Mr. Shiel (Personal clerk) for our files, and put out my laundry. “Woulda” got a haircut, but the barber went to town too. Guess I’ll do it this tomorrow.

Emma Lee said she sent me a new pen. Glad! Guess I’ll get it by February, at least. Hope the wars over by then, and I’ll donate the pen to the French government. Hah Ha. It’s highly possible, as most of our armies are within or nearing The German Border. It’s my opinion that a truce might be reached after were across the Rhine. Hope so!

(over)

Well, I believe that just about brings me up to the present, so ill start answering three of your letters which I received “yestiddy.” Oct. 27^th, Nov. 3^rd and 5^th.

Your clippings were quite amusing. I especially liked the one where the “guy” brought out a pack of cigarettes. Ha Ha Say, you do have a critical shortage of the letter brands, don’t you? I’d seen for a few packs of his favorite brand for Xmas, but of course, this is against regulations. Ha Ha.

You know, I haven’t heard from Hays yet!?!? I wonder where the big “bug” could be. His water hasn’t written me for ages either, so I’m “kinda” loosing contact with the “ye Browne Family.” I got another letter from Dutch yesterday. He’s doing okay if being a private is his idea of satisfaction. He was a corporeal once, but I never did get the details of his demotion.

(see 5)

Lee tells me of bringing some new dresses. And said she’d take some pictures with them on, and send them to me soon. Have you seen them? And did she show you the fancy sketch of the formal that I drew in one of her letters? Ha Ha. She says that Ma didn’t approve of it, but thats only natural, if you know what I mean. Perhaps it is a little to “modern” for my wife, but see what you think? Frankly!! Ma told Lee she should dress like you. Ha Ha. Of course, I “allus” said you looked real nice in your clothes “Cat”, but Lee is not quite as old as you. Or do I have the wrong view of the situation? I beg to be enlightened! I encourage Lee to buy all the clothes she wants, ‘cause you know how I love clothes. ‘Course, Ma differs slightly on this score too. But I love ‘er!

Oh yes, I think I shall take your advice in regard to the Xmas presents. However, I’ve already sent Lee and Ma a slight remembrance. And to prove to you that I still have a little Xmas spirit, Ill enclose a Christmas card.----- Well, that is what the little French ( Horrors! Excuse me—capital “F”!) gal who sold them to me called them. Ha Ha.

This should surprise you--- I’m about half through reading a book! Its called “H.M Pulham, Esq.” Not bad either. Ever read it? Or heard of it, I should say.

Seems as though you asked for a picture in all three letters. But if I remember correctly, I’ve sent you two “snaps” recently. Hope you liked them. Don’t have anymore right now.

Well, I believe that’s about it for now. Tell Joe and Aunt Irene “hello,” and keep writing.

Love- Urbey