Letters from George

Dear Marian Colorado, [date obscured]

How's tricks. I got the Camera and the gifts that all of you sent. I had my Christmas early and I enjoyed it more than anyone else ever had. When it was younger I thought Christmas was swell but I always knew I could expect some presents. This Christmas I didn't expect anything because I am in the army and there didn't seem as though there was anything that I could use. I guess you sisters are smarter than me because everything was swell and everything was something useful. Thanks a lot for the cookies I always did like them.

I have a little confession to make though. There were about ten guys watching me open the box. They are wolves just waiting for you to pull out some eats. I was excited and opened all the presents without paying attention to who sent them. I know that you sent the cookies and Lillian sent the money pouch. Who sent the rest is a mystery to me. If you know what any of the other sisters put in let me know so I can thank them. Keep this a secret though because I'm really in hot water. The others will think I didn't appreciate it but I really did.

The only chance I get to take pictures is on Sunday. I had the Camera in time to take some snapshots last weekend but it was too cold to take them without an over-

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coat. [?] if you have seen soldiers with overcoats you know how sloppy they look. Besides they made us get our hair cut badly style again. The Lieutenant General was at this camp for a week and he inspected each one of us and our rifles personally. He is next in command under General McAuliffe and they think we look neater without hair.

I know who Jed Shecksler is. He used to go out to the sand hole when I used to swim there. He had a whiffle (the same hair do as me) then. That really was a miracle about him. I don't expect to hear any hero acts about me. The engineers do the dirty work but don't get any glory. Its a swell outfit though. I wouldn't change for anything. Don't get the idea that I'm disgusted or anything by my letters. Its really swell but they say you'll never make a good soldier until you learn how to gripe, so I'm just practicing now and then to be a good soldier.

During the week I drink milk shakes and on weekends I go to town for some stronger drinks. Sunday nights all Saloons close at 8:00 at night, so I don't have a chance to overload. I haven't come close to being drunk since I've been here.

I'll give you a break and close now

                                    Your Goofy Brother
                                            George.

P.S. If I keep repeating things let me know for I forget what I put in other letters.