France March 26th

Dear Mother:

I have just got your letter of the 8th of March and was indeed glad to get such a long newsy letter. Sorry to hear that [?] [?] had had an attack of his dropsy again. Poor wee chap I wonder if he is to be spared.

I had read the Liquor Editorial from the Globe you sent me. I was pleased in a letter from George a few days ago he said that if he had a hundred votes Prohibition.

Well we have had a ninth in the trenches & yesterday were moved to this place the name of which I can't give you. We are here to rest & as the boys say get fattened up for the killing. They are a wonderful bunch of fellows so cheerful & take danger so splendidly. My old Colonel was telling me that on Sunday the Germans dropped nine shells right into out trenches. The first hit the parades at the back of the trench. Several boys were having tea behind. The concussion upset them & spilled their tea & they got up laughing & blaming the mean Germans for spilling their tea. When each shell fell & hurt no one they yelled across at the German trenches "Have to do a little better then that Fritz.

One day I went with two Artillery observers into a garret to observe with telescopes the result of our artillery fire. I saw two shells light in the enemy trench. I plainly saw 2 Germans moving about & could see some of our fellows carrying things about. I went into the trench various nights & spent a few hours visiting the boys. One in my position must show he is not afraid. I want to influence them but if I did not share their danger they would not respect or listen to me.

One Sunday we had a lovely communion service. Cleared the hall three times.

I get the enclosed letter from Clark who is he. I can't place him?

Yesterday I was in charge of about 200 reinforcements & marched them about 5 miles & distributed them to their various Battalions. When I came along the road I passed a house. Went in & asked for a cup of coffee. Got out my lunch & they gave me a plate of soup & could accept no pay. They were French refugees whose house at LaBonie is all smashed to bits. Poor things thousands of them will return to find a desolation & waste where once they had happy homes.

I am very glad you feel satisfied that I am here. I feel sure it is where I ought to be but one feels it's impossible to do all he could like with the men. It is not easy to do much more than have services with them. I must try to keep before them always their need of the Savior yet one does not feel its right to be reminding them of this danger. The officers are very good to use & help us very much.

I must now close with love to you all

from your loving son

Will