England Feb. 17th 1917

Dear Ollie:-

Will try and write you a few lines to let you know we are getting along most damned bad.  Reckon its goodbye to the old Bn. for us poor devils that’s left behind.  The quarantine was supposed to be lifted today but had another case this morning.  So that kills our chance of getting in our own Bn. for we are in for 28 days this trip.  Every new case they lengthen the time.  So don’t ever expect to get to France now.  Not this spring anyway for there are six of us to get the mumps yet.  Oh it’s Hell to think that one of the cussed kids who should have been sent home had to take them.  He was no good anyway and was glad to get them I think.  But don’t suppose it will do any good cussing but can’t help it.  Am as ugly as a bear with a sore head and getting worse.  Reckon will be in the home for the feeble-minded before we get out of here.

Haven’t had any mail for three weeks and don’t suppose we will get any for three more.  We have sure had some great weather the last six weeks.  Fri. was the first storm we have had in a long time.  And that did not amount to much.  Just a nice spring shower.  It’s kind of dark and foggy this morning but don’t think it will rain today.  It’s getting quite spring-like here now during the day but cold nights.  About like the weather home is the first of April. 

Well the Germans are sure sinking the ships.  Reckon the old man is talking about right when he says we will have to come home on a raft.  I wonder what Uncle Sam will do.  Write more notes I suppose.  Don’t believe they will ever fight.  Well, the M. O. was just in giving us Hell for not keeping things neat.  Everything is changes.  New rules altogether.  And I can tell you it’s some job to keep a hut clean and neat when you have to stay in it all the time.  We spend most of our time now scrubbing and sweeping.  We scrubbed two days in succession last week and reckon it will be worse this week.  The M. O. says we must keep it clean if we do nothing else. 

Must quit for this time and get busy cleaning up. Wish could get a letter from home.  Can’t write when don’t get any answer.  But suppose when I do get them will have a bunch to read.  Will close for this time.  Hoping you are all well.

Jack