Xmas France Dec 25/16

Dear Mary & children

Glad to get lined paper so will write on this now did not think last Xmas I would be here was very glad to get this letter about getting your letters You can judge for yourself how we get our mail this is yours of the 28th Nov. the boxes I have had yours & Agnes & Freds one that two which is all you did not say what parcels or how many the gloves of Agnes are great looks and fits nice brown color the mits are black with red wrists a little short but she is sending a pair of writslets. you was saying the Church was sending a box you said something about some sox & gloves. did you send any they may be on the way yet I can get along without them now but Mits wear out quick so do socks which is the way to spell them I should be there to walk the floor with the new man hope he does not tire you to much. Glad he is so good & sleepy Don & Stan would look funny doing fancy work

it is quite nice & fine to day at last can go about with out over coat. does not get very cold before morning froz two or three mornings so far. Ruth is just like some of the other's were about no place but the mouth You are some girl to get strong as soon as you have. Nellie is one fine girl to be with you just now kiss her for me & tell her she is a jewel. wish you would put the right address on the letters 1st Batt BEF france that is all only thirteenth platoon same no. I was hoping for better news in the papers do so want to get home by spring glad the kiddies are well & going to school sorry M had a bad throat. I have been getting some good throat tablets lately which fixes mine dreams are such tricky things last night I had a bad one about freasing hands & home & fields. I hope to get some of your letters to night did you write any between the 12 & 28th Nov & have you writen any since you will see how we are getting the mail. Joe & I are going to have chicken dinner now at 4 o.c. for 5 francs will go halfees on it

this will be a chance to look my legs & feet over we will be here for a little over two weeks yet before we march to our other place in line I am can not carry my pack any more will talk it over with some persons right away & come up will write as often as I can & tell you what parcels I get the P.O. is very busy these days. I got some back letters two months & half old last week Mothers Geo's & Agnes card wish I could find myself some morning better off but never mind it will be all right a hundred years from now glad thoes poor letters were welcome I feel so mad at myself I do not know I am living some times I think you all are mad at me. you & Don (especially) besides our folks but I hope it turns out all right well bye bye for this time glad you like to get these poor old things I write we have some men from Midland up past Huntsvill or near it with us now hope I do not have to write many more before I see you folks lot of love & kisses to all

Roy