Dear Mother:
Well, it is quite a while since I wrote you a letter but when we are in the trenches, we do not get much time to write. I sent you two field post cards and one letter from the trenches. But we are out now for a few days' rest and we are glad to have a little time to ourselves, and to know when we go to sleep at night, that we will not be called out before morning to go on a working party or to 'Stand to.'
I received your parcel the other day, the one dated February 2nd, and believe me I was pleased to get it. Everything came in just right. It was just the kind of parcel that I like to get. Those chocolates and candy were great, and the insect powder sure did its work all right. I suppose that you have been worrying that I have not written sooner, but never worry about that for I always write whenever I have a chance, but in the trenches it is hard for us to write as we do not have much time for letters. But do not fret about me, because I am all right and am feeling fine. Of course, there is the unpleasant side and the hardships, too, but I am standing it all right and never felt better. The weather is better than I expected, but it has been raining for a few days. I heard a robin this morning for the first time in France. I suppose that you have heard before now that DONALD ROSS was wounded. He is all right now and back on duty again.
The Huns were shelling one morning and a shell burst right amongst us and killed two and wounded four or five. I was standing between Don and the shell when it burst and it missed me altogether. I tell you they are a wicked thing when they land in a bunch of men. Well, I must close now. Give my love to everyone and write often.
HAROLD.
To a friend recently, Pte Taylor in a letter told of the narrow escape that he had. He says that he was on listening post duty one night and was very tired and sleepy, but a sniper got sight on him and sent a shower of bullets at him and they came altogether close to be pleasant. But it served one good purpose for it thoroughly wakened him up and he had no further trouble, he says, keeping awake that night.
