Sunday, Aug. 26, 1917

Dear Marie,

Your letter of Friday came this noon. I know now that you understand me
and I shall say nothing more. Don’t think for a minute that I see
anything silly in your letter. It is too sincere for that. Whether I can
come home or not depends on the Folks, entirely. If I do come it will
have to be pretty quick. Yesterday, the First Sergeant sent for me and
made a typewritten report on my knowledge of, and experience with
photography work. I feel certain that I will be transferred as soon as
they are ready. I am sure that I have something to show for my four
years of study and work, and I am confident that I’ll make good as soon
as I am given a chance. I am in the furtherest advanced class of student
operators but I think I could serve better in the photographic section.
I hope your photographer won’t be all year in finishing you pictures. If
I don’t really see you pretty soon I sure will be mighty disappointed.
You ought to see me in my raincoat that was issued a few days ago. It’s
as roomy as a young tent. It rained quite a few nights last week.

We have to groom over a hundred horses every day. The sergeant that was
thrown last week is still at the hospital with his head bandaged and his
leg tied up. He waved his cane at us as we marched by this morning. My
friend, George Stock, got kicked in the head by a mule this morning but
it only scratched his temple a little. I haven’t had any hard luck so
far but had one close one. George Stock is about the closest friend I
have ever had. He is about 25 years old, and was a teacher of Chemistry,
Physics, and Mathematics in some Kans. school. These are the three
studies that I liked so well at High School. We saw “The Slacker” last
week at Leavenworth. It sure was good. Last night I got “La Paloma” and
“The Flower Song” for the Victor Machine. Gee, but it stirred up a funny
feeling when I thought how we used to play together. Someone is playing
“Flower Song” now. I’d give most anything to be sitting on that piano
stool now with you. Well I must stop. Will you tell me what day school
starts?

Yours,

Forrest.

Take any of my music you want.