12/24/1918 Xmas Eve. 9:P.M. Camp Ronde Foutaine, Near Verdun, France. Dear Father and Sisters:- This “day before Xmas” has been one ideal day and evening for the occasion. The day has been filled with warmth and beautiful sunshine, such as we seldom see now-a-days for the continual rain and gloom. About an hour ago it started snowing beautiful big flakes and now the earth is covered with a white blanket to the depth of at least two inches. Surely this day has been made as per the Order. At the rear echelon to-nite the theatrical talent of “E and F.” Batteries are stageing a minstrel show in the Y.M.C.A. Hut for the benefit of the boys in the 130 F.A. Having had a spell of 9 days of pleasure and amusement I didn’t care much about going down. I remember two years ago to nite quite well. Close of contest at J.W.’s. We have our mess hall decorated very attractively with evergreen, wild red cherries, and mistletoe and will also have the Regtl. Colors among the decorations to-morrow. There is certainly fine material in the two flags, value $800. Am going to send you and J.W. each a small cigar box filled with these decorations to-morrow. The mistletoe was gathered on that undesirable soil which layed between the French and German Front-line Trenches, better known as “No-Man’s-Land” near Haudemont, 15 miles south east from “Battle-torn” Verdun. To-morrow, (Christmas) is my day on duty and I will have the honor of serving champagne galore, a big 14lb. turkey costing $1.01 per lb., or practically a $15.00 bird, and all the usual Christmas dishes. Our officers and boys from this little camp had a wild-boar drive last Sunday but returned without capturing any of the many young pigs which are so plentiful here in these woods. And deer too, quite often they are seen. Yesterday there were three in camp, but our Col. would not permit us to kill them, as they are protected by the French Game Law. While writing of deers (dears) might mention the two fair Y.M.C.A. girls who were in camp for dinner last-nite. They too, were fine game, not protected by any “Frog Laws” but instead by a Colonel and Lt. Colonel. Some feed we put on for them. Course after course did I wish in with. I spent Sunday afternoon visiting the Argonia Bunch. Saw Roy Hall, Geo. Lukens, Chris Jurgens, Merle Phillipi and Alvin Warlow and I found them all well and “getting by” with out doing much duty. We have not heard from Geo. Devin since he left us for the hospital, but I think he is no doubt on his way back to the good old U.S.A. Latest rumor came in to-nite from Gen. Pershing’s Chauffer to the effect that we, the 35^(th) division are to be homeward bound with in the next 25 days. Good Xmas news at least. My old Division, the 89^(th) from Funston are in Germany. From all reports they are having some time. If we are to be abroad for some time yet, hope we get to go over to Kaiser Bill’s. There are ex-prisoners returning from Germany, natives of Russia, that pass by here daily and often stop for a bit to eat, they are on their way to Verdun to be clothed and sent home. They certainly speak well of the “Yank,” especially his generosity as to food and clothing. I received two letters from you last nite dated; 20^(th) and 21^(st) of Nov. But my Xmas box is among the 60% which have not arrived yet. Speaking from a sanitary point of view, I thought it best to wash out a big woolen sock, for to-nite as my box had not arrived, but when I got it washed out this morning the day was so beautiful I decided to wash up all my wardrobe and start out pure the year of 1919. Gladyse, I am enclosing two Masonic Papers which I will be much obliged to you if you will kindly give them to A.A. Cone, who will make the proper disposal of same. You should see my pressing iron. A mess kit filled with five rocks and mud. The old adage still holds true: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Father and Sisters, I have much to be very thankful for this Christmas Eve, altho many miles from home, I am quartered in a cozy little hut and well fed with plenty of the best food, not out in the cold and wet trenches hungry like so many of us thought we would be only a few months back. And too, that I escaped the wounds and disease so many of our boys fell victim too this summer and fall, not saying anything about the unfortunate sons lying beneath the sod on these cruel and bloody battle fronts. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I remain Most truly, Your son and brother, Milo H Main Bat F. 130 F.A. Amex Forces.