12/28/1918
Camp Ronde Fontaine, near Verdun , Frce.

Dear Father and Sisters:-

Have a letter from June and Gladyse, both dated Nov 30th.

Have not received my Xmas box yet, but about 60% of the boys are in the
same straits. Aunt Nan was wrong about being on way home, I too, were
mistaken.

But at present all rumors are to the effect of our departure from this
warring land not later than Jan. 25^(th). We move from our present
position to rear to a little city of Some-Due. We will occupy a Chateau
formerly the quarters of French Generals during the war. Will tell you
all about it when we get moved.

This morning I mailed you and J.W. each a small cigar box filled with
mistletoe, hemlock, and wild red French forest berries which we gathered
in “No-mans-land near Haudemont for decorating our Mess Hall for our 6
o’clock Xmas dinner. Certainly had a beautiful table and room that
night. Big American Turkey at $1.01 per lb was the guest of honor.

The night before Xmas it started snowing and never ceased until the day
after Xmas. A more beautiful Xmas, I have never seen. No wind, and snow
piled up on the tree branches ¾ of an inch deep. It was one of those
Washington snows like we read about.

But now it is raining again. The ground has only been frozen a bit on
one occasion.

Just paper my corner of our little home with late Saturday Evening posts
and made me coat and shirt hangers galore and too, I promoted a bunch of
fresh hay for feathers, (had a new bed sack). But am to take every thing
when we move. Wish you could see my little home. I have now learned how
to brighten the corner where you are and keep up clothes up off the
floor and out of the corners as I used to do at home.

All the Argonians are well, except Geo Devin and he never writes from
hospital.

Tell June not to buy me a lounging robe for if I reenlist I cannot use
it. Just keep your change.

Must close for this Saturday evening as this is the physiological time
for me to bathe. This is a hard life, work one day and rest one. My day
off, slept until 8:30 A.M.

Am enclosing a Menu of our Xmas dinner and some pop bottle labels.

I wrote J.W. [?] a letter this P.M. He offered me a good proposition on
my return to the States. He has been a keen fellow toward me I must say.

May get some mail this evening. Will close for now, trusting all had a
merry Christmas and wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year.

I remain

Sincerely Your son & bro.

Mike.

M H Main

Bat. F130 F. A.

A.E.F.

Excuse haste and blurs.