July 26^(th), 1918. “With the Amex Forces Somewhere in France.” Dear Father and Sisters:- We are having more rain again to-nite. Being so near coast either by south or west is partly due to so much rainfall. It sure does not seem possible for the third largest vessel in the world being sunk by a torpedo. We were in N.Y. harbor docked near it just before our departure and I thought it the most beautiful vessel I had seen and when we got in the rough sea some 300 miles from Greenland this big transport could be seen sailing as smoothly as a river steamboat. It was not far from where it was sunk where we had our battle with a sub, coming over. Chris gave me an Argosy dated 7/6 yesterday. I have failed to receive any editions from Scottie yet, but possibly will later. For pastime yesterday afternoon eight of we boys around the kitchen overpowered a French lad of 16 and mowed his first crop of whiskers. He shed many tears when we cut his mustache off, for a French man takes more pride in growing a little black mustache than a Kansas Farmer would in raising 90 acres of corn. This improved his appearance so much we then decided to give him a hair cut but, we had no clippers or shears. I got out my Red Cross scissors and the first cook tried his hand. Well, we go off quite a quantity of hair, but it resembled a flight of stairs more than anything else. Altho after we gave him a shampoo and powdered him up he looked much more like an American. July 30^(th) Tues. 3 P.M. Finishing a letter four days from the time I started it shows you how energetic I am. Could write every-day as far as having time would concern it. But, don’t think we are not more than anxious to receive a letter from home. To-day I received four letters from you dated July 8^(th), 9^(th), 12^(th), and the 13^(th). Also one from Ruth sent on the 11^(th). You would be very much surprised to see the expression on the boys’ faces whom receive no mail on mail day. I want to thank you for writing so regularly to me. Don’t think F.A. Smiths are dong George right, it is no fault of his, it all lies with the Amex mail service. Yes, I remember Mrs. Gulick. Ruth wrote about meeting Mrs. Colin at the store. Ruth said she spoke well of me. No extreme heat in this part of France. Very pleasant all the time. In fact I am bleached out like never before. Very little do I get out in the sun at any time. We don’t wear our broad brimmed champaine hat now, just the little skill caps with out a bill. Arthur Knox and I were down the road Monday eve taking in the sights as we passed by the many wine and beer shops. Chinese and Algerian labors were to be seen along the road in big numbers. Think I wrote you about serving fried chicken, lobster salad and champagne with many side dishes on the Fourth. Big field meet and boxing contest being held near by. I have not drank any French liquors either since that day. Champagne being my choice after giving them all a fair test. Alvin’s estimate on the women and wine shops was not exaggerated at all. I would put it about four saloons to the block and as many French women as you wanted. Some of these French women are beautiful, while the pheasant class taken as whole have big feet and ankles caused by wearing wooden shoes. But the more one learns about the French maids the less you care about them. They are not to be compared with the girls in the good old U.S.A. In the States we called our money “Bill” but “over here” it is “Franc” and “Sou.” I have had no difficulty in getting American money exchanged. The “franc” is the unit of French money. its present value is 5.7 Francs to the U.S. dollar. It seemed rather strange to hear the people speaking about the value of horse as 1500 francs. At present there is very much paper franc notes in circulation same as “scrip” in the U.S. Thanks for the toothpicks. I gave the French lad one just now. He says they are only used by the big gentlemen or the rich class. As to being homesick, never take time for that. Am making this a vacation trip. My hardest battle was at Camp Doniphan. I have never written Fern yet, but have a handkerchief to send her so may write to her soon. I received a second letter from Raymond Flory a few days ago. He is in England yet. Says he takes a wild ride in planes occasionally. And is working on them daily. What do you think of the Yanks’ fighting spirit now? They all are anxious to get it over and believe me they have the Boches on the run now. The effect upon the French caused by the presence of American troops here will be great. They are learning and progressing fast, but they cannot keep up the pace that Yanks are taking. All the Argonia bunch are in good health and we wish the folks at home the best of health and prosperity. Sorry to hear of Chas. Fisher’s death. Will close for to- day. I am Your son and brother, Milo H. Main Bat. F. 130 F.A. Amex Forces. France.