Aug. 11^(th) 1918.
“Somewhere in France, with the Amex Forces.”

Dear Father and Sisters:-

Please pardon me for not writing sooner, but have neglected writing
Raymond and Ruth since writing you last.

This is a most beautiful Sunday morning in France. Sun – shining
brightly, but not hot like in southern Kans, very cool breeze blowing as
fresh as if off the sea.

As our Band marched to Y.M.C.A. this A.M. to Church playing “Onward
Christian Soldiers,” it brought back memories of Sunday morning in
Argonia and especially Supt. Dewall. He is still the Supt. or is Sam
Scott the leading man?

At our next Camp I have the choice of two Officers’ Messes to work in.
Think I will continue my same old job, for our Mess officer has been
exceptionly good to me. Received an increase of pay from Mess, but our
Battery has no use for Wagoneers at present and we Wagoneers were
reduced to Privates. But doubt if I would have given up job here at Mess
to have driven truck.

Chris Jergem, Merle Phillippi, and Leigh Clark were over to visit with
me last evening. Am very thankful to know all the home boys in this
bunch are enjoying such good health. I have felt the best ever, at this
Camp. Have my first cigarette to smoke since being in the service and
French Wines I have not drank since July 4^(th), two habits which are
very injurious to good health over here.

We have not received any mail from the “States” for a week but, are
expecting a big bunch in daily.

As time and this “big drive” go on, the more am I convinced that this
big game will be over by Christmas if not sooner. Some Officers doubt if
we will get in the game at all. But if it is left to the Yanks they will
end it in a very short time. The Boches now call the “Marines” the
“Devil Dogs.” They and the “Alabama Dough Boys” have shown the “Germans”
that they are the “Cold steel artists.”

Trusting all are in the best of health and prosperous at home, I am

  Your son
  Pvt. Milo H. Main.

Bat. F. 130 F.A.
American E.F.
France