Sept. 8^(th), 1918 On Active Service Somewhere in France. Dear Father and Sisters:- Same excuse as before for not writting. (Moving and taking in the sights.) Well, I [?] 13 days on active service on some Front. Was at O.M. and I tell you it sure is great to go thru that experience of shell fire and gas. We thought it great sport to shell “Old Jerry.” Since coming back from the Front I have seen all the Argonia Bunch whom were in the 130^(th.) Rosco Wilson I met in a little town back from the Front. Also passed thru the town where Roy McClure is in. He is back from the Front, for Rest. It was the wee hours of the night when I came thru and failed to see him. Also got to see Foster Stuart yesterday. All the boys are in good health, fat, and enjoying the sport. While traveling around we have no O.M. so I have been a man of leisure since leaving the Front. And believe me, I am sure seeing France. Took in about 6 good towns yesterday. Plenty of beer to drink at every stop. [Missing pages 3 & 4] …ending by Xmas. Heavy betting to that effect. Tell L.T. Smith I got his little message alright. Tell him he is loosing out on a liquid used to keep the Yanks’ slats from caving in, it is call beer, a big bottle for a Franc 17¢. Also good Champagne for 8 to 15 F. As far as ever Wagoneering any, I never did nor expected to but it was thru a friend that I was promoted to that for the additional pay only. There are several crooks & turns in military business to learn. Am 1^(st) Class Private now since the rank of Wagoneers has been discontinued. It pays $33. & 10% oversea increase. Also my $7.50 O.M. bonus. The Colonel wanted me to take charge of the O.M. just before we left the Front. But I told the “Old Man” “No”. But would do the buying and still manage the dining room. I want to take it as easy as possible for I crave “bunk fatigue.” Yesterday, Merle Phillippi, Jess Oyler, and I left camp for a little trip, (we had it). We had not gone far, until I heard a voice scream out “Oh Mike.” It was old Jess Skein. Well he joined us and we made several other…. [Missing pages]