October 6^(th), 1918.
Somewhere in France but, soon Everywhere in Germany.

Dear Father and Sisters:-

This Sunday afternoon I received nine letters from you, dated: Sept.
2^(nd), 3^(rd), 4^(th), 5^(th), 6^(th), 10^(th),11^(th), and two the
9^(th). Also one from Fern and Ruth. I certainly appreciate hearing from
you so often and keeping me in touch the local news. Sorry tho’, that I
don’t write to you oftener. The last letter I wrote you was dated Sept.
28^(th) on the “Front.”

Last night we arrived in a little French village, Hargeville, and
started our O.M. in the Mayor’s home. Some place too, it is built like
most French buildings, of huge stone with tile roof but, it is about 150
ft. square complete with home, horse, cow, sheep, and poultry apartments
under the one roof. And too, a small threshing machine driver by a
treadmill.

I was up on the Argonne Front near Verdun ten days. Believe me we sure
put over some barrage on the night the big drive started. We, the Yanks-
regained in 27 hours what the French and British had been fighting for
for four years. One of the Enemy’s strong points, a hill, with an
arsenal and a city 7 stories deep, we dug out a cut wide enough for 12
railroads and many feet deep. The German’s thought it impossible for it
to ever be taken for it was fixed up modern. I visited the underground
city personally and found it equipped with electric lighting systems,
water works and railroad leading up from the rear. They left in such
haste that their morning meal was left on their tables uneaten and
liquor half drank. American can milk and jams were found on their tables
like it was later discovered in a German canteen we captured. The only
souvenir that I am carrying at present is a blouse button off a Jerry’s
blouse. He is now located in a permanent rest camp.

Many of the boys are loaded to the hubs with German helmets and other
articles of the Dutch. After we advanced, the cook and I were ordered to
stay behind with our Mess Equipment but, I stole up with in sight of the
fleeing enemy more than once.

Glad to tell, all the Argonia bunch in the artillery came out with out a
wound. No wonder tho, for “Jack” Gen. Pershing was in command.

Please send me a copy of the chaplain’s letter, as our 2^(nd) class mail
matter has been delayed for many weeks.

Shows, yes, when in or near the larger cities we visit them quite often.

Mighty good to hear of Rollie Holts’ successful operation.

There are some beautiful French women here, more tho, in the largest
cities but, as to many of the Yanks marrying them, I have my first one
to see that ever had a thought about it.

Perfectly alright with me if you give the Pike Bros. all my old
clothing.

I will not need my leather vest, heavy underwear, or any candies as
Uncle Sam looks after that for us “overhere” much different than in the
States. We will be issued heavy wool underwear in a few days. Had a
leather vest, but, let a friend have it, will get another later on, and
candies, I have been sick this afternoon from eating so much cholates
and smoking Roi-Tans.

The boys at O.M. to-nite have been singing so, one could hardly think.
All are glad to get where they can’t hear the huge cannon and don’t have
to wear steel helmets and carry gas masks. Think we will be motorized
now, if so, it will be months before we get in the lines again.

Please send my Liberty Bond to the Guthrie Consistory in Care of Frank
H. Den, Sec. At Guthrie, Okla.

Ruth sent me some Kodak pictures of her and her chums eating water
melons, sure made my mouth water (for the melon).

Have talked to all the “Argonia Bunch” since leaving the Front and can
vouch for the good health of them all. We will do our ____est to be home
soon.

I remain

  Your son & brother
  Pvt. Milo H. Main.
  Bat. F. 130 F.A.
  American E.F.