Mon. P.M. 10/28 1918
“On Some Front in France.”

Dear Father and Sisters:-

I put out my “Sunny Monday” washing of 18 pieces this morning and have
the afternoon and evening to write. I lost my set of sad irons after we
came down from the Alsace Front, will purchase a French iron when I go
to the city again.

Wrote Aunt Nan and Miss Jo’ this week. Sorry to think I am so lazy about
writting.

On this particular sector of the Verdun Front it has been exceptionly
quiet up to an hour ago. At that time “Jerry” sent over some “iron
rations” to our Battery- positions. “Believe Old Mike” he will regret it
before the sun rises again.

Am certainly well pleased with our present O.M. position and
accommodations, but the way the Yanks are advancing on our right and
left we will be obliged to move up before many moons.

Am also satisfied with my present position. For my duties are few,
boo-coo of good eats, and cozy little hut to sleep in, as well as, a big
fire-place and plush settee to read and write by.

On the 25^(th) inst. I was called into Regtl. Hdq. And presented with
the first “Overseas” furlough to be given in the 130 F.A. I refused to
sign it at that time, thinking possibly there might be a big show staged
for “Jerry” by the Yanks. Understand, that I have again been recommended
for furlough soon. Possibly I will go this time for it is a break of 10
days with board, room, and transportation charges paid to a famous
French resort where the many American Tourists spent their summers prior
to 1914. No kidding, there are a bunch of officers here that sure are
loyal to me, in fact, they treat me more like a son, rather than a
solider.

I came up here on the 10/17 and have not seen any of the Argonia Bunch
since. Am at liberty to go back to rear achelon where they are stationed
but like it so well here I have never gone down for any thing. Always
send by the P.O.’s chauffer for any little thing I need. He also carries
my mail both ways.

Well- I guess I am a big expense to Uncle Sam and some of his officers.
You should have seen my breakfast this morning. Angel-food (white bread)
toast, creamery butter, Jap rice with “Monarch” brand preserved
strawberries and pure cream, crisp and brown bacon, and good black
coffee. In fact I’m a mean feeder at all times. We now have enough
canned goods, fresh vegetables and fresh, frozen U.S. beef on hand to
start a B.D. Shore store.

Feeling like a fighting man, I remain

Your son and brother
“Mike.”

Milo H. Main.

Bat F. 130 F.A.
American E.F.
% Regt. Hdq.

Tues. 8 P.M. 10/29 1918

As I failed to mail my letter this morning I will add a bit more to it.

Received the word at our Radio Station late last night that
Austria-Hungary is crying to accept Pres. Wilson’s peace terms. Also
rumored this evening that “Kaiser Bill” and his gang are thinking
seriously of quiting their post. U.S. now means more than United States,
“Unconditional Surrender.”

A Masonic friend with our Red Cross detachment and I walked down to our
“rear achelon,” which has moved up with in 7 kilometers of us. My
mission was to get more new clothing as you might know. Sure have some
fine light weight woolen underwear, had drawn some extra heavy wear, but
the weather here now is far warmer than in southern Kans. at this time.
While down below, I met Warlow and Aurthur Knox, all the boys are quite
well and are located in a beautiful little camp. Was informed that my
mail had been sent to Bat 7’s Hdq. at the Front. It will be forwarded
here in the morning most likely.

Our Regtl. Commander sent his touring car to Nancy (a young Paris) this
morning for eats and drinks. The car arrived a few minutes ago. It was
laden with anything from wine to a fatted live goose. Also a basket of
eggs, they are valued at more than a $1.00 per dozen now. The R.C.
stated at dinner to-nite that, we were feeding to much. Think he is
right for some of Bat. 7. Boys whom had not seen me for two weeks said I
was getting fatter, so fat that I resembled a fattened porker, at that
they envied me of my eats. My motto has never changed, Eat, drink, and
be merry to-day, for to-morrow Jerry may have your number on one of his
shells.

I am subscribing for the “Stars and Stripes,” and “Overseas” weekly
paper edited by the Yanks for the Yanks which I will have sent to you.
Every solider of this, the 35^(th) division, has pledged to give at
least 1 franc (about 20¢), to be distributed among the “poor” of France,
as his Christmas celebration.

One sight on my may back to the Front this evening was a Yank lying in
the breech of a huge gun polishing the rifles there in. Her name is
“Reinne Elizabeth” and her sister gun is named “Joan of Arch,” They were
firing at noon. The concussion was so great that you could see the side
of our kitchen wall push in from the pressure.

Am enclosing the metal top from a cognac bottle. It is a French liquor
used very much. So strong that it will eat the varnish off of the table.
Cannot say as to the effect on ones stomach, but has a powerful winding
ability on ones head. Can truthfully say, I am drinking only beer and
champagne.

I close to-nite feeling fine after my little hike this afternoon.
Thinking such a walk would do me good daily.

Yours truly, Good Nite

Mike