s a silly idea. In the first place theyd get all smashed
on the way. An then you cant get enough flowers in one of them little
envelopes to make one good smell. Nothin if not right. Thats me all
over, Mable.

I had dinner in town with Max Glocoses mother. Hes a fello in our tent.
Shes a nice enough old lady but she aint military, Mable. We was walkin
down the street before dinner an salutin officers so fast it looked like
we was scratchin our forheds. An every time we saluted she bowed. I
didnt say nothin cause after all she was payin for the dinner. Later on
though she says. "I think its fine you boys has made so many friends
among the officers cause I think there such nice men." Can you beat it
Mable? An when she went home she sent Max an officers hat cord cause she
said she didnt think it would fade as quick as that old blue thing he
was wearin.

I like to forgot to thank you for the Christmas presents you an your
mother sent. Im glad you minded what I said about not wantin nothin
although Id sent you two presents what was worth more than I could
afford ($4.87). As I said to Joe Loomis who was in the tent when your
presents came, it aint what the thing cost or wether you could ever use
it for anything. Its the thought. Sentiment before pleasure. Thats me
all over, Mable.

Thanks for the red sweter, Mable. We aint allowed to use them. But you
dont want to feel bad about that cause I got lots of others an didnt
need it anyway. An tell your mother thanks for the preserves an cake. I
think thats what they was. They must have packed them between a steam
roller and a donkey engin from the looks. Joe Loomis picked out most of
the glass an tried some. Hed eat anything, that fello, Mable. He said it
must have been pretty good when it started. Tell that to your mother. I
know it will please her.

I got so many presents from other girls an the like that its kind of
hard to remember if you sent me anything else. If you did just tell me
in your next letter and Ill thank you when I rite again.

I hope my presents arrived all right. I guess you'll like em. You ought
to at the price. As I says to the girl what sold em when she says she
didnt have nothin cheaper "Nothins to good for where there goin." Isnt
that tipical of me, Mable?

Well, Mable, perhaps next year Ill send you a Dutch helmit maybe. It
aint no use wishin you a happy New Year cause I know how itll be with me
away an your father what he is.

Yours regardle