The weekly Alaska citizen., 1918-06-03
TOM M'SMART
 SENDS LETTER
 FROM TRENCHES

to Fairbanks, but across the space comes a remembrance from one who formerly lived here. Tommy Mo Smart, who at present is Somewhere in France, writes long letter to friend, which is given herewith: France, April 12, 1918.
 Dear Friend:
 This is the first opportunity have had to thank you for the parcel you so kindly sent me. So I will say now, thank you very much in deed. It was more than good of you. and, must say. just like the people of Alaska to put themselves to so much trouble for one so far away from them. and if you knew how much pleasure nineteen of us had out of that parcel of goodness and could hear what some of the boys said about the donors, well, you would feel amply repaid. You see, we split all parcels--that is. each shares with the others, as a rule. happened to be back at the horse lines when yours came, so there was more than the usual num- Der in the sub to share 1t. Drivers and spare gunners, we all had a good feed of chocolates and candy, but I kept the Bull Durham for my own sweet self.
 Now as to sending you a piece of the kaiser's ear as souvenir, I'm sorry cant promise any part of either ear as Tommy King has spok- en for both but should 1 get close enough to the Crown Prince, and l guess we're pretty close to him now, why. I'll send you his eye tooth as a watch charm.
 We're pretty busy right now send ing souvenirs over to Fritz and dodg- ing those he sends us. but thank God the sun is shining again and the mud drying up so it is not halt so bad as little earlier In the year. Pm feeling fine. also hopeful that this year will see the end of the war as 1t is getting monotonous, yet you know we have to kick the stuffing out of Fritz or it will be poor old world to live in.
 Nh dv,bt either, because no two months are the same. We are in action part of the time and out for rest every now and then and we see lots of the country, new place every time we move and say, you should visit this country after the war and see what the Hun has done to it. Where we are now you can see at least six towns, small ones of course, all in ruins. A little old cemetery with a crucifix still standing and three or four monuments, all the rest blown to atoms. Where the people are gone don't know but it will be an awful place to come back home to. l would like to send you some souvenirs but it's practically impossible and there are lots around. received word yesterday that one of my nephews was wounded lately. It 50 happened that he was due for a months leave, as the Imperials grant that 10 all who have served three years at the front I've been very lucky but must not brag. Anyhow 1 hope to see you all again. if I don't it's Kismet for no one knows when he is going to get 1t
 receive The Citizen every now and then through the kindness of Tommy King and they sure are put ting out great newspaper. can follow up all the news of those know. Well, old friend, have to stand to, so will have to quit writ ing. Many. many. thanks for your thoughtfulness in sending me the parcel. My best respects to all of my friends up there and the best of wishes to you, from very sin cerely yours. TOM M'SMART.