The Press., 1918-12-19

saw one until little over a week ago,
 there is chance to learn a good deal.
 The working is interesting and it
 needs all the pep that fellow has,
 for when you make move it must be
 made right and quickly. We came
 across the pond in seven days and it
 hardly seems possible so much steel
 could plough through the water day and night the way it did. I have not
 been very close to the firing line at any time, but when I return to the good old U. S. A. will have some very interesting things to tell you. I have been in this town, which is a small one, a week and 8 half and while here we heard all kinds of peace talk, but when we came in from drill this afternoon we knew Germany had come across, for the houses were all decorated with flags of the allies, and the bells were ringing In the evening the buildings were all dec- orated with Japanese lanterns. The American boys were out with two bands and the French people were all shouting "A1I finish, all finish" The little children ran and played, some thing they had not done before since had been here; and I wish you could see the expressions of joy on the faces of the older people. A French soldier from this town, who left the front line Friday, Nov. 9th, said the Tanks were more than driving the Huns. It has been kind of hard on me at times to stick it out, for you know I went to camp as a limited service man and was put in with a bunch of boys who had seen several months of service and some were at the Mexican border, but am we'll, so that is the main thing. If any thing should ever hap pen to the boys the folks at home would know it sooner than we could write to them, so abide by the saying that no news is good news. I have seen a good many German prisoners here in France and have seen the big guns mounted on flat cars which the brave soldiers of France used against the Huns. have seen an allied air plane similar to the Zeppelin the Huns used to bomb England Since I have been in France I have seen very few soldiers, except U. s. boys, and take it from me, there are enough of them to take the stars and stripes to Berlin in a month, if the Germans had not come across. At a town 15 miles from here I stayed one day and night, and there was a steady stream of U. s. boys coming in and going out. Of course most of the boys want to get back to the good old U. s. boys who fought so bravely at the front should go first for they have been through a hell on earth. The folks back home cannot realize what as you know the people of France have suffered more than the other countries. Wish I had time to tell you all about the people and their country, but will have to wait until later. have seen men with legs and arms gone and Red Cross ambulances taking the boys to the hospitals, and it would make your blood boil to see what the Huns have done. The boys are allowed to drink wine, but have not tasted drop, and my habits are the same as if I were back home. I shall miss my Thanksgiving at home this year, but nevertheless, we have much to be thankful for this year. The weather here is about the same as it is at home. I am with 25 other men ill a billet and am still with the boys I left Camp Upton with. have met few fine fellows who seem as if [ had known them for a long time. I am glad everything is we'll at home and that you are we'll. When I get home 1 will have little rest and get lack on the job again, and will be some tickled boy to see you all again. We'll, I hope all is going as you boys wish to have it go and that you and all the folks are we'll. Give my re- gards to all my friends as I will not be able to write to them all Write me as often as you can for it seems mighty good to hear from the good old U. s. A. We'll, I will close and go back to my billet. With love and best wishes, I am your loving brother, John.
 Private John A. Richardson, Co. c, 323 Machine Gun Battalion, American P. O. 762, o. EFF.