The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1918-02-28

would be very unusual to us, lnhabl-
tants of Pine Tree State who have
been brought up in the midst OF
rigorous winters, and during which
we travel in snow up to our knees.
At the great joy OF ALL Reyeil was
half an hour later. and moreover, In
stead of being awakened by the usual
sound of the bugle. our regimental
band paraded the streets announcing
that time had come to leave our af-
fectionate hunks, and that at the
sound of a beautiful march
After such an unusual invitation to
arise, we were soon ready for the roll
call, and then we all marched up for
mess. After absorbing our breakfast,
a great number of us went to the diff
ferent church ceremonies that were
given at the occasion of Christs birth,
in order to adore Jesus of the Crib,
coming on this poor earth to redeem
us all bringing forth all sorts of
blessings.
The accomplishment Of religious
duties being fulfilled, each one con-
secrated the rest of the day the most
ioyfully possible.
HClt OiUl Hdu HOl lOl HOlltu no anu
the proof of it is that he had sent us
some turkeys for our Xmas dinner;
it is useless to tell you that they were
nicely prepared by our expert cooks
and that the absorbing of them was
perfectly delicious, after taking such
an elegant dinner, we retired from
the mess hall, with the firm purpose
of not coming back until the next
morning. The rest of the day, we
consecrated to the listening of two
different concerts, that the band gave
and that we all enjoyed immensely. As
you will notice our first Christmas
day in France was rather agreeable,
nevertheless, in all our enjoyments
and rejoicings, we all had a kind
thought for our dear folks in Ameri-
ca, and at certain times of the day.
we might have been tempted to let a
little home sickness occupy our minds
which Is more than legitimate. | pre-
sume but, why not be happy and be
proud of ourselves, for we are here
for cause of justice, and nothing
else, also, conquer, we must.
Now, my dear cousins, let me tell
you that | am feeling fine and am
rather contented with my little lot;
am still at the service of the chaplain
and we have a nice and warm little
office to do our work in as long as
we are in this little town, | will be
wholly satisfied, I am sure.
l have received quite a few letters
lately, and all of them have brought
me many consultations; but | have
not received yet the second package
that you have sent me long while
ago, which contained, as you said,
cigarettes, candies and chewing gum;
| wonder, If it has been lost or is it
still on its way? | hope, anyhow,
that | will soon get 1t.
There is college friend OF mine,
that wanted to send me his photo here
and as | thought it would be prefer
able for him to send it home. | told
him to send it to you, for l know that
you will take good care of it and that
it will be safer there than anywhere
else. The name of my friend is II.
Remington.
AS this Is about all the news that
can give you today, l will close hop
ing to hear from you soon and kissing
you tenderly. Also | will ask you
to give my best regards to Define and
to all the help in the store.
Your affectionate cousin,
RALPH G.
Private Ralph G. Gilbert
103rd U. S. Inf Sth Div.
A. e. F. Via New York City
Care Chaplain Moody