Newport daily independent., 1919-01-30

you in few days. I would have sent you one sooner but haven't had the chance to have any made, as I have spent the most of my time on the firing line since I've been over here There were no towns near and all one could see and hear were troops and big guns. But at last I had the chance and had some taken last Sun day, so you will get yours the first of January or whereabouts. I hope you will all enjoy a happy Christmas. As for myself I have spent a very happy Christmas season. Had nice tree here last night at the big church in this city and had two fine bands to play good music. We had the 9th infantry band and 17th field artillery band and believe me they made some music. It was grand. There were lots of German civilians present and they said the music was as good as any they ever heard. We had vau- deville show at the Beadorf opera house, with lots of good music by the bands, so you see we have had fine Christmas. The best of all was fine dinner today, with lots of cake and pie and sweet chocolate and lemon drops etc. We all cheered the mess sergeant, so that one could have heard us for half mile away. l am sending you the program of the en- tertainment we had today at the the atre.
 I was sorry to hear of Fred's death. I was surprised and had just written him a letter and sent him some pic lures of this place. l feel so sorry for Oracle. I also wrote Velma Ab- ney letter yesterday. As for your letter I certainly appreciated it and you may continue to write me all the news from home, even if it takes whole tablet, because the letters l re- ceive are not censored, They only censor the mail we send off. l will have to close for this time as my pa per is about to play out. Tell the kids they will not have to practice with their new riflesvery hard to get a hun now, as there are very few left, and the few remaining tell us they do not want to fight the Ameri- cans any more. They say American have no sense about their fighting, that they will just close their eyes and walk right into a machine gun barage and you can't stop them at all.
 As said before I enjoyed my Christmas fine, but l know l would have had a much better time in the states. There is no place like Amerl- ca for me. I like soldering in the states fine, but don't like it so well here. We would like it better Ii we could understand this language. think we will be back home by the first of May. I don't know yet whether I will come home or not. l am thinking of enlisting in the U. 5. Navy when I get back to New York, but don't know for sure. A man there makes good money, has advan- tages and sees lots of the world. have seen many things and learned much, so I will never regret my ex- perience. I would send you Christ mas present but there is nothing much here to buy, so will wait till I get back to the states. Will either send or bring you something. When you see Shirley's folks tell them l am we'll
 Our camp is right on the banks ot large river and we see boat after boat which makes us wish we were going to set sail for home. wish l was there tonight. could tell you more about a soldiers life in France ana Germany than can write in week. but tell all the folks that would like to see each one I know, but my de- sires are all in vain, but maybe there is day in the future when my hopes will be realized. I hope so any way. You have my best wishes just the same. I will send you some pictures of the Rhine also few scenerles from here.
 I will now close wishing you hap py new year and asking you to ex- cuse this soldier letter as my hgnts are dim and I know there are many mistakes. Write me another long letter soon telling all the home news.
 From your friend,
 Roy Dawson,
 Battery E. 17th F. A. A, E. F.
 France.