Mexico weekly ledger., 1919-03-06
,e. The letter follows:

DSSA NHA'
This place is at present as dull and
gloomy as constant rain can make it.
We have long been living in hopes Of
leaving for the states Shortly" but
we have been disappointed so often
that we at last find ourselves in a St
ate of resignation. In such a state of
mind one doesn't look forward to the
approaching new year with much en-
thusiasm. Of course we appreciate
the difficulties connected with the ev-
acuation of so many wounded but even
this does not serve to console US much.
We eat our three meals a day such as
they are, read a little, smoke more,
and at flights out" turn in which does
not make much of a break in routine
for us unfortunates who are still con-
fined to bed. True, l have been out on
clutches an hour or so a day since CHI
ristmas day my first attempt being a
Christmas present from myself and
not very successful, however, l was
carried back to bed feeling faint and
nauseated. My subsequent attempts
have been more successful, however,
and have encouraged me to persistent
efforts. There being no regulations
as to speed limit thru the aisle I have
experienced no in~concenicnces on that
point, particularly as only my right
leg is serviceable, the left one still be-
ing suspended in the air. The first
day it was with the sensation of an old
woman learning to ride a bicycle, now
l have gained more control over myself
There r places I have attempted
to visit but thither the crutches have
stubbornly refused to carry me, man.
ifesting the limit of their usefulness.
But this rather pleases me as l am
loath to recognize any permanent re-
lationship to crutches, however help
full they may prove to an invalid.
AS the wounds are healing up with a
quickness beyond expectation, 1 don't
doubt gaining full use of the leg again,
altho it may require a long GONZALES
ccnce.
We celebrated Christmas in rather a
good style thanks to the Red Cross,
that Y. M. c. A. in spite of their boas-
ting in newspaper, was absent, may
surprise you folks at home, who are
given the impression both thru writ
ing and illustrations, that Y. NJ. C. A.
is caring wonderfully for the moral
welfare of the soldiers but it does not
surprise the millions over here, who
have come to look upon the activities
of that organization as only THEO-
RETICAL. Elaborate boxing bouts
and shows are arranged in Paris for
the few elect who are fortunate en-
ough to go there, but the millions at
the front and wen those in the hospital
away from Paris are not reached, not
even at Christmas. l am voicing the
sentiment of every body, in this hos
pital and thousands of others who are
at the front.
Personally l hav'nt seen a Y. M. C. A
representative for over three months,
altho l was wounded passed thru four
dressing stations and hospitals, and
we are located not more than three or
four hours ride from Paris. Where the
millions go to is a mystery to us, GER
tainly we were eve given anything.
l I'M telling you this that you may
know the actual conditions and look
upor- the criticism arising at home as
fully justified, that the intention IS
good and noble l never doubted, but
there is a mismanagement somewhere,
very much to our disappointment.
Then l take my hat off to the Sal
walton Army Classics" who behind the
lines sold goodies very cheap and even
found time to distribute hot cakes in
the afternoons where circumstances per
mitted. Bursting shells didn't keep
them away either, and their funds
heve been rather limited.
l received a nice present for Xmas
in form of an informal letter of cita-
ton. 1t reads: 81, my major, have
recommended that you be cited for
your courage during the recent drive
in caring for the wounded and after
being wounded yourself remarked
that you were glad you were doing
your duty when it happened. Your
work has always been excellent and I
hope you will soon recover and return
to US" The endorsement of the
colonel follows: "The conduct of
Private Johansson is deserving of the
highest recommendation" Whether
an official citation or a cross Cd. s.
c. follows on top of that l don't
know, but l am glad of it as it is,
feeling unworthy of the kind words.
It's a satisfaction to me that 1 was on
the job and not under cover doing
nothing.
Well, soon l will be home and at
work, forgetting-no, not forgetting
for one can not do that. But civil
liam life and work will look good to me.
Wishing you and your family happi-
ness and prosperity in 1919.
/ remain yours truly,
PVT. JOHANNES P. JOHANSSON.
The following interesting letter has
been received by Nh. and Mrs. /. N.