The courier-index., 1919-02-21
FROM WAYNE MURDOCH
Bourges. France, Jan. IS.

Bourges, France. Jan. Is. Dear Mother:
 The letteriess days seem to be oyer Pm receiving mail in punches, received ten letters in past three days, six of them from Sister and you, ranging in date from December 3 to 23; one from Aunt Bettye, date December IS, and three from my friend on the Arkansas river. Sure appreciated them all. Haven't re- ceived cablegram yet. Am trying to trace it now. Thanks. Will forward all mails from home to Woodie so he can enjoy them.
 In spite of the fact that the armis- tice was signed several months ago, the battle of Bourges still rages. We 20 over the top six and a half days week, armed to the ears with foun- tain pens and pencils, amid an Under wood barrage Camouflage has been discontinued except by the cooks and w. A. A. c. s.
 Am writing this letter in a combi- nation billiard hall, skating rink, res taurant and wine shop. Just drop ln occasionally to get a bite to eat or play billiards. We have some nice billiard games and I am fast becom- ing a shark. This place before the war was one Of the most notorious Apache dives in France. It's full Of secret passag ges, concealed doors and hiding places.
 We only pay eight cents an hour for billiards here, whereas at home l it is 50 cents. so you see I'm saving 52 cents an hour every hour l play | and there is no telling how much Jack I will have when 1 get back. | Some times when it is raining tlt rains most every day, tool we take l a Ill drink of port told and mellow | to ward off the flu, another or so to | ward off pneumonia, and so on. AS there are lots of diseases to be ward 4 ed off, some of the boys get little high strung. All that I've heard ex- press themselves intend to swear off when they get back especially ii the U. s. is like unto the Sahara.
 We had corn Willie tcorned beef) !. three times today for a change. We | have been getting fresh prime beef. The corn Willie was fine for change The rice custard was little rich with butter and eggs but at that 1t went pretty good. I made away with a mess kit full The grape fruit we have sure gives an appetite for the crisp bacon, toast and eggs, and flap l jacks with maple syrup. The above with good Java. sugared and creamed to perfection. constitutes our modest breakfast.
 Four boys out of my old company have arrived to participate in the battle. so I guess I'll have company even as far as Memphis. We've al ready threshed over old times at Beauregard. New York, Coney Island, and trip across We've still some weighty things to discuss.
 We are having boxing bouts musi- cales. and shows at the opera house every night. Some are pretty good. One show entitled "The Battle of Bourges." written by lieutenant here and acted by members of A. E. F. and w A. A. c. s. sure took strong. After playing here for week to packed houses it is now tour ing the A. E. F. spreading sunshine and smiles among the doughboys.
 I was out walking last Sunday af- 1 ternoon and had the pleasure of go- l ing through the castle here. It has | quite a romantic history and is some i fine place. It is just cram full of 1 works of art and implements of old | time warfare.
 Am learning little more French |