The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-02-07
Letter From Lynn b. Gillespie.
Dec. 26th, 1918.
Fontaine, France.

FOnta1ne, france.
Dearest Mother:-
Well, Christmas has come and
gone, and must say that while this
one was spent under strange circum-
stances to me, it nevertheless was
fairly enjoyable and we made our
selves as happy as the conditions
! asplld permit. Our dinner was the
bet that could be procured, and
consisted of mutton, mashed pota-
toes. gravy, peas, corn, and of course
bread, coffee with sugar and milk.
Our dessert was an apple, an
| orange, a piece of chocolate cake,
and some chocolate made by one OF
the boys, so we considered that W
had pretty good Christmas dinner
he "Y' presented each man with a
}ox containing two small cakes Of
:hocolate, one package of gum, two
boxes of cigarettes and cigar, all
of which was welcomed by the boy
Our entertainment consisted of a
concert given by our band, and it
was thoroughly enjoyed by all, ever
tho we did get cold feet, for it wa
an, outdoor affair. Santa Claus
presented all of the youngsters o
i the village under fourteen years
with box of goodies, at the school
house. So taking it all in all, 1t wa
a pretty good Christmas so far away
from home and friends; even to the
setting, for it showed quite consid-
cradle, starting in about sever
o'clock last night.
l did not receive the Christmas
box, but am looking for it any day
4 Our mail has been somewhat delay
ed, owing to the change of address
ses / guess. Did you say that you
sent the wallet in letter? / haven't
received it yet, but have hopes that
! it will come along in due time; it
will be a shame if it gets lost on th'
way, for it was bad enough to lose
| the other one that Peg gave me
Don't say anything to her, for it, nc
doubt will reach me o. K. Sht
doesn't know that / know what she
is sending me; it is to be surprls
don't you know?
| We are still living quiet lazy
life in the little village, but it get
little tiresome at times. The day;
are not SO bad, but it gets dark
about five o'clock, and from that
time until we go to bed about $3.50
it is the longest part of the day tc
our imagination. We don't have
much light except candle, and that
which comes from a small fireplace,
and it is not sufficient to read by,
even il we had any reading matter,
which is as scarce as sunlight is IL
this country.
received quite a number of post
cards and letters from some of the
Rising Sun friends in honor of my
birthday, and I wish you would tell
them all that appreciate them very
much. would like to answer every
one, but 1 haven't the time, and
paper and envelopes are scarce as
we'll, so they will have to take the
will for the deed. l received some
candy from London, England, sent
by Peggy thru John Wanamaker,
but haven't received the box you
are sending thru Gimbels. 1t was
hard candy Peg sent, and sure an
enjoying it, for it doesn't spoil ones
appetite like sweet chocolate does.
l hear we are leaving here for the
States before loog, but it sounds too
good to be true. Sure am anxious
to get home to see you all, but am
trying to be patient.
Well mother must close for this
time. Will try and write you once
week as long as we are resting In
billets. Remember me to all the
folks in Rising Sun, and take care
of yourself. Love to all,
Your son,
T.VNN