SMITH, Carl

Dear Brother:

Received your letter O.K. and was glad to hear from you. I am feeling fine and working every day. This is a grand little country, but the good old U.S. for mine. The French are fine looking people and very courteous. Well, Claude, have [you] been drafted yet? If you have not, you had better get your shotgun and get out in a field and practice the ‘Manual of Arms’, for if you ever get in a uniform you will have it all to learn. The first year in the army is the worst they say, but after you are in two years you begin to like it. Really, this is the worst war I was ever in.

You were speaking in your letter of ‘Gay Paree’. Well, I thought I was going to get a furlough to Paris but they have quit giving passes so I guess I won’t get to go. We met a lady from Paris a short time ago; she was riding a bicycle past where we [were] working. When she stopped we addressed her in French and were surprised to hear her reply in good English. She said she had studied our language for seven years. I asked her what she thought of the way things were going at the front now, and she clapped her hands and said, ‘Fine. Those dear American boys can’t be beat.’

There sure has been some tall fighting over here, and I will have lots to tell you when I get home. Tell the folks not to worry about me for I am all right. Give my regards to all and be sure and write me all the news. Saw Lige and Eschol [Weaver] Sunday, and they were fine and said for you to write.

With love and best wishes. Carl Smith 28th Engrs. Co. A, American E. F. Via N. Y