SMITH,A.P. - letter to sister Sallie

Hampton, VA Oct 16, 1918 APS 323rd FT Co

Hello SIs - Received your letter this morning, glad to get it. How is everybody? I am alright, got my heavy uniform last a.m. bright, got my heavy uniform last Saturday, look like a real soldier now.

Oh! Oh! Just wait until I com home, then you and I will have a time. Having lots of fun today, every time a fellow goes to sleep some other fellow will get a cup of cold water and smack he takes him. Believe me he wakes up then. They have just got through ducking me in the bath tub. no I don't know any of thoese kids I guess . I had a ltter from claude this afternoon. He is alright now. The negroes are mean as the d___. I had a letter from my old friend Jeannette. Did you get the letter with my picture?

Oh! Yes has Iva Hole got married yet? I suppose if she hasn't she will be pretty soon for she never answered my letter. Say Sallie, if I would tell you I was married would you believe it.

What is Bill Smith's and Harry Day's address? I would like to write to them. Say SIs I had to stop writing to yell. One of the guys was biting my ear. I don't mind bitting but I would rather for it to be __ better half, se Ha! Ha!

There is quite a lot of "flu" here yet, several deaths. Say Sallie, you won't know me when I come home. Was weight last night, 150#. When I was examined in NY I weight only 129# so you see I am getting along fine. Just looked out of the window and seen an ambulance hauling a deal negro soldier. I guess he died with fu. We are expecting to be moved most any day. Have no idea whre. We are going to get some more of our clothes soon.

I have already two uniforms, two shirts, four suits of underwear, ten pair of socks, a rain coat and overcoat, also to (sic) extra pair of pants.

Just got through eating supper and washed my towel will try to finish before going on duty.

I haven't heard from CLyde but once, that was while I was in NY. Have you heard any more from Harrison Hutn? I would sure like to take a bot for France and see some of my old pals over there. Sallie, send me some more candy when you have time. It makes no difference what kind you send. Tell Oma not to for get November 2 my birthday. Tell Grace hello. Well I had btter close. Answer real soon and a long letter like the other one was. Bye Bye, ARTHUR P. SMITH.  -- kbz