To Bertha from C.C. Ballou – July 28, 1918
A.P.O. 776
My dear Bertha,
Your letter received. Glad to head that you were all well and comfortable. But reports from _____ indicate that your cool weather was passed. I hope you have paid Senn [Note: Her brother] a visit. You couldn’t see much of Senn of course, but the poor cuss seemed very much in need of a bit of bracing up. I know the feeling. I fear that some of his past misdeeds are being resurrected at the Academy [Note: West Point military academy] , but don’t know. At any rate, some of his cockiness is being taken out of him all right. I hope you received the little souvenir I sent you when I first landed. Also that Sally got her cap. You may not recognize the old chap in the enclosed photo, standing on the left, your right, of the bald headed duck in civilian dress. On his right is a French General. We were saluting our National Air on July 14th, the French “Independence Day.”
I am well, and believe I am doing fairly good work. Glad you are less bored by Mrs. Miller. I received a note from Miss Magruder telling me she has at least recovered “serial No. 770,” I hope she is content. Please write as often as you can and tell me all the news.
Love to Mamma and Sally. Address, “Arm. Ep. Forces, A.P.O. 766, via U.M. City.” That P.O. will not change unless I go to some other command. It is our number, wherever we may be in France.
Your loving dad.
Dear Bertha,
I am sure you will excuse my having opened this. There was none for me. Hope you are feeling pretty well and having a nice time. I sent Reba’s letter along, too.
Mother