Camp Devens, Mass.,
Thursday Night.

My dear Brother:-

Of course you have heard since coming home the terrible, awful disappointment I am and will go under for the next few days. My ambition is very low, and not only must we remain in camp, but another case of measles developed this morning, so we must remain in barracks another two weeks, making five weeks in a stretch. We will be ready for the bug-house by then. I guess I could stand the disappointment fairly well, but oh! I know mother will feel so very bad, but I thank Almighty God you will be with her for a few days. I had planned so for those four days, that now I'm heart-sick over everything, all interest seems entirely gone.

What I am writing this letter specifically for is this Win. I believe that check from the Boston Bank, for mother's Christmas present, is being held by Elbert Marso. I told him that when it came, for him to hold it out until either you or I got it from him. He was to let me know when it came but I have not heard from him as yet. If you get it you can either give it to mother immediately or on Christmas morning. I had rather you give it to her Christmas morning, and explain to her all about it. I will write mother Sunday, so she can get a letter from me Christmas Day, and I'll explain the check to her and what it's meant for. Now, Win, the Barnards, at least Doris, is planning I guess to come up Tuesday, as I can't get home, and what I want to say is that if they come by auto and ask you and mother to come up with them I hope you will. But I'm afraid mother won't be able to come and don't leave her home alone, will you? I long to see you Win, but mother should not be left alone. Of course Doris may not come by auto, and may by train. I amd going to write her tonight and tell her she had better not come, as it would break up her day and it's a long trip.

Our Captain feels badly for us and he announced tonight at supper that he was going to have a Christmas tree for us, and an entertainment is being gotten up for Xmas eve. But it won't be like home.

Mother better be careful and not get cold. You watch out for her while you're home won't you. Stay with mother as long as possible, and I do hope June will come quickly for both you and mother.

Remember Win, don't send me anything for Xmas. Keep your money for yourself. Have you heard from Mrs Osgood.

I'll close now with lots of love to you both. Merry Xmas to you.

Your loving brother
Mort

P.S. Tell Elmert Marso I told you to get the check. Perhaps you'll have to send it to me to make it over to mother, so she can cash it. You can send it after Xmas.

Letters