Camp Devens, Mass.
Thursday

Dear Brother Win:-

So very nice, long, interesting letter arrived last night and I was certainly mighty glad to hear from you. I also got a letter from Carly, and he says I may see him with a bunch of fellows the first of next week sometime. Yes, I did get ready last Friday for Carly. I went down to the Hostess House and waited over an hour and then had a lunch myself. I spoke to the matron at the Information desk, and told her where I would be that afternoon, and we got talking. I told her I was expecting a couple of friends from the University of Maine and that they were due to leave Bangor Thursday night. She was quite interested because she told me that she belonged in Bangot. We decided that the trains would be late from Maine arriving into Boston. However, I hope I may get a chance to see Carly if he comes into camp next week.

Yes, as you know by now, I guess, I was home this past weekend. I had a grand time, but good-night! on the weather. It was blowing a regualar blizzard Sunday evening. Going home Saturday seven of us had Jimmy Newton come from Hopedale for us. He was an hour late in reaching camp as the radiator of his car bothered him. And talk about luck going home! It was our off-day I guess. We had to stop six times and fill the radiator with water, run out of gasoline, and had a puncture. Wouldn't that be enough to disgust anyone. Sunday night it was so bad that we only went as far as Framingham by auto, then hung around a half hour there for a train for Concord Junction. We had to change at Concord Junction and we finally reach Ayer at nine-thirty, tired, cold, and hungry. I vowed I would not travel again during this uncertain weather. Mother was worrying I know all Sunday night, so Monday morning I telephoned home and told them I was O.K. and back on the job. Everything and everybody was fine at home. Mother was looking real good and she is looking forward so much to going down to Maine, to your graduation.

When I was home Sunday Mr. Barnard read me the riot act because I would not obey his orders of a previous date. Those orders were that whenever I telephoned I must reverse the charges and he would settle for them. Well, Monday when I telephoned I paid the charges as usual and Tuesday night I got a letter from Mr. Barnard giving me a calldown and also he enclosed in the letter a five dollar bill to pay for my telephone calls and "eats". Gee! aren't folks good to me, though Win?

Before I go to answer your letter let me inform you that I have risen a little again, as I dope it out. Perhaps mother has already written you, for she was so happy. Saturday morning last, I was appointed Battalion Gas Non-Commssioned officer, and I started in my duties Monday morning. I have a Lieutenant over me and thee company gas non-coms under me. I am now excused from all drills with any company and also excused from Retreat. I am studying up on gas all day, and also typewriting a lot of dope. Yesterday afternoon I rather needed fresh air, so I went down to go riding horseback for a hour or so. I expect soon to give lectues on gas to the new recruits. It's very interesting and I think I am going to like it reall well.

I trust you are not very sick from your vaccination. Mother was saying at home Sunday that when you were a kid and was vaccinated, you were terribly sick. So I hope you are standing it all right. However, it was best that you have it done. "Safety First".

I am so glad you went to see "Oh Boy". It comes up here next Sunday, but nothing doing at a show on Sunday.

Tuesday night of this week, Bill Dineen, "Red" Damon and myself went to the Theatre and saw "Turn To The Right". It was great! Mrs. Walter Roper's sister took the leading part and "Red" Damon's cousin was in it, too, so there was plenty of reasons why we were so interested.

Nest week we are going to see "Fair and Warmer" her at the Theatre. They certainly are giving "the boys" some file shows. My Smileage books come in very handy.

Yes, I like my new quarters pretty good now, but there is talk that Headquarters are soon to have a building of it's[sic] own that will be better still. We have a pretty decent bunch of fellows in Headquarters, too.

You would have died laughing last Saturday morning could you only have seen me. I had to go by the gas house up at the hospital and evidently some gas had run out of the building or they were airing it out. Anyway, I didn't know just how dangerous it was and I knew I had to go thru it, so I up and run like the devil (Kaiser) was after me all the time holding my breath. So you see I'm here alive today. Ha-ha!

So I see you are still sticking to the high marks in exams. Go to it Win, old boy, and come out on top. I know you can and will. You have my best wishes and prayers.

Yes, I head where the Dean of the Law School was boosted out. Well, it's a good thing. One can never be sure of these Germans now. He's better out of the college anyway, I think. Also I read in the paper, the Boston Post, that Presedent Aley issued the notice that no summer school would be held at the University this summer, owing to the war conditions,

Am so glad you can make use of that suit. I never would be able to get into it if I keep on gaining the way I have lately. Nearly one hundred and seventy pounds now I weigh. I am not telling mother, but I am planning on having my pictures taken this week, some good ones. If they come out good I may have one enlargement for mother's birthday, April 21st you remember.

It was so nice Dot Atwell made you that sweater. She must think a lot of you Win. I owe her a letter and I must try and answer it soon.

Well, I think I have raved on here for an indefinite period all right, and have said about all the news in camp. Plans were all made for us to go on the rifle range for sure today, but it is snowing and raining, so it's been postponed again. Will close now with heaps and heaps of love and here;s hoping you are well.

As ever
Your loving Brother,
Mort

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