December 2, 1918
Camp Holabird, Maryland

Dear Mary & Harry,

Well, here I be, as strong as horseradish, back in Baltimore. Got in here yesterday evening late. Didn't have any dinner or supper till about 7 o'clock and we were sure hungry and cold. You see, it gets dark about 4 p.m. up here and the time is one hour earlier, too. It sure makes things messed up to me. Keeps me busy changing my watch ahead and back for you see the time changes right through this part of the country.

We are sleeping in tents and they are plenty cool you can bet for they aren't furnished with any heat. Only candles. We would freeze if it weren't for us having plenty of blankets. I don't know if we are going after another bunch of trucks or not, as our officers are doing all they can to get out of it. This is sort of out of our line of business anyway. If we go any more, it will sure be some bad weather. It would be a keen job in the summer time if they gave us more expense money. It sure costs to beat h-ll on these trips, but I have had the time of my life as far as we have been. Sure wish you could have been along. Believe me, these high up dudes in this country aren't stingy with their wine to the soldiers, though it's a heavy fine if they get caught in the act. I have seen two or three get in pretty bad over it.

This has sure been an interesting trip. I have seen the old battlefields of early wars and many places where history has been made. I can probably make a lot more history to add if you all will believe all the B.S. that I will spread when I get home. I have sure used a bunch of gas in the last 30 days, for those big trucks eat it up. Guess I used 300 gallons anyway.

So you got the shoes and leggings all O.K. I sure thought I was going over when I was sending them. I got pretty badly bent and sold my good hat at half price, but I should worry. We get our winter caps issued to us in the morning. I have been wearing my Red Cross helmet, sox, and wristlets and they are sure great, too. Believe me the Red Cross is one of the finest things that ever was. If it hadn't been for them we would have almost starved to death part of the time. About the time we would give up and think we were going to starve, the Red Cross would give us a big feed.

Well, bro, you must take good care of Mary the wife and don't let her have a backset at flu, for that seems to be hell. Was indeed suprised to hear of Jake C. being dead. Sure feel sorry for poor old Frankie too. Well kids, they have started some kind of speech so I will have to close. Write me a big letter when you can. I'll let you know if I move within the next few hours. You can't tell. It sure raises hell with any plans a fellow might have. Well, give all the old friends my best, for I really can't find time to write any more. They sure keep us moving.

Lots of love to my Buddie and Sis,

Charles L.

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