December 18, 1918
Columbus, Ohio

Dear Mama and Dad,

Will write a couple of lines to you dear folks this evening. This writing is about the hardest thing that a fellow can do though, when he is fixed like we are, for we see the same thing, and hear the very same kind of dope every day until nobody believes them and wouldn't tell any facts for the truth. We were expecting to leave here this morning for Cincinnati, Ohio after another bunch of trucks, but the order has fallen through thus far, and here we be.

This has been one of the finest days that I ever saw. Nice and bright all day long. Sure makes a fellow want to get out and step at something other than laying around, doing nothing. This is just about two weeks now that we have put in in this place. I think I know every crook and turn in the whole town blindfolded. And you know that I am not much of a hand to run around when I am broke, either. ha ha

Say, there are a lot of the fellows coming back now that have seen some of the worst and show it, too. Those boys are the ones that I would sure have loved to have been with. I guess I will always feel that I have been cheated a little because I didn't have a hand in the pie. Though she has no calling for me over there that I am aware of. Don't care to go now. I went to a picture show yesterday evening and saw 10 thousand French boys who had either a leg or an arm or both taken off in battle. They are surely a pitiful looking bunch, though they have artificial legs and arms and are mostly as useful as ever.

Well Mother, I guess I have just about gone my limit for one letter. For you know I never was decorated for writing a newspaper. Will close for this time with heaps of love to my Mama and Papa.

Your loving son,

Charles L.

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