Dec. 10, 1914.
Dear Mamma:
Have received letters from you as late as Nov. 20th. Am living in anticipation of the package, though I know my getting it is very uncertain. Do not go to much expense or trouble with packages, but if you find they come through, and you send any more, you might put in something like a little jam, peanut butter, etc.—also a few American cigarettes. It is more the idea than the quantity that would make them so good. We are beginning to get a few packages from Americans in Paris. This morning, a package came out of which I got a pair of socks, some tobacco and some chocolate. The American bunch has dwindled, only fifteen of us left. The others are either reformed or sick in hospitals or have gotten easier jobs—only one wounded.
I have spent twenty-one out of the last twenty-four days in the trenches. At first I suffered some from cold, but the trenches are now fixed up for winter, and we can now have fire at night when the smoke won’t show. I am in fine physical condition.
This takes my “Merry Xmas” and “Happy New Year” to you all.
With all my love,
Kiffin.