Dec. 26, 1914.
Dear Mamma:
Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and thinking of you. This is the sixth day that we have been in a small village in the rear of the trenches. It was to be six days of rest, but each day, at 11 a.m., we have gone out with our guns and picks and shovels and dug trenches until 4 p.m.
The same was to be done yesterday, Xmas, but about ten of us slipped off to a farmhouse and drank coffee and talked all day. This morning we went to work at seven and worked till eleven and then with the others until 4 p.m. To-night, we go back to the trenches.
I suppose Paul has written you that he is out of it, but his condition is not serious. I haven’t heard, but am hoping he was sent to Paris.
We had plenty of good things to eat for Xmas, some of them bought and some sent to us from Paris. About the best thing was a
Virginia ham given us by an American doctor who is in the Legion. It had been sent to him. We had candy, nuts, jam, cheese, etc., and I even had an orange given me by an Englishman, from a package he received.
The weather has been fine for the last few days, cold but clear.
Much love,
Kiffin.