To the Vicomtesse du Peloux
2ème Régiment Étranger,
March 7, 1915.
My dear Madame:
I received your letter and appreciate it very much. The package has not yet arrived but suppose it will be waiting for me when I go back from the trenches this time. The time it takes for packages to come is very uncertain. I am looking forward to its arrival both for the grammar and for the “berries of life,” as the latter have grown to be a great item in the life here at the front—not that the government fails to give us plenty, but I’ll enjoy a change.
When we went back from the trenches last time we were told that we would probably march fifteen kilometers to the rear and be reviewed by General Joffre. It pleased us very much and we busied ourselves cleaning up and getting everything règlementaire, but the review did not take place. We were rather disappointed, for we wished to see General Joffre, and then there was a current rumor that it meant a change of sectors for us. You see, I left camp Oct. 19th, and came to this sector and entered the trenches on Oct. 27th. The trench I am now in is about seven hundred meters from the first trench I was ever in. I have made every trip to the trenches with my company except one, which was due to my feet being in very bad condition from the march here. Our record for length of time in the trenches is twenty-four days out of thirty. However, now we do not have it so hard, but spend half the time in the front and half in the rear. Our positions at the front are usually petits postes where there is no danger at all from artillery fire, and that is about all we have here now. Once in a while, we suffer from it when we are in the rear. If the enemy should take a general offensive in this sector, he would hardly attack our trenches but would probably try to push through on either side which, if successful, would mean our being cut off and surrounded. If we should take the offensive the line would have to be pushed back on each side of us before we move. So all we can look forward to is staying here for quite a while yet, unless we get a change of sectors.
I don’t care about a rest, for I am in fine condition and content to stay at the front until the war is over. But I have always been a great roamer and to have to stay in the same place is my greatest trial. So I keep hoping for the change in sectors. We have been very lucky; we have always had plenty to eat and to wear and have really not suffered any at all. We volunteers feel at times that we are only an expense to France instead of an aid to her. However, when we get the chance we will try to do our share.
Yesterday, I received letters from my mother and brother, both saying they had heard from you. It pleases my mother very much to know that you and your husband are interested in my brother and me, and it pleases us to know that you send her cheerful messages. She is inclined to worry too much about us, but I suppose that is the way with all mothers. I am inclined to be a fatalist and don’t see the necessity of her worrying as much as she does.
I hear the call soupe at the end of the trench and must close.
In answer to Monsieur du Peloux’s card, my sector postal number is 6.
Assuring you both of my appreciation,
I am,
Sincerely yours,
Kiffin Y. Rockwell.