Feb. 8, 1915.
Dear Mamma:
Little to write, just the same old life. Came back last night from four days at one of our most advanced positions here. The English in the Legion left for the English Army about a week ago. I could have gone but decided at the last minute that from a sentimental standpoint I would stick it out here even though it would be easier for me and my opportunities greater in the English Army.
I understand the relations between England and the U. S. are rather strained, but I hope there will be no trouble.
Our company was a rather dilapidated bunch that went to the front last time. What with the English gone and our losses in the last three and a half months in killed, wounded, sick and those transferred, we had only about a third of a company and part of those were men who came after we reached the front. The Ninth Squad has been the best known all along, for many reasons. When we left camp we were eighteen strong. When we went up last time there were only six of us and without a corporal, one of us acting as chief of the squad.
When we lost our old corporal we lost one of the greatest characters in the Legion. We often compared him to an eagle with the squad as his young. We later got a corporal who was the exact opposite in every respect. We thought of a sparrow instead of an eagle. He was a faker, lazy, a coward and a crook. He did not last long, however, before he became “sick” and was evacuated. They say it was the Ninth Squad that made him sick.
The work lately has been harder than ever, as we have been doing the work of a full company, but new men arrived from the depot to-day and we expect easier times. About half an hour ago the Ninth Squad received its allotment of six husky Alsatian rookies. We are already planning how we can let them do most of the work and take a little rest ourselves. To-day, we feel more like real soldiers than ever. We no longer grumble or kick, as we have found it does no good. We do everything now with an “I don’t care” spirit and one of the main qualifications of a good soldier is not to care.
We have had beautiful weather lately and that has put me in a rather good humor.
Heard from Paul a few days ago. He seemed to be in pretty good spirits but keeps talking of coming back, which would be foolish. Have also had a letter from Irma, which I greatly enjoyed.
Much love,
Kiffin.
