Somewhere in France
Letter #17 [Second letter same day]

Dear Sweetheart-

There is so much to say + still it's hard to say. Time is rather short with one thing to do + the other, + I'd like you to know as much as I can.

I'm sorry dear, but I can't tell you all you want to know, but suffice it to say that I'm in a rear area + am quite comfortable. I'm in with the same bunch of fellows I crossed the pond with. Also — I'm quartered in what was formerly a nice apartment house — a few fellows who were commissioned in the field. Swell guys — give us the lowdown, as much as its possible. Good for a change to hear a straight story.

There is a cute boy about 11 years old — son of the people who own this house I guess — who is very intelligent — what with us standing there with a French Phrase book in one hand + gestures with the other hand — + helps us out with say a hammer or saw. We all give him candy.

At eventide the cows are driven back into the town from the fields + stay there till the morning. One cow mooed at me so I gave him (or is it her?) a second look stare + he quieted down.

The people, poor as they are, are very pleasing, willing to share everything with us.

It's amazing but I haven't seen any one who is well dressed nor have I seen any one who is handsome — boy, girl, man or woman. Is there any correlation?

Of course while it isn't necessary — but because I am seeing some of these fellows, married, too, who are beginning to "flirt" as best they can with some of the women, + inevitably stories come home, + the first thing you hear is that all the soldiers, I personally the girls are running around with the "red light" women — the who could possibly find me at any time in such a condition that I would go to bed with one other than my wife. I don't believe in the double standard, + its unthinkable that you would do anything to compromise our happiness, so — I am + shall always be faithful. And if I should meet a handsome girl who might try to "tempt" me I shall always have the perfect answer — I am married to the most beautiful lady in the world + she is the only one for me.

Dearest — I find it difficult to write my mother — I tell you all I can — + I just can't repeat it all. So won't you write my mother, when you get my letters — I have missed a few days because I've been in transit — + I hope you are getting them regularly.

It's getting late dear — have to turn in now. I hope you are well + taking care of yourself for you are everything to me. I love you so much.

Your devoted husband,
Dolph