France
Dolph's Letter #23

Dear Sweetheart —

This is some war I'm fighting — Censorship —. Of course for how few days this deal will last is a question. While it lasts I guess there is no real complaining, but of course this waiting or expectation each day is no fun. On the other hand the two other fellows I've been with all along, we stick together + make the most of it, which consists of talking, eating, sleeping, going to a movie every other night + playing cards — Knock running for 1/10 of a franc per point. Played twice — big games. I won twice + how much do you think I won altogether — 64 francs. (~$1.28). Occupation time.

Naturally if I were located near a suitable town I'd be in there looking at the people + houses + buildings, but we can't get out except at night, quite a walk, blackout etc. — not worth while especially because the town is very small.

I don't think I told you that at one time I traveled in the famed 40 or 8 box cars. The American makes out that it covers a lot of fuss, but that is the result of a faded memory. Of course we weren't going to travel the distance we were in a bare, draughty box car. So my men fixed it up, + I had a S.I. with the gas head barneying on my belly. I didn't go for that in the least, for it wasn't necessary sounded this it was (he was a wise guy) so after fueling his head off twice, I gently pushed, somewhere, with my foot in his head + he got off. The next morning he had a great deal more respect for me — moral — you can treat some people some way + they understand, others differently. I was glad that my men were appreciative of my efforts on their behalf — even that wise guy, in the end.

Stopped writing for a few minutes — Fred was talking about his marriage — so I told him we did it. It still feels marvelous — I live + relive that wedding. It was perfect. I love you so.

Ran across this cartoon in an overseas beer paper — thought you'd like it.

Please take good care of yourself sweetheart.

Your devoted husband,
Dolph