Letter, October 20, 1918

[Letter on color stationery of the American Y.M.C.A. Received Nov. 27.]

Sun. Oct. 20 - 18

My dear Cecil

This is a rainy Sunday - many such days like this now tho and my dugout is dry and warm, well behind the line of fire, quite safe, and my thots will not be disturbed by the whine of all calibre shells coming this way. Quite a releif I'm sure. I sure enjoy the afternoon rehearsals we have. Sat. afternoon we gave a concert, which was appreciated by all who were able to get to hear it. I am working hard on the trumpet, don't know if I will be left on it or not. only hope I am. If I am perhapps when I get back to you I can play my part better than I could when I left home over a year & a half ago. I wrote you about talking to so many of the boys in the organization that Tom Murhead belongs with. I haven't seen them since that one time. Just luck I saw them then. Of course they were at home long after I left, but have been over here longer than I have.

You say you were and all were surprised when Mary Ross was married, and - all - you know -; well I was no exception, for that was sure a surprise to me - I never thot that, but I do know she had some very funny ideas, but gave her credit for more good judgement, but even George & Orpha surprised me about as much.

Well tell me - whats gone wrong with the girls over there, they all get married every chance they get; dont seem to pay any attention to who or what he is, just get married is all I can see. Can you tell me why?

And has your birthday made you much older? I hardly know I've had one in the last couple years; feel younger in a way than I did at home, and again in experience I feel I've passed thru more years in the last one & a half, than any eight or ten before that. Funny effect this life has on a fellow.

I often wonder what my friends will think of me on my return, providing I have the good luck to return. and this is very early in the game to count on anything as yet. Am hoping I'll be able to see you all very soon tho.

And how is your school coming along. Are you sticking with it as you should. I certainly hope you keep at it and make a success of it, but dont let the piano rest too much. for I figure on having you use it considerable if I get back anytime before too long. I had a better birthday than I might have had, and considering, I feel I had a very pleasant time, altho I did not celebrate with any feast at all.

I hope the pictures you have been taking are good. I never used my camera much and am sure I dont know if it is much account or not, it has never been used to ammount to anything.

So There were quite a few good looking pictures at Cramer & Nortons? What was the idea, advertising?

How many of my letters have you rec. now. I dont see why you dont get my letters oftener if mother does, for as a rule they both leave me at the same time. I guess there is no doubt I am getting every one of yours; so you need not feel so uncertain about me rec. them. for in about thirty days time they show up - unless like the last one, it was delayed on account of so much action and me being away to school.

What do you think of the boys over here, now that you more than likely are getting quite a bit of news. The Aurora paper tells quite a bit about us as so many of our reg. are from there and close there. Looked pretty much like they wanted peace for a while, but I suppose it was just another farce for a little more time. I see they are doing their part in the liberty loan this time, sure makes you feel the folks back home are back of you alright. And from what I've seen the lads over here deserve all you can do for them too. Are going after the business in a whole hearted manner.

Whats Mary Loff doing now. does she look natural? Tell Rose Levin she might drop me a letter some time, wouldn't care if she sent a picture of herself. a fellow gets just about half enough mail over here.

As this is about my last evening of leasure at present, I can't say when I will be able to drop a few more sentences, but will again at first opportunity I assure you. with love to all, I am your pal

Paul B Hendrickson -

Hdq Co 129 Inf AEF via N.Y.