Letter, October 25, 1918

[Letter on color stationery of the Y.M.C.A., Union Franco-Américaine.]

Oct 25 - 18

Dear mother

I rec a letter today that thoroughly disgusted me. I love to rec. a letter from home, even if it is small. just so it is written by mother or some one, telling me of things at home, no matter how small items they may seem to you, they are greatly appreciated by me - so you can imagine my dissapointment when I opened the envelope and after searching thru it a couple times, failed to find any thing but blooming newspaper clippings. Never do it again. I can tolerate a clipping or two in a letter, but even then I begrudge the room they take and only glance over them a little. they may interest you, and I like to know you read the papers so you may know something of what is going on over here more than I have time to write. But, where is the news for me from home. We get a number of papers over here with letters that fellows have written home, but what does their experience have anything to do with my intertainment. I see so many things every day that is more interesting than any of the letters Ive read that I hardly ever look at one. I've had experiences of my own that make some of the letters look tame, whats the use writing it home. I have other things I'd rather write, and I can tell you that part if I ever get home.

Have been on the lines almost continuous from the last of June and I guess from my letters home you hardly knew it. you dont need to know it.

We are out now for a little rest before continuing. "I am quite well" as the cards say. have much to say, but am so dissapointed in getting nothing but those bloody clippings that I havent the desire to write more tonite. Also am overjoyed at the number of letters I get from my relatives. Not a letter from one of them except Della. I have had time to write to them and could now, but I know most of them have had more time than I and if they cant give me a little bit of it then I need not write, for evidently they are not too much concerned.

Well to make sure Ill say again I am quite alive and am rec. all you write, and cant understand why you have not rec. more from me - and as letters are my only source of joy & intertainment (worth much to me) then for God's sake mother dont stop writing because you miss a letter or two from me. Your loving son

Paul B Hendrickson

Hdq. co. 129 Inf. A.E.F.