On November 16, Monty enthusiastically welcomes his first letter from home. “Your letter of Oct. 6 was received last Saturday [November10] and was mighty glad to get it as it was my first news from you since sailing.” The rest is how much he’s seen and done—including a three-day trip he wants to tell about “but again the censor prevents.” And about the cold weather. He’s “become so well accustomed to this rain & damp cold that I mind it very little any more.” All safe topics. His mother, now five years into widowhood at the age of 60, has among other things relayed that she’s selling the farm. “Hope your sale of the farm was entirely successful…,” he concludes.

Transcript:

November 16, 1917

Dear Mother —

Your letter of Oct. 6th was received last Saturday and was mighty glad to get it as it was my first news from you since sailing. Have been looking for other letters since as you should have received some of my letters from this side by Oct. 15 or 20th – however nothing more as yet. Have been writing you every week since landing on this side but the mail seems to be so uncertain that I don’t know whether or not you have received them. If you have got some of them you will know that I am not permitted to tell you anything much about what I have seen or am doing. Wish the censorship did not prevent my writing as I want to for, if so, there would be plenty of material for letters.

Just returned this morning from a three day trip – the longest leave I’ve had since landing – in which I visited some very interesting places and altogether had a wonderful time. Wish I could tell you all about it but again the censor prevents

Have continued in my usual health and have become so well accustomed to this rainy & damp cold that I mind it very little any more.

Had a letter this morning from Charlie Anderson in which he spoke of having heard from Edith as late as October 12th. Was surprised to find he was over this side – guess he must have come very soon after I did. Hope your sale of the farm was entirely successful and that Kenly has his affairs straightened out by now.

Love to all,

Carl

OK

Thomas C. Montgomery

2nd Lieut. Inf. U.S.R.