April 14, 1919 Letter to Mabel.

My dear Mabel,

Your letter of March 22^nd reached me several days ago and enjoyed all of your home news very much. Sorry Mr. Herring is so much trouble but think it will be a good idea to get rid of him and lease the farm direct. That will certainly be much less trouble to you and mother.

A good many of my American friends here are leaving all at once this week, mostly on the Leviathan[1] which makes me a little homesick as among them are several of my best friends. The Sharpes are going, the Crasley [?] girls—daughters of the Asst. Secy. of the Treasury, the daughter of my friend Madame Borel is also going with her American officer husband and then also a Captain & his wife from Chicago, whom I’ve known awfully well ever since being in Paris, are also going back. However, still have enough friends here to make life pleasant. My old friend, M. Pellerin, continues to be as nice as ever. Was in his box at the opera last Wednesday night to see “Samson & Delilah” and rather enjoyed it. I might develop a taste for the opera after taking it in broken doses but doubt that I’ll ever become a real devotee.

Edward Mullins was in town the early part of last week on his way to rejoin the 42^nd Division and go home with them. Had him over to lunch and enjoyed talking over happenings [three words—with both sun] in the A.E.F. Guess he as well as the other members of the “Rainbow Division” will be in Marion by the last of next month.

Today is a real April day, raining a while and then the sun once in a while. These spring rains have had a wonderful influence on the trees and grass and Paris is beginning to take on its coat of green. It’s the coming of the best season here—wish you could see it as you’d surely enjoy Paris any time but particularly in May & June. Shall be much interested in seeing Paris during these months and in peace time as last year it was a sad city with the Bosche so close and the Gothas coming over every fair night.

No other news at this time.

Love to all,

Carl

[1] Ironically a German built luxury cruise ship (SS Vaterland) seized by the United States government and put in service as a troopship. Nearly 1000 feet long, the ship was configured to carry 14,000 troops.