5

When I came to L - where our relay post
was, and where most of the detatchment
stood - I found the fellows jubilant. The
Frenchmen had come to take our places,
and we were to leave for France on the
20th (today). That was definite. Excited
talk in circles, about what we'd do in Paris,
and what we would sell, for we are to be
limited as to baggage and the probable
duration of the war! - The Frenchmen
are not too efficient and we have had to
make some runs since. There is an attack
now in progress, and if the French [divers?]
can't handle the job, we may have to stay
awhile to carry [blessis?]. I think not, however,
for the preparations in the way of troops
and guns and ammunitions have been too
great to make prolonged resistance
seem possible - judging by the last
attack by the French. - - I have sent
you two packages. One on the 18th with
a pair of opingas shoes that the Al-
banians wear, which I think will fit your
petits pieds and another on the 19th, a
Turkish cap, which the dealer said was
for women, but which a Turk friend
of mine said was for children as well.
They ought to arrive before Christmas. But
packages are slower than letters.
Also, I'm going to send you some more
snaps in this letter. I am having
excellent success with my best pocket