Camp Devens,
Ayer, Mass.
Tuesday Night.

Dear Brother:-

Was mighty glad to get your letter to-day and to know that you were all right, and getting settled. I was awfully sorry to hear about Carly's mishap, and only hope that by now he is with you in Orono.

Yes, mother came up Sunday with the Barnards and they got here quite a little earlier and we went around quite a little. We went up and saw Vernon Kellett. Wilfrid Cheetham came in his car also, bringing his mother and the two Lilley girls with him. We had quite a gay time, and eats, good-night my suitcase is loaded even now. I sent back all my civilian clothes by mother, all but my winter overcoat. I have most all my uniform. Say Win, you wouldn't kow your brother now.

Last week Mr. Barnard sent me a two-dolar bill and Uncle Fred sent me a five dollar bill, to spend for little things I wanted. I had a five dollar bill before that in my pocketbook, so I sent mother the five dollar bill. I knew she could use it and if I did not have it, I knew I couldn't spend it. Mother was so pleased to get it, the dear soul. She told me Sunday that she was beginning to get used to being alone now, and soon she wouldn't mind it.

I am going to leave here Saturday at 2 minutes to one, and all being well, will be home at four o'clock. The Barnards are going to bring me back to camp Sunday evening. Isn't that good. I will be able to stay home a little longer.

I had my second innoculation yesterday afternoon and talk about sick last night, I felt terribly. All of us had quite a fever, and fifteen in our room here were in bed all day to-day, I did not remain in bed, for I was bound I would not give in. These innoculations are terribly weakening. Why some lads you'll see walking along up here and all of a sudden they'll drop, fainting. No one who has not been innoculated can ever know how one feels. I wrote mother that I went thru it finally. Well I did, but was mighty sick for a few hours.

Good-night but you are hustling winter down your way. It must have become mighty cold all of a sudden.

Chet Murryou[?] as yet has not been rejected although they say his papers say so, He thinks he will, and says he hopes so.

Everyone is so good to me back in Hopedale and Milford. They write me and send stuff which I certainly enjoy receiving,

Mrs. Atwell went around and got a box full of "cheer-powders" they call them. They are a little note from a person, one to be opened each day. There must be thrity or so in the box.

Well, I guess I will close now for this time hoping you are well and do look out for yourself. I sure am looking forward to Saturday.

Heaps of love to you from

Brother Mort

[Uncle Fred is most likely Fred Whitmore.]
[I believe the innoculation was for measles. He mentions measles in later letters.]
[Mrs Atwell possibly the wife of the Hopedate, MA school superindentant.]

Letters