Camp Devens, Mass,
Thursday Night

Dear Brother:-

For the past two nights I have attempted to write you a letter, but something has interrupted me. So tonight I am determined to do nothing else until I have written you. Last night I started to write and Bill Dineen and Red Damon came for me and wanted me to go down street, so off I beat it with them. We went to the movies and after that had a small feed, hot coffee, ham sandwich, and a hunk of strawberry shortcake. After we came out of the restaurant we saw a big truck going towards camp, so we run after it, climbed on, and had a free ride up to camp, Free rides are very scarce around here, so when they come along, it is so much more enjoyable.

I had a most glorious time at home last weekend, in fact the best time I have had since leaving home. You see at the last minute on Friday they told me I could go home so I beat it, belive me. Wilfrid was home, too, and after I left Doris' house Saturday night at ten forty-five I went over to see Wilfrid and had some supper with him at eleven, then he and I walked home to Hopedale and Wilfrid spent the night with me. I left Camp Devens on the eleven twenty train Saturday morning for Boston, and got home at three-thirty, much sooner that coming by way of Worcester.

Sunday Wilfrid got his car out and we all went to church. Sunday night Wilfrid took me to Framingham, and mother and Doris went along with us. I left Framingham at seven-fifty and had to change at Concord Junction and got into Ayer Depot at nine-five and up to the barrack at nine-twenty. That's some good time, I think. If they only run connecting from here to Framingham on Saturdays I could get home decently early.

I was very much interested in the article you sent me concerning the 3rd Liberty Loan Parade in Bangor. I have been deeply enthused and moved by the monstrous demonstrations of the past few days all over this vast country. When, for instance, one reads of the mammouth parade in Boston last Saturday which took eight and one-half hours to pass one point, it is a poor American citizen who could not feel a wave of patriotic enthisiasm sweep through him. Wilfrid partook in the parade and left the ranks before it was over. Our headquarters did not have to parade in Worcester Saturday last after all, so I beat it home as soon as possible.

Win, in regard to your attitude towards service for our country you are all right where you are and what you are doing or about to do. Mother needs you Win, and I know you will help the country in many ways other than actual fighting. By all means you are not a slacker, for you will be raising food for us, and what better service can you render? If the local board puts you in some Agricultural Service, why all very well. You no doubt will get a commission if you are placed in such a position.

Walter Pickard looks very good indeed in his officer's uniform, and I guess there is no doubt but what he'll make good all right. I saw Bill Northrup Sunday, too, at church. He looks fine, and is now a Corporal. He goes back this Saturday, I believe.

I spoke to mother last weekend when I was home about Wells Beach, and she seemed to want to go if possible and have Doris go, too. But of course if you get a position at Cohasset why take it for the summer. The job sounds good. If I remember Cohasset is on the coast, isn't it, or am I mistaken? Mother might go there for a rest, n'est-ce pas? However, there's lots of time.

Sunday mother and called in to see Mrs Burnham and I read a corking letter from Ken to Clif, It was most interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ken certainly is having some wild experiences and he seems to enjoy it at that.

Yes, Elwood Ward is getting along nicely now I think, if he won't get anymore cold. I was up to see him Monday afternoon. He has had his both lungs tapped and that makes him so much the weaker.

Nothing more of interest going on at camp here than usual. I was walking along in camp this morning and met a company of infantry drilling and I saluted the officer in charge, and who should it be but Lieut. Carrol Cole. I know he recognized me, but of course military discipline required we could not speak.

Well, will close now and write mother. I am fine and well, and hope you are. Loads of love and best wished to you for success and God bless you, from

Your lovong brother
Mort

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