Transcription of a letter from Walter George Phillips to Alma Bushnell Phillips, his sister-in-law, dated November 14, 1917. Walter was in France in the Army and he gave his address as:
My dear Alma,
Just a few lines in answer to your welcome letter which was received a short time ago. I was rather surprised to hear from you as I thought you folks had forgotten all about me. Yes, I wish I could have been with you to celebrate your birthday but, as it is, all I can do is send you my best wish for many happy returns of the event.
Am very glad to hear you folks are all enjoying such good health. Mine is not as good as it might be. I have a bad cold and have been bothered with stomach trouble. It is nothing serious and I no doubt will be over it in a short time.
We did not receive any mail for about three weeks but when it did come there sure was a bunch of it. I received 14 letters and a big box of tobacco. The tobacco was from a fellow I used to work with at Waseca. I sure was glad to get that tobacco as I was entirely out. We can get plenty of tobacco here but it is so strong it will kill a man at 400 yards.
Am glad to hear the crops were so good as we sure need them. I suppose it is good and cold by this time over there in God's country. We have had cold rainy weather here for the past six weeks. It has not frozen yet but it is very cold and raw.
You say every one there is knitting for the red cross. You tell some of those kind persons that if they have an extra sweater or some socks that they don't know what to do with that there is poor soldier over here that is dying for want of them.
I suppose you are all settled in your new home by this time. I hope it is warm and comfortable. Well I can think of nothing more just now so will close. Hoping this finds you all well and happy and sending my love and best wish I remain sincerely,
Brother
Walter (signed)
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