November 7, 1918, From Richard

Interlaken School, Nov. 7, 1918, 7:00 P.M.

My Dear Friend:

I received your very welcome letter Wednesday evening. And that box was thrice welcome. It came right along with the letter. You know we have to be in our bunks at 9:30 o'clock and the lights go out then. I did not get the mail until about that time on account of being too busy with the military affairs here. I also got a letter from Kathryn and Luella who sent me a pocket dictionary and note-book.

So I read your letter swiftly first, and just started on the others when darkness prevailed. This was the first time I ever read my letters in bed. Ha, ha! Of course I ate a cream-puff and some of that candy after that and certainly enjoyed the treat. Cream-puffs have always been my favorites so you see I was not sick of them and am not yet. Ha, ha! They were just fine and I shall have to admit that you are the better cook. I certainly appreciate your kindness in sending such good things and thank you many times. And I shall continue to hold an optimistic view of life. Ha, ha!

I still possess the same old address. It does not seem to me like Thanksgiving is soon to be here. I doubt if those girls come up here. I believe Kathryn said something about you liking to come up here too. Of course I should be glad to see you. I presume I might be here yet but I do not know.

They have discontinued that first chosen class in the M.T.C. and put only Co. A men in it. So I am out at the present but I hear that men will be picked from the other two companies as soon as they are examined. I can get in on that I think because thy only want fellows who are high-school graduates and have had at least three years experience as drivers or mechanics. I hope to pass the examination all right. These picked men will get to go to school and will soon pass out of this place. If I do not get in on this I am out of luck about right and may have to stay here longer than I want to. We hear tonight that old Kaiser Bill has surrendered. The boys are glad but I guess we will get about two years in the army if we get any at all.

This school had about forty a.[cres] of potatoes planted and the boys have to dig them. They shucked a field of corn too. I was out with the "sand" gang today. Will be on guard duty tonight too. And perhaps K.P. tomorrow. Ha, ha. That keeps us going, "I say."

I guess the war will keep us going for a while yet and I may get to go across. I think I will like to do that if I get a chance.

Tell Clark I got his letter and presents O.K. and shall write as soon as I can get time. Do not forget my gratitude towards you and write when you can.

Yours Sincerely,
Richard.