Sincerely, Joel C. Swisher

Dear Aunt Mary,

We left Bar-sur-Aube at 2AM of the 30th and got here last night about 4PM. Traveled in American box cars with plenty of straw on the floor. It was not cold. We had a comfortable trip. Came by way of Tours, Le Mans, & Rennes. The ride down the peninsula was the prettiest of the trip. Did not come thru Paris. Don’t think I will ever see that place.

Do not know how long we will be here. I understand there is fully three months of work here and I can easily see that there is.

Whether or not our regiment is picked [first] or help finish the work that is remaining is to be seen. A regiment of Engineers who have been in France 3 months tell us that they understand that we have come here to relieve them so they can be sent home. That seems quite possible since we have only been over here 14 months while they have been here all the way to three.

Certainly am much obliged to thee for the Christmas box. It arrived Christmas week and in very good shape. That chocolate was quite a treat. The toothpaste will come in handy as will the comb. My hair is growing out a trifle.

Surely hope you are allright.

Best of Love,
Joel

J.C. Swisher
Co. B 25 Eng