France: “You did your best to do me out of my girl.”

Somewhere in France
31.3.16

Dear Jimmy

I am writing too them all so I could not leave you out. How are you getting on since I came away. I believe you were at that Orange Ball at Bessbrook. And did your best to do me out of my girl. Mind I am telling you. You had better keep clear of that quarter of the town. Although I am out in France, there is nothing goes passed that I do not hear off. But no matter I think it would take you all your time too knock me out.

Did you see J. McCullough when he was at home. I did not think you knew him. But if you do you know a Gentleman. One that any man might wish to have as a friend. I believe youse have had a great fall of snow. Last week we had one about the same time. But there is no trace of it now. It does not stay long in this country now. Well you need not take it angry at what I said it was only a joke. Jennie[?] was telling me that she was talking to you at the dance. And what a fine fellow you were. She said you were nearly as good as your Big Brother, but seemed to have more to say (I don’t think [?]). I think I must stop or you may not answer it. But I hope you do as I would like to hear your way about it. No more at present.

I remain
Your Loving Brother

Johnnie

France: “It is very hard to write a letter from here for you do not know what to say for to be right.”

Somewhere in France, B.E. Force
31.3.16

My Dear Mother

Just a few lines hoping the will find yourself and all at home still enjoying good health. As this leaves me in the same at time of writing. I am sorry that I have been so long in writing, but I could not really find time to do so.

We have come out for a short rest. And the weather this last few days has been like summer. It is always the same while out of the trenches it is always fine and when we are in tem you could hardly stand the cold. The last few days we were in there was nothing but frost and snow and when it thawed it would have taken you to the knees in mud and water.

I had a letter from Jennie yesterday. She seems to be in good health. I have not much news to write this time. It is very hard to write a letter from here for you do not know what to say for to be right. So the least said the sooner mended. But as long as you know I am well I suppose its all you want to know. Four youse all know more about things at home than we do out here. I think this is all at present but I will write soon again. Whenever I get time.

I remain
Your Loving Son

John Adams