Dear Folks,

      I received your most welcome letter today, & maybe you think I wasn't glad to get it. But mother, I don't see why you don't get my letters sooner because I write from 2 to 3 to you every week. Don't you ever think that I'll ever neglect to write you because there is never a day passes but what I think of you.

      We are drilling hard as ever, but things are getting easy because we understand things. We even drill better than the old soldiers of this Co. and at that we are the best drill company at this Fort. Everything has to be up to standard.

      Well how is everybody at home? I am well and like this part of the country fine, but I had an awful surprise yesterday. I was sitting in my tent & I heard some talking outside & I look out & there was Mr. & Mrs. Willey. Maybe you think we weren't glad to see them. They sure are nice people. Do you visit with Mrs. Willey much?

      I haven't read any books yet but intend to get some down some day. Is there any special book you would like?

      Herb didn't come down Sunday, but said he would come down some of these days.

      I was down Sunday to the Golden Gate Park to see a sham battle. The Militia men gave it. The Regular Soldiers don't think much of a militia man, so you see we don't think they were very well drill. They don't have the pep we have. Our Drill Sgt. gets awful cranky but of course it isn't all his fault.

      Tell Pearl that I heard from her friend Sally Troupe.

      Oh but I sure get lots of letters from lots of nice girls. And I try to ans them all promptly.

      Dad, your advice on putting my letters in that cake box was alright, but I have it full and lots of others, too. What I need now is a private Secretary.

      I went across the bay the other night. Sure had a nice ride. Saw two large battleships. They sure are built strong.

      Oh yes that story your are sending me sure is great. I can hardly wait until it comes.

      Say it does seem an awful long while since I left there but time passes fast now & it won't be long till I'll be coming back. Anyway it won't seem long and will make the best of it.