6 December 1918
Dear Donald,
I went up to the farm in Minn. last week. I guess I have every thing in very good shape now. Donald would you care to work that farm next year. I haven't it rented for sure. I wish you would write me as soon as possible what you think about it. I wouldn't think of renting it if I were not going to be in Des Moines. I will no doubt be there until the latter part of April, which would make it too late for me to get the early work done. If you care to try it, I will come up and help you out as soon as I get home. We have had quite a bit of snow but it hasn't been very cold so far.
We are having lots of sickness. No doubt you will be surprised to hear that Sam Snider is dead. He died in Chicago. Earl Wiley is also dead. We have all kept well so far but I am scared stiff all the time. Betty fell on the cleaner and broke two of her teeth. Robert stays with me quite often and I surely enjoy it.
George Senjor [sic] is home. I had a talk with him. He was at Funston about two months. He was called the same time you were. There are quite a number home. Do you have any idea when you will e discharged?
I am enclosing a letter which I thought might interest you. [Newspaper clipping transcribed below.]
I was in Des Moines yesterady looking up a place to camp during the winter.
Take care of yourself.
With Love, Dad
Arthur Hauge Writes
Arthur Hauge with the 88th division, machine gun company in France wrote his fifth letter home Nov. 3. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hauge, and before leaving for Camp Dodge, in June, was salesman for Best & Russell in Chicago. He left Camp Dodge for France in August. His letter in part follows:
Somewhere in France
My dear Folks: This is Sunday, the sun is shining bright and warm as a day in June. One would hardly know it was fall only to see the leaves dropping from the trees.
I rolled out of bed early this morning, shaved and cleaned up, had breakfast, lit a cigar and took a short walk up the mountain side. As I strolled along my mind was wandering a long ways of from here and thing of you folks at home. After returning to my billet I decided to write a few letters and my first is always written home.
Am still in the very best of health and sincereley hope that you all are the same. I often wonder your health is, mother.
Our company has moved again and this time we are very pleasantly situated in a beautiful little valley. The surroundings are more ideal here than any place we have been before - nicer homes, better class of people and a jolly sociable set.
Really I haven't found a place yet where I can have my picture taken, guess the photo galleries are all in t eh larger cities, as I have not spied one in the smaller towns. Nevertheless I shall be on the lookout and if there is a possible chance shall have some taken.
Please to hear mother, that you were so successful with the little tomato crop and hope I will be home in time to eat some of them. I have learned to like 'em now -- they are a very frequent dish in the army. Our food is all good, plenty of it. Sometimes we get hot biscuits and even pancakes.
Last night two ladies from the Y.M.C.A. headquarters served us with hot cocoa and cookies. How good -- I should smile! You know that always was my favorite drink.
The snap shots that you have sent me are with me all the time and more than once have I taken them out of my pocket book and looked at the admiringly. Don't forget me when you have more taken -- I surely appreciate them.
Have notice a number of beautiful women in this vicinity -- most of them very dark in complexion and large brown eyes. Truly wonderfully handsome and fashionable in dress, but I would rather have smile from a real American girl any day.
How is Orville getting along at school. Tell him to be very careful of himself.
I have sent my Christmas coupon to you some time ago.
Will close for this time. Selma remember me to Bale Hughes and other friends. Best wishes and love to all.
Your loving son,
Arthur Hauge