My Dear Mother:-

For the past three days it has been unusually cold; the thermometer has registered 12°, 14°, and 16° respectively. Late yesterday evening it began to snow and when we peeped out this morning we found a foot and a half of snow on the ground.

Monday morning our regiment entered the trenches. We arose at five o'clock and remained in the trenches until six in the evening. It was extremely cold; we could build no fires so naturally we came near freezing. The program was conducted as if actual war conditions existed. The enemy were supposed to be occupying trenches 300 yds. from us. Each officer was in charge of a certain sector and was responsible for that part of the trench. The trenches are several miles in length.

You promised to send me two pillow covers. I wish you would make me a cover my good suit of clothes and also send me a pair of sheets. Thank Father for the box and tell him that I received it O.K. Well have to stop.

Best love,

Hargrove