We came ashore this afternoon and are now beached in a "Rent Camp" for a few days before going to our permanent camp.

Our present camp is situated on a high cliff over-looking the city at an old French Barracks surrounded by high stone walls and probably used as far back as Napolean's time. Of course we are quarantined and forbidden to leave the walls.

As we marched through the streets on our way to camp I was very much impressed by the great number who appeared in mourning, the number of very young wives and the sight of so few men. Between every smile you could detect the sadness in their hearts yet there was no loook of discouragement but on the contrary a look of confidence and determination and a spirit that the allies are going to win out.

The country is beautiful with its rolling hills and beautifully cultivated fields. Every inch of ground is cultivated and kept in the highest state of perfection. I have never seen anything in America to equal this. The food here is very poor and we have to pay high for what we eat as poor as it is. Butter $1.00 per pound. At this rate I don't think we could afford to live in France. We thought Greenville was high but this is one place that has it beat.

Have some work to do so will have to stop. Please send this letter home after reading it. Will write you tomorrow.

Hoggie