Dear Willard and Grace;

This is the first chance that I have had to bat out a letter to you since I got over here. You can see now that I will have to try to pick up a little French. The few French I have had occasion to meet, couldn’t understand me nor I them. So we were even.

They all greeted us with a smile, however, and seemed quite happy to see us. I guess the kids still say “any gum, chum” but in French. One little kid offered me a 50 centime piece as a souvenir. She was probably 6 or 7 years old.

French money isn’t going to be hard to learn or understand. It’s on the decimal system like our own. A one thousand Frank note or a two thousand Frank note is a sheet of paper about the size of the top of a cigar box. You really think you have quite a document when you have one, but they are only worth five and ten dollars respectively.

I’ve seen some places here that were making history a short time ago. Have seen St. Lo which is just about totally destroyed. You may have seen it in news reels by this time. But to really appreciate it, you should see it. Have seen a lot of German stuff that was either captured or destroyed too. Quite impressive.

We are situated in a beautiful spot for the present anyhow. But it can’t compare with the _____ back in England. I spent some time there and the people around there were wonderful. I wouldn’t mind stopping back there again someday. Of course, I’d like to see New York first. Will write more when I get a little more time.

Russell

France