January 31, 1918
Dear Helen,
     There isn’t enough news for me to write a letter but I am going to
scratch off a few lines just to let you know that I know I have a sister. We have
a nice big hospital now & it is a whole lots easier for us to write than it has
been before. As we have been sleeping in stable with all kinds of animals.
We have a fine place here now. The building is immense and sits away
upon a hill. It sure is one pretty to go on the third floor and look out down the
valley below where you can see for miles. There is a reservoir down there and
the ground around is all cultivated and layed off with fields, it sure is one fine
view on a clear day.
     Do you see much of Dids now? Poor kid and guess she finds it a bit
lonesome at times. But still I think she is right game myself. Not all of them
take things like she has done. I guess she has more money than she knows what
to do with now. I don’t think there is much danger of her starving, do you.
How is Check making out with Haine’s. That is a good job if he will just
nurse it a bit. He can get in with some offices and people there that will be
worth knowing if he ever goes in for himself.
     What does Gussie think of Mooney’s enlisting. I guess she would have a
fit if he ever has to go away. I promised to write to them- never have done it,
make up some excuse for me will you. They sure did show us a good time in
N.Y. and I am ashamed of myself but still why worry.
     All three of Chas’s boxes came - everything was fine. None of them were
broken open. You say that you missed us Christmas, but you can put it down
that you didn’t miss us one half as much as I missed being there. Things were
pretty slow here on Christmas.
     Well, Helen, I can’t think of anything else to write I so guess I had better
close. Give my regards to everyone -write to me when you can.
     With much love to you all,
     Devotedly, Jim

Pvt 1st Cl Lewis J. Matthews
165th Field Hospital
117th Sanitary Train
A.E.F. via N.Y.