France Apr 22/17 Friend Billy I take the greatest pleasure in writing you these [few?] lines in answer to your always looked for & very interesting letter and to let you know that I am still lucky enough to be on top yet and in good health & going strong yet. this is certainly the worst climate a white man ever got into it has been raining or snowing all the time [ or least mind?] well say there never was just as much mud anywhere as there is here I got your letter some time ago but haven't had an opportunety to answer it till tonight. Things have been pretty warm around the neck of the