I am much interested in the account of your correspondence with your French godchild, and I would advise you not to be discouraged if he does not seem, in every way, to be living up to your expectations.  You must remember that these fatherless children have suffered more deeply and more courageously than you can possibly imagine.  If his letters sound rather effeminate I hope you will in time realize that it is merely a difference of language and convention that gives you that impression.  The French are a very affectionate and demonstrative people.  You know that even their “Papa Joffre” kisses his brave soldiers on both cheeks when he decorates them.

You are doing splendid work for a boy of your age, and I hope you will not let small prejudices get in your way.  Remember you are unusually fortunate to have a child who can write in English.

With my best wishes and congratulations, I remain cordially yours,

Secretary for the Junior Committee
of the Fatherless Children of France.

Greenville Falls, N.Y. 
Feb. 3, 1917.

Deer godchild

How are you?  Say will you do me a faver and cut out kissin me with the bottom of your heart?  If you think you ot to do it you can kiss me on both cheeks if that is the custim I guess I can stand it but I had ruther you did not kiss me at all if it is the same to you as we shake hands in America.  Say that missis Yankit is some woman beleeve me and you had better keep away from her, fust thing you no she’ll be trying to make me go to school every day and buy a dicshunary.  What she no about the American languidge ennyway? what she have to come buttin in with her too tongues between us?  You are my godchild and I am your godfather and if there is ennything you dont understand I am the one to explane, and you tell that Yankit woman she had better be helpin her husband with his teeth and let us alone, and to put that in her pipe and smoke it.  I am glad you like the Cristmas presents I sent you and if you want to string the mask from the ceilin you are well come to it, but it is ment to keep your nose from gettin smasht when a hard ball comes bingin through the air.  Say, that must be some stunt sleepin on both ears, I have slep on my stummick an on my back an on one ear, but not on both.  Last nite we had welsh rabit fer super and I did not sleep enny way.  It is a good thing I have that $1.50 Carl Odell give me becaus I do not feel al-rite and Mother wont let me go out to work, but I guess I will get out soon again so dont worry about my suportin you.  Say, thats al-rite about the Red Indians—­corse they aint as numrous as they was once but there still plentiful in parts but dont let that worry you cause I been brot up with them and no how to handle them.  Red Skins is like snakes and is al-rite if you keep your eye on them.  Course I woodnt advise you to medal with them, but I guess I can look out for myself.  Say, how is Jean and has he done enny more stunts?