Aside from the war, I like my work. Wonderful architecture abounds. New peoples fascinate. If not a pleasure, it is a privilege to serve in this war. As ever, DINSMORE ELY. _Wednesday, April 5, 1918._ DEAR FAMILY: So long since I wrote, can’t remember where I left off. Last ten days spent as follows: _Mar. 25._ Over German lines. _Mar. 26._ Ascension in United States balloon. _Mar. 27._ Orders to leave Toul with entire escadrille. _Mar. 28._ Packed and left Toul, arriving in Paris. _Mar. 29._ In Paris preparing to go to Front. _Mar. 30._ Reported to aviation center near Paris where escadrille was to receive new equipment of planes. _Mar. 31—April 1 and 2._ Reported each day to headquarters and returned to Paris in evening. _April 3._ Orders to the Front in new planes. Reported to headquarters to find I was released from French Army and must go to United States headquarters. Left for Paris and there received orders to go to American Army center in France. _April 4._ Arrived at A. A. C., was sworn in as second lieutenant. _April 5._ Returned to Paris, ordered clothes, and now await orders to action. With love. Your son, LIEUTENANT DINSMORE ELY. _A. E. F., 45 Ave. Montaigne, April 5, 1918._ DEAR FAMILY: You have probably heard more from me in the last ten days than you will in the next ten. Please pardon me for not having written. Things have moved fast, and all the world strains at attention. What do we know of the great German offensive? The Boche has made great gains with suicide tolls as a price. The English have made splendid resistance with a retreat which will need explaining. And the turn of the battle came when the French Army arrived. It is hoped that the American Army can be of assistance in the world’s greatest battle, of which the first phase has lasted twelve days already. German communics say this offensive may last for months, but it is the final of the war. The statement was made when they thought the allied line was broken. When the German people discover that the great offensive failed to gain its end, they may interpret it as defeat. If the German people cannot be made to believe that the ground gained in this offensive is of more value than a place to bury their dead, the German Government is whipped.