Hq. Co., 165th Inf., A. E. F. Jan. 29, 1918. My dear Father: I have to thank you for three letters, for two poems, for the proof sheets of your book and for your beautiful Christmas gift, which I treasure and have with me always. The poem “To Rose in Heaven” is so exquisite that I cannot write or speak all my deep appreciation of it. But I know that it is not my personal feeling alone that makes me consider it one of the noblest elegiac poems in our language. I wish that I were still in the book-reviewing game--I’d like to express my opinion of your new book. My column in the _Literary Digest_ is now conducted by Mrs. Edwin Markham. However, I occasionally send in some clippings and comment, and I’ll try to get some of your book quoted. I congratulate you on your book; it is an achievement for which you must be deeply grateful; of course none of us rhymers can really be proud if we’re true to the traditions of our craft. You see, I’m not in “The Proud Poet” mood now. I’m neither proud nor a poet--I’ve written only one poem since I sailed, a little thing called “Militis Meditatio.” We all are well and happy--I do not think that any one of us can honestly say that he has not enjoyed this Winter. The trials and hardships of the life are so novel as to be interesting. But I imagine that one enjoys very little his tenth year of soldiering. It is especially pleasant to be in France and the part of France that we are in. I am surprised, I acknowledge, by the passionate Catholicity of the people. Even “Holy Ireland” can scarcely be more Catholic than rural France. Tell my friends my address and urge them to write to me. Pray for me, and believe me always Yours sincerely, JOYCE KILMER. * * * * * Headquarters Company, 165th Infantry, A. E. F., France. May 6, 1918. My dear Father: It is very comfortable to dwell in so genuinely Catholic a land as this; to be reminded in every room of every house, and at every cross-road of the Faith. I do not know when you last visited France, and perhaps you are already familiar with conditions here, but I do not cease to be surprised and delighted to see the number of people receiving Holy Communion not only on Sunday, but every day. And you will find soldiers of this Regiment in church whenever and wherever there is a priest to say Mass. I think that most of us are better Catholics now than when we were at home--certainly we should be.