Dear Governor,—Enclosed is a letter from Freddy. Notice that he says the discipline at Pau is very strict.
I am a schoolboy again. I am training to fly the very fastest appareil de chasse—quite a different instrument from the avion canon which weighs three times more than these small chasing appareils.
I am busy pushing matters, in regard to the formation of the Escadrille Américaine. There is a possibility that St.-Saveur, now a captain in the aviation, may command us. Although but a short time on the front he has done finely as a pilot. We are all disponible to go to the front and are only waiting for a captain, the personnel—(chauffeurs, secretary, cook, etc.) our avions and the motor cars. Orders for our formation will be issued, I hope, next week. The weather has been very rainy and windy here for a week, which is to be expected, during the month of February. We are losing no time, however.
Those Lewis guns, if there is any way of getting hold of a dozen, would be much appreciated by us here. The more you can get for us the better, but I realize that it may be impossible even for you to get hold of any.
How are the horses? Don’t overdo the schooling!
I hope you and Mamma are enjoying Aiken. The main thing is to care for your health.
With love to Mamma, who, I trust, is not too anxious about Freddy and me.
Your affectionate son,
Norman.