March 9, 1904

Syracuse, NY

Dear friend Rosie:

Yours received some few days ago and contents noted. I am glad to send what little reading matter I do. I have better opportunities for procuring the same than you and will send you some at different times.

Am sorry that punching bag did not last better. Please mail me the bursted bladder and I will see if I can get it replaced.

I hear that the water up your way is over the railroad tracks. But I don’t suppose it can get up on your hill. I expect we will have some trouble down on the Mohawk river in a week or so.

I don’t have very hard work and I don’t mind getting up early, except I can’t stand being out late every night. And I prefer to work Sunday, as I need the money. But I get back in Syracuse at 3:35 PM and have until 5:20 next morning. Any time that you are going to Rochester, if you wish to see me, let me know in advance and I will get a pass and can go through to Rochester getting there at 5:20 PM, and can stay until 10 PM or so.

I keep posted some on War news, but it is hard to tell what is true in the newspapers, so I don’t read much more than the head lines.

Rochester had quite a fire and I suppose it will look different the next time we are there.

I can’t say how long I will wear my present uniform. Perhaps all summer, or until I get discharged. I am taking chances on the latter every day, and also the News Co., may possibly lose their privileges on the Central.

Will know more after May 1. But if the run I am on pays out as well as I figure it will during the summer, it may pay me to hold it.

My train going east will get so it will be on time when weather clears up. This will give me time enough in Albany to answer your letters and I will make an effort to be more prompt here after. I think about writing you every day, but something turns up to prevent.

Yours truly,

Max