(Notice that Henry is not
writing about anything specific regarding place, time, names, events regarding
the battlefield, or battle plans.. the censors read every letter and either
black out portions or cut it out with a razor, then sign and stamp it)
Letter 79 September
4, 1918
Somewhere
here in France
My Dear Sweetheart,
Once
more, I’m having the pleasure of writing to you again. Just think of going so
long and not hearing from you and only a chance of writing to you dear. I’m all
ok and enjoying myself to my highest desires.
I’m seeing things which I thought would never be a privilege to me. It
surely seems a pleasure to say I’m here, and on soil once more. I’ve stopped at
several rest camps before we finally reached our point of destination.
The
people here are surely tickled to see us.
They are doing everything to make us comfortable, even going as far as
to offer us their vacant rooms in their homes.
Do you think many of the people at home would be willing for some
foreign soldiers to come into their homes, as so many here are doing? Well dear, if they were here and could see
and feel for themselves, they would be as willing and ready to serve as they
are here.
I never
could realize the conditions of the people before, but my unbelief has been
made real, and my sense of imagination had been enlarged, till I think … how can the people exist and still carry on
this Great War for men’s rights and freedoms of the world?
The
scenery was of the highest nature and most interesting. Everything seems to be so very old and shows
signs of age; I’ve been told a bridge nearby was built by the Romans when they
were here conquering Gaulle. It is still
in good condition and still in use. The
streets are of a very hard rock and the sidewalks are of stone. I sure have
covered a great deal of territory since leaving the dear old U.S.A., but I’ve
seen part of the country Irvin took in.
Well
dear don’t get down hearted if you don’t hear from me so often now but keep a
stiff upper lip, and say, ‘he is over there, without hearing from me, and with
only a few friends, and I’m here with all my love ones near me.’ Oh you don’t know how it would make me feel
just to be home once more, say just for about ten minutes. But don’t forget, I
always think of you day and night, even if I’m so far away from home.
My love and desire for home surely has been increased a great deal of
late, but don’t think I’m blue, as I am happy as can be under the conditions.
It has been nearly a month since I received a letter on Aug 8.
Don’t forget to tell Jay and Viola and the other kids hello. I think of them even if I can’t be there.
Tell them not to forget me, for I’m having other things to do now, but I hope
dear, I will always have time to write to you.
By the way, have you another picture of yourself? I only have two of you: one in a bathing
suit, and the other with the service flag. Now dear don’t think those others I
sent back were not good enough, but I never thought they would mean so much to
a fellow. It is nearly bed time and
only a candle to write by, so will have to make it short. Tell all hello for me
and remember me to your parents and give them my best love and wishes. Tell
Hazel I’m still alive and kicking.
Well dear
sweet heart, I must bid you goodbye for a few more days, hoping you will always
have faith and courage, as I still have.
I am wishing you the desired blessings of God, and that you will always
be the same old sweetheart to me. Sending you my love and best wishes,
Your
loving ‘’don’t forget me solider’’ sweetheart tonight
x
x x Henry
Address:
Prvt. HD
Call
Co.A.313th Engrs.
American Expeditionary Forces
No comments:
Post a Comment