Letter #81
American
Expeditionary Forces
France
Sept.
15, 1918
My Dear Sweetheart,
Sunday once more
and I am here writing to you, dear. It
is the only means I have of getting close to you and making you understand my
feelings. Just think, one month today
since I’ve received any mail and four months since I have been a soldier of
Uncle Sam. It does not seem that long,
yet it seems more than a year. They say
the first few months seem so much longer than any of them, but dear, you know
how I feel in regards to this life. I am
trying to live as you ask me to. It is
hard at times to control my feelings, but by your love and my love for you, it
makes it so much easier to live my religion and do my duty as a soldier of
America.
Today being
Sunday, we were allowed to go sightseeing.
I went to the neighboring town and viewed a city which had been
destroyed by war, and finally covered by rocks and dirt. In many places you could find the walls,
wells, water system, and steps they had built.
They are just uncovering it. It
surely is interesting to view such a place with your own eyes, and not just
read about it as I have done so many times.
Tonight George
came up and we were together for about two hours. It surely makes life more pleasant to be able
to talk to him as I do. He is a dear
friend, and one I can pour out my whole heart and soul to.
I also went to
the Catholic church this morning. I could not understand what they were saying,
and many things were amusing and interesting to me. I also went through another Catholic cathedral. It surely was a very beautiful place on the
inside, but the outside shows the effects of many years of hard, rough
weather. When the war is over, I will
tell you all about it, my love, for I’m sure it will be of interest to you as
it is to me.
The little boy
next door has just brought me a piece of bread.
It is not as light as ours, but it surely tastes good, even dry
bread. Mother always said, I would have
trouble with my stomach but neither you, nor her, need worry about that. For my stomach will digest 8-penny nails and
wants everything in sight. Before I
forget, I have been informed that the folks at home can send 7 lbs. of things
to each soldier. You can’t send
fruitcake, but if you send anything don’t forget the candy, for I haven’t seen
any or tasted any since arriving. If you don’t mind, put in a few bullion soup
cubes. Do you know what they are?
Well dear, I must
stop and say goodnight for I am tired and need my rest, for we have plenty of
work to do. Give my best love to all and
may you ever be guided by that Spirit which rules all and grants you the
desires of your heart.
As
ever yours, with love,
Private
Henry D. Call
Co.
A. 313th Engrs.
American
Exp. F. France
A.P.O.
795
Tell
all the kids hello, and not to forget me, even if I’m so far away. I’m O.K so don’t worry, dear. Don’t forget the gum.
P.S.
One of the fellows of the squad wishes to be remembered. We call him Priv.
Ring, O.K., McWilliams
(Signed by the censor, L.L. Welden, 2nd Lieut U.S.
Army)
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