Letter 93

 

 

Letter 93

                                                                                                                                                France 

                                                                                                                                               Nov. 19, 1918

My Dear Sweetheart,

               Yes I’m sure you have been looking for a letter from me for Oh such a long a time. But you must forgive me for I can’t do two things at once.  I’ve been on the road most of the time during the last two weeks. We have only stayed in a place of shelter for two or three days at a time and no mail has been going out.

               Since that time I have received ten letters from the folks at home, some from you, and some from Centerville. So you see I’ve been well posted on the things at home.The last letter you wrote was Oct. 24.It came in a big hurry. The best of them all was the letter in which I found that sweet smiling face of yours.You should have felt my heart leap for joy just to get a look at your dear face again, for I hardly knew what it looked like. Thanks very much dear.

               How are you getting on in school? You don’t have anything on me, for I’ve been to school three days this week (gas school, for the division). The work is very interesting and yet very dangerous, for one man had a very terrible accident. He lost both of his hands by a hand grenade.

 

               The last two days I’ve had the chance to go thru some of the district. The Germans had to give up just one week ago to the Americans. It surely looked as if war was still going on, for the towns and villages were in complete ruin. No civilians were to be found and all the household goods were turned inside out and scattered all over the rooms. We are taking possessions and using the beds and stoves. We surely appreciate them even if they are dirty.

 

               During the last few days thousands of prisoners from Germany have been making their way back into France and other countries.You see them carrying their packs on their backs, in wheelbarrows, baby buggies, and large wagons being pulled by the men. Those who are too weak to walk are being hauled. Yet they surely are a happy bunch, for some have been there for four years.

 

               Well dear, I must say good night. It is ten o’clock, and this letter to getting hard to write. Excuse this ink for my pen went dry. In your last letter you said you had been making cookies. Oh how I would like one of them! Well dear, my love for you is far above my expression.

 

              May God ever be near you is the desires of your loving sweetheart, XX X

               

                                                                                             Private Henry D. Call

                                                                                                               Co. A 313th Engineers

                                                                                                               United States Forces