Letter 105

Letter  105                                                                                                                                                                                                 Bayonville, France

January 5, 1919

                To My Darling Girl,
 

                                Sunday night once more and still that great body of water separates us.  But       remember dear, I’m looking forward toward to the day when I hear those most wonderful words, “Homeward Bound!”  They will be surrounded with the greatest joy and one could send forth.

                                Did I hear you ask if I was kind of lonely tonight?  Well, in one way I am, but in another way I am the happiest boy in Bayonville.  Can you guess why? Well dear, I received as the Frenchmen term it, beau coo mail, which means many. There were eight in all; four from you, two from Mother, one from Mabel, and one from Miss Blood. Oh if you could have only seen me when they came in the door with mail.   I was sitting at the table reading, but when I saw them, I just jumped up and yelled and jumped on top of the table … I flew just like a bird, and there I stood with outstretched arms waiting for those sweet love messages.  The last time the mail came in I felt a little bit slighted, for none came from you dear. But I did receive one from my dear mother.

                                When you speak of my lying awake at nights thinking of home, I’ll tell you, I go to sleep with my whole heart and soul back there with those I love so well. Had you been here tonight you would have said that there must be something behind those sparkling eyes and laughing face.  For I was filled with that burning love which takes hold of me as such times as this was tonight.

                                If a letter back there makes you feel the way one does here, then there is joy in every corner of the house or barn, even if they did have beams above and hard tack for mess, and had to walk guard in the rain. All those bygone things are forgotten and our minds revert back to those who wait anxiously at home for a safe return.               

                                You have mentioned some of the fellows at home.  I suppose the first words they will say is, “I surely wish I had the chance to be “over there,” now that all is right.  Now the war is over.  Well for my part, I want to get back to God’s country where you can be treated like you were soldiers.  Now don’t think we are being mistreated, for we are having the very best of treatment.

                                Can you hear the boys here talking about going home? That seems to be the everyday talk now. For we have had our orders to move. I think we are going northwest of Toul, about 80 miles from here. We are to leave Tuesday morning. I think it is the first step towards home. Well we’re hoping so anyway.

                                Well dear, before I forget it I want to thank you again for that little diary book, the one you sent to me at Boulder. I filled it by the first of January. So you see how thoughtful you are? Nothing could have fitted the occasion better.

                                Thursday afternoon I went out into the courtyard at the rear of the hotel.  I picked flowers.  Think of it, the second of January. The weather is still cool, but warm in the daytime.  We have a little rain now and then and the rivers are still overflowing their banks.

                                Yesterday we had a regimental review on the hill north of Arnaville.  It seemed like a spring day, for it was warm and mixed with a little sunshine. This hill was supposed to have been taken by the 313^th Engrs.  Never did I think we were to have regimental review on it, but one never knows what will take place in a few days.

                                Tell your father I surely appreciated his letter, even if I won’t get time to answer it. Tell him I surely would like to be there and take a ride, but of course I would rather take one with you, dear. And the time is not far away, either.  That is my opinion.

                                Well dear, it is getting late and it is after taps now but we are up still. This letter may be all mixed up, so excuse all the mistakes, for the fellows have been here tonight, talking. One can’t tell what he wishes, but remember dear, my love still is the same and my heart goes back to you.  How I wish I were there to spend this Sunday evening with you. May God ever be near you and protect you is the love I send, with Oceans of Eternal Love.

               P.S. Has David gotten home yet?  Thanks very much for the gum. It surely is a life saver. Give my love to all. Henry 

                                                                                                   Henry    XXX    Good Night Dear

                                                                                                                  

 

                                                                                                      Co. A 313^th Engrs

                                                                                                   American E. F.  France,

                                                                                                   A P.O. 795