Mauvages,
France
March
9, 1919
My Dear
Sweetheart,
Another week past, which means we are
that much closer to our meeting. I
suppose you have been wondering what I have been doing to pass away the day. Well to tell the truth, I’ve been thinking of
you, and what you’ve been doing. You’ve
been to Sunday school and meeting, haven’t you, dear? If I were there, I suppose that is where I
would have been, if I don’t suggest we stay home and do the dishes.
Do you remember those happy times we
had together? We often wondered if we were committing any wrong by so doing,
but we used to pass it off, and say we were only young once so why not have a
joyful time. Do you remember, dear,
those days? We thought we were as happy
as anyone would be. Do you think we were
as happy as we’ll be in the near future?
I’m sure we were not, for we have learned to love and appreciate each
other more so by being separated. I have
mentioned this before. It takes time to
prove all things no matter how small.
This has been the true means of determining our love-self and love for
each other.
I can’t say I have enjoyed myself at
all, for everything seems to go dead wrong. We had to work today getting the
barracks completed. We have five
finished and the sixth one almost, then there are two more to put up. But I was going to tell you how things went
wrong. The panels did not fit the sills,
or the plates were way
out. The ridge pole was cut wrong and many other minor things seemed to get in the
way. They may say all they wish, but no
one ever accomplished anything by working on Sunday. We should have finished
the barracks in one day, but we only got half way through.
I don’t believe you would have known me today had you seen me, dear, as I was dressed in my fatigues and they are becoming warn, by hard usage. They were given to me at Camp Mills, back home. One leg of the trousers is nearly gone there are holes in the pockets, and the blouse or jumper is ragged. You may ask, “Why don’t they give you some better ones?” Well the reason is, they told us, “When we got them worn out we could come home. Ha! Ha!” So you see why I’m trying to wear these out as much as possible. They only act as a duster, keeping our uniforms clean as possible, for one would soon get very dirty working in all sorts of weather.
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| Norma Talmadge |
Well dear, that constitutes the troubles of one day. I would like to tell you about some enjoyment I have had this week. Something has been going on every Sunday night except one. Sunday night movies. I don’t suppose you would think they would have such a thing on Sunday. Well they do, and they are going to have one tonight. Norma Talmadge. 6 reels.
Since I have been here they have had only one meeting of a religious purpose. I think the least thing they could do would be to hold one meeting a day, especially on Sunday. Monday, they did not have any entertainment. Tuesday night, Dr. Coliner of Oregon spoke to the men on the educational uplift of women and the real value of true womanhood. I surely enjoyed that lecture, for it made me think I have not loved a woman in vain, and that she was really doing more than I know she is.
After he got through, you could hear men talking among themselves. Telling what they thought about it. Some kind of thought or had the impression he did not know what he was talking about. One made the remark that he was nothing but a country high school teacher from some small town. I bet if the truth were known, that young man was guilty of the very thing he had been speaking to them about, regarding man’s relationship to women.
Wednesday night they had a number of wrestling and boxing matches. Thursday was a vaudeville put on by the 175th Brigade. It was the best show I’ve ever seen in France. I can’t tell you all about it, for I haven’t time. Friday night three American girls gave a musical recital. It surely was great. One gave us a number of the songs we used to sing, the ones they used to sing now, like “Smiles.” The men did not appreciate it very much. The other girl gave many recitals, readings, cracking jokes, and was fooling around with the men a great deal. They thought she was the only one of the party. The third girl played the piano.
Saturday was the final boxing and wrestling bouts between the 119th Artillery and the 120th Artillery. I almost forgot to tell you about the most important day of the week. I’ll bet you can tell what it was. Two of your love messages came Friday. Were they welcomed? I should say they were! For I long for the time I will receive that big letter which I hope is not too far off. Besides yours, dear, I received one from Irvin and Mary.
That is not all, for I received my pay of 104 francs. You mentioned once before that you were going to get that French money from David and send it to me. Now, dear, don’t think I am out of money, for I have plenty. You may think because I made an allotment to Mother that I would go without. You must remember that things are very much different here than at home. There are only cookies, chocolate, and fruits to spend your francs on. I bet you would be surprised if I told you that I had nearly $72 or 380 francs.
I’m keeping this for a good purpose. I am to return home before many more months. I want to have a few extra dollars to see a little more of France and America. There may never be such a chance again. It only comes once, and if you haven’t the money, you’ll lose out.
In Irvin’s letter, he surely showed his appreciation toward me. He is doing more for me than I think I have coming to me. He told me to hurry home, and we, the three of us (David, Irving and I) would start out putting all on an equal. What more could I ask of a brother or sister than that! What do you think of it, dear? I want to tell you dear, I never felt better in all my life than I did then, when I read that letter. Oh dear, I can’t explain my feelings, but I hope you will be able to see it as I have.
All it takes now is for time to hurry and pass and get me back there, for the day has been set for my coming home. I suppose I will be the last Bountiful fella home. If that comes true, I hope it is like the saying, “The last; the best of all the game.”
Is Haven Stringham “Over here?” If he is, give me his address. At the same time, give my best regards to Brother and Sister Stringham. Tell them I think of them even if I don’t write. Tell Bro. Bartholomew and Bro. and Sis. Barlow hello.
I suppose when you get this, your birthday will be there and past. I wish I could send you a present, but wait until I get back to the company. I’ll send something then if I can get stamps. They seem so hard to get “Over Here.”
Well dear, it is almost time for the show, so I’ll say goodnight, wishing you God’s blessing of health of health and protection, with the satisfaction that I still love you more every day.
Your Sweetheart, with oceans of love,
Henry X O X O X O
Corporal H. D. Call
Co A 313th Engineers
APO 795 American E. F. in France
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