April 20, 1919

                                                                                                              Marson, France
                                                                                                              April 20, 1919

My Dear Sweetheart,

You are right Dear, when you say, “One more week nearer our meeting.” When a person is in doubt about when he is to sail, or even having no knowledge as to when he will be permitted to return, he looks upon one week about as near as the other. Of late, we have heard some good news. We have been told that we were to sail in early June. Now how true that is, I do not know.  But listen, Dear, I seem to feel it in my bones this time. I do not know what could be more welcome, unless it is your letters. But, Dear, I have been filled with joy. Even the weather seemed to partake of the same good spirit and gave us some sunshine. I am willing to do most anything if it will help us get away and towards home sooner.

Our captain told us of the great amount of work which had been placed upon our shoulders: that is, polishing up the entire area. We have the doughboys to help until the first of May [Doughboys: WWI American Expeditionary Forces]. Then what is left we will be compelled to finish and then catch up with our Division at the Port of Embarkation.

Another thing that makes me think we are going (toot sweet) is the big review which was staged at Gondrecourt. This review was for the entire Division with General Pershing. General Pershing passed right near me. He surely is a military man.  Our flags and colors were decorated for the work we did at the Haute Alsace sector. We all marched by him in a column of squads. After that we were rounded up like cattle in a circle near the hill where we listened to a speech by Pershing and Sec. Baker. The both spoke well, and told us we were soon to depart for the States, but what I wanted to know was how soon. With those few words of encouragement I can wait until my time comes. Oh, but it does not go fast for me.

At present I am doing a little different work than what I have been doing. I am in charge of a road detail. We are fixing the holes in the road from here to Reffory, about two kilometers.  The roads are the one thing which we have to fix before leaving. 

This morning, Holman, the one whom I told you had lost his mother lately, was over to bid me goodbye. He was leaving today at 12 o’clock for home. His discharge came in last night. Well, he is one whom I would like to see have a discharge, for he is not the same fellow as before. He appears to me to be lost, but the poor fellow has surely stood his grief like a man. 

Also, the Jones boy in my Company from Willard has his discharge. He came last night from a 21 day leave to Wales. He lost his brother over here. He was in the same squad as his brother, and died in the same squad.

I have almost forgotten to tell you that I received two love messages Friday night from you. They were written on the 28th and the 31st. I think that yours was between the 24th and 28th. Mother’s letter must be with it, for it has not come yet. I surely appreciated the good tidings you send to me from time to time. Your love seems to connect up with mine, which makes it impossible for me to let loose of it. Oh, how I long for the day when I can call you my own dear little lover. I’m sure there is a day of days coming for us both. 

They have a song here which they sing a great deal, “Oh What a Loving the Girlies Will Get When the Boys Come Home.” Do you think that is true? I am sure it will be true with me. There is another still, which I hope will be true, “For Every Hour You Are Sad There is a Year in Which to be Glad.”
Oh, what a happy life we will have if that will be true. 

Well, Dear, I am feeling happy today for I’m sure time “Over Here” is limited. No, I am not counting the days. I too, received a letter from W.C. Holbrook. He made me laugh when I read of his success. He said, “Married life is not as one would expect, but perfectly natural.” Then he told me to hurry home, for he was sure I would be of the same opinion as he.

In your letter, there were a few things that kind of made me wonder a little. Now don’t think I took it 

the way it read to me. Do you remember this part, ..after choir practice, it was raining and I had nothing on but a thin scarf? Say, if you are going to choir practice dressed like that you had better quit Ha! Ha! Now don’t think I am criticizing you and your writing for I’m not, Love, but it struck me funny when I read it. Please forgive, Dear X O X O. I knew you would. You know what a tease I am. Is there anything serious about Deloras sitting on a pin, is she hurt? She should come over here when you go months without seeing them. You said your mother had been sick or was sick. I surely hope she is better now, for I know what it is to have a sore throat.

Friday night Geo. and I went for a short walk. We were gone about 3 1⁄2 hours, but we went by ourselves, so it did not seem that long. The weather was beautiful as the sun sank beneath the western hills and I remarked to Geo., “What do you suppose is waiting for us far beyond?” His answer was just a shaking of the head.

Last night I stayed with him all night. We slept in one of those French beds, but for some reason or another I could not or did not sleep well. But I surely enjoyed being with him even if I had to sit up all night, just to get away from the Army talks and noise.

I know, Dear, you would be more than willing to help me if you could. But remember, even if your thoughts can’t be carried out, they are being appreciated “Over Here.” For I have found in you that which probably would have taken years, had we not been separated from each other. You have given and sent your love which has been one of the greatest means of keeping me from going into wayward paths. You have proven to me, that you can stand up before anyone and say, “I have given him advice and prayers that him led me through many places of sin.”

You have proven that a woman can do the work which you have done. You, have a soldier’s heart and a soldier’s love.  And you are worthy of that soldier, who has placed his life in the hands of God for the love of our county. I wish to send you the true love of a soldier who has seen for himself the real and true value of love. 

May the impulse of love that throbs from my longing heart be extended back to that spot which you hold so sacred in your heart, for the one you love.  May I be worthy of that love, and may you receive the comforting blessing of life on this Easter Sunday is the love I send to you, Dear Sweetheart.

 With oceans of love and a kiss on every wave.

Henry X O X O X

Corp. Henry D. Call 
Co. A 313th Engrs.

P. S. Give my love to all. Tell Deloras be careful where she sits. How is Uncle Jimmy? Ask him if he wants to see the world or these battlefields. If he wants to see them he better enlists right away. Geo. has received word that his sister who was married the day he left is a momma now. A 9-pound boy. Bessie says she loves boys anyway, how about you?