TRANSCRIBED FROM THE POCAHONTAS STAR HERALD OCTOBER 4, 1918 P. 3
Dear Mother:
I’m on my way at last, and you can’t imagine how glad I am. We have had a bon voyage so far, and I think we will land all o. k. If you get this, you may know I am over seas “right side up, with care,” as this will not be posted until I land somewhere in France. We are having a dandy good time. I’ll wager you can’t guess whom I ran across, on this “canoe?” Hollis Douglas, from Pocahontas. He is quite a fine lad. He and I have had several lengthy chats, and I sure did enjoy hearing him talk of things at home.
The sunrise, sunset and these moonlight nights on the water are simply wonderful. I don’t believe I would ever tire of watching them. Everyone aboard is in fine spirits; nobody down-hearted, all are expectant and happy. New sights and experiences crowd in upon one, until one can scarcely record them all in his mind, for future reference.
We have two Y. M. C. A. men on board, and they furnish us plenty of amusement, and add greatly to our entertainment and comfort. It is rather chilly and foggy today, but not enough to bother materially.
I hope you are all well and happy, and do not bother about me, for I am as gay as a lark, and as busy as a bee, trying to see land, but can see water only, from daylight until dark.
I wish you could be with me, Dad. It’s going to be wonderful. It will be a test to every man to see whether he be really a man or not. I am longing to see just what it takes to prove one’s self a man. I know that if I live up to what you and mother have taught me, I need not fear the test.
You and mother take good care of yourselves, for I expect to return some day, and I want to find a bright, happy old mother and father waiting for me.
With much love to all,
Pvt. Mack D. Anderson.
F H No. 39, Sec. C
First Sanitary Train, Am. E F
NOTES: Mack Dewey Anderson was born on May 3, 1898 in Pocahontas, Arkansas and died on July 1, 1970 in Uvalde, Texas. He is buried in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Carrizo Springs, Texas. He was an auto dealer in later life.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Dear Mother:
I’m on my way at last, and you can’t imagine how glad I am. We have had a bon voyage so far, and I think we will land all o. k. If you get this, you may know I am over seas “right side up, with care,” as this will not be posted until I land somewhere in France. We are having a dandy good time. I’ll wager you can’t guess whom I ran across, on this “canoe?” Hollis Douglas, from Pocahontas. He is quite a fine lad. He and I have had several lengthy chats, and I sure did enjoy hearing him talk of things at home.
The sunrise, sunset and these moonlight nights on the water are simply wonderful. I don’t believe I would ever tire of watching them. Everyone aboard is in fine spirits; nobody down-hearted, all are expectant and happy. New sights and experiences crowd in upon one, until one can scarcely record them all in his mind, for future reference.
We have two Y. M. C. A. men on board, and they furnish us plenty of amusement, and add greatly to our entertainment and comfort. It is rather chilly and foggy today, but not enough to bother materially.
I hope you are all well and happy, and do not bother about me, for I am as gay as a lark, and as busy as a bee, trying to see land, but can see water only, from daylight until dark.
I wish you could be with me, Dad. It’s going to be wonderful. It will be a test to every man to see whether he be really a man or not. I am longing to see just what it takes to prove one’s self a man. I know that if I live up to what you and mother have taught me, I need not fear the test.
You and mother take good care of yourselves, for I expect to return some day, and I want to find a bright, happy old mother and father waiting for me.
With much love to all,
Pvt. Mack D. Anderson.
F H No. 39, Sec. C
First Sanitary Train, Am. E F
NOTES: Mack Dewey Anderson was born on May 3, 1898 in Pocahontas, Arkansas and died on July 1, 1970 in Uvalde, Texas. He is buried in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Carrizo Springs, Texas. He was an auto dealer in later life.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS