TRANSCRIBED FROM THE PRESECOTT DAILY NEWS FEBRUARY 7, 1919 P. 2
Tallehausen, Germany,
December 29, 1918.
Dear Wife:
Will write you a few lines to let you know I’m all right except a bad cold; hope this will find you well.
How was Xmas with you It was rather dull with me. It snowed nearly all day Xmas; the snow is about 5 inches deep now and still sleeting.
I received your letter of the 18th of Nov. Sure was glad to get it. Your mail comes more regular now. You ask me to tell you something about my trip; will give you a short sketch.
Left Camp Pike Aug. 10th, went to Camp Merritt, N.J., Aug. 15th, boarded a steamer, landed in Liverpool, England, the 27th day of Aug. About the first five or six days the sea was calm and nice, then bad two or three days; rough riding; waves were from 20 to 30 ft. high. I didn’t get seasick but sure thought I would. I saw some large fish, some flying fish, saw what some of the boys called a whale, but I think it was a large fish.
While in England went to three different camps; saw many beautiful sights. Crossed the English channel the 31st of Aug. Landed in France 1st of Sept., went to several different camps while in France; rode a good deal on trains and hiked some, seeing much of the country; didn’t stay at one place over two days, until I was attached to the 32nd division, then stayed at one place about 8 days; then the month of Sept. was nearly gone. The 24th of Sept. I started to the front, went to the lines the 30th; went over the top the 1st of Oct. and was relieved the 20th of Oct.; went back in reserve and stayed until the 10th of Nov. Then I went to the front again and was relieved again after armistice was signed. We were some glad Doughboys to get out of the trenches and get a good breath. Well I wont say anything about what happened except the whiz-bangs and other bangs bursting all around me. The nearest it came getting me was a bullet went through the sole of my shoe and one through my gun sling; a piece of shrapnel hit be in the breast but not hard enough to hurt. I think I have been wonderfully blest.
I have done considerable hiking since armistice was signed—between 200 and 300 miles. We came through Belgium, Luxemburg, into Germany. I crossed the Rhine Dec. 13th.
I was stationed at Herm_____Germany, Dec. 16th; am at Tallehausen, Germany at present. I haven’t any idea when I’ll start for home. Well, hope everything is o.k. at home. Would like to see all. Give my love to all.
Your true companion.
Pvt. Dallis M. Atkins.
NOTES: Dallis Monroe Atkins was born on August 17th 1890 in Rosston, Arkansas and died on March 23, 1965. He is buried in the De Ann Cemetery in Prescott, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Tallehausen, Germany,
December 29, 1918.
Dear Wife:
Will write you a few lines to let you know I’m all right except a bad cold; hope this will find you well.
How was Xmas with you It was rather dull with me. It snowed nearly all day Xmas; the snow is about 5 inches deep now and still sleeting.
I received your letter of the 18th of Nov. Sure was glad to get it. Your mail comes more regular now. You ask me to tell you something about my trip; will give you a short sketch.
Left Camp Pike Aug. 10th, went to Camp Merritt, N.J., Aug. 15th, boarded a steamer, landed in Liverpool, England, the 27th day of Aug. About the first five or six days the sea was calm and nice, then bad two or three days; rough riding; waves were from 20 to 30 ft. high. I didn’t get seasick but sure thought I would. I saw some large fish, some flying fish, saw what some of the boys called a whale, but I think it was a large fish.
While in England went to three different camps; saw many beautiful sights. Crossed the English channel the 31st of Aug. Landed in France 1st of Sept., went to several different camps while in France; rode a good deal on trains and hiked some, seeing much of the country; didn’t stay at one place over two days, until I was attached to the 32nd division, then stayed at one place about 8 days; then the month of Sept. was nearly gone. The 24th of Sept. I started to the front, went to the lines the 30th; went over the top the 1st of Oct. and was relieved the 20th of Oct.; went back in reserve and stayed until the 10th of Nov. Then I went to the front again and was relieved again after armistice was signed. We were some glad Doughboys to get out of the trenches and get a good breath. Well I wont say anything about what happened except the whiz-bangs and other bangs bursting all around me. The nearest it came getting me was a bullet went through the sole of my shoe and one through my gun sling; a piece of shrapnel hit be in the breast but not hard enough to hurt. I think I have been wonderfully blest.
I have done considerable hiking since armistice was signed—between 200 and 300 miles. We came through Belgium, Luxemburg, into Germany. I crossed the Rhine Dec. 13th.
I was stationed at Herm_____Germany, Dec. 16th; am at Tallehausen, Germany at present. I haven’t any idea when I’ll start for home. Well, hope everything is o.k. at home. Would like to see all. Give my love to all.
Your true companion.
Pvt. Dallis M. Atkins.
NOTES: Dallis Monroe Atkins was born on August 17th 1890 in Rosston, Arkansas and died on March 23, 1965. He is buried in the De Ann Cemetery in Prescott, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS