TRANSCRIBED FROM THE COLUMBIA BANNER SEPTEMBER 25, 1918 P. 2
Somewhere in France,
July 30th 1918.
We are having some real beautiful spring weather, the mud has disappeared and it is real “Sunny France.”
I have received twenty letters in past weeks. Since It is impossible to answer all under present conditions. I will use this method of answering. In regard to the country, it is similar to any other country. Some parts are very beautiful with good improvements, while other parts are very rough and hilly, the villages poorly built and present about the same appearance as the rough parts of the states. The farmers all live in villages with barns, cow shed under the same roof with the residence. The buildings are all joined, the gardens are in the rear of the row of buildings, the roads are very good both sides of the public roads being lined with trees, the forest trees are in rows like checked corn, some of the hills are terraced to make more farming land and gardens. The live stock are very gentle, I suppose, because they are cared for so well.
I have learned very little French and do not care to learn much more. It is a very musical language, but does not appeal to me.
We are looking for a number of the boys, who left here June 25 on detached service, to come back.
I have received a letter from Ora Barker and Andrew J. Higdon. I miss them very much. We have been together ever since August 5, 1917, the day Co. K was mobilized on the beautiful square of Magnolia.
Joe Turrentine and George Billings are also in this Co. I am surely glad to have them here as they are Magnolia boys and are good boys to associate with. The “Y” is certainly doing great work for the soldiers with all the comforts it can. We receive a good amount of Red Cross benefits for which we are very grateful.
I am glad to receive letters from home and will answers all as opportunity affords.
Jesse J. Beck.
Co. B. 9th Bn. 20th Eng. A. E. F.
via New York
NOTES: Jesse James Beck was born on March 12, 1896 in Columbia County, Arkansas and died on November 24, 1950 in Pulaski County, Arkansas. He is buried in the McGehee Cemetery, Desha County, Arkansas His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Pvt., 20 Engineers in WWI. He was described as being of medium height and weight with light blue eyes and light brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT.
Somewhere in France,
July 30th 1918.
We are having some real beautiful spring weather, the mud has disappeared and it is real “Sunny France.”
I have received twenty letters in past weeks. Since It is impossible to answer all under present conditions. I will use this method of answering. In regard to the country, it is similar to any other country. Some parts are very beautiful with good improvements, while other parts are very rough and hilly, the villages poorly built and present about the same appearance as the rough parts of the states. The farmers all live in villages with barns, cow shed under the same roof with the residence. The buildings are all joined, the gardens are in the rear of the row of buildings, the roads are very good both sides of the public roads being lined with trees, the forest trees are in rows like checked corn, some of the hills are terraced to make more farming land and gardens. The live stock are very gentle, I suppose, because they are cared for so well.
I have learned very little French and do not care to learn much more. It is a very musical language, but does not appeal to me.
We are looking for a number of the boys, who left here June 25 on detached service, to come back.
I have received a letter from Ora Barker and Andrew J. Higdon. I miss them very much. We have been together ever since August 5, 1917, the day Co. K was mobilized on the beautiful square of Magnolia.
Joe Turrentine and George Billings are also in this Co. I am surely glad to have them here as they are Magnolia boys and are good boys to associate with. The “Y” is certainly doing great work for the soldiers with all the comforts it can. We receive a good amount of Red Cross benefits for which we are very grateful.
I am glad to receive letters from home and will answers all as opportunity affords.
Jesse J. Beck.
Co. B. 9th Bn. 20th Eng. A. E. F.
via New York
NOTES: Jesse James Beck was born on March 12, 1896 in Columbia County, Arkansas and died on November 24, 1950 in Pulaski County, Arkansas. He is buried in the McGehee Cemetery, Desha County, Arkansas His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Pvt., 20 Engineers in WWI. He was described as being of medium height and weight with light blue eyes and light brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT.