TRANSCRIBED FROM THE COLUMBIA BANNER JULY 17, 1918 P. 2
May 27, 1918.
Mrs. A. A. Colvin,
Dear Mother:
How are you today? Well, I hope, as I am. I received your letter all O. K. that was written the 26th of Apr., one week after Homer’s death. I am sorry to hear of Alma getting shot.
I am proud of what the people think of us at home. We all love our country. We had rather die here 6,000 miles or more from home than to live under the Kaiser’s rule. We know his rule will not do for us to live under. I am a true soldier. I am going to do my best. I am going to be true to all, I know to be true to.
You know I did not want to leave home, for I had a good chance to make a start in the world and was willing to help all do the same.
I have written to Grandma two or three times since I landed here. I wish I could hear from all sometime but looks like I can’t. I think every thing looks pretty here now. I wish you could see just how pretty every thing is here now, but it is not as pretty as our own country.
Well, when do you think the war will end, this year or not? I cannot tell, but hope it will.
Well, I am proud of the trade you made on my horse. Don’t sell the cow and calf, you keep them. I wish they would decide on the stock law before I come home.
Well, you use all my things I have if you need them. I did not need any more of my pay. I could send you more if you need more if you need it and will if you need more. God says give to the needy and you will be blessed. I know you need what I am sending you. I am proud of my mother and all other mothers.
I know there are lots of mothers’ hearts broken over this war, but we want freedom and we are going to get it someday I am sure. We all will die over here some where or get freedom. We all look at it the same way. I am sure God will see me through to the end. We had a good talk here today. I would like to tell you a lot about things here, but we are not allowed to do so.
I heard from Dewey last week. Dee Waller is here with me. He is good to me. He says he would be glad his Mother and Father would write more news about things at home. He always asks me where my letters are from. I let him read your letters sometimes. He says he likes to read them, he learns a lot of news. He is just like a brother to me. You know I have known him a long time, we went to school together.
Well, always write all the news that is of interest to write. I will be glad to hear every thing that goes on there. I write you every week, and I get all of your letters guess. Well I can’t quit when I get started to write home. I know they get worried when I begin to write, but I don’t know any more to tell you now, so guess I better close. Write soon and all the news, and give my love to all far and near. God is my King, but I know I am not as good as I ought to be, so good bye.
Your loving son,
Carl J. Colvin,
Co. F. 8th Bat. 20th Engineer,
A.E. F. via New York, N. A.
NOTES: Carl Jason Colvin was born on December 6, 1891 at Kerlin, Columbia, County, Arkansas and died on November 15, 1920 at Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He initially served in the 3rd reg. Arkansas National Guard. He was described as being of medium height and weight with blue eyes and dark hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
May 27, 1918.
Mrs. A. A. Colvin,
Dear Mother:
How are you today? Well, I hope, as I am. I received your letter all O. K. that was written the 26th of Apr., one week after Homer’s death. I am sorry to hear of Alma getting shot.
I am proud of what the people think of us at home. We all love our country. We had rather die here 6,000 miles or more from home than to live under the Kaiser’s rule. We know his rule will not do for us to live under. I am a true soldier. I am going to do my best. I am going to be true to all, I know to be true to.
You know I did not want to leave home, for I had a good chance to make a start in the world and was willing to help all do the same.
I have written to Grandma two or three times since I landed here. I wish I could hear from all sometime but looks like I can’t. I think every thing looks pretty here now. I wish you could see just how pretty every thing is here now, but it is not as pretty as our own country.
Well, when do you think the war will end, this year or not? I cannot tell, but hope it will.
Well, I am proud of the trade you made on my horse. Don’t sell the cow and calf, you keep them. I wish they would decide on the stock law before I come home.
Well, you use all my things I have if you need them. I did not need any more of my pay. I could send you more if you need more if you need it and will if you need more. God says give to the needy and you will be blessed. I know you need what I am sending you. I am proud of my mother and all other mothers.
I know there are lots of mothers’ hearts broken over this war, but we want freedom and we are going to get it someday I am sure. We all will die over here some where or get freedom. We all look at it the same way. I am sure God will see me through to the end. We had a good talk here today. I would like to tell you a lot about things here, but we are not allowed to do so.
I heard from Dewey last week. Dee Waller is here with me. He is good to me. He says he would be glad his Mother and Father would write more news about things at home. He always asks me where my letters are from. I let him read your letters sometimes. He says he likes to read them, he learns a lot of news. He is just like a brother to me. You know I have known him a long time, we went to school together.
Well, always write all the news that is of interest to write. I will be glad to hear every thing that goes on there. I write you every week, and I get all of your letters guess. Well I can’t quit when I get started to write home. I know they get worried when I begin to write, but I don’t know any more to tell you now, so guess I better close. Write soon and all the news, and give my love to all far and near. God is my King, but I know I am not as good as I ought to be, so good bye.
Your loving son,
Carl J. Colvin,
Co. F. 8th Bat. 20th Engineer,
A.E. F. via New York, N. A.
NOTES: Carl Jason Colvin was born on December 6, 1891 at Kerlin, Columbia, County, Arkansas and died on November 15, 1920 at Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He initially served in the 3rd reg. Arkansas National Guard. He was described as being of medium height and weight with blue eyes and dark hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT