TRANSCRIBED FROM THE LAFAYETTE COUNTY DEMOCRAT APRIL 26, 1918 P. 4
Somewhere in France
Dear Home Folks:
Don’t know what kind of news you have heard about us since this great battle has started, but so far I am safe. We have not a man but it looks like all of us carry a horse-shoe from the luck we have.
You know I have never wanted to be home like I have the last month, to have a good feed, a good night’s rest, and sit down in a warm place for a rest where I could hear nothing, not even a pin drop, where I could enjoy Honest to God life once more. I think that kind of a rest would do me more good than anything. Don’t think I am sick by writing this way, but you know it would get on your nerves.
I am standing in my wardrobe. I lost everything even my overcoat, the only thing I saved was my razor strap, and like to have lost myself. I lost my gun but picked up another just as good. I had a lot of things I would not have taken anything for. I had all the family something made in the way of a souvenir, and if I had not been disturbed I would have been ready to send them all. But it made me sick to lose everything and nearly everything I had was given me, and I am like mama about anything given me, I just simply won’t part with it, regardless of who gave it.
Did you receive the letter I wrote you wondering what six more months would give us? Well, it has started. What it is going to bring us, I don’t know but I hope that Germany is crushed to the earth and those damn Prussian Guards with their new suits on are all killed. They have killed many a Hun in the last two weeks. If they can keep it up he won’t last four weeks longer.
Mama, this is a crazy letter, I know, but I don’t know what to write as there has been much spy work done since the drive started but they have caught several in the parts I have been in and trial was short and sweet.
I wish I could see you all. Hope that I can eat Xmas dinner with you. Will send you a cablegram the first chance I get so don’t be worried about me, but this letter will have to do for awhile.
All of the home boys are well and all have made good.
Love to all,
Your son,
Carl Davis.
NOTES: Ira Carl Davis was born June 7, 1894 and died on August 7, 1972. He is buried in the Lakeside Cemetery at Stamps, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as a PFC US Army, World War I. He was described as being of medium build, gray eyes and brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Somewhere in France
Dear Home Folks:
Don’t know what kind of news you have heard about us since this great battle has started, but so far I am safe. We have not a man but it looks like all of us carry a horse-shoe from the luck we have.
You know I have never wanted to be home like I have the last month, to have a good feed, a good night’s rest, and sit down in a warm place for a rest where I could hear nothing, not even a pin drop, where I could enjoy Honest to God life once more. I think that kind of a rest would do me more good than anything. Don’t think I am sick by writing this way, but you know it would get on your nerves.
I am standing in my wardrobe. I lost everything even my overcoat, the only thing I saved was my razor strap, and like to have lost myself. I lost my gun but picked up another just as good. I had a lot of things I would not have taken anything for. I had all the family something made in the way of a souvenir, and if I had not been disturbed I would have been ready to send them all. But it made me sick to lose everything and nearly everything I had was given me, and I am like mama about anything given me, I just simply won’t part with it, regardless of who gave it.
Did you receive the letter I wrote you wondering what six more months would give us? Well, it has started. What it is going to bring us, I don’t know but I hope that Germany is crushed to the earth and those damn Prussian Guards with their new suits on are all killed. They have killed many a Hun in the last two weeks. If they can keep it up he won’t last four weeks longer.
Mama, this is a crazy letter, I know, but I don’t know what to write as there has been much spy work done since the drive started but they have caught several in the parts I have been in and trial was short and sweet.
I wish I could see you all. Hope that I can eat Xmas dinner with you. Will send you a cablegram the first chance I get so don’t be worried about me, but this letter will have to do for awhile.
All of the home boys are well and all have made good.
Love to all,
Your son,
Carl Davis.
NOTES: Ira Carl Davis was born June 7, 1894 and died on August 7, 1972. He is buried in the Lakeside Cemetery at Stamps, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as a PFC US Army, World War I. He was described as being of medium build, gray eyes and brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT