TRANSCRIBED FROM THE LAMAR DEMOCRAT AUGUST 2, 1917 P. 2
U. S. S. Seattle
July 27, 1917
My Dearest Mother:
Will answer your letters received yesterday and today. Was awfully glad to hear from you all, as it had been so long since I heard from you.
Mama, I am so sorry you got burned out. I thought something would happen like that for I had been dreaming of bad luck. But it is like you said, it is all for the best may be. How did it catch? What did you save, anything? I hope so. I guess you were all down hearted weren’t you? It sure was bad luck, but good luck that you were all saved. Well, I will drop that subject for I can hardly stand to think of it anyway, and it don’t do any good as there is no use to think about it
.
Well, mama, you know I would like to see you all, but can’t do it any time I want to. You know I am coming home soon if nothing prevents. It will cost a lot but I can’t help it.
You said the boys are getting ready to fight. I guess those boys will never go away from here to fight. See, they are guards. They will have to guard the bridges and things here.
Well, mama I am awfully glad you are all going to make a good crop for I guess you need it. I know everybody else does.
What are the boys doing? Working, I guess. I hope they wont have to work very hard and of course, I don’t want any of you to work hard. Don’t you and papa work too much for you are getting old and listen, mama, if you all need any money any time and in anyway, just write and let me know. I will send you every penny I have, if it is necessary.
Well mother I will cease shortly, and do not worry about me,
I remain,
Your son,
Clyde O. Lollis
U. S. S. Seattle, July 27, 1917
NOTES: The newspaper shows his name as Lollis, but his actual name is Ellis. Ellis was born on September 19, 1897 and died on August 27, 1924. He is buried in the Lamar Cemetery at Lamar, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as a USN Seaman.
TRANSCRIBED BY AMIN NADIRALI
U. S. S. Seattle
July 27, 1917
My Dearest Mother:
Will answer your letters received yesterday and today. Was awfully glad to hear from you all, as it had been so long since I heard from you.
Mama, I am so sorry you got burned out. I thought something would happen like that for I had been dreaming of bad luck. But it is like you said, it is all for the best may be. How did it catch? What did you save, anything? I hope so. I guess you were all down hearted weren’t you? It sure was bad luck, but good luck that you were all saved. Well, I will drop that subject for I can hardly stand to think of it anyway, and it don’t do any good as there is no use to think about it
.
Well, mama, you know I would like to see you all, but can’t do it any time I want to. You know I am coming home soon if nothing prevents. It will cost a lot but I can’t help it.
You said the boys are getting ready to fight. I guess those boys will never go away from here to fight. See, they are guards. They will have to guard the bridges and things here.
Well, mama I am awfully glad you are all going to make a good crop for I guess you need it. I know everybody else does.
What are the boys doing? Working, I guess. I hope they wont have to work very hard and of course, I don’t want any of you to work hard. Don’t you and papa work too much for you are getting old and listen, mama, if you all need any money any time and in anyway, just write and let me know. I will send you every penny I have, if it is necessary.
Well mother I will cease shortly, and do not worry about me,
I remain,
Your son,
Clyde O. Lollis
U. S. S. Seattle, July 27, 1917
NOTES: The newspaper shows his name as Lollis, but his actual name is Ellis. Ellis was born on September 19, 1897 and died on August 27, 1924. He is buried in the Lamar Cemetery at Lamar, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as a USN Seaman.
TRANSCRIBED BY AMIN NADIRALI