TRANSCRIBED FROM THE MALVERN TIMES JOURNAL NOVEMBER 7, 1918 P. 7
Somewhere in France, Sept. 26, 1918.
Mrs. J. A. Fenter,
Dear Mother:
I received your letter of the 26th today, and was glad of course to have it, and to know you were getting along nice at that time. I am well and getting along fine. I am getting plenty to eat and have a good place to sleep. I know I should write you oftener than I have been, but I hope you have gotten at least a few cards I have sent and you are not uneasy, knowing I am safely over the sea. I am about 60 miles off the coast of Bordeaux, France, and near four miles out in the country from a little town of about four thousand. I like out here fine, because of the recreation we are getting. The first evening we were here, the Major discovered a stone basin, and was thoughtful in thinking of using it for barbecuing meat, so a detail was formed and during the night they barbecued enough to last us all the next day. You know I am fond of barbecued meat, but I liked that especially, because of the change of diet. Another change of diet we have had is blackberry pies. We have had two pies (coblers) and have enough berries are plentiful here and just now ripe. Another thing that is plentiful is grapes, but of course, France is noted for it’s grapes, also English walnuts are plentiful. I believe they are as thick around here as hickory nuts in Arkansas. We are quartered in a stone building, or rather a billet as they are called by the soldiers. The one I am in has several rooms, and two chimneys, and one of the chimneys a double chimney. During cold nights we build fires in the fireplaces and enjoy the warmth and that part of the comforts of home, and hold friendly conversations around the hearthstone. I have been in England, but now in France, and I think we are located here for a while at least. I like this place fine.
I saw Hallie a few days ago, but am several hundred miles from that camp now. Just had time for a handshake and speak to him, was all. He was well. I will try and write oftener, but do not be uneasy when you do not hear from me often.
Give my best wishes to all,
Lovingly, your son, Albert.
Address, Pvt. Albert E. Fenter, Co. A 312th Field Sig. Bu. 81st Division, A. E. Forces, via New York.
NOTES: Albert E. Fenter was born in Arkansas on March 1, 1891 and died in Dallas, Texas on January 28, 1970. He is buried in the Deroche Cemetery in Hot Spring County, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY KAREN PITTMAN
Somewhere in France, Sept. 26, 1918.
Mrs. J. A. Fenter,
Dear Mother:
I received your letter of the 26th today, and was glad of course to have it, and to know you were getting along nice at that time. I am well and getting along fine. I am getting plenty to eat and have a good place to sleep. I know I should write you oftener than I have been, but I hope you have gotten at least a few cards I have sent and you are not uneasy, knowing I am safely over the sea. I am about 60 miles off the coast of Bordeaux, France, and near four miles out in the country from a little town of about four thousand. I like out here fine, because of the recreation we are getting. The first evening we were here, the Major discovered a stone basin, and was thoughtful in thinking of using it for barbecuing meat, so a detail was formed and during the night they barbecued enough to last us all the next day. You know I am fond of barbecued meat, but I liked that especially, because of the change of diet. Another change of diet we have had is blackberry pies. We have had two pies (coblers) and have enough berries are plentiful here and just now ripe. Another thing that is plentiful is grapes, but of course, France is noted for it’s grapes, also English walnuts are plentiful. I believe they are as thick around here as hickory nuts in Arkansas. We are quartered in a stone building, or rather a billet as they are called by the soldiers. The one I am in has several rooms, and two chimneys, and one of the chimneys a double chimney. During cold nights we build fires in the fireplaces and enjoy the warmth and that part of the comforts of home, and hold friendly conversations around the hearthstone. I have been in England, but now in France, and I think we are located here for a while at least. I like this place fine.
I saw Hallie a few days ago, but am several hundred miles from that camp now. Just had time for a handshake and speak to him, was all. He was well. I will try and write oftener, but do not be uneasy when you do not hear from me often.
Give my best wishes to all,
Lovingly, your son, Albert.
Address, Pvt. Albert E. Fenter, Co. A 312th Field Sig. Bu. 81st Division, A. E. Forces, via New York.
NOTES: Albert E. Fenter was born in Arkansas on March 1, 1891 and died in Dallas, Texas on January 28, 1970. He is buried in the Deroche Cemetery in Hot Spring County, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY KAREN PITTMAN