TRANSCRIBED FROM THE DAILY ARKANSAS GAZETTE SEPTEMBER 16, 1918 P. 10
France, Sept. 2, 1918.
Dearest Mother and Father:
It is with a heavy heart that I write you tonight, for I must tell you that Wesley has been missing since July 19, the second day of our fight near Soisson. Not hearing from the boy for about six weeks, I was sure something was wrong, because I had written to him just before we began the fight. So, Saturday I went up to Division Headquarters and enquired about him. I am informed that he was reported simply as “missing in action” since July 19. Beyond that they could give me not information. However, I went to his company commander, a Sergeant Carroll, and several men in his squad who knew him. The sergeant told me he remembered having “gone over the top “ with him at his side. Another told me they were advancing side by side when the boy had both legs broken by a shell. His comrade was dragging him to a shell hole when a big “Stokes” mortar shell exploded near them. Two splinters of it pierced Wesley’s back and he was killed.
How I wish we could hope he was only wounded, but beyond a doubt the story of his comrade was true. It is sure he was not taken prisoner, because his company didn’t lose a prisoner in the fight. The Americans don’t allow themselves to be taken except in very extraordinary circumstances.
I have waited two days to tell you because I thought there might be something more definite come in concerning his fate. It is sad, yet it is glorious. There is no doubt in my mind that he died the only death of a true soldier. He has yielded up his life and so little of it had he known! For his country, his God, his loved one and truth. The boys who knew him and loved him, who had been with him long, through battles and pleasures, told me he was a good soldier in all respects and despite his youth was yet a man in all things; brave before the enemy and dangers, conscientious and a true friend. He died fighting for his country and mankind. He had seen many battles, fierce, bloody and pitiless; he bore himself a man, proud, brave and unafraid in all. He added lustre to our name.
Though he is gone, he has seen what few are permitted to see in a much longer span of years. He has made the supreme sacrifice, yet I am sure if he could look down upon us he would utter no word of regret of his accomplishments.
Please do not grieve too sorely. He gave a good account of himself. He was at all time worthy of the highest praise which can be bestowed upon a soldier of freedom—he did his duty faithfully and well, not counting the cost to himself, but looking only to the glory of his name and country.
Praying that God will solace you in your grief and that he will protect always, I promise you that those that slew him shall pay. I love you all.
Your son,
Lawrence.
P. S. You will notice that I have been promoted from assistant zone major to zone major.
L.C.H.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Lawrence Clay Honeycutt to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Honeycutt telling them the news of the death of his little brother Wesley. Lawrence was born on August 20, 1895 in Louisiana and died on July 19, 1949 in Howard County, Arkansas. He was a graduate of the Officers Training Camp at Fort Logan Roots in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He departed for France from New York on January 1, 1918. He was living in Crossett, Arkansas when he enlisted. He was described as being tall and slender with brown eyes and light hair. He is buried in the Nashville, Cemetery in Nashville, Arkansas. (Wesley Honeycutt is buried Arlington National Cemetery)
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
France, Sept. 2, 1918.
Dearest Mother and Father:
It is with a heavy heart that I write you tonight, for I must tell you that Wesley has been missing since July 19, the second day of our fight near Soisson. Not hearing from the boy for about six weeks, I was sure something was wrong, because I had written to him just before we began the fight. So, Saturday I went up to Division Headquarters and enquired about him. I am informed that he was reported simply as “missing in action” since July 19. Beyond that they could give me not information. However, I went to his company commander, a Sergeant Carroll, and several men in his squad who knew him. The sergeant told me he remembered having “gone over the top “ with him at his side. Another told me they were advancing side by side when the boy had both legs broken by a shell. His comrade was dragging him to a shell hole when a big “Stokes” mortar shell exploded near them. Two splinters of it pierced Wesley’s back and he was killed.
How I wish we could hope he was only wounded, but beyond a doubt the story of his comrade was true. It is sure he was not taken prisoner, because his company didn’t lose a prisoner in the fight. The Americans don’t allow themselves to be taken except in very extraordinary circumstances.
I have waited two days to tell you because I thought there might be something more definite come in concerning his fate. It is sad, yet it is glorious. There is no doubt in my mind that he died the only death of a true soldier. He has yielded up his life and so little of it had he known! For his country, his God, his loved one and truth. The boys who knew him and loved him, who had been with him long, through battles and pleasures, told me he was a good soldier in all respects and despite his youth was yet a man in all things; brave before the enemy and dangers, conscientious and a true friend. He died fighting for his country and mankind. He had seen many battles, fierce, bloody and pitiless; he bore himself a man, proud, brave and unafraid in all. He added lustre to our name.
Though he is gone, he has seen what few are permitted to see in a much longer span of years. He has made the supreme sacrifice, yet I am sure if he could look down upon us he would utter no word of regret of his accomplishments.
Please do not grieve too sorely. He gave a good account of himself. He was at all time worthy of the highest praise which can be bestowed upon a soldier of freedom—he did his duty faithfully and well, not counting the cost to himself, but looking only to the glory of his name and country.
Praying that God will solace you in your grief and that he will protect always, I promise you that those that slew him shall pay. I love you all.
Your son,
Lawrence.
P. S. You will notice that I have been promoted from assistant zone major to zone major.
L.C.H.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Lawrence Clay Honeycutt to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Honeycutt telling them the news of the death of his little brother Wesley. Lawrence was born on August 20, 1895 in Louisiana and died on July 19, 1949 in Howard County, Arkansas. He was a graduate of the Officers Training Camp at Fort Logan Roots in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He departed for France from New York on January 1, 1918. He was living in Crossett, Arkansas when he enlisted. He was described as being tall and slender with brown eyes and light hair. He is buried in the Nashville, Cemetery in Nashville, Arkansas. (Wesley Honeycutt is buried Arlington National Cemetery)
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT