TRANSCRIBED FROM THE BRINKLEY ARGUS APRIL 18, 1919 P. 6
Princeport, March 12, 1919
Dearest Aunties:
I haven't received any mail for some time, but tonight it all came in a bunch. They were all birthday presents and arrived nearly a month too late, but I certainly do enjoy them.
Honest, I think I would go crazy if it wasn't for the mail. Just imagine yourself in Fargo, Ark., and that's me. I think Fargo is next to the most desolate place in the world, this dump carries off first prize easily.
Don't ever worry your brain about the 23rd Engineers sailing. We are holding down the reserve for the army of occupation. You people can't get it in your domes that the 23rd isn't a division. We are the first (and I hope the last) organization of this kind ever organized.
During the war we would go in a certain sector and it didn't matter what division was there, we remained. When the division went back for a rest we would rest all night burying the dead or put up some barbed wire, or build 'em a bridge, some times go in the trenches with them or when this gave out return to our favorite passtime, road building.
And I might add that most any of the fellows will bet that we stay here six month more. How's that?
On our service records we get credit for being in the following engagements and battles: Toul sector, last May, attached to the 26th division; Mesuse-Argonne offensive; Toul sector, known as Mount sector drive; St. Mihiel drive. And were recommended three times of Croix de Guerrs and the foungarre, (that's the dingus that loops over your shoulder) the rope that looks like a plug on a telephone switchboard.
Oh, you won't know the old man when he comes home. I will have to wear a low cut bathing suit and show off my bullet wounds.
Send up a little prayer and maybe your souvenirs will get there O.K. I sent enough for the family. You can use the helmet for a flower pot and wear the iron cross.
My goodness! hasn't Mozelle grown? I really don't know her. I suppose she has beaucoup de fiancee. I expect to be in Paris the 18th of this month, will write you from there. Lots of love.
F. W. J.
NOTES: This letter was written by Fred William Jackson. He was born in Clarendon, Arkansas on March 16, 1999. He departed Hoboken, NJ on January 23, 1918 onboard Ship 16. He was listed as a Private serving in Co. B 23rd Engineers.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Princeport, March 12, 1919
Dearest Aunties:
I haven't received any mail for some time, but tonight it all came in a bunch. They were all birthday presents and arrived nearly a month too late, but I certainly do enjoy them.
Honest, I think I would go crazy if it wasn't for the mail. Just imagine yourself in Fargo, Ark., and that's me. I think Fargo is next to the most desolate place in the world, this dump carries off first prize easily.
Don't ever worry your brain about the 23rd Engineers sailing. We are holding down the reserve for the army of occupation. You people can't get it in your domes that the 23rd isn't a division. We are the first (and I hope the last) organization of this kind ever organized.
During the war we would go in a certain sector and it didn't matter what division was there, we remained. When the division went back for a rest we would rest all night burying the dead or put up some barbed wire, or build 'em a bridge, some times go in the trenches with them or when this gave out return to our favorite passtime, road building.
And I might add that most any of the fellows will bet that we stay here six month more. How's that?
On our service records we get credit for being in the following engagements and battles: Toul sector, last May, attached to the 26th division; Mesuse-Argonne offensive; Toul sector, known as Mount sector drive; St. Mihiel drive. And were recommended three times of Croix de Guerrs and the foungarre, (that's the dingus that loops over your shoulder) the rope that looks like a plug on a telephone switchboard.
Oh, you won't know the old man when he comes home. I will have to wear a low cut bathing suit and show off my bullet wounds.
Send up a little prayer and maybe your souvenirs will get there O.K. I sent enough for the family. You can use the helmet for a flower pot and wear the iron cross.
My goodness! hasn't Mozelle grown? I really don't know her. I suppose she has beaucoup de fiancee. I expect to be in Paris the 18th of this month, will write you from there. Lots of love.
F. W. J.
NOTES: This letter was written by Fred William Jackson. He was born in Clarendon, Arkansas on March 16, 1999. He departed Hoboken, NJ on January 23, 1918 onboard Ship 16. He was listed as a Private serving in Co. B 23rd Engineers.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD