TRANSCRIBED FROM THE LONOKE DEMOCRAT OCTOBER 24, 1918 P. 1
September 22, 1918
Mr. J. E. Sullivan
Lonoke, Arkansas
Dear Dad:
I received your letter written in reply to mine of the 27th of June, and it came as a God-send, for I was crazy to hear from home. It was just after our drive through St. Mihiel Salient and I must admit I was rather blue and anxious to hear from home. We are back behind the lines now in a rest camp and I’m taking advantage of this opportunity to write.
Yes, Dad, we have already been thru one of the worst battles of the war, but I came out safely and am thankful. A person never realizes just how much there is in life until that is in danger, or yet how little is lost when he loses it in comparison to the vast army Uncle Sam is sending over.
These Marines truly live up to the name the Kaiser has kindly bestowed upon them and they are purely devils in battle with as little regard for their own life as that of the enemy. We made a great drive and had remarkable success, but I suppose you’ve read the papers and know as much about it now as I.
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to Ella Mae and am sure you had a nice trip.
I suppose I’m with the Marines till the war ends and I hope it ends soon for it already seems years since I came over.
Remember, I think of you all lots and you most of all, and I am always
Your loving son,
Jim
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
September 22, 1918
Mr. J. E. Sullivan
Lonoke, Arkansas
Dear Dad:
I received your letter written in reply to mine of the 27th of June, and it came as a God-send, for I was crazy to hear from home. It was just after our drive through St. Mihiel Salient and I must admit I was rather blue and anxious to hear from home. We are back behind the lines now in a rest camp and I’m taking advantage of this opportunity to write.
Yes, Dad, we have already been thru one of the worst battles of the war, but I came out safely and am thankful. A person never realizes just how much there is in life until that is in danger, or yet how little is lost when he loses it in comparison to the vast army Uncle Sam is sending over.
These Marines truly live up to the name the Kaiser has kindly bestowed upon them and they are purely devils in battle with as little regard for their own life as that of the enemy. We made a great drive and had remarkable success, but I suppose you’ve read the papers and know as much about it now as I.
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to Ella Mae and am sure you had a nice trip.
I suppose I’m with the Marines till the war ends and I hope it ends soon for it already seems years since I came over.
Remember, I think of you all lots and you most of all, and I am always
Your loving son,
Jim
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON