TRANSCRIBED FROM THE COLUMBIA BANNER OCTOBER 16, 1918 P. 1.
Sept. 13, 1918
Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Johnson.
Magnolia, Ark.
Dear Father and Mother:
How are all by now? Well and doing fine I hope. This leaves me still well and getting along alright.
Well I am now stationed in a small town in France. At present I am quartered in an ancient castle. Three other boys stay here with me, and the Colonel and another officer have rooms in the same building. This castle is said to be three or four hundred years old, but it is still in good condition and looks as if it might stand here for a long time yet. It is almost covered with vines and surrounded by beautiful trees. A river also runs within about one hundred yards of it. Altogether it is very beautiful.
France is a beautiful country and the French seem to be good people. They have treated us nice so far. However, they have many ways and customs that differ from ours. To some extent they still cling to the old method of doing things. The way they wash clothes is to take them to the creek or river and beat and rub them in the running water. I have never seen them boil any yet.
Their carriages are also different from ours. What they use most is a small two wheel carriage, something like a cart. I have never seen any light four wheel carriages or buggies, like we have at home, over here, but they have some good roads.
Well I will not try to tell you much about the country and the people this time but will try to later.
I am still acting as Orderly to the Colonel and doing some work in the officers’ dining hall. I have a good place to sleep and get plenty to eat.
When did you hear from Jake last? Be sure to tell me how he is getting along when you write.
Write soon and tell me all the news. I am very anxious to hear from you all. Will close, love and best wishes to all.
Your son
Willie C. Johnson
Hdqrs. Troop, 39th Div. A.P.O. 904,
American E. F. France,
NOTES: Willie C. Johnson was born in 1889 and died on September 2, 1939. He is buried in the Magnolia City Cemetery, Magnolia, Columbia County. His military headstone identifies him as a Pvt., CL 30 Inf., 3 Division. He was described as being short and of medium weight with light blue eyes and light brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT.
Sept. 13, 1918
Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Johnson.
Magnolia, Ark.
Dear Father and Mother:
How are all by now? Well and doing fine I hope. This leaves me still well and getting along alright.
Well I am now stationed in a small town in France. At present I am quartered in an ancient castle. Three other boys stay here with me, and the Colonel and another officer have rooms in the same building. This castle is said to be three or four hundred years old, but it is still in good condition and looks as if it might stand here for a long time yet. It is almost covered with vines and surrounded by beautiful trees. A river also runs within about one hundred yards of it. Altogether it is very beautiful.
France is a beautiful country and the French seem to be good people. They have treated us nice so far. However, they have many ways and customs that differ from ours. To some extent they still cling to the old method of doing things. The way they wash clothes is to take them to the creek or river and beat and rub them in the running water. I have never seen them boil any yet.
Their carriages are also different from ours. What they use most is a small two wheel carriage, something like a cart. I have never seen any light four wheel carriages or buggies, like we have at home, over here, but they have some good roads.
Well I will not try to tell you much about the country and the people this time but will try to later.
I am still acting as Orderly to the Colonel and doing some work in the officers’ dining hall. I have a good place to sleep and get plenty to eat.
When did you hear from Jake last? Be sure to tell me how he is getting along when you write.
Write soon and tell me all the news. I am very anxious to hear from you all. Will close, love and best wishes to all.
Your son
Willie C. Johnson
Hdqrs. Troop, 39th Div. A.P.O. 904,
American E. F. France,
NOTES: Willie C. Johnson was born in 1889 and died on September 2, 1939. He is buried in the Magnolia City Cemetery, Magnolia, Columbia County. His military headstone identifies him as a Pvt., CL 30 Inf., 3 Division. He was described as being short and of medium weight with light blue eyes and light brown hair.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT.