TRANSCRIBED FROM THE DEQUEEN BEE SEPTEMBER 27, 1918 P. 2
Dear Friend:
Well, old boy, we are not in Berlin yet but we went a hell of a ways towards it. I guess you have been seeing a good deal about the Americans in France in the papers. It was a French national holiday, and the Germans tried to help the A. E. forces celebrate it. We drove them back so far we used trucks to catch them, and could smell sour kraut so strong we had to use our gas masks. At the present we are back for a much-needed rest and I am trying to get a few letters started over. I was greatly disappointed when I didn’t have any mail. Try and get a few of them to write to me. How does Ralph, Ray and Edlocke like it? Drop them a card and tell them I am still kicking and I would like to hear from them.
How is the old town? Write me once in a while and tell me the news. I haven’t had a letter in two months.
Holy smoke, but I have been so busy scratching. I guess you read “Over the Top.” Well, Empey was right about the cooties, only he can’t tell the feeling they give you. Just think of having your shirt covered with little white crawling things which itch and bite like the devil and you in a place where you can’t even wash your hands.
The people who left these towns near the river are now beginning to come back to their torn-up towns.
What are you doing for yourself? Having a good time I suppose?
Well, I guess I will have to close. Have been writing this one letter since dinner and it is 6 o’clock now. If it takes me half a day to write one letter, won’t you be able to write many? Well, good luck, write soon.
Harl K. Jones
Co. H., 7th Inf.,
Am. E. F.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD
Dear Friend:
Well, old boy, we are not in Berlin yet but we went a hell of a ways towards it. I guess you have been seeing a good deal about the Americans in France in the papers. It was a French national holiday, and the Germans tried to help the A. E. forces celebrate it. We drove them back so far we used trucks to catch them, and could smell sour kraut so strong we had to use our gas masks. At the present we are back for a much-needed rest and I am trying to get a few letters started over. I was greatly disappointed when I didn’t have any mail. Try and get a few of them to write to me. How does Ralph, Ray and Edlocke like it? Drop them a card and tell them I am still kicking and I would like to hear from them.
How is the old town? Write me once in a while and tell me the news. I haven’t had a letter in two months.
Holy smoke, but I have been so busy scratching. I guess you read “Over the Top.” Well, Empey was right about the cooties, only he can’t tell the feeling they give you. Just think of having your shirt covered with little white crawling things which itch and bite like the devil and you in a place where you can’t even wash your hands.
The people who left these towns near the river are now beginning to come back to their torn-up towns.
What are you doing for yourself? Having a good time I suppose?
Well, I guess I will have to close. Have been writing this one letter since dinner and it is 6 o’clock now. If it takes me half a day to write one letter, won’t you be able to write many? Well, good luck, write soon.
Harl K. Jones
Co. H., 7th Inf.,
Am. E. F.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD