TRANSCRIBED FROM THE PINE BLUFF DAILY GRAPHIC JANUARY 12, 1919 P. 5
Mrs. M. Sherman has received the following interesting letter from her brother, Corporal L. A. Kaplin. Headquarters company, 7th Army Corps, at Virton, Belgium.
Virton, Belgium,
Nov. 30, 1918.
Dear Sister:
I must admit that it is now two weeks that I have not written you undoubtedly, you will blame me for it, as you do not know the reason on my silence.
First of all, I will tell you, my dear sister, that I was never so busy in my life, as I have been since the day of the armistice. In fact, I have not had the opportunity to do anything but traveling now. Now, since the censorship is allowing us to describe all our events and all our present and past experiences, I am having a free hand and will tell you something more about me. How ever, we can state where we are and where we have been, mention the names of towns and villages and also the kind of work we are doing.
It is the greatest pleasure to me in the world to sit down and write letters knowing that there is no obstruction and that the road is clear. You will notice about on the first page that I as situated in Virton, Belgium which is near France, Luxemburg border. I have arrived here about three days ago, and within another two days I expect to move already. By the way, I failed to state that I do not belong any more to the same outfit, but have been transferred out entirely to the headquarters of the 7th corps, who belong to the 3rd army, which means the army of Occupation. As to how long we are going to remain in France or Germany, I do not know, however, I would not mind to stay here another winter if I knew that by spring I will sail for home to U. S.
Anyway, I am not having it so hard now; the danger of being bumped off from shell or die from poisonous gas is passed and there are no more dug-outs or trenches to worry about. Might as well complete my journey and see other countries. I am now considering myself to be the happiest man in the world. After having pulled through the war safe and sound and also having encountered the realties of the World conflict which has for four years darkened the whole world and has cut off the flower of civilization, why, this experience is worth a million dollars to me and am proud of having been amongst the first ones to be over here. Although, I had a very tough winter last year, but the out door life has resulted in making a man out of me.
Talk about traveling, I have certainly done my bit of it. Just a week ago, I was in Verdun and now I am in Belgium. Instead of traveling north, I have made almost a complete circle of three hundred kilometers and have went entirely through a different way. I was shipped to Toul, south of Verdun, which is about 80 kilometers and the route that goes to Nancy, Poct-a-Mousen, Metz and finally into Luxemburg which adds 200 kilometers to the list. There were a crew of 20 men who rode on one truck. You can imagine the congestion and discomfort while traveling. Moreover, we had our barracks bags, packs, equipments with us and besides rations for five days. This is the way we travel in the army, for it is the quickest and surest way to reach a certain spot on the map where there are no railroad facilities.
However, we stopped in Luxembourg and we all had four days to recuperate. We reached this wonderful city just at the time when the peaceful population of Luxembourg were celebrating the entrance of the American troops, who have liberated this wonderful little country from the Prussian yoke. Everywhere one could see the colors of our allies waving and amid the Stars and Stripes were illuminating the city. What a wonderful reception we got from, everyone was actually wild of joy and enthusiasm. They could not do enough for us and everywhere the outcry of “Viv L-Ameriqua” was resounding in the streets. Many of our soldiers were invited to eat with them and sleep in their homes.
I have made an acquaintance with a family who were very kind to me, and gave me a place to sleep, besides, they insisted I should eat with them, despite of their shortage in food. I gave them my home address and also told them something about you.
There was a curious sight to see a mob of Luxembergers hanging around our kitchen while white bread was served. Everyone was anxicus to take a look at this bread and to watch how food is being issued. For three years these poor people have not seen such bread and nothing but the black, sticky “Kriegstrot” was their daily issue. Luxemburg aspires a new life now, and their mouths are now wide open, ready to tell the world what they have encountered during four years under the Prussian wing, ready to spill the truth and express their sentiments.
I am sorry that I can not remain here during the winter. Apparently one can indeed pass his time here, for this town is swamped with theatres, moving pictures, and other amusements. In the long dreary cold weather nights after one has completed his days work, such recreation would indeed make time fly, and would put new life into one that is constantly thinking about home and his beloved ones.
Our stay in Luxembourg lasted only four days, and on the fifth, we got orders to go to Belgium, I am having here a very good job and hope to make good as I have succeeded to learn the French language. I am now doing translating work in the office for the 326th Field Telegraph Battalion.
I have discovered that my captain from the 407th Telegraph Battalion is now a mayor for this outfit. It is now about 9 months since I left the old company, but I was very glad to have met him again. Well, will cose for the present and will write you later. Good luck and lots of love to you and husband, and to all my friends.
Corporal L. A. Kaplin.
NOTES: Louis A. Kaplin was writting to his sister, Mrs. M. Sherman. Kaplan was serving as a corporal in the Headquarters Company, 7th Army. In other published letters his last name is spelled Kaplan
TRANSCRIBED BY CHLOE SMITH