TRANSCRIBED FROM THE ROGERS DEMOCRAT AUGUST 15, 1918
Liverpool, England, July 11, 1918.
Dear Homefolks:
It is a pleasure to write you that we have landed safely oversea. You can see by the heading that we are on English soil. We had a most delightful trip. The weather was fine and the boys all in high glee except for a little sea sickness. I was pretty sick for twelve hours but that soon passed over. We were in hopes of having a glimpse of a sub but were denied that pleasure. The climate is fine. So much cooler than the States and the water cannot be beaten. Have seen some of the crops. Also some of England's fine blooded stock. They sure looked good to me.
Well, we certainly received a warm welcome from the English people. We have been royally entertained by His Majesty. I will enclose his message to the American troops. On July 4th we were entertained with a big supper in the Botanic Gardens of Liverpool. I enclose the menu which you see is signed by John Utting, Lord Mayor of the city, and bears the heading "To the American Troops on Independence Day." You can see by the men what a feast we had. It was a day that will never be forgotten by the English people or by the many happy U.S. boys. I am proud that I had the opportunity of marching through the many crowded streets and enjoying the day. We listened to some of the finest music I think I ever heard.
Every one treats us nice and appreciates what we are doing, but we have hard work trying to talk to them. I think I will soon be able to speak French for there is an awfully nice little French lady here teaching their language.
Our bunch is kicking because they are not allowed to go right on. I am anxious for a letter from home. There is a rumor that our mail will be here in a few days. I hope so. If you don't hear from us boys as often as you like, don't worry for the mails are delayed sometimes. I am well and enjoying myself fine. I am getting fatter all the time. Everything is lovely and I am well satisfied. Here come some young ladies to furnish us with music. They have five mandolins, a piano, two guitars and a bass violin. I will have to stop when they begin to play.
Would like to have Otis' address as I have not heard from him since leaving Camp Travis. While in a way I hated to leave home and those most dear, I certainly am glad that I am here. I hope and we all hope the war will end this year but if it doesn't I don't want you to worry but be prepared to help carry it on. Don't let defeat stir you except to make further effort. I am afraid I am writing too much but I can't help it. Your letters are a great help to me. Even if I am away from home I can see what each one is doing. Don't get discouraged and don't work too hard. I am going for a swim now and then to bed. Give my regards to all inquiring friends. Love to all.
CARL H. KEY.
NOTES: Charles Hardwick Key was born on June 10, 1893 in Rogers, Arkansas and died on October 10, 1919 at the Army and Navy General Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He died from exposure to gas during the war. His military headstone identifies him as a Oklahoma soldier serving was a wagoner in the 147th Infantry 37th Division. He was writing to his mother and father Elbert and Ella Key. He departed New York, NY on June 10, 1918 onboard the Canada. He was listed as a Wagoner Supply Co. 358th Infantry 90th Division.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Liverpool, England, July 11, 1918.
Dear Homefolks:
It is a pleasure to write you that we have landed safely oversea. You can see by the heading that we are on English soil. We had a most delightful trip. The weather was fine and the boys all in high glee except for a little sea sickness. I was pretty sick for twelve hours but that soon passed over. We were in hopes of having a glimpse of a sub but were denied that pleasure. The climate is fine. So much cooler than the States and the water cannot be beaten. Have seen some of the crops. Also some of England's fine blooded stock. They sure looked good to me.
Well, we certainly received a warm welcome from the English people. We have been royally entertained by His Majesty. I will enclose his message to the American troops. On July 4th we were entertained with a big supper in the Botanic Gardens of Liverpool. I enclose the menu which you see is signed by John Utting, Lord Mayor of the city, and bears the heading "To the American Troops on Independence Day." You can see by the men what a feast we had. It was a day that will never be forgotten by the English people or by the many happy U.S. boys. I am proud that I had the opportunity of marching through the many crowded streets and enjoying the day. We listened to some of the finest music I think I ever heard.
Every one treats us nice and appreciates what we are doing, but we have hard work trying to talk to them. I think I will soon be able to speak French for there is an awfully nice little French lady here teaching their language.
Our bunch is kicking because they are not allowed to go right on. I am anxious for a letter from home. There is a rumor that our mail will be here in a few days. I hope so. If you don't hear from us boys as often as you like, don't worry for the mails are delayed sometimes. I am well and enjoying myself fine. I am getting fatter all the time. Everything is lovely and I am well satisfied. Here come some young ladies to furnish us with music. They have five mandolins, a piano, two guitars and a bass violin. I will have to stop when they begin to play.
Would like to have Otis' address as I have not heard from him since leaving Camp Travis. While in a way I hated to leave home and those most dear, I certainly am glad that I am here. I hope and we all hope the war will end this year but if it doesn't I don't want you to worry but be prepared to help carry it on. Don't let defeat stir you except to make further effort. I am afraid I am writing too much but I can't help it. Your letters are a great help to me. Even if I am away from home I can see what each one is doing. Don't get discouraged and don't work too hard. I am going for a swim now and then to bed. Give my regards to all inquiring friends. Love to all.
CARL H. KEY.
NOTES: Charles Hardwick Key was born on June 10, 1893 in Rogers, Arkansas and died on October 10, 1919 at the Army and Navy General Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He died from exposure to gas during the war. His military headstone identifies him as a Oklahoma soldier serving was a wagoner in the 147th Infantry 37th Division. He was writing to his mother and father Elbert and Ella Key. He departed New York, NY on June 10, 1918 onboard the Canada. He was listed as a Wagoner Supply Co. 358th Infantry 90th Division.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD