TRANSCRIBED FROM THE ROGERS DEMOCRAT OCTOBER 10, 1918 P. 1
Dear ones at home:
Will write you a few lines to let you know that I am fine and have been seeing more of France every day; have seen so much that they have me pretty close to the front; had a big air raid about ten miles from here last night. We got in here last night about 9 o’clock and it is a swell camp. We have barracks and lots better eats than we did back in the states. I’m in love with this place; far ahead of any I’ve been in. We are going to school here. I have a pretty line of work; it is the pride of the army. Have a good officer and he and I are just like one; every time I start to go anywhere he asks me if I need any money. The American soldier is the rich boy over here for there isn’t much to spend his money for.
The Red Cross and the Salvation Army sure treat us well over here, so don’t hesitate to help either one. The latter is right on the front helping all the time.
Am glad I am in the army, wouldn’t feel right in civilian clothes now; can put up with anything: sure have been jammed around some since leaving the States. Have ridden in everything from a cattle car to a wheelbarrow and slept in barns where the cows fanned flies with their tails. My experience has been worth a lot to me but just the same have missed the old folks at home. Don’t know when I’ll get my mail for I am away from my company but they will forward it to me.
Loyd
NOTES: Loyd Key was writing to his parents Josephus and Margaret Key of near Rogers, Arkansas. He was born on August 22, 1893 in Rogers and died on September 16, 1950 in Rogers. He is buried in the Rogers Cemetery. His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Sgt. serving in 144th Infantry 36th Division in World War 1. Letters written by his brother Floyd are posted on this site.
TRANSCRIBED BY JACQUE HOWARD
Dear ones at home:
Will write you a few lines to let you know that I am fine and have been seeing more of France every day; have seen so much that they have me pretty close to the front; had a big air raid about ten miles from here last night. We got in here last night about 9 o’clock and it is a swell camp. We have barracks and lots better eats than we did back in the states. I’m in love with this place; far ahead of any I’ve been in. We are going to school here. I have a pretty line of work; it is the pride of the army. Have a good officer and he and I are just like one; every time I start to go anywhere he asks me if I need any money. The American soldier is the rich boy over here for there isn’t much to spend his money for.
The Red Cross and the Salvation Army sure treat us well over here, so don’t hesitate to help either one. The latter is right on the front helping all the time.
Am glad I am in the army, wouldn’t feel right in civilian clothes now; can put up with anything: sure have been jammed around some since leaving the States. Have ridden in everything from a cattle car to a wheelbarrow and slept in barns where the cows fanned flies with their tails. My experience has been worth a lot to me but just the same have missed the old folks at home. Don’t know when I’ll get my mail for I am away from my company but they will forward it to me.
Loyd
NOTES: Loyd Key was writing to his parents Josephus and Margaret Key of near Rogers, Arkansas. He was born on August 22, 1893 in Rogers and died on September 16, 1950 in Rogers. He is buried in the Rogers Cemetery. His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Sgt. serving in 144th Infantry 36th Division in World War 1. Letters written by his brother Floyd are posted on this site.
TRANSCRIBED BY JACQUE HOWARD