TRANSCRIBED FROM THE COLUMBIA BANNER OCTOBER 9. 1918, P. 4
Somewhere in France.
August 20th, 1918.
Mrs. F. A. Key
My dear Mother and Homefolks:
At last we have arrived “over seas.” Got here yesterday and hiked out to a rest camp. Can’t say how long we will be here, but am sure we have a lot more training to do yet. First I must tell you that I am feeling fine, never felt better in my life. We had a fine trip over, no “subs” or any thing to bother us, only a bit of seasickness and we soon got over that.
France is a wonderful country. Lots of beautiful scenery and things to attract one’s attention. Looks to me though as if they are about one hundred years behind times. Old stone houses, with the cows, horses, chickens and people all sleeping in the same house. Doesn’t look very sanitary to me. And you should see the railroads, they look like the first American inventions. One can plainly see what four years of war has done for the country. But the people are still determined to win, and they will not be disappointed either. If America could only see and know what France has suffered and I haven’t seen but little yet, she surely would wake up.
You never see any men but old ones, and the old women, girls and little ones all work. They look real funny in their quaint dress and wooden shoes. Everyday peddlers come by leading their horses, drawing crats (no wagons) of fruit and truck they raise to sell us soldiers. Sometimes they get mixed on our money and don’t care how much change they keep. We have about five in our Co. that can talk French and we keep them busy all the time. Very few of the French talk English.
It is sure cool here for August, but everything is still green. It’s about like October in the U. S.
We got plenty of winter clothing today, and from the way they are supplying us looks like they are going to keep us here for sometime.
Haven’t seen any of the home boys except those in my Co. Don’t have any idea where Winham is. If he has not left there yet give him my address and tell him to write me.
Every one seems to be happy, going around with a smile, and not seemingly to realize what is in front of him. And, Mama, remember I am one of them and don’t worry about me.
Will write more in a few days when I know more. Sure will be glad when we get straightened, and begin to get some mail.
With worlds of love from
Your son
Burnett.
NOTES: Corp. William Burnett Key was born on May 13, 1898 in McNeil, Columbia County, Arkansas and died on July 13, 1977 at Caddo, Parish, Louisiana.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Somewhere in France.
August 20th, 1918.
Mrs. F. A. Key
My dear Mother and Homefolks:
At last we have arrived “over seas.” Got here yesterday and hiked out to a rest camp. Can’t say how long we will be here, but am sure we have a lot more training to do yet. First I must tell you that I am feeling fine, never felt better in my life. We had a fine trip over, no “subs” or any thing to bother us, only a bit of seasickness and we soon got over that.
France is a wonderful country. Lots of beautiful scenery and things to attract one’s attention. Looks to me though as if they are about one hundred years behind times. Old stone houses, with the cows, horses, chickens and people all sleeping in the same house. Doesn’t look very sanitary to me. And you should see the railroads, they look like the first American inventions. One can plainly see what four years of war has done for the country. But the people are still determined to win, and they will not be disappointed either. If America could only see and know what France has suffered and I haven’t seen but little yet, she surely would wake up.
You never see any men but old ones, and the old women, girls and little ones all work. They look real funny in their quaint dress and wooden shoes. Everyday peddlers come by leading their horses, drawing crats (no wagons) of fruit and truck they raise to sell us soldiers. Sometimes they get mixed on our money and don’t care how much change they keep. We have about five in our Co. that can talk French and we keep them busy all the time. Very few of the French talk English.
It is sure cool here for August, but everything is still green. It’s about like October in the U. S.
We got plenty of winter clothing today, and from the way they are supplying us looks like they are going to keep us here for sometime.
Haven’t seen any of the home boys except those in my Co. Don’t have any idea where Winham is. If he has not left there yet give him my address and tell him to write me.
Every one seems to be happy, going around with a smile, and not seemingly to realize what is in front of him. And, Mama, remember I am one of them and don’t worry about me.
Will write more in a few days when I know more. Sure will be glad when we get straightened, and begin to get some mail.
With worlds of love from
Your son
Burnett.
NOTES: Corp. William Burnett Key was born on May 13, 1898 in McNeil, Columbia County, Arkansas and died on July 13, 1977 at Caddo, Parish, Louisiana.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT