TRANSCRIBED FROM THE VAN BUREN COUNTY DEMOCRAT JULY 12, 1918 P. 1
New York City, July 2d.
DEAR MOTHER:
Am in New York again, having just returned from France. Sure did have some trip. I am on a good ship with a good bunch of fellows and we had a fine time. I was at Bordeaux, France, where we stayed for over a month. It is a pretty place, but shows the effect of the war.
There are but a few men there (they have gone to war) but what are too old or too young to be of service. Everything is sure high over there. You can’t buy sugar at all. When you enter a restaurant to eat you get but one little slice of bread unless you have a bread check.
Enroute home we were fourteen days on the water, but we sighted no U boats and had a nice trip. The lights at New York and the Statue of Liberty sure did look good –you know we are not permitted to have lights on the ship.
Mama, did Chester Short get a good position? I trust he did for he is a good man and will be of service to his country. I had a letter from Malcomb and was pleased to learn he had entered the navy. Am sure he will make good.
I received a promotion yesterday and am now a 1st Class Seaman. When I enlisted I was a 3d Class Seaman. In a few months more I hope for another promotion. As I can think of nothing of interest to write will close. Lovingly,
Your son,
ALLEN.
NOTES: This letter was written by Allen Lay.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD
New York City, July 2d.
DEAR MOTHER:
Am in New York again, having just returned from France. Sure did have some trip. I am on a good ship with a good bunch of fellows and we had a fine time. I was at Bordeaux, France, where we stayed for over a month. It is a pretty place, but shows the effect of the war.
There are but a few men there (they have gone to war) but what are too old or too young to be of service. Everything is sure high over there. You can’t buy sugar at all. When you enter a restaurant to eat you get but one little slice of bread unless you have a bread check.
Enroute home we were fourteen days on the water, but we sighted no U boats and had a nice trip. The lights at New York and the Statue of Liberty sure did look good –you know we are not permitted to have lights on the ship.
Mama, did Chester Short get a good position? I trust he did for he is a good man and will be of service to his country. I had a letter from Malcomb and was pleased to learn he had entered the navy. Am sure he will make good.
I received a promotion yesterday and am now a 1st Class Seaman. When I enlisted I was a 3d Class Seaman. In a few months more I hope for another promotion. As I can think of nothing of interest to write will close. Lovingly,
Your son,
ALLEN.
NOTES: This letter was written by Allen Lay.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD