TRANSCRIBED FROM THE DERMOTT ENTERPRISE AUGUST 22, 1918 P. 1
Dear Mother and Father:
I am very much alive and feel fine. We certainly have been moving some and this is the first chance I’ve had to write you more than a card.
I sure do feel and am really a long way from home out here. Of course, I can’t say just where because of the censor, but that will give you somewhat of an idea where your wandering boy is.
This is a wonderful and interesting country, with its far eastern atmosphere. Many people of different kinds to see.
It took a long time to get here, but one reason for that was of course, that we had to travel like a bunch of cattle, in a troop train. But it really wasn’t half bad and we enjoyed the trip. Several hundred in one detachment and people cheered the trains all the way.
I haven’t learned to speak French very well. Can speak well enough to buy a few things. I wish I had some good candies, a soft drink (always) and a real good cigar occasionally.
I have seen some exciting times. The first air raid I heard and could see the star shells was when I attended a school. The first night I was there Fritz began. I finished my course and returned safe and sound.
Well, mama, thus far I can yet say I like military life. It will give one as much as one puts into it. It is the same as any other thing. If you put in your best, conscientious effort the good results will show sooner or later. If one tries to look for the good in things instead of the bad, then that one can be contented in the service. But after all, we have a certain aim, to beat Germany. What if there are certain hardships to be undergone to accomplish that aim? We will make it a great and holy victory.
I didn’t enlist, dear mother, to seek happiness. What I have seen and know I couldn’t be happy at home. I feel better, but not happier. I haven’t thought that there are physical hardships for me. The only hardship is being away from you and dad, the loved ones at home. I miss you all. Oftentimes my thoughts turn home to you and wonder who is the braver. Tho I guess you are mama, you and dad. For here one can bury home longings in the excitement of work and action, while you at home have more time to think.
But better times will come. The outlook is rosy. Germany will be beaten. Then, if I return, we can look forward to a happy future. This is a wonderful chance I have to repay you for being so good to me. I started right. I gave my all where it would do the most immediate good, and if God gives me back to you, then I will be a better son than before. I hope you will rejoice in the knowledge that I am trying to make myself a bigger and better man. Love to all.
Your son,
JAMES.
NOTES: This letter was written by James H. Lowe from France to his mother Mrs. Mackey. J. Lowe formerly of Dermott, Arkansas but now living in Kennett, Missouri. He was born on November 9, 1892 in Kennett, Missouri and died on February 22, 1983. He is buried in the Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Searcy, Arkansas. He entered the service on June 29, 1917 and was discharged on May 14, 1919. He left for France from New York, New York onboard the Aeneas on April 25, 1918. He returned to the United States from St. Nazaire, France onboard the Nansemond, leaving on April 15, 1919. He was a Sergeant in the Headquarters Company of the 140th Infantry.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Dear Mother and Father:
I am very much alive and feel fine. We certainly have been moving some and this is the first chance I’ve had to write you more than a card.
I sure do feel and am really a long way from home out here. Of course, I can’t say just where because of the censor, but that will give you somewhat of an idea where your wandering boy is.
This is a wonderful and interesting country, with its far eastern atmosphere. Many people of different kinds to see.
It took a long time to get here, but one reason for that was of course, that we had to travel like a bunch of cattle, in a troop train. But it really wasn’t half bad and we enjoyed the trip. Several hundred in one detachment and people cheered the trains all the way.
I haven’t learned to speak French very well. Can speak well enough to buy a few things. I wish I had some good candies, a soft drink (always) and a real good cigar occasionally.
I have seen some exciting times. The first air raid I heard and could see the star shells was when I attended a school. The first night I was there Fritz began. I finished my course and returned safe and sound.
Well, mama, thus far I can yet say I like military life. It will give one as much as one puts into it. It is the same as any other thing. If you put in your best, conscientious effort the good results will show sooner or later. If one tries to look for the good in things instead of the bad, then that one can be contented in the service. But after all, we have a certain aim, to beat Germany. What if there are certain hardships to be undergone to accomplish that aim? We will make it a great and holy victory.
I didn’t enlist, dear mother, to seek happiness. What I have seen and know I couldn’t be happy at home. I feel better, but not happier. I haven’t thought that there are physical hardships for me. The only hardship is being away from you and dad, the loved ones at home. I miss you all. Oftentimes my thoughts turn home to you and wonder who is the braver. Tho I guess you are mama, you and dad. For here one can bury home longings in the excitement of work and action, while you at home have more time to think.
But better times will come. The outlook is rosy. Germany will be beaten. Then, if I return, we can look forward to a happy future. This is a wonderful chance I have to repay you for being so good to me. I started right. I gave my all where it would do the most immediate good, and if God gives me back to you, then I will be a better son than before. I hope you will rejoice in the knowledge that I am trying to make myself a bigger and better man. Love to all.
Your son,
JAMES.
NOTES: This letter was written by James H. Lowe from France to his mother Mrs. Mackey. J. Lowe formerly of Dermott, Arkansas but now living in Kennett, Missouri. He was born on November 9, 1892 in Kennett, Missouri and died on February 22, 1983. He is buried in the Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Searcy, Arkansas. He entered the service on June 29, 1917 and was discharged on May 14, 1919. He left for France from New York, New York onboard the Aeneas on April 25, 1918. He returned to the United States from St. Nazaire, France onboard the Nansemond, leaving on April 15, 1919. He was a Sergeant in the Headquarters Company of the 140th Infantry.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS