TRANSCRIBED FROM THE LAFAYETTE COUNTY DEMOCRAT MAY 2, 1919, P. 1
Camp Mentoir, St. Nazaire,
Dear Folks:
Will again write you a few words and let you know that I am still in good health and getting along fine.
The sun is beginning to shine over here and some good days have been passed. The Frenchmen are using their oxen and wooden plows now and soon and it wont be long until we will see the green plants bursting forth.
It is 8 o’clock before it before it begins to grow dark and in a month or so we will be going to bed before sun down. We are going through the same routine now that we have been for the past two months. Revliee sounds at 5:15 a. m. and believe me we hit the deck at the first sound. Roll call at 6 o’clock and after that we fall in for our rubberized hot cakes, hash, beans or whatever it might be. After breakfast is over we clean up our quarters, make our beds, shine shoes and work on our rifles and equipment. At ten o’clock we fall out for drill call and do squads east and west until 11:30. At twelve we get what we call dinner, but it consists mostly of slum, rice or roast bull. At 1:15 inspection comes off and the rest of the day is ours to play any game we like or go see a show. I think I will put in for a seven days leave to Chateau Thierry, the place where the Marines did some hard fighting.
The best call of them all was sounded this morning, that is “Pay Day” I am going to send a hundred francs home for you to keep for me. I’ll need some new clothes when I get out, so I better begin to save now.
There has been quite few troops passed through here from Arkansas but so far I haven’t seen anyone from Stamps. We dont see any chance of leaving soon but the Stars and Stripes says that all combat troops will be out of France by the last of May and I am praying that we will be classed with them.
I am going to am going to be contented until my outfit gets home. Of course I would like to finish school and get an education, but having lost so much time now it will take quite a while to make up, but by taking lessons at night I believe I could finish the High school course in a year.
I haven’t heard from you all in two weeks and I am beginning to grow anxious for a letter. I get the paper right along it is certainly appreciated.
I must close now, love and best wishes to one and all and hoping to be with you soon. I remain.
Your son and brother;
Lawrence Mackey
NOTES: Lawrence Ernest Mackey was born on April 17, 1900 and died on August 31, 1964. He is buried in the Pythian Cemetery in Bunkie, Louisiana. He served in Co M, 13th Regt. USMC.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Camp Mentoir, St. Nazaire,
Dear Folks:
Will again write you a few words and let you know that I am still in good health and getting along fine.
The sun is beginning to shine over here and some good days have been passed. The Frenchmen are using their oxen and wooden plows now and soon and it wont be long until we will see the green plants bursting forth.
It is 8 o’clock before it before it begins to grow dark and in a month or so we will be going to bed before sun down. We are going through the same routine now that we have been for the past two months. Revliee sounds at 5:15 a. m. and believe me we hit the deck at the first sound. Roll call at 6 o’clock and after that we fall in for our rubberized hot cakes, hash, beans or whatever it might be. After breakfast is over we clean up our quarters, make our beds, shine shoes and work on our rifles and equipment. At ten o’clock we fall out for drill call and do squads east and west until 11:30. At twelve we get what we call dinner, but it consists mostly of slum, rice or roast bull. At 1:15 inspection comes off and the rest of the day is ours to play any game we like or go see a show. I think I will put in for a seven days leave to Chateau Thierry, the place where the Marines did some hard fighting.
The best call of them all was sounded this morning, that is “Pay Day” I am going to send a hundred francs home for you to keep for me. I’ll need some new clothes when I get out, so I better begin to save now.
There has been quite few troops passed through here from Arkansas but so far I haven’t seen anyone from Stamps. We dont see any chance of leaving soon but the Stars and Stripes says that all combat troops will be out of France by the last of May and I am praying that we will be classed with them.
I am going to am going to be contented until my outfit gets home. Of course I would like to finish school and get an education, but having lost so much time now it will take quite a while to make up, but by taking lessons at night I believe I could finish the High school course in a year.
I haven’t heard from you all in two weeks and I am beginning to grow anxious for a letter. I get the paper right along it is certainly appreciated.
I must close now, love and best wishes to one and all and hoping to be with you soon. I remain.
Your son and brother;
Lawrence Mackey
NOTES: Lawrence Ernest Mackey was born on April 17, 1900 and died on August 31, 1964. He is buried in the Pythian Cemetery in Bunkie, Louisiana. He served in Co M, 13th Regt. USMC.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT