TRANSCRIBED FROM THE LITTLE RIVER NEWS JUNE 19, 1918 P. 2
Somewhere in France, April 30-18.
Dear Father and Mother:
Will try to write you a few lines tonight to let you know that I am still living, but not feeling well. It rains nearly every day over here and we do as much on a rainy day as we do a day when it doesn’t rain. So you can imagine what kind of a time we have. Although we are happy and everybody does his bit. We have got toughened to it and therefore we don’t mind it. Hope you and mother are not worrying any more than I am. I had much rather be over here than on the border where I was this time last year. Not on account of the danger just the climate. This is a fine country over here and mighty fine people. They make it as pleasant for us as they can. That is the French and British. Well, dad, I suppose you get all the war news and see what we are doing for the Germans and also what they are doing for us. Although we haven’t got started yet. But, listen dad, I haven’t heard from you in almost a month. Can’t imagine what is the trouble I don’t suppose you have forgot to write to me. The last letter I received from you was the answer to the letter I wrote you on the the boat when I landed in France, and that has been almost a month ago. Well, as I can’t write very much will bring this to a close, hoping this will find everybody well and having a good time. So bye bye to all and don’t forget to write often, as ever your soldier boy.
JESSE
NOTES: Jesse Virgil Metcalf was born on February 10, 1893 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas and died on December 21, 1953. He is buried in Memory Park Cemetery in Longview, Texas. His military headstone identifies him as a Missouri Sgt. serving in 161st Infantry 41st Division. He enlisted on September 11, 1916 and was discharged on September 18, 1920. He departed Brest, France on February 7, 1919 onboard the Ortega. He was listed as serving as a Sgt. in Machine Gun Co. 161st Infantry. He was writing to his parents George and Mary Metcalf.
TRANSCRIBED BY ADIN TYGART
Somewhere in France, April 30-18.
Dear Father and Mother:
Will try to write you a few lines tonight to let you know that I am still living, but not feeling well. It rains nearly every day over here and we do as much on a rainy day as we do a day when it doesn’t rain. So you can imagine what kind of a time we have. Although we are happy and everybody does his bit. We have got toughened to it and therefore we don’t mind it. Hope you and mother are not worrying any more than I am. I had much rather be over here than on the border where I was this time last year. Not on account of the danger just the climate. This is a fine country over here and mighty fine people. They make it as pleasant for us as they can. That is the French and British. Well, dad, I suppose you get all the war news and see what we are doing for the Germans and also what they are doing for us. Although we haven’t got started yet. But, listen dad, I haven’t heard from you in almost a month. Can’t imagine what is the trouble I don’t suppose you have forgot to write to me. The last letter I received from you was the answer to the letter I wrote you on the the boat when I landed in France, and that has been almost a month ago. Well, as I can’t write very much will bring this to a close, hoping this will find everybody well and having a good time. So bye bye to all and don’t forget to write often, as ever your soldier boy.
JESSE
NOTES: Jesse Virgil Metcalf was born on February 10, 1893 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas and died on December 21, 1953. He is buried in Memory Park Cemetery in Longview, Texas. His military headstone identifies him as a Missouri Sgt. serving in 161st Infantry 41st Division. He enlisted on September 11, 1916 and was discharged on September 18, 1920. He departed Brest, France on February 7, 1919 onboard the Ortega. He was listed as serving as a Sgt. in Machine Gun Co. 161st Infantry. He was writing to his parents George and Mary Metcalf.
TRANSCRIBED BY ADIN TYGART