TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SHARP COUNTY RECORD JANUARY 24, 1919 P. 3
Dear Homefolks:
I presume you wonder why I do not write to you. I have been where I could not for a long time, but now I will be able to write to you often.
I was in the terrible battle of St. Mihiel, and we first heard of the signing of the armistice from a German lieutenant, but did not believe it, and continued to fight until word came from the rear. I was given a seven day leave of absence and a trip to Southern France to see the better part of the country, with all my expenses paid. I stayed at the Cosmopolitan hotel, had three good meals a day and slept in a dandy bed. In the Y. M. C. A. they had moving pictures and vaudeville free of charge.
I was promoted to master signal electrician, which pays $101 per month, which is better money than a 2nd lieutenant gets, counting board and clothes. I will get a month’s extra pay upon my discharge, and will be allowed to wear my uniform for three months, so I expect to see you in full uniform. I have also been recommended for a distinguished service cross for bravery shown in heavy battle. The major read a letter of citation to the battalion in formation, and gave us a talk about our good work. The general will pin the crosses on us when they are given, and I will feel highly honored with mine.
We were on the train eight days coming from France. We came across France into Belgium and through Luxemberg into Germany. I had charge of 17 men of the battalion who were on leave of absence, and when we left the train we found the battalion had just left town on the march. So we got the direction, and marched two days and caught up. By using a compass we took some short cuts, as the roads in Germany do not run straight. We had a fine time.
I saw Verdun. It is a large place, but all of the town is torn up and nearly all the buildings are wrecked by shells. The civilians are returning there now. I like the people of Belgium fine. They seem to be a clean and industrious race, but are badly beaten and I feel very sorry for them. The German people treat us fine. There, is an old lady sitting by me now, but I cannot talk to her much. She has made me understand that her boy was killed, and cried as she showed me his picture. The old ladies are very kind and do all they can to make us feel at home. Some of the young men, but not many seem a little distant. One old lady said she has some cousins in the United States, and expressed almost as much regard for the United States as for Germany. She said many people in the United States are part German.
We will be here three days, then march 43 miles to Coblenz on the Rhine, where we will remain until peace terms are signed. Then we will go to the United States. I hope you can arrange for a family reunion, as I would like to see all of you before I take up my work in California.
Love to all.
Elgin J. Moore.
Eisenschimdt, Germany
NOTES: Moore is writing to his parents Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Moore of Evening Shade, Arkansas. He went into the army in New Mexico.
TRANSCRIBED BY JOSEPH SEPULVEDA
Dear Homefolks:
I presume you wonder why I do not write to you. I have been where I could not for a long time, but now I will be able to write to you often.
I was in the terrible battle of St. Mihiel, and we first heard of the signing of the armistice from a German lieutenant, but did not believe it, and continued to fight until word came from the rear. I was given a seven day leave of absence and a trip to Southern France to see the better part of the country, with all my expenses paid. I stayed at the Cosmopolitan hotel, had three good meals a day and slept in a dandy bed. In the Y. M. C. A. they had moving pictures and vaudeville free of charge.
I was promoted to master signal electrician, which pays $101 per month, which is better money than a 2nd lieutenant gets, counting board and clothes. I will get a month’s extra pay upon my discharge, and will be allowed to wear my uniform for three months, so I expect to see you in full uniform. I have also been recommended for a distinguished service cross for bravery shown in heavy battle. The major read a letter of citation to the battalion in formation, and gave us a talk about our good work. The general will pin the crosses on us when they are given, and I will feel highly honored with mine.
We were on the train eight days coming from France. We came across France into Belgium and through Luxemberg into Germany. I had charge of 17 men of the battalion who were on leave of absence, and when we left the train we found the battalion had just left town on the march. So we got the direction, and marched two days and caught up. By using a compass we took some short cuts, as the roads in Germany do not run straight. We had a fine time.
I saw Verdun. It is a large place, but all of the town is torn up and nearly all the buildings are wrecked by shells. The civilians are returning there now. I like the people of Belgium fine. They seem to be a clean and industrious race, but are badly beaten and I feel very sorry for them. The German people treat us fine. There, is an old lady sitting by me now, but I cannot talk to her much. She has made me understand that her boy was killed, and cried as she showed me his picture. The old ladies are very kind and do all they can to make us feel at home. Some of the young men, but not many seem a little distant. One old lady said she has some cousins in the United States, and expressed almost as much regard for the United States as for Germany. She said many people in the United States are part German.
We will be here three days, then march 43 miles to Coblenz on the Rhine, where we will remain until peace terms are signed. Then we will go to the United States. I hope you can arrange for a family reunion, as I would like to see all of you before I take up my work in California.
Love to all.
Elgin J. Moore.
Eisenschimdt, Germany
NOTES: Moore is writing to his parents Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Moore of Evening Shade, Arkansas. He went into the army in New Mexico.
TRANSCRIBED BY JOSEPH SEPULVEDA