TRANSCRIBED FROM THE NEVADA COUNTY PICAYUNE NOVEMBER 28, 1918, P. 8
Somewhere in France,
September 21, 1918.
My dear mother and all:
Your much appreciated letters of August 13 and 19 received and so glad to hear from you. It seemed almost an age since I had a letter. I am O. K. and like my new company just fine, have the best Captain and the boys are nice to a new man. As usual I can’t write all you want to know, but listen, mamma, I saw some real American girls a few days ago. We arrived in this town late at night, all hungry and sleepy and in a short time all were seated to a meal of good eats, and did we enjoy it, YES. It was an American Red Cross canteen, and the smiles those girls had for every one is hard to describe. Then we were given eats and blankets for a good rest. Next morning we had another good meal at the same place and then were off for our day’s work, but the events of that day I can’t mention. We went through some very pretty country, and taking rock roads it was fine. I have often seen pictures and painting, but this was the real thing itself. I do not blame these French for fighting as hard as they have, for its too pretty to lose. But for me “Dixie every day in the week and then some.
I am glad papa has sold the place he can rest up now and not work so hard, and mamma I don’t want you to worry about me, but be cheerful. I am alright and can get along fine and for you to worry mamma, only makes it worse. Possibly it will not be long before we can come home, as the bloody Boche seems to be getting tired of the American and the way they do things. America has never known defeat and can not suffer it at this time. I myself, am small in this great army, but have the GRIT and confidence, and we shall win.
I had a nice letter from Charlie and Minnie, am glad he has a good crop, and with a good harvest, he will be at the top. We soldiers have plenty of rice. I sent some little souvenirs a few days ago. Must close and hope this finds you all well, and please do not worry about me.
Your loving son.
Carl.
NOTES: Pvt. Carl Lyndon Norman was writing to his family. He was born August 9, 1887. He was medium height and weight with brown eyes and black hair. He died January 11, 1966 at Houston, Texas. His burial request for the Houston National Cemetery identified his service as Wagoneer U. S. Army WW I.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Somewhere in France,
September 21, 1918.
My dear mother and all:
Your much appreciated letters of August 13 and 19 received and so glad to hear from you. It seemed almost an age since I had a letter. I am O. K. and like my new company just fine, have the best Captain and the boys are nice to a new man. As usual I can’t write all you want to know, but listen, mamma, I saw some real American girls a few days ago. We arrived in this town late at night, all hungry and sleepy and in a short time all were seated to a meal of good eats, and did we enjoy it, YES. It was an American Red Cross canteen, and the smiles those girls had for every one is hard to describe. Then we were given eats and blankets for a good rest. Next morning we had another good meal at the same place and then were off for our day’s work, but the events of that day I can’t mention. We went through some very pretty country, and taking rock roads it was fine. I have often seen pictures and painting, but this was the real thing itself. I do not blame these French for fighting as hard as they have, for its too pretty to lose. But for me “Dixie every day in the week and then some.
I am glad papa has sold the place he can rest up now and not work so hard, and mamma I don’t want you to worry about me, but be cheerful. I am alright and can get along fine and for you to worry mamma, only makes it worse. Possibly it will not be long before we can come home, as the bloody Boche seems to be getting tired of the American and the way they do things. America has never known defeat and can not suffer it at this time. I myself, am small in this great army, but have the GRIT and confidence, and we shall win.
I had a nice letter from Charlie and Minnie, am glad he has a good crop, and with a good harvest, he will be at the top. We soldiers have plenty of rice. I sent some little souvenirs a few days ago. Must close and hope this finds you all well, and please do not worry about me.
Your loving son.
Carl.
NOTES: Pvt. Carl Lyndon Norman was writing to his family. He was born August 9, 1887. He was medium height and weight with brown eyes and black hair. He died January 11, 1966 at Houston, Texas. His burial request for the Houston National Cemetery identified his service as Wagoneer U. S. Army WW I.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT