TRANSCRIBED FROM THE POCAHONTAS STAR HERALD OCTOBER 11, 1918 P.
Dear mother:
As we are not in Camp Beauregard anymore and my address is somewhat different, I will sit down this very minute and let you know how I am, and what we are doing. We are now with the American army in France. Now I know you imagine I am gone forever, but mama we are having just as good a time as anyone could have. We have plenty to eat and a nice place to sleep. So what more could anyone expect.
Of all the sights, you have no idea. Everything is so much different here than back in the States. Most every building is made of stone, and the streets are so narrow; but it is some pretty place.
You have always heard of sea sickness, well, I for one never did get the least bit seasick. I saw some of the largest fish I ever saw in my life. Mother, you must not expect as long letters as I used to write, nor as often, but just be patient, and when I come back I will tell you things you have never dreamed of. So do not worry about me, for I will be taken care of as long as Sam is my uncle.
I am as ever,
Your Son,
John Owens
M.G. Co. 153 Inf. A. E. F.
NOTES: John Owens, who is writing from France, was born in Elmore, Indiana on January 22, 1893 and died on April 5, 1952. His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Pfc. serving in the 162 Depot Brigade in World War I. He is buried in the Monette Memorial Cemetery in Monette, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD
Dear mother:
As we are not in Camp Beauregard anymore and my address is somewhat different, I will sit down this very minute and let you know how I am, and what we are doing. We are now with the American army in France. Now I know you imagine I am gone forever, but mama we are having just as good a time as anyone could have. We have plenty to eat and a nice place to sleep. So what more could anyone expect.
Of all the sights, you have no idea. Everything is so much different here than back in the States. Most every building is made of stone, and the streets are so narrow; but it is some pretty place.
You have always heard of sea sickness, well, I for one never did get the least bit seasick. I saw some of the largest fish I ever saw in my life. Mother, you must not expect as long letters as I used to write, nor as often, but just be patient, and when I come back I will tell you things you have never dreamed of. So do not worry about me, for I will be taken care of as long as Sam is my uncle.
I am as ever,
Your Son,
John Owens
M.G. Co. 153 Inf. A. E. F.
NOTES: John Owens, who is writing from France, was born in Elmore, Indiana on January 22, 1893 and died on April 5, 1952. His military headstone identifies him as an Arkansas Pfc. serving in the 162 Depot Brigade in World War I. He is buried in the Monette Memorial Cemetery in Monette, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD