TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SPRINGDALE NEWS OCTOBER 11, 1918 P. 3
New York City
Sept. 25, 1918
Dear Aunt:
Just got back from France yesterday. We haven’t met any sub’s yet and I hope we never do. We had a fine trip over but it was rather rough coming back, were in several storms and lots of the boys were sea sick. I didn’t feel well myself once or twice.
I guess you think I just neglect to write you but I don’t. You see we are gone for two months at a time and I write just as soon as I get to port.
Well I have been in here 9 months now and like it all right but some times I wish I was out I have done pretty good though, I am a first class machinists mate now.
I would like to come and visit you but can’t get time enough as we come in and load and right out again and go across. We will be on our way again in about ten days, so watch the papers to see if we get sunk. If we do I guess it will be all off with me.
France is a great place. I have lots of fun over there, but still we are all glad to get back to the states.
Tell all my friends hello for me and that I will be back some day.
Well will close for this time as I have about twenty letters to write.
As ever your boy,
R. Petross
U. S. S. American
care Postmaster, New York City, N.Y.
NOTES: Petross was writing from France to his aunt, Mrs. J. W. Pruner of Spring Valley, Arkansas. He was the son of B. C. Petross of Springdale, Arkansas. A letter written by his brother Dale is also posted on this site.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
New York City
Sept. 25, 1918
Dear Aunt:
Just got back from France yesterday. We haven’t met any sub’s yet and I hope we never do. We had a fine trip over but it was rather rough coming back, were in several storms and lots of the boys were sea sick. I didn’t feel well myself once or twice.
I guess you think I just neglect to write you but I don’t. You see we are gone for two months at a time and I write just as soon as I get to port.
Well I have been in here 9 months now and like it all right but some times I wish I was out I have done pretty good though, I am a first class machinists mate now.
I would like to come and visit you but can’t get time enough as we come in and load and right out again and go across. We will be on our way again in about ten days, so watch the papers to see if we get sunk. If we do I guess it will be all off with me.
France is a great place. I have lots of fun over there, but still we are all glad to get back to the states.
Tell all my friends hello for me and that I will be back some day.
Well will close for this time as I have about twenty letters to write.
As ever your boy,
R. Petross
U. S. S. American
care Postmaster, New York City, N.Y.
NOTES: Petross was writing from France to his aunt, Mrs. J. W. Pruner of Spring Valley, Arkansas. He was the son of B. C. Petross of Springdale, Arkansas. A letter written by his brother Dale is also posted on this site.
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS