TRANSCRIBED FROM THE LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT JANUARY 9, 1919 P. 7
Somewhere in France
November 28, 1918.
Dear Papa:
Tuesday is the day set aside by the Y.M.C.A. as father’s day. Every boy overseas is supposed to write his father on this day and I expect you don’t want to be slighted. There is a great deal to tell, but it may be said in a few words, “The war is over.” That’s the best of it all.
I saw real active service all right before she closed. I was on the Front about one month and had some real experience, but we are not allowed to write any of these things that would give information, for fear that something might get started again, so I’ll try and have my story all together by the time I get home so that I can tell it all. I never got a scratch while on the front, and am feeling fine and enjoying everything except the “cooties.” We have plenty of them.
We have lots to eat and good clothes to wear, but after all of that, we are anxious to get back to the States, and I don’t think it will be long before we are back.
There is quite a change in France now, and everything seems so much brighter, but it is pitiful to see the French people going back to these old towns which have been torn up by the shell fire of the battles. Yet, they seem glad to get back home.
I have been transferred to an old company, and I guess I will be with them as long as I am in the army. I have been transferred so much since I have been in France that I haven’t received any mail yet. I write to you folks quite often. I guess you get my mail, don’t you? I’d sure be glad if I could get a letter from out there. My present address has been sent to you, and you will get this about Xmas. So tell the folks to get busy, and try to get me some mail over here.
I don’t know when we will sail for the states, but not before the first of the year. So be good, and I’ll see you soon.
Bill,
Pvt. John W. Raney, Co. C., 137th Inf. A.E.F.
NOTES: John William Raney was writing to his father Frank Raney.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD
Somewhere in France
November 28, 1918.
Dear Papa:
Tuesday is the day set aside by the Y.M.C.A. as father’s day. Every boy overseas is supposed to write his father on this day and I expect you don’t want to be slighted. There is a great deal to tell, but it may be said in a few words, “The war is over.” That’s the best of it all.
I saw real active service all right before she closed. I was on the Front about one month and had some real experience, but we are not allowed to write any of these things that would give information, for fear that something might get started again, so I’ll try and have my story all together by the time I get home so that I can tell it all. I never got a scratch while on the front, and am feeling fine and enjoying everything except the “cooties.” We have plenty of them.
We have lots to eat and good clothes to wear, but after all of that, we are anxious to get back to the States, and I don’t think it will be long before we are back.
There is quite a change in France now, and everything seems so much brighter, but it is pitiful to see the French people going back to these old towns which have been torn up by the shell fire of the battles. Yet, they seem glad to get back home.
I have been transferred to an old company, and I guess I will be with them as long as I am in the army. I have been transferred so much since I have been in France that I haven’t received any mail yet. I write to you folks quite often. I guess you get my mail, don’t you? I’d sure be glad if I could get a letter from out there. My present address has been sent to you, and you will get this about Xmas. So tell the folks to get busy, and try to get me some mail over here.
I don’t know when we will sail for the states, but not before the first of the year. So be good, and I’ll see you soon.
Bill,
Pvt. John W. Raney, Co. C., 137th Inf. A.E.F.
NOTES: John William Raney was writing to his father Frank Raney.
TRANSCRIBED BY SHANNON SOUTHARD