TRANSCRIBED FROM THE HOT SPRINGS NEW ERA APRIL 12, 1919 P. 4
St. Mihiel, France,
Own Dearest Mother:
Your long sweet letter of, or rather started on the 22nd of January and finished a few days later, was enjoyed ever so much,- yes, and every line from you is cherished more and more.
Just back from the most wonderful city in the world, in my estimation. Of course, I have not seen them all, but beautiful Paris does not explain just what it really is. Three big days there and the seventy two hours in that length of time were counted as day time, as for sleep,- well, I failed to partake of much of that luxury. True, one cannot get the faintest idea of it all in that period, but I hope Uncle will grant me another leave there before I return.
Will try to give you an idea of my trip from start to finish. Three of us, Sergeant Floyd Tamplin of San Antonio, Texas, and Sergeant Major Bennet, Hot Springs boy, and self, up early, caught a Ford to Le Rouville, ten miles caught a train to Barlesdue, 11 o’clock lunch, boarded the Paris Express at a quarter of one, arrived in the gay town at 5:30 that afternoon. Took us a couple of hours to get our passes stamped, as there were quite a few lined up besides us for the same purpose, and must say that it is a great system the way they keep us boys. Hopped into a taxie, four of us and rode from the station to the ‘palace de opera,’ some ten or twelve blocks, two and a half franc’s (about fifty cents) not each but for all four. One in the party had an address of a mademoiselle so it wasn’t long before we lost sight of him. It was then eight o’clock, so off to a show, went to the Follies Beregeies, clever, part English and part French, lots of pretty girls,- during the intermission every body went out to the promenade,- set a country boy like me dizzy to get around those doll face, catchy eyed mademoiselles, quite a few can talk a little English, just enough to be cute,- easy to get along with and always smiling. Enjoyed a stroll home with one, - turned in about two a.m.
Fooled away the morning looking through some of the big stores – up to date, well, I should say, and beautiful throughout. After lunch, found us out to the Ferris Wheel, once around it just to say we were on it- then to the Eiffel Tower, a wonderful construction of steel and iron, could not ascend it as it is now used as a French wireless station, across the Seine river to get a better look at it,- at the base it must cover at least four acres. Statues of all descriptions scattered throughout the city,- several notable arches over the streets.
While strolling down in front of Palace de’ Opera, some one said, “hello Rap”- looked around and was very glad indeed to meet Sergeant Geo Lamar, who use to work at Sorsells Drug Co,- had a good chat with him- said he would soon be on his way home, “lucky boy.”
Well, I went out to Napoleon’s Tomb, a granite sarcophagus hewn out of a single block and weighs about 68 tons,- it is in what they call the chapel under the dome and I imagine on a bright day the rays through the different colored glass in the dome had a wonderful effect on the inside. Two of Napoleon’s brothers also have a tomb in the chapel, then at the back of the tomb through another entrance is the church of St. Louis, the walls are decorated with paintings illustrative of the history of France. Through another wing of the building and throughout are relics of wars from the first republic, including the present collections of old armour, for horses and men, of steel, a horse had to be some animal in those days, the place is known by the name of “The Hotel des Invalides” and covers about thirty acres of wonders, in church, tombs, and war relics.
Stepped into the Hotel St. Anne, to see if I could get or find out where abouts of one Major Sisney, when I stepped in, who should I ran into, face to face? Big smile on his face, nobody but Lieutenant Dick Lawrence when I told him I was trying to get some information on the Major, of course he would like to see him also, so joined me on my hunt but it was fruitless, sorry we could not find him.
Was just going into the Red Cross, (Bless their hearts!) for a meal, all one can eat for 75 centimes (15c) some one followed me a little way and said “excuse me, but is this Juba?” Yes, but you have got me bested,- it was Mort Galos. Looked real well, so well that I failed to recognize him. He has been on duty for some time in Paris.
Believe that city has got it on New York in regards to subway system- found it very easy to go anywhere I wanted to on them.
Well, my buddies are in bed so I will cut this short.
Must say that if there is or ever was anything in France worth seeing it is carried to Paris- wish I could leave France and live in that country.
Will do my very best to find out just where Lieut. Townsend was buried and will let you know just as soon as I get the information. I have a friend in the grave office, who will help me all he can.
Well mother. I will answer your letter and questions the next time I write, until then I will say good night with oceans of love and kisses to you all.
Always your loving son,
Sgt. Juba Rapley
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY: ISAAC WOLTER
St. Mihiel, France,
Own Dearest Mother:
Your long sweet letter of, or rather started on the 22nd of January and finished a few days later, was enjoyed ever so much,- yes, and every line from you is cherished more and more.
Just back from the most wonderful city in the world, in my estimation. Of course, I have not seen them all, but beautiful Paris does not explain just what it really is. Three big days there and the seventy two hours in that length of time were counted as day time, as for sleep,- well, I failed to partake of much of that luxury. True, one cannot get the faintest idea of it all in that period, but I hope Uncle will grant me another leave there before I return.
Will try to give you an idea of my trip from start to finish. Three of us, Sergeant Floyd Tamplin of San Antonio, Texas, and Sergeant Major Bennet, Hot Springs boy, and self, up early, caught a Ford to Le Rouville, ten miles caught a train to Barlesdue, 11 o’clock lunch, boarded the Paris Express at a quarter of one, arrived in the gay town at 5:30 that afternoon. Took us a couple of hours to get our passes stamped, as there were quite a few lined up besides us for the same purpose, and must say that it is a great system the way they keep us boys. Hopped into a taxie, four of us and rode from the station to the ‘palace de opera,’ some ten or twelve blocks, two and a half franc’s (about fifty cents) not each but for all four. One in the party had an address of a mademoiselle so it wasn’t long before we lost sight of him. It was then eight o’clock, so off to a show, went to the Follies Beregeies, clever, part English and part French, lots of pretty girls,- during the intermission every body went out to the promenade,- set a country boy like me dizzy to get around those doll face, catchy eyed mademoiselles, quite a few can talk a little English, just enough to be cute,- easy to get along with and always smiling. Enjoyed a stroll home with one, - turned in about two a.m.
Fooled away the morning looking through some of the big stores – up to date, well, I should say, and beautiful throughout. After lunch, found us out to the Ferris Wheel, once around it just to say we were on it- then to the Eiffel Tower, a wonderful construction of steel and iron, could not ascend it as it is now used as a French wireless station, across the Seine river to get a better look at it,- at the base it must cover at least four acres. Statues of all descriptions scattered throughout the city,- several notable arches over the streets.
While strolling down in front of Palace de’ Opera, some one said, “hello Rap”- looked around and was very glad indeed to meet Sergeant Geo Lamar, who use to work at Sorsells Drug Co,- had a good chat with him- said he would soon be on his way home, “lucky boy.”
Well, I went out to Napoleon’s Tomb, a granite sarcophagus hewn out of a single block and weighs about 68 tons,- it is in what they call the chapel under the dome and I imagine on a bright day the rays through the different colored glass in the dome had a wonderful effect on the inside. Two of Napoleon’s brothers also have a tomb in the chapel, then at the back of the tomb through another entrance is the church of St. Louis, the walls are decorated with paintings illustrative of the history of France. Through another wing of the building and throughout are relics of wars from the first republic, including the present collections of old armour, for horses and men, of steel, a horse had to be some animal in those days, the place is known by the name of “The Hotel des Invalides” and covers about thirty acres of wonders, in church, tombs, and war relics.
Stepped into the Hotel St. Anne, to see if I could get or find out where abouts of one Major Sisney, when I stepped in, who should I ran into, face to face? Big smile on his face, nobody but Lieutenant Dick Lawrence when I told him I was trying to get some information on the Major, of course he would like to see him also, so joined me on my hunt but it was fruitless, sorry we could not find him.
Was just going into the Red Cross, (Bless their hearts!) for a meal, all one can eat for 75 centimes (15c) some one followed me a little way and said “excuse me, but is this Juba?” Yes, but you have got me bested,- it was Mort Galos. Looked real well, so well that I failed to recognize him. He has been on duty for some time in Paris.
Believe that city has got it on New York in regards to subway system- found it very easy to go anywhere I wanted to on them.
Well, my buddies are in bed so I will cut this short.
Must say that if there is or ever was anything in France worth seeing it is carried to Paris- wish I could leave France and live in that country.
Will do my very best to find out just where Lieut. Townsend was buried and will let you know just as soon as I get the information. I have a friend in the grave office, who will help me all he can.
Well mother. I will answer your letter and questions the next time I write, until then I will say good night with oceans of love and kisses to you all.
Always your loving son,
Sgt. Juba Rapley
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY: ISAAC WOLTER