TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SUN AND NEW YORK PRESS MARCH 19, 1918 P. 6
Of course, I shall be glad when the time comes to turn our faces toward America, but rather than go home before our work, the absolute destruction of Prussian military power, is accomplished. I should prefer to occupy an unmarked grave in France, else sacrifice would then have been in vain.
Do not be deceived about the economic and political situation in Germany. Economic conditions are bad, but not so bad as reported, and as they might be, and still a long way from the breaking point, but these factors are not to be counted on to end the struggle. One thing that heartens the American troops already in the field is the knowledge that, no matter what other countries may do, our country will not quit until the job is done.
I’m glad I’m here. I felt the urge to come. I wanted to be where the fight is. I would not have been content to stay at home; the Irish in me will crop out.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Paul Dunlap Reyburn to Frederic Felix thanking him for smokes from THE SUN Tobacco Fund and its contributors. He was born on September 3, 1889 in Indiana. He enlisted in the 12th Engineers (Ry) in June 1917 as a private while working in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He progressed up through the ranks and was named a First Lieutenant on June 30th 1918.
He sailed with the 12th engineers (Ry) departing onboard the Carmania on July 28, 1917 and returned from France April 27, 1919. His brother Donald S Reyburn was also a member of the 12th and has a letter posted on this site.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Of course, I shall be glad when the time comes to turn our faces toward America, but rather than go home before our work, the absolute destruction of Prussian military power, is accomplished. I should prefer to occupy an unmarked grave in France, else sacrifice would then have been in vain.
Do not be deceived about the economic and political situation in Germany. Economic conditions are bad, but not so bad as reported, and as they might be, and still a long way from the breaking point, but these factors are not to be counted on to end the struggle. One thing that heartens the American troops already in the field is the knowledge that, no matter what other countries may do, our country will not quit until the job is done.
I’m glad I’m here. I felt the urge to come. I wanted to be where the fight is. I would not have been content to stay at home; the Irish in me will crop out.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Paul Dunlap Reyburn to Frederic Felix thanking him for smokes from THE SUN Tobacco Fund and its contributors. He was born on September 3, 1889 in Indiana. He enlisted in the 12th Engineers (Ry) in June 1917 as a private while working in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He progressed up through the ranks and was named a First Lieutenant on June 30th 1918.
He sailed with the 12th engineers (Ry) departing onboard the Carmania on July 28, 1917 and returned from France April 27, 1919. His brother Donald S Reyburn was also a member of the 12th and has a letter posted on this site.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT