TRANSCRIBED FROM THE VAN BUREN DEMOCRAT FEBRUARY 15, 1918 P. 1
Somewhere in France
I am intensely happy and, I believe, the busiest person there is. Believe me, these examinations are fierce. How are things at home? Mail is very irregular. Arrived in France last summer. Traveled all over the U.S., been over France about four times; seen Paris and a thousand things that I am unable to write about because of the censo.
The scenery is beautiful, old forts and cathedrals; some built in 1500---from 1000 to 1700, A.D., wooden shoes, dog carts, pretty girls, funny looking trains, good roads, all ranks of U.S. military officers, also naval and foreign, and soldiers of all nations. I have guarded German prisoners and Russian prisoners, and drilled Harvard Graduates. Great life this.
Rec’d package Jan. 3., Thursday. Much appreciated. My best wishes to yourself and family and all of Plainview. I am representing your town and at present attending army candidate school, the American West Point of France, and expect to receive commission as Lieutenant before spring.
Yours truly,
TOM SAWYER,
NOTES: Sawyer was living in Plainview, Arkansas in Yell County when he entered the service.
TRANSCRIBED BY JACQUE HOWARD
Somewhere in France
I am intensely happy and, I believe, the busiest person there is. Believe me, these examinations are fierce. How are things at home? Mail is very irregular. Arrived in France last summer. Traveled all over the U.S., been over France about four times; seen Paris and a thousand things that I am unable to write about because of the censo.
The scenery is beautiful, old forts and cathedrals; some built in 1500---from 1000 to 1700, A.D., wooden shoes, dog carts, pretty girls, funny looking trains, good roads, all ranks of U.S. military officers, also naval and foreign, and soldiers of all nations. I have guarded German prisoners and Russian prisoners, and drilled Harvard Graduates. Great life this.
Rec’d package Jan. 3., Thursday. Much appreciated. My best wishes to yourself and family and all of Plainview. I am representing your town and at present attending army candidate school, the American West Point of France, and expect to receive commission as Lieutenant before spring.
Yours truly,
TOM SAWYER,
NOTES: Sawyer was living in Plainview, Arkansas in Yell County when he entered the service.
TRANSCRIBED BY JACQUE HOWARD