TRANSCRIBED FROM THE HOT SPRINGS NEW ERA NOVEMBER 30, 1918 P. 4
A.P.O. 714, France
Nov 12, 1918
My Dear Blanche:
Another big week gone—I have been so excited and “everything” over the armistice that I’ve been unable to write. It has been signed and the French are having a big celebration tonight. This is a town of normally about 2,000, but there are ten thousand people parading, singing, shooting fireworks and having a general rejoicing and I don’t blame them. It is the first time in four years that street lights have been lighted and stores and cafes allowed to stay open at night and show a light and the people are making things merry. There are French, American, English and almost every other race of soldiers in the parade. Just like we were after the civil war.
I don’t know what steps will be taken with the army after peace is consummated, but I presume it will be started home, of course you can realize it will take a long time to get all the men and equipment back as it is a man’s size army now. I will keep you posted as to the probable time of my return when definite arrangements are made known to us.
I have fully recovered from my “Floo” but still have a cough, bronchial, caused by the dampness, as this is the dampest country I ever was in. We expect to get through here soon, however, and believe me I hope so. I haven’t had a well day since I was here. It seems strange that it is so unhealthy as it is situated on top of a mountain, but it is so foggy and I don’t recall the sun shine for an hour at a time since I have been here.
Well honey, I am sleepy as can be and will quit and go “hit the hay” Love to E. L. and little Phil. Write often.
Yours,
PHIL
Phillip E. Sisney
Major U S Army
Army Line School
A.P.O. 714
A.E.F. France.
NOTES: Major Phillip Sisney was writing to his wife. This was the first letter received by the paper since the armistice. He entered the army in the early 1900’s and was assigned to the Hot Springs Army and Navy Hospital and was listed as a sergeant there in December 1908. He served as a Major in the 39th division in World War I. He was born on August !5, 1883 in Illinois and died on February 24, 1966.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
A.P.O. 714, France
Nov 12, 1918
My Dear Blanche:
Another big week gone—I have been so excited and “everything” over the armistice that I’ve been unable to write. It has been signed and the French are having a big celebration tonight. This is a town of normally about 2,000, but there are ten thousand people parading, singing, shooting fireworks and having a general rejoicing and I don’t blame them. It is the first time in four years that street lights have been lighted and stores and cafes allowed to stay open at night and show a light and the people are making things merry. There are French, American, English and almost every other race of soldiers in the parade. Just like we were after the civil war.
I don’t know what steps will be taken with the army after peace is consummated, but I presume it will be started home, of course you can realize it will take a long time to get all the men and equipment back as it is a man’s size army now. I will keep you posted as to the probable time of my return when definite arrangements are made known to us.
I have fully recovered from my “Floo” but still have a cough, bronchial, caused by the dampness, as this is the dampest country I ever was in. We expect to get through here soon, however, and believe me I hope so. I haven’t had a well day since I was here. It seems strange that it is so unhealthy as it is situated on top of a mountain, but it is so foggy and I don’t recall the sun shine for an hour at a time since I have been here.
Well honey, I am sleepy as can be and will quit and go “hit the hay” Love to E. L. and little Phil. Write often.
Yours,
PHIL
Phillip E. Sisney
Major U S Army
Army Line School
A.P.O. 714
A.E.F. France.
NOTES: Major Phillip Sisney was writing to his wife. This was the first letter received by the paper since the armistice. He entered the army in the early 1900’s and was assigned to the Hot Springs Army and Navy Hospital and was listed as a sergeant there in December 1908. He served as a Major in the 39th division in World War I. He was born on August !5, 1883 in Illinois and died on February 24, 1966.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT