TRANSCRIBED FROM THE DAILY ARKANSAS GAZETTE MAY 31, 1918 P. 34
I have wanted for sometime to write you, but have been somewhat busy most of the time. Since I have a little time before turning in, will use it to advantage. Had a pleasant trip across, nothing exciting at any time no “subs,” or sea sickness. The trip consumed 15 days, and we landed in England first—were 10 days at an American rest camp, then came across the channel. I am now in the Signal Corps, Aviation Section, and attached to the 101st Aero Service Sq. Dy., in the capacity of supply officer. I transferred from the infantry in December. This is a much more interesting branch of the service, and we think will play a large part in bringing ultimate victory in the glorious old standard. I am not a flier, of course, but still continue to plod along on the ground.
We are now in one of the large aviation camps in France, and yesterday we went to one of several outlying fields and in so doing my duties were enlarged, being made supply officer for the field. This will ultimately mean keeping the stream of supplies moving for more than 100 planes, not counting the many other things food, fuel, clothing etc. It looks now like as if it might be some kind of a job, but I have several expert assistants, and with their help will get by, I am sure. Have now been in France more than a month. It is a beautiful country, fertile, and every foot worked like a garden. Vine yards predominate and water is used only for horses, and to run under bridges. But each small farmer and truck raiser comes very near to having sufficient of the necessary things for his own needs. The “feed yourself” program has a very powerful stimulus here. But they are naturally a very thrifty people. They are also very courteous, accommodating and I am sure, appreciative of what we are doing. In temperament, habits and characteristics, they are the exact opposite of the English.
I cannot yet talk to the French people for two reasons: I don’t know enough of the language, and wearing my overcoat interferes seriously with the use of my arms. But if this war lasts five years as some are foolish enough to predict, and I last that long, I may be able to order a simple meal at a French café. This is a strictly American camp, only a few French officers are her for instructors on certain types of planes. Baring them, the only other people we see are German prisoners, who are used here on construction work, barracks and streets. They couldn’t be driven out with a gun.
There is an excellent “Y” here, fully equipped, which affords all kind of indoor amusements to the troops—boxing, wrestling, basket ball, volley ball, movies and innumerable table games. The Red Cross had two large restrooms and dining rooms in connection, fitted up in the most easy and home-like way, served by real American women, the first most of us have seen for about two months. It is impossible to exaggerate the good influence these two splendid organizations have on the men. I sometimes wonder if there is any one at home who has a criticism for either. Those who criticise them cannot be too severely condemned. I have seen their work in more than 20 places, and I know it is thoroughly appreciated by every officer and man who comes in touch with them, and all of them do at one time or another. They are deserving of all the support—moral and financial—that can be given them. I must close.
Would appreciate a letter from you, if you have time. Having so little time to write, lets make this letter a family affair, and pass it around to my friends at the bank, who have my highest regards.
Yours
Clay E. Smith
NOTES: Clay Emerson Smith was writing to R. E. Wait, president of the Citizens Investment and Security Company. Smith was an assistant cashier of the company before enlisting in the military. He was born on October 28, 1879 in Indiana and died on March 25, 1962 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is buried in the Little Rock National Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as an Indiana, 2nd lieutenant serving in the 641 Aero SQ during World War I. After discharge from the service he returned to Little Rock and his job at the security company.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
I have wanted for sometime to write you, but have been somewhat busy most of the time. Since I have a little time before turning in, will use it to advantage. Had a pleasant trip across, nothing exciting at any time no “subs,” or sea sickness. The trip consumed 15 days, and we landed in England first—were 10 days at an American rest camp, then came across the channel. I am now in the Signal Corps, Aviation Section, and attached to the 101st Aero Service Sq. Dy., in the capacity of supply officer. I transferred from the infantry in December. This is a much more interesting branch of the service, and we think will play a large part in bringing ultimate victory in the glorious old standard. I am not a flier, of course, but still continue to plod along on the ground.
We are now in one of the large aviation camps in France, and yesterday we went to one of several outlying fields and in so doing my duties were enlarged, being made supply officer for the field. This will ultimately mean keeping the stream of supplies moving for more than 100 planes, not counting the many other things food, fuel, clothing etc. It looks now like as if it might be some kind of a job, but I have several expert assistants, and with their help will get by, I am sure. Have now been in France more than a month. It is a beautiful country, fertile, and every foot worked like a garden. Vine yards predominate and water is used only for horses, and to run under bridges. But each small farmer and truck raiser comes very near to having sufficient of the necessary things for his own needs. The “feed yourself” program has a very powerful stimulus here. But they are naturally a very thrifty people. They are also very courteous, accommodating and I am sure, appreciative of what we are doing. In temperament, habits and characteristics, they are the exact opposite of the English.
I cannot yet talk to the French people for two reasons: I don’t know enough of the language, and wearing my overcoat interferes seriously with the use of my arms. But if this war lasts five years as some are foolish enough to predict, and I last that long, I may be able to order a simple meal at a French café. This is a strictly American camp, only a few French officers are her for instructors on certain types of planes. Baring them, the only other people we see are German prisoners, who are used here on construction work, barracks and streets. They couldn’t be driven out with a gun.
There is an excellent “Y” here, fully equipped, which affords all kind of indoor amusements to the troops—boxing, wrestling, basket ball, volley ball, movies and innumerable table games. The Red Cross had two large restrooms and dining rooms in connection, fitted up in the most easy and home-like way, served by real American women, the first most of us have seen for about two months. It is impossible to exaggerate the good influence these two splendid organizations have on the men. I sometimes wonder if there is any one at home who has a criticism for either. Those who criticise them cannot be too severely condemned. I have seen their work in more than 20 places, and I know it is thoroughly appreciated by every officer and man who comes in touch with them, and all of them do at one time or another. They are deserving of all the support—moral and financial—that can be given them. I must close.
Would appreciate a letter from you, if you have time. Having so little time to write, lets make this letter a family affair, and pass it around to my friends at the bank, who have my highest regards.
Yours
Clay E. Smith
NOTES: Clay Emerson Smith was writing to R. E. Wait, president of the Citizens Investment and Security Company. Smith was an assistant cashier of the company before enlisting in the military. He was born on October 28, 1879 in Indiana and died on March 25, 1962 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is buried in the Little Rock National Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. His military headstone identifies him as an Indiana, 2nd lieutenant serving in the 641 Aero SQ during World War I. After discharge from the service he returned to Little Rock and his job at the security company.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT