TRANSCRIBED FROM THE PINE BLUFF DAILY GRAPHIC OCTOBER 26, 1918 P. 7
Somewhere in France,
9-25-’18
Dear Mama:
I’ve at last found a little time to write a few letters. This is the first letter I’ve written since I left the States. As long as you don’t hear from me, bet on it I’m O.K. This leaves me fine and I truly hope the same back home.
I presume you have received the trunk I sent home from Dix. I guess you thought me foolish in sending the overcoat. In a way I might have been, but as I was limited to a certain amount of baggage in weight. I left the coat. However, don’t worry one moment in regard to my comfort, as I have a raincoat, short overcoat and trench coat, and so far I haven’t been either cold or hungry.
Just a few words in regard to my trip crossing the Atlantic. What I can relate is very brief, as it was a wonderful experience for me. With the exception of about three days the sea was like glass. I presume this accounts for my not being seasick. In a way I was rather surprised at this. Since my arrival I have seen quite a bit of this country. Most all the work is being done by the old men and women, and boys and girls, as all the young men are at the front.
I’m doing my best to learn to speak French. I can say a few words, such as “Good morning,” Good day,” “Give me a glass of wine.” the last I speak quite distinct. But so far my vocabulary is very limited, and I’m unable to speak this “lingo” fluently enough to express my desires and wishes in the best of society. Give me time and I’ll get it.
I must close. Write me soon. I am
Your son,
CLYDE,
Address, Lieut. Clyde G. Stewart,
348 Inf., American E. F.
NOTES: This letter was written from France by Lieut. Stewart to his mother, Mrs. L. Stewart of Varner, Arkansas. Stewart was born on April 1, 1893 and died on July 4, 1957. He is buried in the Bellwood Cemetery Annex in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY DEBRA POLSTON
Somewhere in France,
9-25-’18
Dear Mama:
I’ve at last found a little time to write a few letters. This is the first letter I’ve written since I left the States. As long as you don’t hear from me, bet on it I’m O.K. This leaves me fine and I truly hope the same back home.
I presume you have received the trunk I sent home from Dix. I guess you thought me foolish in sending the overcoat. In a way I might have been, but as I was limited to a certain amount of baggage in weight. I left the coat. However, don’t worry one moment in regard to my comfort, as I have a raincoat, short overcoat and trench coat, and so far I haven’t been either cold or hungry.
Just a few words in regard to my trip crossing the Atlantic. What I can relate is very brief, as it was a wonderful experience for me. With the exception of about three days the sea was like glass. I presume this accounts for my not being seasick. In a way I was rather surprised at this. Since my arrival I have seen quite a bit of this country. Most all the work is being done by the old men and women, and boys and girls, as all the young men are at the front.
I’m doing my best to learn to speak French. I can say a few words, such as “Good morning,” Good day,” “Give me a glass of wine.” the last I speak quite distinct. But so far my vocabulary is very limited, and I’m unable to speak this “lingo” fluently enough to express my desires and wishes in the best of society. Give me time and I’ll get it.
I must close. Write me soon. I am
Your son,
CLYDE,
Address, Lieut. Clyde G. Stewart,
348 Inf., American E. F.
NOTES: This letter was written from France by Lieut. Stewart to his mother, Mrs. L. Stewart of Varner, Arkansas. Stewart was born on April 1, 1893 and died on July 4, 1957. He is buried in the Bellwood Cemetery Annex in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
TRANSCRIBED BY DEBRA POLSTON