TRANSCRIBED FROM THE CLEVELAND COUNTY HERALD APRIL 17, 1919 P. 1
Ecommay, France
March 4th, 1919
Mr. Tom Blodgett
Rison, Arkansas
Dear sir and friend:
I will write you a few lines this evening to let you know that I have not forgotten you and old Cleveland County.
Well, old pal I am in splendid health and enjoying life in the fullest. Believe me this is some ___over here. I have seen some great sights since I left Rison, on September 5th. I left New York harbor on November 2nd on the largest ship that plows the Briny Deep and had a delightful trip across. Of course some of our boys were a little seasick, but all of us Arkansas boys made it tine, but Arkansas boys you know can stand anything. We landed at Brest, France on Saturday November 9th, and the next day I was assigned K. P. duty, so I will always remember my first day on French soil. We were at Brest only four days when the armistice was signed and the French people put on a great parade that day. We were sent from _____ _____ ______where we were all transferred from our old Company. I have seen several of the boys from home that left home at the time I left.
I saw several of our Cleveland County boys that left home when I did, but they were sent out one by one to different places.
And now I am stationed in a little town of about 3000 population. It sure is some swell little city. I sure wish with that you were over here, we would have -----fun.
I am in a Provisional supply Co. now. There are several Arkansas boys in the company with me, and the best of all, one Cleveland county boy whom I had known for several years, and we have been together since we left Rison. It is Otto Waldrop of New Edinburg, and of course he and I are some buddies now, since we are so far away from home.
Well I do not know when I will get back home but hope it will not be long. Don’t guess I will get home in time to farm, but the chances look good for us to leave here soon, but if I do not leave soon I want to take a trip to Paris and Northern France where they have been fighting. This trip has been worth a million to me all ready. If I never see Paris or the front either.
I guess you are all having warm weather by now, hope so any way. Believe me the climate is find here, just like spring time. Oh, yes the climate agrees with my health for I have gained about 30 pounds since coming over, but this country does not agree with my mind for the more I see of this country the better I like old Cleveland county.
As news is scarce around here I will bring this to a close and if I hear from you I will write again. Give my love to the town of Rison and Cleveland county.
Your old friend,
Pvt. Ocie E. Towery
Prov. Sup. Co. Sub. Depot No. ____
S. A. P. o. 762, A. E. F.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON
Ecommay, France
March 4th, 1919
Mr. Tom Blodgett
Rison, Arkansas
Dear sir and friend:
I will write you a few lines this evening to let you know that I have not forgotten you and old Cleveland County.
Well, old pal I am in splendid health and enjoying life in the fullest. Believe me this is some ___over here. I have seen some great sights since I left Rison, on September 5th. I left New York harbor on November 2nd on the largest ship that plows the Briny Deep and had a delightful trip across. Of course some of our boys were a little seasick, but all of us Arkansas boys made it tine, but Arkansas boys you know can stand anything. We landed at Brest, France on Saturday November 9th, and the next day I was assigned K. P. duty, so I will always remember my first day on French soil. We were at Brest only four days when the armistice was signed and the French people put on a great parade that day. We were sent from _____ _____ ______where we were all transferred from our old Company. I have seen several of the boys from home that left home at the time I left.
I saw several of our Cleveland County boys that left home when I did, but they were sent out one by one to different places.
And now I am stationed in a little town of about 3000 population. It sure is some swell little city. I sure wish with that you were over here, we would have -----fun.
I am in a Provisional supply Co. now. There are several Arkansas boys in the company with me, and the best of all, one Cleveland county boy whom I had known for several years, and we have been together since we left Rison. It is Otto Waldrop of New Edinburg, and of course he and I are some buddies now, since we are so far away from home.
Well I do not know when I will get back home but hope it will not be long. Don’t guess I will get home in time to farm, but the chances look good for us to leave here soon, but if I do not leave soon I want to take a trip to Paris and Northern France where they have been fighting. This trip has been worth a million to me all ready. If I never see Paris or the front either.
I guess you are all having warm weather by now, hope so any way. Believe me the climate is find here, just like spring time. Oh, yes the climate agrees with my health for I have gained about 30 pounds since coming over, but this country does not agree with my mind for the more I see of this country the better I like old Cleveland county.
As news is scarce around here I will bring this to a close and if I hear from you I will write again. Give my love to the town of Rison and Cleveland county.
Your old friend,
Pvt. Ocie E. Towery
Prov. Sup. Co. Sub. Depot No. ____
S. A. P. o. 762, A. E. F.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY MIKE POLSTON