TRANSCRIBED FROM THE BENTON COURIER DECEMBER 12, 1918 PP. 2, 7
Somewhere in France.
October 26, 1918.
Dear Little Girl:
I will write you again and here’s hoping I get an answer to the other letter I wrote you some few days ago, before this one has had time to reach you. I have received only two letters since I have been here, but I think I will begin to get some delayed mail in a few days.
Everything is lovely here at present, and it begins to look very favorable for the future. I don’t think it will be so very long before I will get back to the States again.
I will tell you some of my experience with the French. I am trying to learn to talk French now. I have some French and English books, also a French dictionary and am just about to learn to ask for a sandwich.
You should see the buildings here in this country. They are altogether different from those in the States. They are built of stone and brick, and they are not very high. Anyone will walk right into town before he sees it. They have grapevines running up the houses clear over the roof, and of course that takes the eyes of an American.
One don’t see many men, as they are about all in the army. The women herd sheep and cattle, and do any kind of work there is to be done. I am glad to have an opportunity to learn a part of the ways of the different people, but I don’t think I would like to call this place my home, and I’ll tell you there isn’t much society in the French people either.
Yes, I would like the best in the world to spend Christmas with you, but it is impossible this year, but if nothing happens we will spend the next one together, and I am sure we will both spend a merry Christmas then, don’t you? So while you celebrate this Christmas, be sure to think of me.
With love and best wishes, I am,
Very sincerely,
Wagoner Ben C. Walker.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS
Somewhere in France.
October 26, 1918.
Dear Little Girl:
I will write you again and here’s hoping I get an answer to the other letter I wrote you some few days ago, before this one has had time to reach you. I have received only two letters since I have been here, but I think I will begin to get some delayed mail in a few days.
Everything is lovely here at present, and it begins to look very favorable for the future. I don’t think it will be so very long before I will get back to the States again.
I will tell you some of my experience with the French. I am trying to learn to talk French now. I have some French and English books, also a French dictionary and am just about to learn to ask for a sandwich.
You should see the buildings here in this country. They are altogether different from those in the States. They are built of stone and brick, and they are not very high. Anyone will walk right into town before he sees it. They have grapevines running up the houses clear over the roof, and of course that takes the eyes of an American.
One don’t see many men, as they are about all in the army. The women herd sheep and cattle, and do any kind of work there is to be done. I am glad to have an opportunity to learn a part of the ways of the different people, but I don’t think I would like to call this place my home, and I’ll tell you there isn’t much society in the French people either.
Yes, I would like the best in the world to spend Christmas with you, but it is impossible this year, but if nothing happens we will spend the next one together, and I am sure we will both spend a merry Christmas then, don’t you? So while you celebrate this Christmas, be sure to think of me.
With love and best wishes, I am,
Very sincerely,
Wagoner Ben C. Walker.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LINDA MATTHEWS