TRANSCRIBED FROM THE ARKANSAS GAZETTE JUNE 11, 1918 P 2
The responsibility for ending the war rests with America, and it is my honest opinion today that if activities continue as they are, this conflict will end in September. This opinion is based on observations at this point and the activities of our soldiers here, and the people at home. We anticipate big results between now and September.
We are pleased to note an apparent return of confidence in our government and less criticism. That is as it should be, and gives us great encouragement.
While we have trials and tribulation, there are some diversions. Public and religious speakers and entertainers go from detachment to detachment, delivering messages from home. Bishop Bent spoke Sunday at my headquarters.
I come in contact with troops of various nationalities, French, British, Canadians, Australians, South African, New Zealand, Italian, Indo-Chinese, Algerians, Moroccans and Sengalese.
There is an American labor delegation in France now, and we are pleased to know that they denounce any dealings with the German working class while the war is on, although some of the Socialists here seem to lean in that direction. We want no dealing with the Germans except to fight them.
The 13th Engineers are still doing splendid service, taking over additional lines that are very important and handling them with much favorable comment from the French military authorities.
The construction of new lines and facilities is being carried on by our men, although we are organized as an operating unit. This to let you know that we are prepared for any emergency and have made a splendid record.
Many of our troops have moved over our lines, and they are giving a good account of themselves.
We are greatly pleased to know that our people at home are getting information as to the excellent conduct and high morale of the American soldiers. From my personal observations, I can justly state that the service and conduct of those I have observed have been if anything, better than their action and conduct at home, and our people have ben assured that they will be represented in a manner that is reflecting credit on our great nation.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Captain J. M. Walsh Co A, 13th Engineers (RY). He was born in Des Moines, Iowa. When he was recruited, he was superintendent of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company central division with offices in Van Buren, Arkansas. He recruited railroad men for Company A which were from rail roads connected to the Illinois Central line out of Chicago.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
The responsibility for ending the war rests with America, and it is my honest opinion today that if activities continue as they are, this conflict will end in September. This opinion is based on observations at this point and the activities of our soldiers here, and the people at home. We anticipate big results between now and September.
We are pleased to note an apparent return of confidence in our government and less criticism. That is as it should be, and gives us great encouragement.
While we have trials and tribulation, there are some diversions. Public and religious speakers and entertainers go from detachment to detachment, delivering messages from home. Bishop Bent spoke Sunday at my headquarters.
I come in contact with troops of various nationalities, French, British, Canadians, Australians, South African, New Zealand, Italian, Indo-Chinese, Algerians, Moroccans and Sengalese.
There is an American labor delegation in France now, and we are pleased to know that they denounce any dealings with the German working class while the war is on, although some of the Socialists here seem to lean in that direction. We want no dealing with the Germans except to fight them.
The 13th Engineers are still doing splendid service, taking over additional lines that are very important and handling them with much favorable comment from the French military authorities.
The construction of new lines and facilities is being carried on by our men, although we are organized as an operating unit. This to let you know that we are prepared for any emergency and have made a splendid record.
Many of our troops have moved over our lines, and they are giving a good account of themselves.
We are greatly pleased to know that our people at home are getting information as to the excellent conduct and high morale of the American soldiers. From my personal observations, I can justly state that the service and conduct of those I have observed have been if anything, better than their action and conduct at home, and our people have ben assured that they will be represented in a manner that is reflecting credit on our great nation.
NOTES: This partial letter was written by Captain J. M. Walsh Co A, 13th Engineers (RY). He was born in Des Moines, Iowa. When he was recruited, he was superintendent of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company central division with offices in Van Buren, Arkansas. He recruited railroad men for Company A which were from rail roads connected to the Illinois Central line out of Chicago.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT