TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SOUTHERN STANDARD Oct 24, 1918 P. 10
Jouqac France,
A.E.F. Sept. 26, 1918.
Dear Mother:
Will drop you a few lines this afternoon. The sun is shining very beautiful and it begins to look like Autumn. I am well and feeling fine. Hope you are well and enjoying life. I could write quite a lengthy letter but the censor would probably find room in the scrap basket for it, so I will be just a little particular not to worry him. Well I suppose to describe the ways and customs and products of the country would probably interest you as much as anything I could write. Of course France is a very old country nevertheless, she is blessed with the beauties of nature’s art. The portion where we are located is just a little rolling with its meadows with carpets of green and sparkling brooks flowing thru them, which makes one feel bad to think that its inhabitants has had to leave their dear homes and loved ones.
Nevertheless those we see and meet are cheerful and optimistic. As to the products of the country I haven’t seen any corn growing save a few patches of popcorn. There is quite a bit of wheat and other cereals grown and all kinds of vegetables in abundance. Also most all kinds of fruits, peaches, apricots, but not many apples; grapes grow in abundance. Most every farmer has a vineyard and converts his grapes into wine varieties. The red wine I presume is made from red grapes similar to our English grape, while the white or clear wine is made from a white or greenish looking grape, tho I judge from the effect it has on others it would not be advisable to take the second drink before you get the first one. The bicycle is a very popular vehicle here but there are not many as they are taken over for war purposes. The farmers use carts which are so constructed as to put as much load as on our two horse wagons and probably with an easier draft, and when it is necessary to put more than one horse to the draft another will be hitched on in front instead of double. I notice quite a bit of American machinery here, mowers, plows, etc. The roads are generally good considering the conditions of the country, I visited a cemetery in one of the towns which was of interest and quite amazing to see its ancient tombs and vaults that had been there for hundreds of years and are constructed of expensive material, with its sculpturing and engraving which adds to its beauty.
Well, I think most of the Clark county boys are still in the company which came across when I did. I will give their names which would probably be of interest to their friends. Reginald Osborn of Okolona. Jake Humphries of Gurdon, William Pate of Amity. Thomas Smart of Whelen Springs, and Frank Eliev of Whelen Springs. Well, mother I am sending you some souvenirs which I hope will be of interest to you. Tell all my friends I hope to see them in a few months or as soon as we “down the Huns.” I remain your loving son,
Priv. William G. Watson
Co. A 312th M. P. A. E. F.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY ISAAC WOLTER
Jouqac France,
A.E.F. Sept. 26, 1918.
Dear Mother:
Will drop you a few lines this afternoon. The sun is shining very beautiful and it begins to look like Autumn. I am well and feeling fine. Hope you are well and enjoying life. I could write quite a lengthy letter but the censor would probably find room in the scrap basket for it, so I will be just a little particular not to worry him. Well I suppose to describe the ways and customs and products of the country would probably interest you as much as anything I could write. Of course France is a very old country nevertheless, she is blessed with the beauties of nature’s art. The portion where we are located is just a little rolling with its meadows with carpets of green and sparkling brooks flowing thru them, which makes one feel bad to think that its inhabitants has had to leave their dear homes and loved ones.
Nevertheless those we see and meet are cheerful and optimistic. As to the products of the country I haven’t seen any corn growing save a few patches of popcorn. There is quite a bit of wheat and other cereals grown and all kinds of vegetables in abundance. Also most all kinds of fruits, peaches, apricots, but not many apples; grapes grow in abundance. Most every farmer has a vineyard and converts his grapes into wine varieties. The red wine I presume is made from red grapes similar to our English grape, while the white or clear wine is made from a white or greenish looking grape, tho I judge from the effect it has on others it would not be advisable to take the second drink before you get the first one. The bicycle is a very popular vehicle here but there are not many as they are taken over for war purposes. The farmers use carts which are so constructed as to put as much load as on our two horse wagons and probably with an easier draft, and when it is necessary to put more than one horse to the draft another will be hitched on in front instead of double. I notice quite a bit of American machinery here, mowers, plows, etc. The roads are generally good considering the conditions of the country, I visited a cemetery in one of the towns which was of interest and quite amazing to see its ancient tombs and vaults that had been there for hundreds of years and are constructed of expensive material, with its sculpturing and engraving which adds to its beauty.
Well, I think most of the Clark county boys are still in the company which came across when I did. I will give their names which would probably be of interest to their friends. Reginald Osborn of Okolona. Jake Humphries of Gurdon, William Pate of Amity. Thomas Smart of Whelen Springs, and Frank Eliev of Whelen Springs. Well, mother I am sending you some souvenirs which I hope will be of interest to you. Tell all my friends I hope to see them in a few months or as soon as we “down the Huns.” I remain your loving son,
Priv. William G. Watson
Co. A 312th M. P. A. E. F.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY ISAAC WOLTER