TRANSCRIBED FROM THE ROGERS DEMOCRAT OCTOBER 3, 1918 P. 1
Somewhere in France
Dear Folks:
Will drop you a few lines this evening to let you know that I am still here and kicking as hard as ever. Altho we are not yet in the "big noise" we are nevertheless in readiness for anything. Life over here would get monotonous if one did not take a good kick at the Boche and as that is what we came over for I hope we get a chance to get in action soon. Some of the U.S. divisions have shown good account of themselves but with great losses. Can't tell you of any war news and no doubt you read of all it as soon as it happens. Suffice it to say that I think things will come to a climax before spring.
I am still holding down my same status with plenty of work to keep me busy along my line but hope to get where I can do more good.
Uncle Sam is making great headway to get in the final blow and it will be the proudest moment of my life to see it settled and that I took part in this historical event. The sacrifices made by the American people, if such can be called, will be fully justified in the pages of history. No other nation has ever attempted the stupendous work undertaken by the U.S. in this war and will prove to the civilian world the home of genius and a land of plenty. The good old Stars and Stripes look better all the time and you should not wonder at the many sacrifices made in its honor. The veterans of this war will well deserve recognition on account of the great undertaking, so I am justly proud to be one of them.
The fact that I came and must undergo the hardships of foreign surroundings away from home is enough to make one feel as tho he did his bit, even tho I don't get into actual conflict with the enemy.
Tonight we have a regimental band concert out in front of my win-window which begins at 7:00 and runs until 8:15 winding up with the French national air, "Marsellise" and "The Star Spangled Banner." It is now more appreciated by us than ever as it is wholly American. These regimental bands are stationed at other towns near here and come in in big trucks. We have a concert on Sunday and Wednesday and as this is Divisional headquarters I am fortunate to be where I can hear it.
The usual good luck features still seem to follow me thru this war game and I hope it continues. A kind of Providence is not to be forgotten in such things. Chow (eats) is coming regular and good although officers pay more here than in the States. But we are glad to get it.
I have not received a letter of any sort yet and will be grateful to hear from you all. Remember a soldier doesn't care much for anything but a letter outside of his meals, so write as often as you can.
Your son,
C.D.WHEATLEY
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Somewhere in France
Dear Folks:
Will drop you a few lines this evening to let you know that I am still here and kicking as hard as ever. Altho we are not yet in the "big noise" we are nevertheless in readiness for anything. Life over here would get monotonous if one did not take a good kick at the Boche and as that is what we came over for I hope we get a chance to get in action soon. Some of the U.S. divisions have shown good account of themselves but with great losses. Can't tell you of any war news and no doubt you read of all it as soon as it happens. Suffice it to say that I think things will come to a climax before spring.
I am still holding down my same status with plenty of work to keep me busy along my line but hope to get where I can do more good.
Uncle Sam is making great headway to get in the final blow and it will be the proudest moment of my life to see it settled and that I took part in this historical event. The sacrifices made by the American people, if such can be called, will be fully justified in the pages of history. No other nation has ever attempted the stupendous work undertaken by the U.S. in this war and will prove to the civilian world the home of genius and a land of plenty. The good old Stars and Stripes look better all the time and you should not wonder at the many sacrifices made in its honor. The veterans of this war will well deserve recognition on account of the great undertaking, so I am justly proud to be one of them.
The fact that I came and must undergo the hardships of foreign surroundings away from home is enough to make one feel as tho he did his bit, even tho I don't get into actual conflict with the enemy.
Tonight we have a regimental band concert out in front of my win-window which begins at 7:00 and runs until 8:15 winding up with the French national air, "Marsellise" and "The Star Spangled Banner." It is now more appreciated by us than ever as it is wholly American. These regimental bands are stationed at other towns near here and come in in big trucks. We have a concert on Sunday and Wednesday and as this is Divisional headquarters I am fortunate to be where I can hear it.
The usual good luck features still seem to follow me thru this war game and I hope it continues. A kind of Providence is not to be forgotten in such things. Chow (eats) is coming regular and good although officers pay more here than in the States. But we are glad to get it.
I have not received a letter of any sort yet and will be grateful to hear from you all. Remember a soldier doesn't care much for anything but a letter outside of his meals, so write as often as you can.
Your son,
C.D.WHEATLEY
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD