TRANSCRIBED FROM THE PRESCOTT DAILY NEWS FEBRUARY 5, 1919 P. 3
Bitburg, Germany, Dec. 30, 1918.
Dear Folks at Home:
Your most welcome letters and Xmas boxes received and appreciated to the highest. Also made me want to see you very much, as you know; I could almost see the two sisters preparing to send it.
And the razor blades in particular sure made a hit with myself and a dozen more, as the next day we got a real shave. In fact the full contents was just what I needed and is impossible to get over here.
When I left the States they gave me an Everready Razor and I have never seen a blade for one since I have been over here. I guess I was supposed to shave with the handle.
I spent a very pleasant Xmas after all, as we formed a little show, and we have quite a few entertainers in my company. My friend Lee from Little Rock and myself made a Hula Hula skirt for a Hula dancer and he put on a show that knocked them all over. Tell Nanie Maud I thought I was right in Honolulu. Our captain and other officers gave little talks, which were very entertaining and we all enjoyed it. However the eats were as usual, with the exception of some chocolate and a few other little things, but that was all right, everybody considered it was the best could be done for us.
I have just received a paper published on the 26th of December saying the A.E.F. had a general celebration Xmas in France. I guess that was in Paris, for I never noticed any excitement where I was.
Nevertheless, I am satisfied, as I am spending Xmas in Germany. We have been trying to do that for some time, so I guess we should be very well pleased.
Now, papa, I don't know where I am going. Some times I think I am going home, then I don't know whether I am or not. I never see anything in the papers as to my division, the 89th, but I am sure we will get credit for some good work as we proved to be one of the best at the front. There was only one division that put in more time at the front than we did, and it just beat us six days. I put in my first night at the front on the 20th of September, and stayed there until it was over. That may not seem very long, but when you work day and night for a week at a time it will get on your nerves. Anyway, all I want now is to go home.
You know I never was bad about getting home-sick. Not that I never wanted to see you, but I was where I could pass any time with a little amusement. Now it is the same old thing every day, and outside of the boys in brown there is no one to talk to except the squareheads and I can't talk that lingo. I don't know what they think of us, but they are very nice to Americans and show no grudge. But you know you can't tell about them by what they say.
Well, papa, I must bring this to a close soon for I have got to clean up my rifle a little for retreat. I guess you know what I mean--I mean, stand inspection. I am getting along pretty well at present, sleeping in a bed for the first time since I have been in the army. I was pretty restless a few nights as I have slept on a board so long I am warped until I don't fit a bed, but I guess I will eventually get broke in again.
I hope Elmore and Marshall get home soon, if I don't; also old Jim. I think they will. I will be there bye and bye. I must stick around awhile and get things straightened out. Then I will come on back and look you over. I guess I should look to the bright side of it and say I was glad to be in Germany this Xmas, as we have been trying to get here for some time. For it is a blessing to us all.
But I am here to state we earned it. I want to thank you for the many useful things in the little box, and I hope to be near you next Xmas so we can enjoy it together.
I send oceans of love and good wishes to all. As ever,
Lawrence.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
Bitburg, Germany, Dec. 30, 1918.
Dear Folks at Home:
Your most welcome letters and Xmas boxes received and appreciated to the highest. Also made me want to see you very much, as you know; I could almost see the two sisters preparing to send it.
And the razor blades in particular sure made a hit with myself and a dozen more, as the next day we got a real shave. In fact the full contents was just what I needed and is impossible to get over here.
When I left the States they gave me an Everready Razor and I have never seen a blade for one since I have been over here. I guess I was supposed to shave with the handle.
I spent a very pleasant Xmas after all, as we formed a little show, and we have quite a few entertainers in my company. My friend Lee from Little Rock and myself made a Hula Hula skirt for a Hula dancer and he put on a show that knocked them all over. Tell Nanie Maud I thought I was right in Honolulu. Our captain and other officers gave little talks, which were very entertaining and we all enjoyed it. However the eats were as usual, with the exception of some chocolate and a few other little things, but that was all right, everybody considered it was the best could be done for us.
I have just received a paper published on the 26th of December saying the A.E.F. had a general celebration Xmas in France. I guess that was in Paris, for I never noticed any excitement where I was.
Nevertheless, I am satisfied, as I am spending Xmas in Germany. We have been trying to do that for some time, so I guess we should be very well pleased.
Now, papa, I don't know where I am going. Some times I think I am going home, then I don't know whether I am or not. I never see anything in the papers as to my division, the 89th, but I am sure we will get credit for some good work as we proved to be one of the best at the front. There was only one division that put in more time at the front than we did, and it just beat us six days. I put in my first night at the front on the 20th of September, and stayed there until it was over. That may not seem very long, but when you work day and night for a week at a time it will get on your nerves. Anyway, all I want now is to go home.
You know I never was bad about getting home-sick. Not that I never wanted to see you, but I was where I could pass any time with a little amusement. Now it is the same old thing every day, and outside of the boys in brown there is no one to talk to except the squareheads and I can't talk that lingo. I don't know what they think of us, but they are very nice to Americans and show no grudge. But you know you can't tell about them by what they say.
Well, papa, I must bring this to a close soon for I have got to clean up my rifle a little for retreat. I guess you know what I mean--I mean, stand inspection. I am getting along pretty well at present, sleeping in a bed for the first time since I have been in the army. I was pretty restless a few nights as I have slept on a board so long I am warped until I don't fit a bed, but I guess I will eventually get broke in again.
I hope Elmore and Marshall get home soon, if I don't; also old Jim. I think they will. I will be there bye and bye. I must stick around awhile and get things straightened out. Then I will come on back and look you over. I guess I should look to the bright side of it and say I was glad to be in Germany this Xmas, as we have been trying to get here for some time. For it is a blessing to us all.
But I am here to state we earned it. I want to thank you for the many useful things in the little box, and I hope to be near you next Xmas so we can enjoy it together.
I send oceans of love and good wishes to all. As ever,
Lawrence.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD