TRANSCRIBED FROM THE LAFAYETTE COUNTY DEMOCRAT AUGUST 9, 1918 P. 1
In France
Mr. J. A. Thomas
Dear Sir:
This may be a short letter and it may be a long letter, but here goes. This letter will tell you some of my new experiences. The various trips that I have taken were not made exactly under the most favorable conditions, but the best passiable.
The trip from the statue of Liberty to France was not as eventable as I had hoped it would be. I tell you it was some sensation well worth trying but not again for me if I have my say so about it.
The wonderful trip on a railroad in France was a revelation to me. We did pass by some real compartment cars but I guess because the word “Hommes or Chevaux” wasn’t on them they did not think they were for us. The cars here are classified 1st, 2nd and 3d class, and some flat cars too. I did not have to ride in all of these at the same time. I took my choice and went into a side door pullman sleeper that was the only choice. I had the car (box cars) are labelled ‘Hommies’ (meaning men) all the way from 30 to 40 and underneath was always found “Chevaux” (meaning horses) usually 8 and believe me they don’t forget to put the required number in them. All this sounds funny but I had lots of fun out of it anyway.
I am sending you a paper for the A. E. F. and it will describe things better than I can write them. The cars here are small, having only four wheels under them and they are about the size of a big cigar box.
I have seen several air raids and some air battles and believe me it was some sight to see, and that ___ all on the front line trenches and believe me when “Old Fritz” begins to fire his big guns and the bullets go whizzing over your head; it will make you think of “Home sweet Home” but you should see what the Sammies are sending him and send him ten to his one. The Boches have already taken notice that the Sammies are here and that they are doing their bit to win the war.
I have seen several of the Stamps boys over here and they are all in fine condition, they all tell me they never felt better in their life and all are eager to return to the States, that is when the Boches are whipped, which I hope won’t be long until out task is done.
Well I guess I have written about all I know for this time, but will try to write you a more interesting letter next time. I send my best regards to all and hope to be back in Stamps soon.
Respectfully,
Grover C. Williams
NOTES: Grover C. Williams was born on November 10, 1892 and died on October 12, 1966. He is buried in the San Jacinto Valley Cemetery in San Jacinto, California.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
In France
Mr. J. A. Thomas
Dear Sir:
This may be a short letter and it may be a long letter, but here goes. This letter will tell you some of my new experiences. The various trips that I have taken were not made exactly under the most favorable conditions, but the best passiable.
The trip from the statue of Liberty to France was not as eventable as I had hoped it would be. I tell you it was some sensation well worth trying but not again for me if I have my say so about it.
The wonderful trip on a railroad in France was a revelation to me. We did pass by some real compartment cars but I guess because the word “Hommes or Chevaux” wasn’t on them they did not think they were for us. The cars here are classified 1st, 2nd and 3d class, and some flat cars too. I did not have to ride in all of these at the same time. I took my choice and went into a side door pullman sleeper that was the only choice. I had the car (box cars) are labelled ‘Hommies’ (meaning men) all the way from 30 to 40 and underneath was always found “Chevaux” (meaning horses) usually 8 and believe me they don’t forget to put the required number in them. All this sounds funny but I had lots of fun out of it anyway.
I am sending you a paper for the A. E. F. and it will describe things better than I can write them. The cars here are small, having only four wheels under them and they are about the size of a big cigar box.
I have seen several air raids and some air battles and believe me it was some sight to see, and that ___ all on the front line trenches and believe me when “Old Fritz” begins to fire his big guns and the bullets go whizzing over your head; it will make you think of “Home sweet Home” but you should see what the Sammies are sending him and send him ten to his one. The Boches have already taken notice that the Sammies are here and that they are doing their bit to win the war.
I have seen several of the Stamps boys over here and they are all in fine condition, they all tell me they never felt better in their life and all are eager to return to the States, that is when the Boches are whipped, which I hope won’t be long until out task is done.
Well I guess I have written about all I know for this time, but will try to write you a more interesting letter next time. I send my best regards to all and hope to be back in Stamps soon.
Respectfully,
Grover C. Williams
NOTES: Grover C. Williams was born on November 10, 1892 and died on October 12, 1966. He is buried in the San Jacinto Valley Cemetery in San Jacinto, California.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT