TRANSCRIBED FROM THE HELENA WORLD DECEMBER 30, 1917 P. 2
France, Dec. 7, 1917.
Dear Mrs. Byerley:
My letters to you are few and far between, but they are no indication of the number of times I have thought of you.
Well, "times have changed" with me considerably in the past few months. Let's see; I've been in the army now going on six months (seems like six years). I know that civilian life is going to seem good to me when I get out, too. I don't want to create a wrong impression here, either. I honestly have enjoyed army life most of the time. Once in a while we have to put up with some tough situations but not often. I think I miss the privileges of civilian life more than anything else.
The last I saw of Gover Knight was in England. He was in good health and spirits and said that he enjoyed the army life very much. Also said he was going to appreciate his home more when he gets back (as we all will).
Our company is comfortably situated here and we haven't a legitimate complaint in the world to make. The food is good--much better, in fact, than some I received at Jefferson Barracks, back in the States. The work is not hard at present--probably after we get more thoroughly settled it will be the same as around any sawmill or lumber yard in Helena, with hours that are not quite as long.
We have Saturday afternoons and Sundays to ourselves, and there are many interesting places to visit. Last Sunday I went to a little town that was famous as a health resort--mud baths, etc. It was a beautiful place and just one of many that are around here.
It is hard to realize that I am in France, and I catch myself wondering many times if it isn't all a dream. Then a bloomin' bugle toots in the distance and--zip! goes the dream.
Have heard twice from Myrtle in the last three months. She says in her last letter that she has written more, but I haven't received them as yet. Letters are more welcomed by the soldiers than the paymaster, so tell her to write. She certainly must be enjoying school.
Well, I guess the weather is about the only thing left for me to comment on (or the only thing the censor will let me). The nights and mornings are cool--ice sometimes in our buckets and pans--but the days are delightful, warm and clear most of the time now. At night a fire in our tent feels good, though.
Am studying French diligently and can understand and speak it fairly well now. You wouldn't know me now to hear me spout it with the best.
I hope this letter reaches you in time to convey a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year greeting to you and your husband.
Cordially,
ROY.
Roy Williams.
Co. A. 10th Eng. Forest.
Am. Expd. Forces in France.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
France, Dec. 7, 1917.
Dear Mrs. Byerley:
My letters to you are few and far between, but they are no indication of the number of times I have thought of you.
Well, "times have changed" with me considerably in the past few months. Let's see; I've been in the army now going on six months (seems like six years). I know that civilian life is going to seem good to me when I get out, too. I don't want to create a wrong impression here, either. I honestly have enjoyed army life most of the time. Once in a while we have to put up with some tough situations but not often. I think I miss the privileges of civilian life more than anything else.
The last I saw of Gover Knight was in England. He was in good health and spirits and said that he enjoyed the army life very much. Also said he was going to appreciate his home more when he gets back (as we all will).
Our company is comfortably situated here and we haven't a legitimate complaint in the world to make. The food is good--much better, in fact, than some I received at Jefferson Barracks, back in the States. The work is not hard at present--probably after we get more thoroughly settled it will be the same as around any sawmill or lumber yard in Helena, with hours that are not quite as long.
We have Saturday afternoons and Sundays to ourselves, and there are many interesting places to visit. Last Sunday I went to a little town that was famous as a health resort--mud baths, etc. It was a beautiful place and just one of many that are around here.
It is hard to realize that I am in France, and I catch myself wondering many times if it isn't all a dream. Then a bloomin' bugle toots in the distance and--zip! goes the dream.
Have heard twice from Myrtle in the last three months. She says in her last letter that she has written more, but I haven't received them as yet. Letters are more welcomed by the soldiers than the paymaster, so tell her to write. She certainly must be enjoying school.
Well, I guess the weather is about the only thing left for me to comment on (or the only thing the censor will let me). The nights and mornings are cool--ice sometimes in our buckets and pans--but the days are delightful, warm and clear most of the time now. At night a fire in our tent feels good, though.
Am studying French diligently and can understand and speak it fairly well now. You wouldn't know me now to hear me spout it with the best.
I hope this letter reaches you in time to convey a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year greeting to you and your husband.
Cordially,
ROY.
Roy Williams.
Co. A. 10th Eng. Forest.
Am. Expd. Forces in France.
NOTES:
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD