TRANSCRIBED FROM THE COURIER DEMOCRAT JULY 25, 1918 P. 7
June 16
My Dear Cousin:
There are moments in our lives when a word from a friend means much. Your letter came in a very timely moment. I want to thank you from the sincerest standpoint possible for your kind letter. It brought many happy thoughts to mind. I thought of the times I had spent in your home and the welcome that always awaited me. It matters not where I may go or what I do I shall never forget how happy I was made upon being around your happy and good-natured family. In the good days that will surely follow this struggle, it is my desire to again be among you splendid people. At that time I expect to find the sweetest things in life--simplicity, love good will, christianity, and above all, peace.
The world is all in a chaotic condition. There are, seemingly, but few really sane people. I have come across the seas to find all mankind ready and anxious to become high-class murderers. This is a condition the people of the United States did not want. The issue was forced upon us. We shall be the greatest cowards in the world now if we do not fight to the bitter end. We must fight, and fight with a courage. There is no turning back. My message to all my friends is to be ready to make any sacrifice that you may be called upon to make. The allied cause needs men and money. These two things the United States has in abundance. Hence, no one should refuse to give of either or both. Give in enthusiasm, and ever talk the cause of our nation.
No doubt you will be more interested in things about myself than you would about things in general. I was among the early ones to arrive in France; not among the very first, but it was not long after they came that my bunch came. I have seen many parts of France and have enjoyed traveling in this beautiful country. The trip across the ocean was interesting, and every move over here has held its points of interest. Upon first arriving here I was sent to a British Army School, and there I met the fine fellows who have been carrying on the struggle for nearly four years now. These men were among the best officers in the British army and it was an education to be with them. After a short course at this school I was assigned to our own troops and have been with them ever since. I had had some previous military training in school but it was not of the practical kind. The troops to which I was assigned were old soldiers who had been on the Mexican border with General Pershing, and I had to watch myself closely to keep them from finding that I was nothing but a recruit. Since that time I have become a veteran as compared to most of the American soldiers. I have had quite a bit of experience at the front, and have dodged many German shells. It is no funny business, but you find the never don't care American soldier making his fun, even in the very face of death. At this time I am behind the lines for a short rest.
There are numerous hardships to undergo over here. Even at that most of the men are in excellent health. We flop down on the ground in the trench and with nothing under us but a waterproof coat, and one blanket over us we sleep as soundly as we one time did on feather beds. My health has been good most of the time. In fact, I have gained weight by several pounds. All the uniforms I brought from the States are too small for me. I can only hope that my health will continue as good as it is.
As there is but little time to write, I shall close, and ask you to write me at your convenience. With love and best wishes to all, I am
Your cousin,
JAS. A. WINN.
NOTES: Winn was a graduate of the University of Arkansas in 1917 and was serving as a First Lieut. in Co. C, MGB 1st Brigade. He was writing to his cousin Mrs. F. E. Young of Dover, Arkansas. He was with one of the first American units to arrive in France.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD
June 16
My Dear Cousin:
There are moments in our lives when a word from a friend means much. Your letter came in a very timely moment. I want to thank you from the sincerest standpoint possible for your kind letter. It brought many happy thoughts to mind. I thought of the times I had spent in your home and the welcome that always awaited me. It matters not where I may go or what I do I shall never forget how happy I was made upon being around your happy and good-natured family. In the good days that will surely follow this struggle, it is my desire to again be among you splendid people. At that time I expect to find the sweetest things in life--simplicity, love good will, christianity, and above all, peace.
The world is all in a chaotic condition. There are, seemingly, but few really sane people. I have come across the seas to find all mankind ready and anxious to become high-class murderers. This is a condition the people of the United States did not want. The issue was forced upon us. We shall be the greatest cowards in the world now if we do not fight to the bitter end. We must fight, and fight with a courage. There is no turning back. My message to all my friends is to be ready to make any sacrifice that you may be called upon to make. The allied cause needs men and money. These two things the United States has in abundance. Hence, no one should refuse to give of either or both. Give in enthusiasm, and ever talk the cause of our nation.
No doubt you will be more interested in things about myself than you would about things in general. I was among the early ones to arrive in France; not among the very first, but it was not long after they came that my bunch came. I have seen many parts of France and have enjoyed traveling in this beautiful country. The trip across the ocean was interesting, and every move over here has held its points of interest. Upon first arriving here I was sent to a British Army School, and there I met the fine fellows who have been carrying on the struggle for nearly four years now. These men were among the best officers in the British army and it was an education to be with them. After a short course at this school I was assigned to our own troops and have been with them ever since. I had had some previous military training in school but it was not of the practical kind. The troops to which I was assigned were old soldiers who had been on the Mexican border with General Pershing, and I had to watch myself closely to keep them from finding that I was nothing but a recruit. Since that time I have become a veteran as compared to most of the American soldiers. I have had quite a bit of experience at the front, and have dodged many German shells. It is no funny business, but you find the never don't care American soldier making his fun, even in the very face of death. At this time I am behind the lines for a short rest.
There are numerous hardships to undergo over here. Even at that most of the men are in excellent health. We flop down on the ground in the trench and with nothing under us but a waterproof coat, and one blanket over us we sleep as soundly as we one time did on feather beds. My health has been good most of the time. In fact, I have gained weight by several pounds. All the uniforms I brought from the States are too small for me. I can only hope that my health will continue as good as it is.
As there is but little time to write, I shall close, and ask you to write me at your convenience. With love and best wishes to all, I am
Your cousin,
JAS. A. WINN.
NOTES: Winn was a graduate of the University of Arkansas in 1917 and was serving as a First Lieut. in Co. C, MGB 1st Brigade. He was writing to his cousin Mrs. F. E. Young of Dover, Arkansas. He was with one of the first American units to arrive in France.
TRANSCRIBED BY LAEL HARROD