|
Dearest Mother:-
Still marking time in this bum town. Rain, rain, rain, all day and night.
We don't go out much only to get our meals and return here. It is some
life and looks like it could continue for some little time. I received
another letter from you today and one part of it was a trifle puzzling.
You said Geo. Myers was back working for Brooks and some time ago I read
where he had died from Flu at Camp Lee. Then I think you misinterpreted
the letter I wrote telling that I had been made a Sgt. and wore a Sam
Brown belt. What I thought I said was that while I haven't received any
bars or Sam Brown belt I had been elevated to the rank of Sgt.
For the love of Mike don't tell anyone I am a Sgt. wearing a Sam Brown
belt. Only commissioned officers wear them.
I'm glad to hear that the mill is starting again and maybe if you are
patient just a little longer the Old Meadow will start. Tell dad not to
leave town till I come back at least because I want to come home. Then you
know we can't have all the luck in world. We have all been wearing home
shoes the past year at any rate.
Considering the dangers we have been exposed to with the war and the Flu I
think no one has been quite so fortunate. If you could witness some of the
sights we have seen and still see daily you would think your humble house
and any kind of a job like living in Heaven.
I did hope to be home soon and if the plan is to keep the veteran
divisions in France and I am a member of one why I'll just have to be
reconciled to the fact that such is the case.
The paper made a slight error about "Skat" Braddock being killed in
action. He died of pneumonia and I was over to see Ed and Art Byrne when
they came back from burying him. He had a casket and all. The last time I
saw Cort (?) was when we were coming out of Fismes.
So Nan Kenney wanted to send me a Xmas box. I'll sure have to mark her up.
She was mighty kind. Tell her she can send me a quart of ice cream to
Berlin for the 4th of July. Hope you all have a joyous time Xmas day and
that there will be enough soldiers home to give the poor girls a dance.
I am writing with one hand while scratching with the other. So far as
fighting is concerned the war with Germany is over but with the lice it is
still raging. We have them always, new clothes and all. I had a card from
Ben yesterday but don't think I will see him until I come home. We are in
for a long stay. You see it will take months to talk peace and then months
to withdraw.
Don't worry mother, about me for I am old and tough and used to it and
don't worry about me going into the mill again. I'm going to see America
when I return. No, Mother, we won't see Wilson unless he visits Germany.
Tell Florence I'm glad she passed her exam for I know she did.
Best love to you and the rest while you wait patiently for my return.
|
