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Laigne-en-Belin, France 2/2/1919

February 2nd, 2010

Laignes-en-Belin, France

Dear Em.

Well we have taken our first step toward the coast but from the way things look now the next one is a long way off or from four to six weeks away. This town we are now in is in the area for homeward-bound Combat troops and about 375 miles from Sarrey or the town from which I sent my last letter. It has been some time I know since I last wrote due to our late move, but from now on for a while at least Ill be able to write and keep you posted as to my whereabouts and health.

We buried our colonel the day we left Sarrey and it was not only a very impressive but also buisy day. The escort group of which I was one were driven 50 miles in trucks for this ceremony after which we boarded trains in a snow storm. It was a tough trip taking three days and two nights.

It was some long time since I heared from you until your letter of Jan 1 arrived and must say I was glad to get it. Must be more somewhere. Must not forget to say that I never felt better and although we are roughing it of late it is nothing to what we would have to put up with if the war was still on. Its Homeward bound too so we should worry.

It is trying to snow now, and I don’t know if I will ever get fully thawed out. Ill stand it until I get back and don’t forget it. It will be at least two months from this date before we will hit America so please continue writing and take that chance that I may never get your letters. Some of the boy’s folks have stopped writing, thinking they are on their way home. You don’t know how bad they feel. So write, write and continue to write until I tell you to stop which will be time enough.

Love best wishes and kisses to all

Sam.

Samuel E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf. U.S. Army

P.S. Excuse this short letter, for it is cold and so am I.

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

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Sarrey, France 1/5/1919

January 6th, 2010

Dear Em

A few lines today to let you know that Im still O.K. and looking forward to seeing you soon. The date will show you that it is Sunday, the heading will also show you that we are in a different town than where I last wrote. We pulled into this town the day before yesterday, but don’t expect to stay here long. Get me now, don’t expect to; the facts are that we know nothing about it nor anything else. One would think the war was still on as far as our movements are conserned. Be that as it may, we are here and here we stay until they dope out another move.

As there was not enough room in the town itself, we were put into these barracks and as long as I can say nothing good about our quarters why I will leave a lot unsaid. Rain; say Em I don’t beleive Ill ever (in my coming many years) see as much again. If I do I hope Ill be some place other than in a worse place than a swamp, for this place is all, yes and more than Im cracking it up to be. Of coarse nothing could posibly compare with the conditions that had to be smiled at while in the lines and the war was on; but for peace conditions, and a victorious peace at that, will say that we are living a wonderful existence. The chow is fine and men could wish for nothing better.

Yesterday the regiment was inspected and reviewed by some staff officer of the Corps. It was no pleasant day for the men. Mud, in some places over your shoes, rain, and a cold stiff wind blowing, and when I say that a field inspection means the standing of from one to two hours before it is your time to be inspected you will agree, that it is par bon for comfort. Ive forgotten now how long it has been since I saw the sun shine longer than five minutes a day, and as I write this it is raining, well just as hard and as wet as ever.

Ive received no mail from you or any one since I answered your last one, and surly will appreciate the next one to arrive. There are plenty of other fellows in the same boat as myself so there must be something the matter with the mail service. Im having a pleasant smoke with the pipe you sent now, and my feet are dry due to the fact that Ive got plenty of good dry stockings. Changed into a pair that was sent in the box last night, said change being neaded after our swim yesterday beleive me.

We’ve got plenty of wood for our one stove in this barrack and take it from me we take advantage of both the wood and the stove. As there is nothing doing today there is a crowd around it now and will be all day. It is not what you could call cold, but the continuous rain mud, and wind makes it very disagreeable, although we can and will stand it.

When I say barracks don’t for heaven’s sake think of Devens or camps of that nature. These and those are as near alike as the Back Bay and Harrison Ave. New Years we had a wonderful feed in Chauffourt or the town we just left. Here it is, Fresh roast beef, brown cream gravy, mashed potatoes, creamed Spanish onions, sliced pickles, bread, butter, coffee, prune pie and cottage pudding.

Well I hope this finds you all well. Tell them all it left me so and Ill remain

Sam

Samuel E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf.

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

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Chauffort, France 12/30/1918

January 1st, 2010

Dear Em,

Received the Christmas box today and was very much pleased with it. All the contents were in it when I got it and will say that you sure knew what I neaded when you put the razor blades in. The Boston Post of Nov. 27-28 was also received and was very interesting not only to me but all the boys in the billet here. Every one wants to be next to read it especially General Edward’s talk. He said that he could talk all night if given the time, and I agree with him, as will every one else that was in the Division when we left Westfield a year ago last September, and landed in England and France the first complete U.S. Division.

The stockings will come in very handy, also the pipe, and tobacco. I have received no mail from you since I answered your letter of Dec. 1, telling you that I was again with the company and feeling O.K. this being my condition and position at this writing. I expect to hear from you any time now though, which will mean an answer right away of coarse. I am in a very good position to write now so you can expect to hear from me oftener than you have latly.

Will inform you now why it was that I wrote so many letters (for I think I sent a lot of mail) from Oct 20 to the 30. I was in Verdun which city was quite a distance behind the lines although Fritzy threw many large shells into it daily. Those of us that were in the city (the regiment was on the line) were well quartered while there, therefore giving us plenty of chances to write. Since then I will admit that my letters have not been as numerous for we went up for the drive which lasted until the 11th of Nov. after which we hiked for ten days, then I went on a furlough for seven days, which really took up about fifteen, went to the hospital and now Im back and settled.

As for the weather, rain is very much in order now although it has warmed up considerable the last day or so. Plenty of wood for the fire, plenty of tobacco for the pipe and a crowd of the old timers present makes many an hour spent far from uncomfortable here in this little town about fifty miles from civilization.

The talk over an early return home has died out now so we just simply do what we have done in months gone by. Take whats coming and make the best of it. I thought sure that we would be back for Christmas but now I guess it will be after Feb. 1.

Well Em Ive got nothing more to say until I hear from you and I hope that is soon. Regards and best wishes to all

Sam

Samuel E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf.

 

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

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Chauffort, France 12/28/1918

December 28th, 2009

Chauffourt, France

Dear Em

Here is another to let you know that Im still O.K. and back with the company again. Left the hospital yesterday and feel a great deal more at home than I did while away which was just a week. We just got back form the Y.M.C.A. Hut where the band gave a concert and six pictures were shown. It was a very good show, for us and every one enjoyed every minute of it. Winter is here in earnest now and if you was here tonight you would agree with me. It snowed the night before last, was cold all day yesterday and today, and now, there is a strong wind blowing, with snow and rain to make it more dismal. There is a very good fire going here though and I am very comfortable.

There are four of us at this table now writing letters which shows that we are all in about the same mood this stormy night. We have been stationed in this little town (which is about thirty miles from Neufchateau, or where we were stationed last winter at this time) for over a month and it is getting to be like home to us. I suppose we will stay here until we leave for home, which will please me alright for I don’t fancy moving in this kind of weather. The papers must have given an account of the President’s visit to this area and it sure was a buisy day for all conserned.

Say Em a nice blazing fire in a large fire place (for this is all you find in these small towns) sure does make you feel comfortable don’t it? Can you picture us these cold dreary nights all sitting around this fire place (there are sometimes as many as ten in the circle) talking of home and past experiences, or telling stories to keep things interesting, every eye on the blazing logs as if they would disappear if we did otherwise. Yes we squat around this fire as if it was life itself and kill these last (and I hope few) nights in battle torn France.

Im up to my old tricks again now. While at the front we were lucky to get a wash once a week, but today (and it can continue) I washed a suit of underwear, O.D. shirt, pair of stockings, half dozen nose cloths and a towel. Pretty soft though. Throw them into a pail, boil them over this fire, and a peace of soap and brush does the trick. It is eleven oclock now so I guess Ill close this letter, worm into a place at the fire for a few minutes for a shin roast before I roll in.

I hope this letter finds you all o.k. and that the winter over there is not as severe as it was last. Give my regards to all and tell them that I am the same

Sam.

Samuel E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf. A.E.F.

 

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

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Base Hospital #88, Langres France 12/25/1918

December 25th, 2009

Xmas, Base Hospital #88 Langres France

Dear Em

Yes it is Christmas Day and Ive just got through eating a real Christmas Dinner. While the boys are talking singing and making the day as pleasant as possible I thought Id spend a few minutes back home there with you in this way if I cant be present. It is a very pleasant day here, although the sun is not shinng and it is pretty chilly. I say pleasant for I consider it such as long as it does not rain. Up until this morning it has rained steady for over a week and I don’t remember how long it has been since I saw the sun for a longer period than one hour.

I can truthfully say that I am enjoying this Christmas very much considering the fact that it is the second one spent in France and that I expected it would be spent at home as much as a month ago. Yesterday three other fellows and myself went to town and here is how the Eve was spent. First I bought some very pretty pillow cases as presents for you and Lena. I don’t know whether to take a chance and send them home or take them with me when I go, for there has been a lot of stuff sent home by the boys that never reached there. You will like them I know when you see them.

Anyway, after getting said souviners we had a beefsteak and French fried potatoes feed with what goes with it of coarse. Tried to have my picture taken but learned that they wouldn’t be ready for at least ten days, and as we expect to leave shortly I gave up this idea. It was raining very hard and to get out of the rain we went into one of those places where you sit down and call for more. Must say that we enjoyed ourselves until closing time which is eight oclock and then started home. Everybody was happy (or appeared to be so), but it was that make the best of it spirit that was very much in evidence.

On getting back we found that the Red Cross had left each one a bag containing hankercheif, cigarettes, candy, nuts, stockings etc. The Y.M.C.A. left a box containing tobacco, cigarettes, candy, cookies etc. It was late before we turned in and the climax of my time came when one of the boys who went over to where the company is, came in and handed me the Christmas cards from you and Lena, Bert and dear old Dad. Also your letter of Nov. 26th. They could not have been received at a more opertune time. Of coarse they made me feel all the more thoughtful of home and you folks, and right there I promised that I would give over these few minutes by writing a letter today.

This morning a few of us took a walk which produced quite an appetite, and on returning which was none too soon this is what we sat down to. Turkey, mashed potatoes, peas and gravy, fruit perserves apple pie and cheese, salad, bread and butter and cocoa. Some dinner beleive me and I sure did do my duty. Ive got the pipe steaming good now, a good place to write and tell you about it which makes this old Christmas far from a tough one, for me.

Im wondering now if you folks are enjoying yourselves. Your letter of Nov. 26 assures me and right here I will answer it. The clipping about Granmie was very interesting to me and it was appreciated. Ninety three is a good old age and if I knew her address (it does not say in the clipping) Id send her a few lines. I think Ill write any way and address it N. Manchester.

Glad to hear that the furnace is going and that everything is O.K. As for our General Edwards. He is liked by every man in the division and we all know that he will do what he can for us. Im glad that the crisis is over and that Madge and the rest are well. Im still here at Base 88 only waiting to be sent to the company. Feeling great. The President is due in this visinity some time this afternoon and he is to give the 26th the once over.

Forgot to say that with you letters and Christmas Cards there was a box of tobacco and this pipe I am smoking. The outside wrapper was not on it nor anything to let me know from who or whence it came. I wish I knew so that I could write and acknowlege it but you see Im out of luck.

Well Em and the rest, by this letter you will see that this second Christmas in France is being spent a great deal better than it might be. Far from what it would be if the war was still on. It is a very Happy Christmas for me and I hope that it is with you. Ive said very little about the war for at that time the censor was rigid but when I get home (which is soon now I think) I will have a lot to say.

Regards to all

Sam.

Samuel E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf.

 

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

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Base Hospital #88, Langres France 12/19/1918

December 19th, 2009

Base Hospital #88, Langres France

Dear Em,

Before saying anything I first want your forgiveness for my not writing while on my furlough. Im not sure whether I will get it or not (your forgiveness I mean). I had a wonderful time and after waiting for fifteen long months for it will have to admit that the seven short days were given over to nothing but enjoyment. Don’t think that I absolutly forgot you, the folks and home for that is one thing I did remember many times, which I think was more essential than just writing.

I think I told you before I left for this furlough that I had to my credit six months pay and 15 months reinlistment money. Some how or other I didn’t receive a cent of this nor have I yet. Had I got this I would have sent some wonderful presents that I saw at this resort. I got by though through the good fellowship of the other boys with what I borrowed. There was something doing every minute. The trip itself was worth going for and the beauty of La Bourboule will never be forgotten by me.

About 30 miles from our stopping place the train was split into two sections for the climb up through the mountains was very steep. Well Em it will have to be a better man than I am to explain these French Alps if they are to be given anywhere near the credit that is due them. As our section left the city of Clearmont (which is a very large place and the starting place of about all tourists to different places in the mountains) we could see the great peaks ahead rising up in our way but never hindering the progress of the little puffing engine that seemed to worm its way picking the gentlest grades but yet climbing as every foot went by. It was just before the sun was setting that we were surrounded with the grandest scenery that I ever did and I guess ever will gaze at. Yes Ill say surrounded, for Em no matter where one looked a feeling would get ahold of them and hold them spell bound. You’ve read of the towns nestled in the Alps, and they are not only nestled there but sleeping peacefully as though the peaks and the snow that caps these peaks were trusty watch men.

Looking out of the train window, away down there where it seems you could hit the little church steeple (if you were a German) with a stone, sleeps a town. Pretty little towns too. All of a sudden the train is but a toy for on looking from both sides of the car window nothing but mountains confront your view. The little train keeps puffing though, enters a tunnel through one of the mountains, comes out on the other side where lies on one side a valley at least ten miles wide and on the other a mountain it seems as high.

Rest well assured Em I did enjoy the trip and now I suppose I should discribe my stay at one of the most expensive tourists resorts in France. When one speaks of La Bourboule (and I suppose the rest of these places are the same) it is a city of hotels that is meant and a lot of places of amusment. This town (Ill call it town) sets up in the mountains, and while in it you would think you was at any one of our own summer resorts mostly Nantasket. Looming up on all sides are hills and the only reason I call them hills is because beyond these are still higher hills, but they are all mountains. A view from any window in any hotel (and there are many) is as good a picture as any one would care to look at. I wish I could have taken a picture of this place from a point from which I happened to see it. Say it was a picture.

Now I will tell you how I enjoyed myself. Mind, we were sent there as are all men on furlough, train fair, meals, and board, paid by the Government. We are put up at the best hotels and enjoy first class eats. The Y.M.C.A. has a building (The Palace) in which there is reading, writing, dance hall and canteen rooms, besides a grand theatre. Some thing doing at the Y. every afternoon and evening such as Stunt Night, games, good shows by French actors, fights, restling, and dancing. I was there twice when there was dancing and the Y girls were there beleive me. They are a lively bunch. When I wasn’t at the Y I was having a fine time also, which I don’t imagine is much news to you. I had a good time anyway so Ill can telling you any more about this 7 days leave and answer your letters which were handed to me on my arrival back to the company.

Your birthday cards and Lena’s too were both received yesterday and they were great. There is a lot of talk of our going home soon now, but talk and hopes aint going to get us there so I take no stock in what the papers say. That little kitten must have had a tough time of it and as I read your letter I could not for the life of me dope out what I was coming to or what became of the cat. I finally came to the place where it acted the goat and was glad when the assurance came that it was O.K.

When you speak of the cat coughing I might as well tell you that Ive got one of these again myself. I got quite a cold just before leaving La Bourboule and the trip on the train didn’t help it any. When I arrived at the company and on being examined by the doctor three words from my lips was enough to convince him that I got cold and away to the hospital I went. I will be back with the company again soon though. The flue is here now and they are acting very careful. My throat is coming along fine now and Im alright so don’t worry.

If Lena will remember I had the same kind of trouble with my throat the time I came back from Washington, and now you’ve got the story. These after war diseases you speak of are never getting me Em so don’t worry on that score. I spend too much time having a good time in my own silly way to get mixed up into anything like that.

While away on furlough I just simply raised the devil and smoked a lot of cigarettes, stayed out late nights and sang a lot of songs. Result – a very hoarse throat and a little cough. Im a great deal better off at that than a lot of so called wise guys that are not as noisy as I am when on a good time nor as brave when there is no one around to see them perform. Don’t worry about me Em. Ive come through so far and when the 26th goes home Im with it.

Give my regards to all and tell them that I will write as soon and as much as I can. I am at Base Hospital #88 Langres France. Don’t address my mail here though for I will soon be back with the company as soon as they are sure I have not got the flue, and that very soon. Will send some souviners as soon as I get some jack.

Hoping to see you son after this letter reaches you if not before I am your brother

Sam.

S. E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf. A.E.F.

 

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

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Chauffort, France 12/5/1918

December 6th, 2009

Dear Em

I have just been granted a furlough and although we don’t know just when we are to leave, our time dosen’t start until we arrive at the leave area so we should worry. The place to which we are going is La Bombole some where in the south western part of France and over a hundred miles from where we are now stationed. From what the fellows say that have been there I judge that one can have a very good time. Im looking forward to it anyway and you can rest assured that after a fellow has spent over ten months in confinement and the greater part of this time right at the front he will enjoy himself when given a little liberty. They say there are all kind of amusments, and plenty of eats of the best kind. Picture me will you, for seven whole days where there is all kinds of dancings and other places for the boys. Y.M.C.A. girls to dance with.

I am feeling tip top and can’t see why I won’t enjoy myself perfectly. Will write again when I arrive there and tell you what kind of a time I am having. Hope that Henry is coming along alright, and tell Lena to watch herself in the health line.

It dosent look now as though we would get home for Christmas. Divisions that have earned a speedy return, such as the gallant 76th are in on this gravy. Never mind, we will get there someday. Trusting this finds you all well Ill close remaining

Sam.

S. E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf.

 

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

[The 76th Division was a National Army division that did not arrive in France until August, 1918 and also did not see combat, yet was returned home before other veteran Divisions.]

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Chauffort, France 11/24/1918

November 24th, 2009

Dear Em,

Just as I sat down to write this, your letter of Nov. 5 was handed to me in which was inclosed the Last Will and Testement of Gott, and I must say its pretty good and shows that you folks knew this thing was going to end long before we did. I havent written since Nov. 12, in which letter I spoke of the end and how we felt towards it. Must say that we have been very buisy ever since having completed a hike lasting ten days and covering a distance of about 150 miles.

About a month before the end we were put on the Verdun Front where there was plenty doing until the last second beleive me. Our unit started an attack two or three days before the 11th and were driving at the eleventh minute, (then Peace). We held the lines for two days and were releaved by a new division. Then the hike started. We were a days hike beyond Verdun and now we are ten days hike this side of it. Some walk.

Im feeling fine as are the rest of the boys and we are all wondering now when they will send us home. We are in a small town outside of Langres, but only expect to stay here long enough to get cleaned up, some new cloths and kind of reorganized. Then I hope it is home for us.

Expect to spend Thanksgiving here in this little town and take it from me we have got a lot to be thankful for. My hopes are high for a Christmas Dinner at home this year and say, won’t that be great? As soon as I get a bath, and change of cloths Ill be joly and I hope its not far off. Well Em, trusting this finds you all well and hoping to see you Christmas Ill close remaining

Sam S. E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf.

 

Dear Pa,

This letter will be somewhat of a surprise to you I know, but I guess I have kept Em pretty well posted when ever it was posible and these letters were of coarse as much for you as the rest. The idea of this being received by you on Christmas day has prompted me to scratch you a few lines.

Of coarse you know it is all over. The next thing is Homeward Bound. It sure will be a beautiful, beautiful sound to us all right. I have just finished a few lines to Em, and Im wondering if these two letters will both get there the same time. After a long hike (we have been on the go for the last ten days) we are now resting in this small French Town. Im feeling O.K. and hope to see you soon in this condition. Id even like to beat this letter home.

Well Pa I knew when I started that I wouldn’t say much but it is something for you on this Daddy’s Day from one that went through this jam without a scratch. Ive been very lucky and will sure remember you folks Thanksgiving Day. Hoping you enjoy this day I remain your

Sam S. E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf

 

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

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Somewhere in the lines near Mamelle Trench, 11/5/1918

November 5th, 2009

[Along the captured Kriemhilde Line]

Dear Em,

This is just to let you know that I am still O.K. and enjoying the latest news fully as much as you folks. Isn’t it great what? Of coarse more and much better news has been received there by the time you read this, for things seem to be developing very fast now, and the end is only a matter of time. The latest news that we have received is that Austria has signed the Allied terms, and England has spanked a few more of their “Kamarads” and releaved them of a few of their destructive toys, or cannon.

What seems to worry us boys over here the most is the epidemic that is raging over there, for in letters every one gets this is mentioned and Ive seen more than one poor chap that has lost either a mother, sister or wife. It was only today that one of the boys in the company received a letter stating that his mother and youngest sister had both died the same day from this same disease. Beleive me this is tough news for the fellows, and what makes it worse is the fact that there are others in all there families that are subject to the same thing, and this fact plays on the boy’s mind. As in another case in the company this chap hadn’t received a word from home for quite a while and he was afraid some thing was up. His brother who is in the Navy happened to be home and it was him that sent the sad news.

Write often and say that you are all O.K. for although I feel pretty confident that you folks will escape this seige, you never can tell you know. I think of Madge and the Coynes and the rest when I hear of these cases and I do hope every one will come out all right. There are very very few cases here and up until now there has only been one man in the company (and it is no small company) that has been sent to the hospital with it. He has since returned in the best of health. This shows that it is at home that our worries centre. So much for the flue, may they soon master it.

As for me, why its just the same thing day after day, waiting for the end. The outfit is still in the lines and I am still where I sent my last letter from. I hear that the old outfit is handy by but I can’t seem to find either of the Coynes. Will probably run into them soon. Id like to be with you and help eat that Thanksgiving Dinner this year but never mind there are more coming. I don’t get any news from Henry and his family latly and I trust that they are all well.

As usual this is all Ive got to say, but if I get as good news from you from now on (if nothing else) Ill be very easy. Is all the paper hung yet. I can picture Lena and her sleeves rolled up while this is going on. Also Bert moving that piano. How far is the stove from the ash barrell Pa? Feeling that I am beginning to get wise I guess Ill close.

Regards to all

Sam.

Samuel E. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf. Am. Ex. Forces.

 

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

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Somewhere in the lines near Mamelle Trench, 11/1/1918

November 1st, 2009

[Along the captured Kriemhilde Line]

Dear Em,

Received your letter of Oct 8, not more than an hour ago and now that I have put away my mess kit, (for it was handed to me just before going to supper) I will answer it. To begin with I will say that this letter made very good time, but not as good as one I got from Lil the other day. It was mailed Oct 14, and it was handed to me the 28th day of the same month. Going some what? You sure used the right stuff in this letter in your mention of Germany’s plea for peace and our fight for Victory, which is peace. Yes we want to get home all right, but “When its over over here.”

You say you are not getting much mail but Im writing as often as I can and can’t see why my mail is not regularly received. Glad to here that you are not or have not come in contact with this new epidemic. One fellow here just received a letter that his mother has just died from this sickness. Gee but its tough on him and he feels it and shows that it hurts him. He said that he hadn’t been getting any mail from home and felt that something must be wrong.

Hope you get your coal soon, for it must be getting cold there now. You sure will be all dressed up when all that paper is hung. Hope to get a look at it. Yes the picture of the kitten is with all the others in my very much worn pocket book and if I lose it every thing or about every thing I prize the most will go with it. The watch keeps very good time and although the chain is getting very much worn and then it is still on the job, and I expect it will last until the finish of the big job.

Of coarse my letters would not be complete without mentioning the weather which is at present very good for France. It says cloudy and sprinkles now and then which is a great deal better than continual rains. It is getting kind of chilly but I think we will stand up under it better this year than we did last, if we are at the front. Im never liking putting this winter in at the front, but Im afraid its got to be. Here is hoping it will be the last. Its consolation to know that the Boshe will suffer more than we will the way things are going for them now, so we will just smile and bear it.

We are eating good, which is half the battle while in the trenches. When I say trenches, of coarse I mean the front, for there is no such thing nowadays. Only shell holes or holes that each individual doughboy digs himself. The Boshe have been driven from their trenches and holes and is given no time to resume his old tactics.

Well Ill have to close now Em promising to write again soon. We feel lucky if we get a paper that is a day or two old so you can see how much news we get unless it is from our imediate sector. Hoping this finds you all in the same good health and that Ill hear from you soon I remain

Sam.

Samuel Ed. Avery #69762, Hdq Co. 103rd Inf. Am. Ex. Forces.

 

© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.

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