World War One Letters: Watson

MMS1851 WEW 171-173

World War I in TEI
Bowling Green State University MMS1851 WEW 171-173

TEI Letters

2015 Mathew Sweet Created the initial version of the article
2015-06-01 Mathew Sweet Converted to TEI
2016-09-07 Mathew Sweet Combined pages
Wendell Emmons Watson France February 10th 1919 Gale Watson
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Feb.February 10, 1919
Dear Gale,

Still marking time at St.Saint George.
I don't have much of an idea how much
longer we will be in this place. Have
been here about as long as I have
stayed in any one place in France.
There are all kinds of rumors of
leaving for port but no one is, or dare
to be, sure of anything.
I got a mean headache to-daytoday and
my spirits are pretty low. It has been
pretty cold the last few days and I
must say that I am getting all I want
of this life in billets. My particular
barn loft is heated and lighted entirely
by American spirit and when that
is rode down by a cold wave and a
headache temperatures are around the
bottom.
I was considerably surprised to
read of strike of such size in Seattle.
My idea of the United States was
everything peaceful.
Ground hogGroundhog day was a bright day
with us and I cast a good shadow

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II

most of the day. I think a fellow could
go skating here now if he had the skates.
I haven't seen a pair in France.
I wrote in to the Central Post Office
and also back to the old company for my
mail. I ought to get results in a few
days.
I suppose you are stacking up a
little wood now. You ought to see
them take care of wood over here. If
a man goes out to thin out a brier
patch all the cut out stalks are
carefully gathered and tied in bundles.
If they cut trees for wood they often dig
them out to be sure and get it all.
A cord of cordwood is worth
about twenty dollars. Majority of
people use fireplaces.
If things have gone according to
talk Bill Bliss has probably ac-
quired the habit of attending Sunday
school. I would like to know
whether he has really done it or
still talking.
The captain has established a small
canteen and recreation room

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III

where I have got hold of some good
old United States chocolates. They issued
some candy to-daytoday. It is the first
I have seen of the great mountain
of candy that is supposed to be
issued.
We have a company bath house which
is something else that I never have
had before. It makes a man more
decent and keeps down the cooties.
A cup of coffee and some bread
is all I took in for eats to-daytoday but
I think I will be on hand for my
regular hay to-morrowtomorrow.
Well I will say Good Bye for
tonight. I'll crawl up in the
loft and dream of crossing before
the summer sun melts all the
icebergsiceburgs.

Your Brother
Pvt.Private Wendell E. Watson Co.Company D 340 Infantry