Dear Em
I suppose you will say, “About time.” Or will I blame you very much, for it has been quite a few days since Ive sent you a letter, and that one, if I remember right, was very short. To start with I am very well and have been ever since my last letter. Received quite a few letters in the last three days among which was your four letters dated Mar. 16, 20, 24, and 26, and one from Lena. I have answered Lena’s and it seems as though all I do latly is write. Seventeen letters to answer keeps a fellow pretty well occupied in his spare moments beleive me.
I am going to answer your four letters in this one hoping that this will be agreeable to you. I got a letter off to Madge last night, and addressed it to 103 Rutherford Ave, which is doing pretty well for me, how about it? Was very glad to hear of your good luck in getting into Plants, for Ive heard that the help out there is given every consideration for accomadation and amusments.
Who are the chosen few, pray, that the letters are turned over to. Say Em you’re there when it comes to composing letters. You may think you have an idea how interesting they are getting to me, but I don’t think you will ever realize fully how much I am appreciating them of late. Of coarse you know that we are up here again where you wake up with a roar, get your mess with a roar, and where we are roared to sleep, and, as the French men say “It is noising.” When really it is nothing. This is Monday the 22nd and Im writing so don’t get me mixed up in the news that was printed Sunday. Get me.
Did you enjoy your dance at Hibernian Hall that you said you was going to. You also mention in the same letter, of rain you was getting, and I want to say that all we have been getting latly is rain. Yes Em Miss Gorey was right when she said I was a tall thin boy. I wonder what she would say if she saw me now. One safe bet is that she wouldn’t know me, but I’d know her all right. More speed to where Daddy goes when he goes out.
Lipsett has not returned to us yet. As for the draft men, they are arriving over here every day. Some of them are being used to fill up this very regiment. I agree with you Em, they will be there when their time comes, for they are Americans and will be shown every consideration, even if we are only volunteers.
I had no idea that I had written so much, but it only goes to show how many I must have received from you. That day light saving idea is an old one in France and our time changed Easter, also. OH you new kitchen! I remember when Pa said, “Aint it the dirtiest green you ever saw,” (Haw Haw). Instead of, I wonder how the table looks at home, its the kitchen wall now.
I received that last package you sent O.K. and it came in very handy. Ive got the face and shaving soap with me now. I hope Berts mother is settled in her new home now, and also feeling well. I hope Aunt Madge gets a letter from Tom about the same time mine arrives and Im sure she will enjoy it better. I suppose Mary and yourself have some great old talks riding to and from work? I wish you could send some of that sunshine you spoke of in your letter of Mar. 23 over here.
Talking of Easter and your new coat, makes me think. I dressed up a little that day myself. Said day happened along while we were on a four day hike from the last front. I attended church that day, and dressed for the occasion, which consisted of scraping the mud off my shoes and puttees, washing my face and hands and combing my hair. I thought of you folks at home that day and thought Id like to see the usual parade again this year.
That item in the paper about Bob Melvin is quite a get up, but he is a good fellow and deserves all that is coming to him. As for that vacation you speak of, I hope you all enjoy the one you take. Mine will come when the world gets hers. Here is hoping I don’t get one until then for a blighty as far as I can make out won’t taste good, and Id rather be in it with a whole freight and a few worries, than out of it as a convalescant and nothing on my mind but the clock.
There couldn’t have been any mail consigned to me on the ship you speak of for I think I drew all that I was intitled to. Hoping this finds you all well Ill close.
My best regards to all
Sam.
Samuel E. Avery Hdq. Co. 103rd Inf American Ex. Forces.
[Editor’s Note: Easter Sunday occurred on March 31, 1918. It appears that Sam’s unit celebrated Easter worship in advance during their march to Reynel. This was likely due to the limited number of Chaplains that had to widely circulate among many units. It was enough to simply recognize the Feast at all, never mind on the actual day.]
© Copyright 2009 by Richard Landers, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.
Got your letter of April 1, yesterday (the one in which you mentioned receiving the Stars & Stripes) and I guess it was about time you got it. A carton of Perfections was very welcomly received by me also and beleive me they didnt last long for a ready made cigarette to us right here is a gold mine. You bet your life we should be satisfied with first class mail and I wont mind it until they start to cut down on this.
Soldiers' Mail
Soldiers' Mail 