SECTION 2
1917 Correspondence
1917 LETTER #5:
LETTER SUMMARY:
Mil starts this letter but Bootus finishes it.
-- More censorship
-- Celebrating Christmas on the Front
-- Rotten Chocolate
-- Lousy French stoves
-- Scratching "COOTIES."
SOME EXCERPTS FROM THIS LETTER:
4 (cut) pages, pencil
Y.M.C.A. (A.E.F.) Letterhead
Priv. M. S. Chapman
Co. D 101 U.S. Eng. A.E.F.
December 22 1917
Dear Ma
Have been [page cut off by censor] but[cut]
weeks now and have not had any time to write. It is now only three days till Christmas and although there is two to three inches of snow it does not seem like Christmas.
We have cut down a large tree and with some decorations are going to try and make it look more like a Christmas at home. We have not received up to today any boxes from the Armory, but we expect to be able to have them so as to give them out from the tree.
Boot and I have received a cake of chocolate apiece from young people of the Unitarian Church. Probably you know about this. Also received a box from Aunt Marcie of candy peanuts, etc. It is some relief to get a box from the States with some
good chocolate in it. The chocolate over here is rotten.
Are to get paid tomorrow for Nov. and have a pass to go to the next large city. Let us know about whether we take out some soldiers insurance or not.
Is Pete at home for the Christmas vacation. Tell him to write. Bootus met Billy Rafter the other day. He is over here driving an ambulance.
[ Bootus now takes over from Mil and finishes the letter ]
Mil just went out to shoot a hundred Germans so will continue this letter. You know how I camp side of the fire at home, well one of those stoves wouldn't go bad at all. I can't get within 20 ft of one of these French stoves on account of the coal dust fumes. I think they pack ice in the lining.
Sherm Hayden, another Quincy lad is sitting across from me but just now is scratching himself similar to the monkey at Paragon.
[...]
Xmas will be somewhat on the blink as we will be traveling that day. Met a couple of Syracuse men.
[...]
If I don't drop you a card from Berlin it will be because I'll have the Kaiser's neck under my right arm. Will close and write again when I thaw out.
With love
Bootus
Write regular
[Censon's notation]
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