1918 LETTER #8:

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LETTER SUMMARY:

-- Might write a (gloomy) book about his experiences to get around the censorship

-- MUD, MUD, MUD

-- Good morale among the troops [unlike his experiences PLAYING ON BASEBALL TEAMS].

-- Frozen fingers & artillery "banging away" nearby

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SOME EXCERPTS FROM THIS LETTER:


4 pages, pencil

Y.M.C.A. (A.E.F.) Letterhead

April 21 1918

Priv H. W. Chapman
Co D 101 US Eng
A.E.F.

Dear Ma and Pa,

Nothing much has happened that I can write about. I could write a book however, but for the censor . . . I have thought several times to start writing in story form, in a book, our experiences, but its some task and we don't carry only the necessities and then again some days I couldn't write if I tried. Its the mood I am in. If I did write the book, in places it would be full of gloom, and other places the opposite, all according to the conditions and especially the weather.
[...]

At this front we are in now there hasn't been five pleasant days and Blacks Creek has nothing on it for mud. Fellows out on the mud flats clamming have an easier time getting around. But, don't think a little thing like mud is going to stop us and that long range gun the Boche is firing at Paris won't even slow us up.
[...]

In my estimation the morale is WONDERFUL and you know I see a good deal of the opposite WHILE PLAYING BALL so ought to be able to pass judgment.
[...]

Will write again next week. My fingers are froze its so cold. They are banging away at each other right now over on my right.
With love
Bootus
[...]

[Censor's script passing letter]

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