1918 LETTER #23:

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LETTER SUMMARY:

This letter was written by Lester Chapman to his brothers.

-- "I sure was glad to hear you both came through unharmed"

-- "THAT BOAT THAT WAS SUNK WAS IN OUR CONVOY. We had rough weather all the way across."

-- "I am surely disappointed at not being able to see a little fighting."

-- "Congratulations to Corporal M. S. Chapman."

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SOME EXCERPTS FROM THIS LETTER:


5 pages, pencil

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

Mast. Gun. L. N. Chapman
REG. HDQT. 61 Art. Cae(?).

Dec 12, 1918

Dear Mil and Bootus:

I received each of your letters today. You weren't the only ones to worry. They were the first letters I have received since leaving the States and I sure was glad to hear you both came through unharmed.
[...]

THAT BOAT THAT WAS SUNK WAS IN OUR CONVOY. We had rough weather all the way across and when we hit the north of Ireland we run into a regular hurricane. The boat I was on board all her rafts and small boats carried away and her superstructure badly smashed. I guess we were pretty lucky to pull through
[...]

Came across the Channel in the old "Governor Cobb" that used to run from Boston to Portland ME . . . I have been here ever since having a pretty easy time.

The report is that we leave very shortly for the States. We have turned in all our guns and are ready to leave at any time.
[...]

I am surely disappointed at not being able to see a little fighting. You boys must have seen a lot of it and I sure am proud of you.

Those were fine pictures you had taken. You both look to be in good fighting trim.
[...]

All our regular Army officers except one have been transferred to the Army of Occupation. That one is a Major who now has charge of the Regiment as the Colonel & Lt. Col. have gone. That's what makes me think we will leave very shortly for the States.

For the last two weeks it has been raining here, but I have a stove in my room, so am well fixed. It is the hang-out for all the boys.
[...]

With Love,
Pete

Congratulations to Corporal M. S. Chapman.

[Censor's script passing letter]

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