Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-06-08
CORP. HIGGINS OF FORT FAIRFIELD
WRITES FROM THE FIGHTING LINE

last saw Of him he was lying on a
stretcher in one Of the dressing sta
lions near our trench. He heard
| that was in the trenches to his left
and came over TO see me. At that
told me his experience about the great
charge he was in. That same night
Just as he went on guard a shrapnel
burst right over his head and two
large pieces entered his back. AS his
comrades were carrying him to the
dressing station, one Of them came over
to tell me the sad news. II was a
blow to me, for we were such good
friends for a long time. I got up and
went down to see him At first he did
not recognize me, but when I spoke to
him and grasped his hand he opened
his eyes and said, ''Oh, Clyde, I knew
you would come, what do you think of
me now: believe am done for"
It was terrible to see him in such
agonies. I don't believe / ever felt so
bad in my life as 1 did then. I tried
to console him as well as I could and
when started to leave him, he grasped
my hand and said, well. Clyde. We
have been the best Of friends for over
four years and have had a good many
experiences together. We have just
fought a good fight and now to think
am done for; it will break my peoples
hearts. II I don't see you again, give
my regards to all and tell them I did
my duty" He then closed his eyes
and said. Good bye, Clyde"
Mother. you have his picture on a
posi- card. He is dressed as a High
| lander. leaning on a cane. Please keep
it till I come home.
1 am glad to be back from the firing
line. We are now In a quiet spot hav-
ing a good rest
the old farmhouse and gaze upon the
broad, level land, and see the beau
| tiful green crops springing up and the
lovely tall trees bringing forth bios
| some. everything seems SO peaceful
and quiet and yet within a few miles
| nothing but death and destruction. 1t
will take years and years to build up
what the Germans have destroyed, and
then II VIII never be the same.
I received your four pounds Of candy
and thanks thousand times. We can't
buy anything here. Everything is so
different. Tell Harold Goodhue his
| candy has been in the firing line and
sampled by 5s boys. They all said it
| was the best candy they ever tasted
Only one regret they had. 1t did not
last long enough. / received the box
just three hours before the big battle
When we rushed in the firing line We
all left everything in our billets.
could not take the candy with me, so
had to leave it behind. During that
night. about A. NJ, thought Of the
candy back in town. I said to myself
that candy has come too far and es-
pecially from my home town to lay
back in the billets for someone else to
eat So I got permission with two
other fellows TO go back at our own
risk and get the candy and other arti-
Giles. 1t took US Eve hours to do it.
for we had to take our time and not
run any risk of being shot, in the dark.
At any rate, I got the candy safe and
sound. 1 also received your second
box by the way Of New York lust
after We came out of the trenches. It
was a grand treat to have something
out Of the ordinary. We get awful
tired of our rations. Some days we
have only bareback and bully beef
Some meal!
I wish could tell you everything as
l see it. l have not said one tenth and
I guess it is as we'll 1 did not. All I
wish is that may be one Of the lucky
| ones who will go back. Oh, then I
will tell you all
| am beginning to feel better after
our strenuous time in the trenches and
will soon be ready for another.
Give my regards to all. Wishing you
all the best Of success, 1 am
Your loving son,
CI,ynE