La Junta tribune., 1917-10-04
SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE
Tracy barnes Much in Love With
Beautiful France. Including Some
Of the Natives Thereof

Of the Natives Thereof
Tracy Barnes. who is a member
of the Thirteenth Engineers, the
Santa Fe railroad regiment, now on
duty somewhere In France, writes
to friend in La Junta, and gives
recital OF his Impressions and OBJ
servations In that faraway land al
follows:
know you will forgive me be-
cause have not written before. No
doubt you have seen by the news
papers that We were reviewed by the
King OF England and II you will
keep watch Of the moving picture
shows you will no doubt see the
lucky 18th Engineers in the week q
events screen. was fortunate
enough to get In front OF the ma
chine while II was In action, with
my hat off and a sandwich In my
hand. The people Of England treat
ed us very we'll. like the looks of
the country but II Is not SO beau
tiful as France. Evidently they have
late autumns here. The crops are
not harvested. but they look very
well. Every available foot OF space
Is planted and we'll tilted. The days
are hot and warm. The skies are
always the same pretty blue one
hears mentioned In the states as a
feature OF France. They are even
prettier than our own Colorado
skies. so you can imagine how
beautiful they are.
There are some very old build
irgs in this country which are In
good state OF preservation. I saw
one which was built in 1918 and II
is In good condition yet for such
an old building. France has reason
to be proud Of her old buildings.
We have nice quarters and plenty to
eat. The French people treat US
fine and do all that Ia possible for
our comfort. Although I can't speak
much French. am learning rapidly.
II We stay here year I will be
quite proficient. ! think. The pretty
girls are big attraction. 10 all OF us
wnnt to learn to talk to them with
out delay. I wish they could only
speak English. II stay here a year
you need not expect me back in
Colorado. I sure will get n nice
pretty French girl and settle down
peacefully and live to be n real old
man. Can you imagine It's being the
TRUTH
think my craving for excitement
IL about to be realized. have heard
tho fire OF heavy guns and seen
real aeroplane duels in the air. II
sure Is some sensation. but not one
that makes me feai uneasy. You
VIII probably Imagine me on the
run. but such is not the case. You
no doubt noticed In the papers that
the Germans are losing steadily now.
much TO our satisfaction. In a short
time they viii be on their last stand.
when We strike them with the lads
In kaikI things wont look near so
good for them.
! haven't had any mail from home
yet. but some OF the lads have been
lucky. Would like very much TO
know how you all are. and hope you
are In the best OF spirits. Would
like very much TO see n Ia Junta
Tribune with list Of the boys that
have enlisted. Some OF the lads I
know must be among them. We are
all anxious TO see n home paper.
VIII send some pictures OF the
war. or souvenirs n II Is permitted
! know you VIII be glad to get them.
! did a big washing today and feel
tho effects OF II now. Am sure you
would like 10 see me doing my wash
Ing. We have no choice. In the
army. and all must keep clean. and I
am doing my bcst. All Of the lads
from home are feeling fine and are
keen for the excitement found only
In the army. They all send their
regards. Remember mo TO inquir.
Ing friends and tell thcm ! am hap.
py now. and won't bs contented un.
III the Hun Ia an extinct species
Will write more next time. Dom,
forget 10 write often - letter from
homo brinss great cheer.
TRACY BARNES.
Company r. i5th Railway Engi.
neers. U. 3. Expeditionary Force.
IN France.