Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-11-23
OUR 30 Us
49, in
OUR COUN1RY'S SERVICE

The following letter has recently
been received by Mrs. S. A. Moulton,
Augusta from Private Robert B. Pea
cock, Company b, 9th Machine Gun
company, A. E. F.:
Dear Ep: Sept. /.
This being in a hospital is a novel
thing for me; at present | am in the
Convalescent Camp attached to this
base. I'll sure be glad to see the
boys again: we are all proud of our
outfit. l am getting my strength
back by degrees: have a bunch that
struck some of Frances poisonous
waters up there. The mailbag should
contain a bunch OF good cheer for me
when l get back, if they have been
able to keep and carry it all.
This sojourn here has been unique
in many respects. OF course the ac-
customcd frQpt line tension and mat
ter of fact business like "strafing" and
defense against Hun "'strafing" IS
wholly absent, a'condition now wholly
to be desired. We're here for a Dig
definite purpose and once in the ring
one has a jealous wish to see the fun
through. That, to my mind. is the
dominant characteristic of the A. f.
F.-the spontaneous, absolute (yet
wily) confidence in our ability to do
anything we happen to deem neces-
sary or lucrative. The odds don't
matter; aren't we Americans? And
have Americans ever been beaten?
We all respect the Huns armament
and take precautions against it, but
we know what we're fighting for and
thrilling hate is always there to
back up pride and patriotism.
For the first time in France I re-
Gently heard band; also several re-
ligious services. The Red Cross and
Y. M. conduct frequent shows and
band concerts. Some real good talent
from various outfits are touring most
important places in the S. o. 5.
(Service Of Supply region, back Of the
lines). These. with regular" NOV
les, constitute whole lot of enter
tainment but a man doesn't feel right
in the army unless he is where he is
supposed to be and that place is AL
ways with his own outfit.
The quaint medieval-looking walls
that shut in all tn, crooked streets Of
this burg remind one Of prison.
There are more church spires here
than factory chimneys. In fact, l
haven't seen stable French manu-
featuring works yet. Everywhere are
women pushing hand carts. filled with
garden truck and all kinds of hawk
ers' junk. dogs providing most Of the
motive power. Bicycles are very
popular.
There are all kinds Of melting potts.
One is the way men from all parts Of
the States are thrown together.
know more or less well punches II
men from almost every state and the
differences are more marked that
had thought. But all varieties are
"Buddies."
The magazines and Sunday papers
you sent and those have seen at this
place are all to the merry in that they
tell about what is going on where life
is worth living. A timely article Or
a good story does wonders.
got a new pair of hob nails in my
QUILTING, which is somewhat need
ed for the hobs had worn away: the
shoes themselves last very we'll. l
will be QUILTED with new stuff all
around when / leave for my com.
pany.
I'm anxious to get word from you
and home again. This interruption Of
my mail has got my goat. Love.
Pvt. ROBERT PEACOCK.
Mrs. Newell M. Hannah Of Palermo