The Belding banner-news. (Belding, Mich.) 1918-1973, 1918-10-16

over here. The boys here near me
wish that these who are yet at home
and are liable to be called will notice
this. If they do not come on over
and help in this struggle, that when
we get home, they will be due for
something terrible, and in the deal,
they will have their sweethearts taxi
en- from them. am not worrying
about my cwn case in the least, why
should L?
am not sure, but think that this
war is going TO end very soon. There
are all kinds Of reasons and indica-
tions, the one most important factor
is that Germany is new startled and
amazed at the immense man power
that the u. S. is throwing afainst
her. A few months ago Germany
laughed at the u. S., now she is be-
ginning TO recognize us as her most
powerful enemy. Her shock troops
are now known to run from the
Americans, that is saying a whole lot
for us. 1t is all true just the same
every word of it,
hear that the kaiser has asked the
devil for help and the devil is unable
to aid him. but that he has promised
Kaiser Wilhelm the hottest place in
hell after the Yanks get him.
have said enough for this time, except
that / sincerely hope the kaiser gets
his promised place.
Sergt. Wilbur f. Smith.
Headquarters Company, 10th Iuf.
p. S.-The Belding and Orleans
boys are all in the best of health. /
see them all every day.
The following letter is from Adel-
bert Richmond, who is a member of
the crew of the SIS. America which
sunk at it's pier in. Hoboken last night
just as it was ready to sail overseas:
Oct. IL. 1918.
Dear Brother, Sister and All:
Just few lines to say that I've
made my fifth trip to France and have
not seen darned sub yet. We only
will load up and beat it back as soon
President Wilson's reply to Ger
many's offer of peace. Tomorrow
over 200 of our ship parade in the
Fourth Liberty Loan parade. We
were out this afternoon drilling fer
it and say we did fine for a bunch who
have not drilled any for eight months
and some have not been off boat for
over two years. Gee, / was tired
when we got back to the ship. We
started out as soon as we got paid
after dinner and / up and ate pieces
of .darned good apple pie on top of
full grown dinner. Gosh, but it
was distressing to try to keep up es-
pecially at the command double time
Well, / got the Banner News and
about dozen letters today. One
was from Mrs. Jennie Puntine. Said
she saw my address in the Bedding
paper. Madge also sent another let
ter. Said she had not heard from
the civil service exam. yet.
By getting off the ship tonight
missed helping unload 81 bodies of
soldiers who died with influenza and
pneumonia. / was darned lucky for
most of them were not embalmed.
| really am lucky one any way. |
made this last trip and only stood two
a hour and one hour watches. The
rest of the time / had all night in.
This morning | was called at 1890
and had to work on the sounding ma
chine until four o'clock this a. m.
Three Of my shipmates from Mich
igan expect to meet their mothers in
New York this trip. / wish / could
go them one better and get 10-da,
furlough so as to see all Of you.
As ever, your brother, 1i'.F I
Adelbert, Richmond, -,
Ist Div, End Su-, New York. Care
Postmaster.