The Covington leader. (Covington, Tenn.) 18??-current, 1918-07-11
FROM REV. cHEsLEY BowDEN

nome. Since the last letter was mali
4 ed ours has been a varied experience.
The most sensational moment Of our
= existence as soldier was when we
crossed the gangplank onto our steam
er. But after that another sensation
came when the harbor boats pulled
US out and good-byes were waved to
| Old America. Never before did we
realize that the States were so prec-
ious to us. Very fitting was the last
| object of the States that we saw on
our departure-Liberty enlghtening
the world, the gift Of beloved France
to us because Of our gratitude for La
fayette. And it was heartening
scene. Facing the east it seemed to
! give us Americas godspeed to her
boys who were to help heroic friend.
Our voyage was lovely. No Cow
ingtonians were sick except Lieut..
Sale. But was SO homesick the
difference could hardly be told. Some
have asked why we were sent so
early while others who had been in
service for several months were kept
at home. Our looks must have had
something to do with it. One fellow
said it was a ''raw DEAL" but / am
glad we are over and are getting
FUSED to it." While on ship the pleas
ure of meeting boys from everywhere
was mine. One interesting thing /
observed was that among those of
every tongue there was a love for
/ U. S. A. indispensable. And, too,
for the benefit of the ministers, let
me say that the Danish fellows are
the kindest yet met. We were at sea
very short while, but were glad to
get feet on soil again. When home
/ shall attempt describing sunset in
mid-Atlantic.
After experiencing some "rest"
camps and hikes, cattle car rides, ETC.,
we are somewhere in France. This
is very romantic to write, but the eX-
perience is real-then some. The {
French people are very kind to us. {
The mothers near us tell with tears in t
their eyes of their sons deaths or {
being taken prisoners. Our blood
boils. One old dairy lady related her
sad story to me one morning, which
was the death of her only boy When
replied "Trop male, Mamma, mails /
les soldats Amerique portant un fuse
pour les boches, ct Dieu nous donera
la victoire," her face frightened, and ?
a calmness settled her clouded coun-
tenance. I
The French are in splendid living !
The most beautiful
fields of grain and gardens are every 5
where. The cows here are the latest S
and give the best milk Of any cows
In the world--except in Dixie. Were l
It not for the generosity Of these peo-
Pile we would not feel so much at e.
home.
There are many interesting things "
lere, as in all parts of France and RAJ
Great Britain. The old chateaux and
villages give one of keen curiosity W
ome good food for searching" Most
very evening three or four of us fell \
ows 90 on hike. have walking u
quad, boys from New York, Pitts /.
urg, Philadelphia, and everywhere 81
Jack home. Our company clerk is
fine chum. He is from Pittsburgh. 81
We have seen some interesting things
ere in our walks. We go from three te
0 10 kilometres most every evening
A kilometre is 5-8 Of a inile.) The IN
Id churches are interesting also, but
would be lost with so much "eglise te
so our church is out an
nder some apple trees in beautiful
richard. have been acting chaplain
ince here. Last Sunday morning So 10y
ERE present, and at evening very az
lrge crowd was out. "A X. M. G. A.
ian who has charge of Chinese work te.
ear here, spoke, and / spoke for him WI
1me miles away at British Y. M.
I. A. The first experience Of speak ze
lg to Britishers was very pleasant. Tn
In our scouting about we see many
erman prisoners. They look at US pc
amnies with "awe" and kindness. !
owever, they seem very happy. Oa
m for them, too, and would that atl
/ Of them were as these. But after
L, prisoners of war present to one az
feeling inexpressible. 1t is such a az
sartless carnage that is on, and war lC
such a waste of everything espec-
lly talent and man power. After iI n
|, leaders of races are as children, 6u
hen weary with his playhouse, tears W
down. u
NV address is Company I, 327 In WI
Intry, American Expeditionary an
orces, via New York. Many letters
Id cards have been received since eV,
IRE. All Of them hope we won't SUI
I'VE to go to France. The bombs "a
e loud this afternoon, as the wind OF
lust right. "Jerry" is great on
ltertaining at times. Some holes
x to ten feet deep with q rice-throw-
Of shrapnel. He must have not
Ijoyed our applause, though, for M
1 make It 'snappy1 when the dash "a
q hum Of his car is heard, We have s su
On several air battles. One boy de- -.
ribed it as. being like mosquitoes M
owing bubbles. The, "buhbles9 are ~, ~
noke and gas from anti aircraft ras
ms. Oh. things are nice and lively. ii
Most all the fellows are well and I,
anting Ia. get sgE. Bills and .affletis go ~, a
me" Each afternoon bunch Of II
llows from Covington eat supper mo
gether and wonder "if they think III,
as at home" We know you do, emf
d the Tennessee boys are making ore
emselves useful for you. Don't 81;
rget us, and write. Well get it mo
side Of month. A line from home ran
fine. We are moving soon, and In Il
month or so will send another word. and
God bless you and keep you. Mr.
CHESLEY Il. BOWDEN,s3 INFye