Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-11-13
OUR BOYS
OUR coUN1R i SERVICE

The following letters have been re-
ceived BY Mrs. Ellen J. Gilmore OF
Augusta from her son, Private Fred
4. Gilmore, Co. F, s12th Engineers. A.
E. F. Sept. 8, 1918.
Dear Mother:
We have got across the Atlantic
all right and this is one fine country
The houses are all made of brick and
stone and sure make a fine piece of
scenery. You have seen pictures Of
them, but enc doesn't begin to realize
how they lock until he sees them in
reality.
Conditions are not Of the best in
this country at present. We are all
settled at last. Were on the sea and
the road three weeks and we saw
some sights and country. I can't tell
you much about the trip till I get
home. The weather here is about
the same as in Maine, There are lots
Of grapes here but we are not allowed
to touch or eat them.
! am feeling fine and have lots Of
things stored up to tell you when
arrive in America and return to the
good old state of Maine. Don't you
worry one bit. Mother dear. for the
old war is almost 20 a closeup, and
will come back TO you and will be
in time to plant that pansy bed for
you again.
The people here are very glad to
meet with US ard are not afraid to
show their Kindness toward us. They
don't talk any English and it is very
hard To make them understand any
thing we say or want, especially We
that arc not schooled up to foreign
language. | don't know when we get
any mail. but hope to soon as I have
not had letter from you for a long
time IT seems that way to me. 7
want you to see Roland and tell him
pap;. will soon be home. l am writ
ing to him. Kiss him for me and
good by. FRED.
Sept. 30.
Dear Mother and Al
Have just been on guard since last
night at 500 and didn't get any too
much sleep. We have two hours on
and four off.
O Mother I wish you could see the
funny things that | do. You'd be be-
side yourself. But 7 don't think you
look at them as do. have had only
four whole cigarettes in two weeks.
Don't fail to fix IRE Up some and send
them to me- We are now In small
town and I can't get one Bit of to
tacco Every one Of the boys is in
the same Ak. We get some wine here
but it tastes like our cider at home
and just about az strong. They make
it out of grapes and some Of It is
white and some is red.
have talked with a woman and
her daughter who have been within
four miles OF TIE front lines. guess
they saw some grief by the story they
told me.
Keep up your courage, Mother
dear; T will write you just as often
as 7 can for know you are anxious
to hear I will have to omit writing
to some others and you can give them
my address. q hope my captain
won't censor this letter,
The farmers here use their cows to
plough with. They are nice looking
beasts. fat enough for beef. ] have
not seen any four wheeled wagons
since arrived here. There are not
very many birds in this part OF
France. have seen some robins and
pheasants and a few crows. The
roads are very good but not up to the
CID Pine Tree state. / have not seen
any place that can take it's place with
mo. I always used to wonder why so
many, many people from foreign
countries came over to the L. S.. but
7 don't blame them any. After be-
ing here, am Of the same mind. I'll
be 30 glad when / can return myself
have just received your letter and
believe me, I am some glad to hear
from you all. 1t is most time for re-
treat and will have TO go. Am hop
ing to get another letter soon. Do
YOU see Roland? Tell him want a
letter. Give my best wishes to Pa
and Bess.
] have a chum here, German fell
low from Buffalo. n Y. and he is a
fine man. an Odd Fellow and Past
Grand. We have many chats to-
gether. He is not like the Huns over
here. FRED.