The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1918-01-25
BILLY" SMITH WRITES FROM
SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE"
Says French People Look to Amer
lea To Bring the War To An
Early End-Likes His Work

The following interesting letter
from Billy Smith was received this
week by his brother Robert, en-
ployed in the Mutual Mercantile Co.
store.
Somewhere in France,
January 1, 1918
Dear Brother:
Just had abig feed of "bully beef''
and feel so full of pep that I
thought I had better let you know
how good I feel. Have been in
France for some time now, and I
find the people very interesting.
They call us "Sammies," big boys
with slouch hats.
Had a snow storm today and the
boys all got out and we had big
"drive" Not on the Germans, but
on every tent, and we certainly made
them come out of their dugouts.
The 10th Forresters are doing a
great stroke of work these days and
before long will be doing their share
towards getting away with old "Kai-
ser Bill" The boys from Leaven-
worth in the 10th Forresters are all
well. Harry Beam says he may be
home anytime and to be sure and
have John Kuelbs meet him at the
train.
The French people show their ap-
probation of us for entering the war
and they think Uncle Sam is going
into the war in system like manner.
They have great confidence in us
bringing the war to an early close.
I was once doubtful as to whether
the U. S. was right in declaring war
on Germany, but I have seen enough
since I have been here to change my
mind. We could not stand back
and see France over run by Kaiser
ism. You don't realize what a
wonderful country you live in, and
we are now only paying France back
for the great help she gave us in
the Revolutionary war, and | think
the men that fight for Uncle Sam
in this war will go down in history
as greater patriots than in any of
our former wars, for we are not
only fighting for the betterment of
our own land but for the betterment
of all mankind. America will then
go down in history as the greatest
nation on earth. I believe in that
old saying, their people are our peo-
pie" and l do not think we could
give up our life for nobler cause.
That seems to be the great object
in life, to be able to make sacri-
flee for the good of all. When I
first Joined the army, I suppose I
was like most boys, had just a
little fear of not coming out of the
struggle alive, but after seeing and
hearing of the outrages that German
Militarism has done, I forget all
about it and only wish for the time
to come when I can get revenge.
We get plenty to eat here. Just
plain food, although we had a big
turkey dinner Christmas.
The boys, that is most of them,
got knitted articles from the Red
Cross, and you can say for us that
appreciated the things they sent us.
Clifford Pinchot sent all the men
in the 10th Foresters several pack
ages of tobacco as a personal gift.
I have seen and met many French
Madamoiselles, some of them tried
to kidnap me. Many of them
are good looking, but I long for the
time when I can see and talk to an
American girl.
The people over here think us
very generous. When we go into
store to buy anything we just put
out a handful of Francs and let
them help themselves. The boys
treat the kids we'll and are always
giving them Sous. Most of the
members of our company are gain
ing weight. Oh yes, forgot to
tell you we had celebration after
the snow ball drive. Several of the
members of our company have musi-
cal instruments so they all got into
an old "tin lizzie" and went up and
down the road playing and singing
"God Help Kaiser Bill" They were
not much for music but they made
some noise, and it was good to hear
You can tell the bunch at home
that haven't forgotten the little
village nestled among the hills with
its wonderful scenery and grand eli
mate, and I long for the time when
can get back just to whip fly
in that grand old trout stream, the
Icicle.
Will close for this time. With