Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-10-24
OUR BOYS
IL -
OUR CoUNTRY'S SERVICE

The following letter in several sec
tions was received by Mrs. Joseph
Dulac of Fairfield from her son.
Henry. who is now in France. He
went across on the U. 8. S. Mercury.
The letter was written on his way
across and describes his trip.
Sept. Is, 1918.
Dear Ma and Pa: rs
Just line to- day to let you know
that am we'll and on the high sea
and believe me, I like it too. This is
the life for me but it is very slow
for we have not seen any U-boats yet
and that is what want.
Well, will tell you about my trip
as far as to-day. We left New York
Sept. s, on Sunday morning at $50.
1t was clear day but very cold when
we got orders to sail. We had to
put on our life belts and will not take
them off until we get to- France,
which will be about the goth.
Well. as we got cut to sea there
were some seaplaTes over us and we
had good view Of a sea- plane on
fire, for it Was burning and came
down about mile from us and one
of oEr ships picked it up. About night
1T began to rain and 1 had to go on
the look out for U-boats in the
crows nest" as we call it. 1t is
about 100 feet in the air and we have
to go up day and night for we do not
take any chances with the Huns.
Well Ma, 1 hope to see U-boat
Just for fun and we may see them
yet for we have six days more on the
water. 1t is 300 miles over: some
ride, isn't it? have not been sea
sick yet and don't think l will be.
There are thirteen ships on this
cruise and three battleships so the u
boats had better be looking out for
themselves.
Now the 10th, was a clear day and
we could see long way off. We
saw ship way off and the battleship
went to see what it was but did not
stop long to see but sunk it. So you
see we do not take any chances at
all.
Now Ma, at night we do not have
any lights at all so that the U-boats
can not see us. .
Sept. II.
Well Ma, think I will write a let
ter to night for have some news to
tell you. I told you I would like to
see q U-boat just for fun and we saw
one this morning. 1t came right up
nea: us about SO yards from the ships
nd -
run for the life boats. When we saw
it we shot at it but missed it. Lucky
for them! We shot twice and you
ought to have seen them go for their
lives. 1t went under water like sixty
and I think we will see it again. I
hope so just for the fun Of it. l am
well just now.
Sept. 10.
Hello Mamma:
Just a line to tell you that that u
boat was back today but one of the
other ships that shot at it this time
We do not know if it hit it or not, but
I don't think it will come back any
m IRE.
We are about two days from
France now and it is raining all the
time. 1t has rained every day and
night.
This will be all for to-day. l am
well and fine.
Sept. 20.
Hello Mamma:
Just let me tell you that we had a
surprise last night. 1t was 1890 and
we all had to get up and stand by our
life boats. Believe me the soldiers
were some scared. We could not
hardly get up to our boats but believe
me, got up to mine for I took my
time. You see if our boat goes down
we sailors are the last off, and as for
me I would be any way for I am in
the Captains boat and he is the last
eff his ship. But we got by all right
for the U-boat went away as soon as
it saw US.
Now, Ma, I think we will see land
Tonight for the first time in fourteen
days. We are going to Brest,
France, they say, but we do not know
until we get there.
I hope you are all we'll and feeling
fine, and Rena too. When you get
this letter l want you to write once
or twice week, for you know that it
takes long time to get mail here
You may be surprised to get this let
ter mailed from the United States but
you see will give it to a friend Of
mine that is going back to the States
again and he will mail it to you.
1 would not have missed this trip
for anything and to see that l am in
France. Believe me. when come
back home l will be able to talk
French too.
Now l will close hoping you will
get this all right. Don't forget to
send me the Sentinel every week. I
am we'll and hope this letter finds you
all the same. Tell Rena to write and
address my mail to U. s. Naval Base.
Do not worry about me for am all
right. Your loving son,
HENRY.
BOWDOINHAM