Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 19??-1918, 1918-02-13
WORTH" HAMILTON
WRITES FROM FRANCE
American Expedition rorces,
Dec. 80. ~ and Jan. rs,

wv W. ~ essN f''t -
Dear Folks;
This letter. which will be censored
is to let YOU know that have ar
rived safely In France, Trip across
was rather tlresome. we wore life
preservers at all times, even using
them for pillows at night, Saw no
submarines or anything suspicious,
Didn't get seasick coming over and
was surely surprised MS we had
quite storm which lasted FOR "a
hours, tables, plano, chairs and
everything sliding all over the ship,
The town we are In is quite little
burg and except FOR few French
soldiers and German prisoners one
would hardly know there was n war,
Our barracks here are not as good
as barracks In the U. 8, as We have
dirt floors which makes Il much har-
der 20 keep clean. and cloth window
panes. The climate Is damp and fog
gy, wood Is very scarce but We man
age to keep warm Things cost moro
here than In the Y. S.--guess they
think U. q. soldiers have lots Of
money
know you are wondering what
kind OF a Christmas I had here In
France. Well. u was nne. Had tur-
key for dinner. with mashed pota-
toes. gravy. dressing. bread. butter,
nuts. cake. figs and coffee YOU
beat that at home' The engineer
regiments gave the poor children OF
this town. whose fathers were killed
In war. q big Christmas tree with
presents carried little French
girl over to the tree and got her u
present. Had music from engineer
reglmental band. Some OF the little
French girls sang several American
patriotic songs In French, Lots OF
young ladies we're out They like the
American soldier boys and American
band music. The v VI. c. A, gave
an entertainment. and served lunch
afterwards. Had a good time.
On the eth got the Christmas
package from home. was frst person
In the company to get the Christmas
box and YOU can't imagine how on
vious the other boys were. II was
the best Christmas package ! ever
received and most appreciated.
Soldier pleasures are few here
and he has to make the best OF his
surroundings. but let me tell YOU II
Is making real men out OF some OF
the fellows here. We are seeing a
few OF the hardshlps OF war without
coming in contact with real fight
ing.
I received n Grants Pass Courier
yesterday-You don't know how
much I enjoyed 1t, coming from
home.
Am learning few French words
and hope to be able to talk quite n
bit. Reading matter is scarce here,
so would like to have you send me
some magazines. Send two or three
week separately. so will be able
A. .ot aa,,a 80 thar,
Have been out with crews unload
ing boats and making roads. We
may stay here for some time. Have
seen no place that compares to Ore
gon either In U. 8. or Europe. Be-
lieve me, no roaming for me after
the war is over.
Am getting along fine and have
had no trouble In my duties as a
non-commlssioned Officer so far, and
have never had a single private dis
obey my orders. My greatest wish.
however. Is to come out OF the army
with clean record. which | would
rather have even though ! should end
as common private.
Everything goes well with me so
far. am In good health and content
ed with everythlng-Good bye.
Your loving son,
WORTH.
Address.
Corp. J. X. Hamilton.