Weekly journal-miner., 1918-11-06
MITCHELL WAS IN THE ST.
 M|H|EL DRIVE
From Sundas-s DailY.l

Captain E. ]. Mitchell, a member of the 9lst Division, \. E. F., has been right in the thick of things on the Western Front. according to a letter recently received by his wife, who is now resident of Los Ange- les. Capt Mitchell has been under fire since September llth. The divi- sion to which the Prescott officer IS attached has the distinction of be- ing the largest division in point of stature among the American army units now in France When the men were outfitted, the large sizes in the run of uniforms were soon exhaust cd, and calls had to be made to the eastern cantonments for more of the extra-size garments. On June 26th, Capt Mitchell was the only captain selected from his regiment in the 363rd infantry to attend the officers school of instruction in France. And after creditably finishing his course, he was sent back to his regiment and took part in the big drive which Gen Pershing launched in the St. Mihiel sector.
 Through the courtesy of Mrs. Mitchell, the officers wife, the Jour nal-AIiner is permitted to copy as fol- lows:
 Thank you for your letters just received here way off in the woods in France. I sent you a short note several weeks ago saying that l was leaving for the front Well, ever since we have been on the march. march, march by night and hiding in the woods by day so that the en- crny airplanes could not sec Us. In a few days you will have read all about what we have been doing and where l am.
 In our present position we're hid ing in the woods with big shells fly ing spasmodically over us. We have also had some gas alarms. The night before last, a German airplane flew right over my tent and fired its ma chine gun at some horses which were picketed about 90 yards away, but we are getting used to such things by this time. Some of the dug-outs which are occupied by some of our troops, are quite comfortably fur nished. and have electric lights, etc.
 Just now the boche is smelling some roads in our rear where they think some of our troops are, and the shells are whistling right over my head. I found some forget-me-nots in little stream (the coldest water you ever saw here) when l was look ing for a pool in which to bathe. I ..1z-..r d.. fIA,,-n-- thaNr are like those you have back home.
 "It has started to rain, so have to come into my tent, and am all doubled up on top of my clothes, covers, etc. so you may have trou ble in reading this from this point on. (BANGi There goes another shell right close)
 "You can't realize the difficulties the boys go through over here. Long marches with back-breaking packs, blistered feet and short rations, just as we have at present. short of cigarettes and water. None of the water in France is fit to drink until it has been chlorided We often have to sleep in rat-infested billets, etc, etc. but under the most adverse con- ditions, the spirit is wonderful. The men are all obedient and willing, even eager to do and perform any thing that is asked of them, notwith- standing the privations involved. When we get through with this drive, will write more fully. In the mean time, don't worry, as no news is good news.
 GNED''