Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1918-06-16
CHAs. AYASH NOW
FRENCH CORPORAL
WRITE HOME FOLKS
FORMER AMERICUS SYRIAN AND
BROTHER OF W. A. AYASH, is
FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY In
EUROPE.

An interesting letter written to
Prof. J. E. Mathis by Charles Ayash,
well known Syrian resident here until
year or two ago, tells of conditions
in France, and the attitude of the
French public toward the American
expeditionary armies now arriving in
that country. At the outbreak of the
war Charles Ayash was engaged in
business here, conducting store on
Cotton avenue, and enjoying a COOL
trade. Strictly speaking he was a
Turkish subject, having been born in
Syria, but like his brother, VIM. A.
Ayash, who is still engaged in business
here, he is loyal American to the
core, and when the United States de
clared war on Germarly he decided to
enlist. Because of his familiarity with
the French language and a desire to
be associated with individuals of his
own nationality in the fighting, Ayash
travelled at his own expense to France
and there enlisted in the Corps ne
Oriente, where he soon attained the
rank of corporal, which he now holds.
His letter to Prof Mathis is dated
March 28th, 1917, and reads as fol
lows:
My Dear MIR. Mathis:
It has been raining for the last
few days and thought the winter is
a tend. We have had severe cold
yet this has not hindered the opera
tons on this front and our allies,
the English, have made a notable ad
vance against the enemy, and we are
looking for big push in the near
future, when the rain shall have
ceased. (You know that from the 18th
of April until Oct. / this country sees
no rain)
l was more than pleased to receive
your letter, which rendered me joyous
for it assured me that / am yet re
membered by my good friends, and
was especially glad to learn of the
prospect of getting an aviation camp
in dear old Americas, and of the al
vantages this will bring to the town,
and may readily congratulate the
singular preference by the govern
ment, and l will as we'll felicitate
those who are appointed to this camp,
for they will enjoy hospitality I'm
equalled by any people anywhere in
the world.
AS to the sailing of John and Evan
Mathis to France, this was good news
l hope to meet them some day and
was glad to know of the good positions
they deservedly won, and wish them
to continue to advance in rank, for |
am sure that they ably and proudly
represent their country in this world s
conflict, as did their ancestors in the
days which made the United States
history.
We hear good deal of America s
preparedness for this war, which
makes us hope to feel sure of an early
victory, and this is assured by what l
heard from a Boche prisoner, who told
me that the Germans are well aware
of the fact that they were thrown in
bad pit by having made an enemy of
the great United States, and we are
loking forward to the day when the
Eagle will spread its wings and put
terror into the black hearts of the
Huns, when democracy shall win over
autocracy and right over wrong. I'm
til that day we shall battle and until
it comes we will not rest and God
will take our hands for Gods right
You have well guessed my where
abouts. I'll stop censorship. I much
appreciate your letter and hope for
another. Accept my respects. Truly
yours CHARLES AYASH.
The letter containing Corporal
Ayash's letter indicates his address
is Charles Ayash, 23rd CieSmme.,
D. F.. P, S. P. COL A."