Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1919-01-16

pack on our back started out. some long
hike, but we landed there at six o'clock.
Could have made it in lesser time, but
they were lost and walked us a couple
miles out of the way. We held that line
and was then put back in reserve Tor a
week, when we left that place and land
ed on another front called Moose Woods
and on November 18th, wethad orders to
go so far then stop, that peace was to
be declared, and everything was to- be
still at eleven o'clock.
Well none of you can imagine what
happy bunch we were when at 3 O'CLOCK
the good news came that it was all over.
You never heard such yelling and shout
ing that this bunch did. We remained
at that place for week, in our tents as
nothing could move, then we had trucks
to take US back to Alcart where we
guarded prisoners three days, then we
went still further to little town called
Bellery where we drilled two days.
suppose the company is still at that place
as IA of US are off on pass at place
called AK Les Bains and we are having
some time. The government has hotels
here for their men. and we have fine
Accommodations with verv little cost to US,
have electric lights and amusements.
The house is open to US. Have use or
the front rooms and the music of victro-
las, have the liberty to go out where and
when we want, to Y. M. C. A., movies.
also have the pleasure of running over
the Alps. | never dreamed would see
these mountains while studying about
them, nor did have the least idea of
seeing anything when we arrived over
here; didn't even think would ever get
to see the U. S. A. again but have hopes
now.
Our hotel Is in the Alps mountains.
From there we can see all over France.
can tell you more about my trip when
| get back, you know how children enjoy
telling of their trip and this is my first
experience away from home. Some places
we have been over here, ! never thought
about Alps or anything, but am glad and
extremely lucky that came through al
right and believe me am watching now
as | think there is some chance of getting
home soon.
was walking around with little
Frenchy, well you know all about that
without me telling you and what | was
going to say, we met an old lady hand
ing out writing paper and l ask her for
3 sheets. She told me could have all |
wanted to write to my people, she said
she knew you wanted to hear from me,
and we had quite little chat together.
She asked me if expected to be home
for the holidays. Another bunch from
the hotel arrived at that time and said
"no we are not going to let him 60
| told them | would like to get home and
the poor old mothery lady said IL hope
you are to fill that vacant chair at your
mothers Christmas table. This put me
W IHlIlhlIIS, diu uiu hCi Soou byS a'N
went on, as there is no place like home.
If am not there, | wish you all Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year, and
hope you all gather home on Christmas
day as usual and will try too If can.
Tell Calvin | did not know what else
to do SO am sending him one of Fritzy's
Tin Lizzys. You know they cover them
selves with one hat. Am sending other
things so don't have so much to carry
around with me as we just received word
we would spend our winter here. Guess
they have more hiking for US to do.
But we can wait that much longer since
we are allowed out in day time and not
lodging shells from one dugout to an
other.
Well, can tell you more when | get
back, as never was a letter writer.
Heres sendiug you all good wishes and
don't worry about me, am well and
having a good time.
Your loving brother and son,
Pvt. Chas. E. Troxell,
Co. L. 3l3 Infantry,
A. P. o. I'll American E. F.