Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1919-02-06
From Eugene Henke

From Eugene Henke
Rev. and Mrs. E.. G. Henke have
received the following letter from
their son:
Namely, Germany, Dec. II, 1918.
have received no mail since Oc-
toher, on leaving Paris Island. Since
writing you from M0estroff, Luxem-
fb0arg, have moved daily. December
=, we entered Germany, hiked all day
till 1920 at night. You can imagine
how tired we all were as the road was
very hilly. That night we billeted in
a barn. The next morning showed off
and hiked 10 miles to Linebark where
we billeted in houses. The people
were fine and gave us milk and mar
nelade. They were old people and
seemed glad that we Americans had
come. Tuesday we hiked in a fine
rain, about Is kiiOmeters to billets in
"a barn. Wednesday we rested, cleaned
mp, sewed up clothes. etc. Three Ger
man soldiers returned were at the
home where we were billeted. Many
homes here have barns and house all
IN one building. These soldiers said
they were glad to be home. liked
daily till Sunday. when the Sd platoon
went on outpost duty, SO after hiking
some 80 kilOmeters, we left the main
column and with one company Of in
fantry went off through the hills to
d small village about II kilometers
more. Got there about lO:30-some
tired but got good rest. Monday we
mixed all day and Joined the company
at Brohl. l was billeted in an apart
ment in house on the Sd floor. After
dark, about SPIN (6pm German time),
we showed off up the Rhine to castle
in Namely 1t is swell place to be
sure The 73d Go. is billeted in the
private ballroom of the princess. The
castle is owned by Prince Karl Won
HOhenzollern, nephew Of the kaiser.
The princess is sister to the king
of Belgium. We sleep on straw on
the deck (marine word for flOOr), had
electric lights and everything as fine
MS the brass finger bowls (N'est, Pap
I'm most of the biilets slept on straw
sRn1 slept fine. Those in barns are
aDetfer than in houses because of bet
ter air and more room. Sleeping on
the floor with only a blanket and an
overcoat is all right when one is aw-
fully tired out otherw Sc the floors get
awfully hard Last night dreamt l
was sleeping on Feather. bed, pretty
good, hey?
I'VE have been getting excellent
CHOW. Tonight we had dumping
dgreat) roast beef, bread, corn-meal.
syrup, coffee. Had oatmeal for
breakfast. Yesterday CTuesday) We
cleaned up the carts-2 to a gun-crew,
one cart for the gun and tripod, and
one for ammunition. Took them down
to the Rhine and washed them. | got
guard duty from s to IL. Had to be
at the door OF the castle and allow
only 70 Co. men to enter. Today |
was on guard from Sam to IL and had
to watch the galley (kitchen) and
keep the German children away. This
pm inspection and drill Since enter
ing Germany have seen some wonder
fu7 scenery. The last FIVE days we
have been hiking down valleys on
good roads into the valley of the
Rhine. The hills are magnificent.
The German people are friendly and
courteous. They give value for value.
t1At oosw noon stop We got big mess
scup full of grape and marmelade for
e1ne mark The people are short OF
grease and soap and it is impossible
TO buy them.
This castle has modern conven-
fences-wash-ro toilet and electric
lights. The servants are liVeried and
look real classy in their brass but
tons and cut-away coats. In the barns
are some excellent locking cattle and
horses. Tonight | was in the car
riage room and saw the carriages, au-
aoes and different outfits of harness.
This has been written on an inlald
table in the lobby of the castle. Little
did I think l would be here year
ago. My company is part of the 4th
Brigade of the Sd Army Of occupation
aAmerican). The center of the terri
tory is Coblenz Remember me to all
as this is the only letter have writ
ten for some time and you are the only
ones l will probably write to.
PVT. HAROLD E. HENKE.
r3d Co. u. S. Marines, A e F.